I felt the major improvements shone through on the graphical and combat levels the most; what needed improvement the most was the environment and inventory. The game ran far smoother than its predecessor, and looked better as well. The combat was far more interesting and seemed like more was going on, but strategy was still highly necessary on the two higher levels. My major gripe with this game was the recycled environment-- every single cave looked identical. The plants were in the same location, as with the rocks, vines, stairs, etc. Why does a cave on an ancient mountain look the same as one a few feet from the ocean shore? Why does every single "gang" reside in the same warehouse? It was just laziness on the dev's part. The inventory (and by this, I mean the items you collect, not the actual UI of it; I felt that was adequate) was so simplistic to the point it was infuriating. Only Hawke has the ability to change armor, all other companions have to wear the same exact thing the entire game, sans little "upgrades" you find throughout the world. The weapons all looked near the same, and I got tired of finding the same Wooden Staff after about the fiftieth time.

All in all, try the game out if you like the series, just don't get your hopes up for anything revolutionary. It's not a bad game, it just feels slightly incomplete or rushed. (Which it was; DA:O took a good 5 years to make, DA2 only one.)

The graphics and fighting were definitely much better than in the first one. Fighting was faster paced than in the first one for sure. I was however disappointed with the amount of different areas to go to. Origins was definitely better as far as taking you to different locations and things not looking the same everywhere you went. In DA 2, every cave and warehouse was exactly the same. I found myself rushing through quests that took me to them just so I get out of them. They get a big yawn from me for that.

I have two gripes as far as quests are concerned. The first is why do I have to keep going back to the same place I was half an hour ago every 2-3 quests? Seriously, they needed more areas to go to for missions. Why would any gang use the exact same spot my character had been at and slaughtered every bad guy previously to something ultra secret? Come on guys! My second gripe is, all the companion and side quests seemed very generic and bland aside from a couple. Not was I expected at all from the Bioware.

The last thing I want to touch on is character/companion customization and skills (at least that is what they called them in Origins) or the lack there of in my opinion. In Origins and Awakening you or one of your companions could make poisons, grenades, traps, potions, and runes. In DA 2, they completely dumbed that down and now you just order whatever you need and that's assuming you have found the resources needed throughout the small world. I enjoyed the old system much more. Customization, especially as far as your companions are concerned, was also a change for the worst. Armor drops like it's going out of style and can be bought in multiple forms as well, but you're telling me only Hawke can equip it. Bring the only customization system back. Rune slotting was also changed. You can no longer remove and reuse runes. Instead you can only replace them. I literally waited until almost the end of the game to even slot any runes, due to equipment changes about every 2-3 quests. The weapon selection was pretty bland as well. Pretty much the same special bonuses mixed and matched over and over again with only minimal gains in damage with each upgrade. Bioware gets a big two thumbs down from me for these changes.

Overall, I'd rate the game about a 5 since it was a 50/50 split on changes and features that I liked or hated. I hope they do better on the expansions for this game and listen to the feedback they get from everyone on it. Despite my disappointment, I plan to do another play through making completely different choices to see if I still feel the same about the game.

[Edited by Balseraph, 4/27/2011 2:20:23 PM]