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[Tom Penny]

I bought it. I could not resist. Hope it's worth it.

 

[Kosma]

Still trying to decide between PC and PS3 version... Obviously PC version is superior in every way but I really don't like sitting in front of the desk to play games. A couple videos of PS3 version makes me think the frame rate might give me headaches. Ugh, decisions... Does the PC version supports playing from the pad well?

Hook your pc up to your tv. Get a wireless keyboard and mouse.

 

[DannyCool]

Man, that toolset that was just released for Dragon age?

Guess it aint coming for Xbox? So disapointed.....

 

[~Kinggi~]

Hook your pc up to your tv. Get a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I keep seeing people say this. You know what a pain in the ass it is to somehow set up a relocated spot for a pc that is probably in another room then where the gaming tv is? Is there some magic wireless cord that can output HD video for me?

 

[dogknight]

Just play it on normal...if you think its too easy switch to hard. There you go.

I did see the 360 version last night too, and uh, yeah. Where did all the textures go? I got used to it after time but I gotta be honest, initial impressions were pretty jarring.

I've been playing the 360 version for nearly 30 hours. I think the graphics are all right but the controls can be such a pain when you try to miromanage

 

[gregor7777]

I'd love to but I shortsightedly purchased a slim profile PC, which seriously limits my options. Price was great but it's not a gaming machine. If there's a low profile graphics card out there that GAF recommends I'm all ears.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...low_profile_video_card-_-14-162-016-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...low_profile_video_card-_-14-102-829-_-Product

 

[Justin]

Is there any reason to keep the stones you pick up or are they just junk to sell?

 

[Dead Prince]

My god. the Redcliffe Battle during the night was like LOL.

I ended up with Alistair the only remaining party member with 2 HP. The only thing I could do was run so I lured the enemy back to the knights so they could kill them all. Took almost an hour before I could get my allies revived. Is there not a spell or item to revive people? I must have not been looking hard enough.

 

[kafka rock opera]

I just wanted to share a screen shot of my guy since i think he looks bad ass.

 

[goldsoundz]

The

Spoiler

Veil

sucks. Turning into a

Spoiler

rat

and navigating maze-like areas moving at the pace of a snail is fun. The game has been amazing up to this point though, and this is also the first place I've died at 10 hours into the game.

 

[RuGalz]

Hook your pc up to your tv. Get a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I have a HTPC that might run the game, not sure yet. (E4400 Radeon 4850) But the bold part is just not going to happen on the couch, that's why I am wondering if pad is supported.

 

[Snuggles]

The

Spoiler

Veil

sucks. Turning into a

Spoiler

rat

and navigating maze-like areas moving at the pace of a snail is fun. The game has been amazing up to this point though, and this is also the first place I've died at 10 hours into the game.

I really didn't like it at first, I was lost for awhile, but once you unlock all of the forms it's pretty straight forward. Once I figured out what I was doing it wasn't that bad, plus you can find a lot of those permanent + things.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Man, that toolset that was just released for Dragon age?

Guess it aint coming for Xbox? So disapointed.....

You're disappointed? Does that mean you had some hope it would come to the Xbox 360? Microsoft will never allow for user made content that they can't somehow capitalize on.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

I have a HTPC that might run the game, not sure yet. (E4400 Radeon 4850) But the bold part is just not going to happen on the couch, that's why I am wondering if pad is supported.

That PC would have absolutely no problems running the game smoothly.

Why can't you play on your couch with a wireless mouse and keyboard? I do and personally I find it to be completely comfortable. Keyboard in my lap and mouse to my side.

I keep seeing people say this. You know what a pain in the ass it is to somehow set up a relocated spot for a pc that is probably in another room then where the gaming tv is? Is there some magic wireless cord that can output HD video for me?

That is your own problem. There is nothing inherent to the PC that requires a desk and an office chair or prevents it from being hooked up to a standard HDTV. If you're not willing to create a setup that works that is fine, but just don't talk like comfy couches and big screen TVs are exclusive to consoles.

 

[Alex]

I'm on the couch right now with a wireless mouse n' keyboard in front of my HDTV.

No pad support, but if you fancy any challenge or actual use of the gameplay systems, get it on PC. Watching my friend fight the Troll last night on 360 was fucking embarrassing.

There's no tactical cam and the pausing is kind of fucked up on consoles, but there's no reason to make it this easy, he was playing on hard and just totaled the thing. Nightmare on consoles looks easier than normal on PC.

 

[RuGalz]

Why can't you play on your couch with a wireless mouse and keyboard? I do and personally I find it to be completely comfortable. Keyboard in my lap and mouse to my side.

