Original artwork, improved combat and immersive personal stories make this a must play.
*(so sue me that i am not a great strategist)
Graphics:
Let me also point out one of the things i haven't read a lot about: the gorgeous, original art work in the game. The architecture in Kirkwall is amazing, and unlike the standard mid-evil fare you'll see in plenty of rpg's out there. And the caves (yes, they ARE repetitive) are finally not again the standard, dark, dank, mushroom pits we've seen over and over, but ,mostly open spaced**, well lit little gems. Okay, i admit, i hate caves in rpg's. It's always, ooooh here we go with another cave with orcs and goblins and glowing mushrooms (what's with that?).
**(of course tiny spaces don't work in DA in terms of gameplay)
Story:
The tales told here, from tiny, personal conflicts to more epic, impending conflict between templars and mages, Kirkwall and Qunari, good mages and blood mages, andsoforth, are a true delight to follow. Like mass effect 2 they have this episodic quality. I play the game in episodic bits a day: 1 or two episodes a day, keep the doctor away, so to speak.
("Next time on DA2: will fenris finally get ris of his former master's torments?")
Combat:
WIth DA:O, i never felt truely in control of the battle. Even on normal, i hardly had a clue what i was doing, and i was glad with every battle that was over, merely rushing through the game for the story. In later stages, i switched to casual even.
In DA2, i feel in control, keeping my mage and rogue in safe distance to the enemy, and with my two warriors concentrating on defending the Rogue/Mage, or attacking the boss/lieutenant, keeping close track of the health bars.
And what a delight the cross combo's are, especially if you put the best combos in the tacts screen (and seeing them work out well).
Longevity:
With 60 hours playtime i am just in the beginning of act three, with still a truckload of side quests, companion quests and main quest to do.
Though not for me, you could also replay the game and choose different paths in the story. It's a looooooooong game.
So, in short: DA2 is a highly original, long lasting feast for the eyes and the mind.
Just the stuff to expect from Bioware.