Early Dragon Age II preorders to get free upgrade

This week, Electronic Arts released its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 shooter Medal of Honor with a Limited Edition version including extra in-game weapons and access to the upcoming Battlefield 3 multiplayer beta. Despite the perks, the Limited Edition sold for the standard $60 price point, serving as incentive for customers to pick the game up at launch. Now EA is trying to get gamers to make their purchasing decisions even earlier.

The publisher today announced a Signature Edition of its upcoming Dragon Age II that will be available only to gamers who preorder the title months ahead of its March 8 debut. Those who reserve Dragon Age II on the PC, PS3, or Xbox 360 on or before January 11, 2011, will receive a free upgrade to the Signature Edition, which EA boasts as containing more than $20 of additional content. Along with the standard game, the Signature Edition includes a digital code for an extra playable character, new missions, an exclusive in-game armory, and a copy of the soundtrack.

Set over a 10-year period, Dragon Age II will see the player transform Blight-survivor Hawke from "a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land," with new combat mechanics for the game's three classes. Although Hawke gains fame as the Champion of Kirkwall, the game will peer into his mysterious rise to power.

For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.