I've tried what you are doing before, it really f'ed up my wrists. Putting a table thingy in the living room for k&m just looks really tacky so using a wireless pad is the best option for me.

There's no tactical cam and the pausing is kind of fucked up on consoles, but there's no reason to make it this easy, he was playing on hard and just totaled the thing. Nightmare on consoles looks easier than normal on PC.

Can you explain the bold part?

 

[Johann]

But is easy TOO easy?

On the PC, normal seems about right considering its the first time through with no mix/max guides. I heard from my friends that easy feels like whack-a-mole on the 360 and PC.

I'm really liking this game so far. Not a lot of role-playing just yet but its very polished.

 

[Captain N]

I just picked it up on the PS3. Any race better than others to start out?

 

[kyo_daikun]

Few images from my game (downsized from 1680x1050):

Wow, amazing pics thanks for sharing, I would get the pc version off steam in a heart beat if I didnt have 6 other games to complete

 

[Snuggles]

I just picked it up on the PS3. Any race better than others to start out?

Race doesn't make any significant difference to gameplay, just choice whatever one you think is the kewlest. I had to represent my people and go with humans, but I'll play through all of the origins eventually.

 

[water_wendi]

Sweet, Fraps 3.0 is out.

HOLY FUCKING SHIT!

"Ability to mix both game sound and external input such as microphone (Vista/Win7 only)"

At long last! i never thought it would happen!

 

[Yoshichan]

Really, by far the worst gaming experience I've had this generation. I don't buy bad games but unfortunately this was my first, pity, all the hype and all

Terrible VA. Good god I can't stand anyone except uh, the dwarfs I guess.
Identical story with all the classes except for the first 20 minutes, wow!
Unbalanced gameplay.
Absolutely terrifyingly bad graphics, good god I knew Bioware sucked at graphics but even come on, Mass Effect came before this?
The most clichéd and overused soundtrack of the year, can it get more obvious?

They failed on this one, good job Bioware. This is down there with Alone in the Dark, IMO.

 

[kyo_daikun]

Really, by far the worst gaming experience I've had this generation. I don't buy bad games but unfortunately this was my first, pity, all the hype and all

Terrible VA. Good god I can't stand anyone except uh, the dwarfs I guess.
Identical story with all the classes except for the first 20 minutes, wow!
Unbalanced gameplay.
Absolutely terrifyingly bad graphics, good god I knew Bioware sucked at graphics but even come on, Mass Effect came before this?
The most clichéd and overused soundtrack of the year, can it get more obvious?

They failed on this one, good job Bioware. This is down there with Alone in the Dark, IMO.

From your previous posts it seemed it was the difficulty level undoing it for you?

 

[ShineALight]

I have a HTPC that might run the game, not sure yet. (E4400 Radeon 4850) But the bold part is just not going to happen on the couch, that's why I am wondering if pad is supported.

4850 should work great. I'm using a 4350 (I know, I know) and am able to get it looking somewhat decent.

 

[golem]

While the game is amazingly derivative and not at all 'new shit', somehow i find it strangely compelling. Stick to a formula that works I suppose. I don't think the VA is bad at all though.. seems fine so far.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

Question:
I reached level 7 and got a specialisation point. The only one open to me now is Shape Shifter, which I've no interest in choosing. Can I level up and spend my spec point at level 8 and beyond? Or do I lose it if I don't use it all?

Really, by far the worst gaming experience I've had this generation. I don't buy bad games but unfortunately this was my first, pity, all the hype and all

Terrible VA. Good god I can't stand anyone except uh, the dwarfs I guess.
Identical story with all the classes except for the first 20 minutes, wow!
Unbalanced gameplay.
Absolutely terrifyingly bad graphics, good god I knew Bioware sucked at graphics but even come on, Mass Effect came before this?
The most clichéd and overused soundtrack of the year, can it get more obvious?

They failed on this one, good job Bioware. This is down there with Alone in the Dark, IMO.

Couldn't feel more different on that point.
I'd only agree with the graphical complaints, alot of things, especially the vistas & flora leave lots to be desired (character models are pretty good)

 

[water_wendi]

While the game is amazingly derivative and not at all 'new shit', somehow i find it strangely compelling. Stick to a formula that works I suppose. I don't think the VA is bad at all though.. seems fine so far.

Yea i dont get that complaint at all. The voice work has been pretty freaking good. The only guy ive encountered so far that was horribad was that really dumb sounding bandit.

