Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Total letdown"

To so drastically change such a wonderful and winning formula as DAO in order to quick-release a sequel for cash-out exploitation of it's fan-base, is criminal. DAO was epic, sprawling, engaging, detailed and fantastic in almost every respect. DA2 is nothing short of the most disappointing and transparent exploitation of a fan-base I've seen in 20+ years of gaming

I can almost here EA directing Bioware on DA2, "You spent too much time and money on Dragon Age so find a way to deliver a sequel in a 1/4 of the time for 10% of the budget. Don't feel an obligation to your fans this is business."

The gaming environment is claustrophobic. there is maybe 5% of the world of DAO and quests send you to the same locations repeatedly and for obvious reasons - it's cheaper than building an actually legitimate world to explore. Combat has totally been changed. player management has been simplified. Player development is simplified. The entire experience is a shadow of it's predecessor.

this game is an insult to Bioware fans and I am insulted. I won't even consider buying DA3, if one is made. It shouldn't be. This franchise should be abandoned as an exercise in perverse capitalism