Question:
I reached level 7 and got a specialisation point. The only one open to me now is Shape Shifter, which I've no interest in choosing. Can I level up and spend my spec point at level 8 and beyond? Or do I lose it if I don't use it all?

You dont have to spend it right away. You can keep it unused until you find someone/something to teach you the spec you want.

 

[golem]

Couldn't feel more different on that point.
I'd only agree with the graphical complaints, alot of things, especially the vistas & flora leave lots to be desired (character models are pretty good)

Mass Effect I think spoiled us with its amazing character models... well.. head models. I think if Dragon Age wasn't ported for consoles they might have been able to achieve that same level in DA.. kind of jarring to go back and forth though

 

[Snuggles]

Really, by far the worst gaming experience I've had this generation. I don't buy bad games but unfortunately this was my first, pity, all the hype and all
IMO.

Damn, sorry to hear that you hate it. It's been pretty much the exact opposite for me, there is a lot of problems with the game but the overall experience has been so enjoyable so far that I'm able to ignore the occasional slowdown/unwieldy menus/etc. It sure that it helps that I'm a huge Bioware fan and I love their "formula", but as of now it probably is my GOTY even with it's numerous problems. The story and setting are somewhat generic, but in my opinion it can be better to improve on an established formula than to try something new. I suppose that applies to pretty much everything in the game. But I think that the character interaction, dialogue and player choice have been the best yet in a Bioware game, it feels more natural and meaningful to me. The combat is held back a bit by having to use a controller but I'm still enjoying it, if it gets frustrating I just bump it down to casual until I get things under control. On top of all the stuff I've mentioned, what really works for me is that the game is huge. It doesn't have that bland emptiness of Bethesda games where the world is too big for it's own good and there is miles and miles of pointless land. I've been able to pop this game in and play for several hours straight without getting bored, I'm almost 20 hours in but I've only explored 36% of the world and I can't wait to start over with a new character.
Sorry for the long post, but I had to share my DA love. <3

Does anyone even remember Mass Effect? It looks like shit compared to this. The texturing was just absolutely awful, there were so many underdone models and glitches.

I'm not an expert on graphics by any means and it did perform poorly, but I thought Mass Effect looked pretty great. Maybe it was just the art style that appealed to me, but I've been playing it recently and certain areas like the Citadel still look pretty amazing to me.

 

[Alex]

Does anyone even remember Mass Effect? It looks like shit compared to this. The texturing was just absolutely awful, there were so many underdone models and glitches.

Maybe it's because I'm not playing it on a console. The PC version of this game is stunning.

 

[Dartastic]

Is there a no CD crack for this yet?

 

[hermit7]

Fuck!

Spoiler

So I am trying to kill Flemeth

so I can have some fun with Morrigan, but

Spoiler

she hits so hard

, I get like 3 hits before I get killed.

 

[water_wendi]

So i finally beat the first boss on Nightmare without any real problems. i never realized until now that the potions were on such short cooldowns or different strength pots were on different cooldowns :lol Approaching it like a Diablo boss made it much easier. Took me about 10 lesser pots but it was worth it to keep everyone alive. It also had a minor glitch at the end with the death animation.. i wont spoil it for anyone but if youve seen it before lets just say there was 2x the fun :lol

Encoding it right now and ill be uploading it soon.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

You dont have to spend it right away. You can keep it unused until you find someone/something to teach you the spec you want.

Thanks Number 2.

Does anyone even remember Mass Effect? It looks like shit compared to this. The texturing was just absolutely awful, there were so many underdone models and glitches.

Maybe it's because I'm not playing it on a console. The PC version of this game is stunning.

Having played ME again (on 360) over the summer, I can tell you the environments looks far better than in Dragon Age. Characters.. they're about even (both have a range of good and bad looking faces).

 

[Mrbob]

I agree with Alex on ME/DA. I bought the PC version of ME on steam and thought "Hey, I'll do another ME run before ME2 is out!". While the game is still great (haters be damned), the visuals are pretty bad nowadays. Dragon Age looks much, MUCH better.

Still, two bioware games in 3 months? Sign me up (even if I will be getting ME2 on 360)!

Having played ME again (on 360) over the summer, I can tell you the environments looks far better than in Dragon Age. Characters.. they're about even (both have a range of good and bad looking faces).

You mean the 360 version of Dragon Age? I would probably agree with that. It is pretty nasty visually.

 

[Lostconfused]

well.. head models.

The opposite is true if you ask me, but thats what you get with opinions.

Edit

You mean the 360 version of Dragon Age? I would probably agreee with that.

Huh, wait, what? Why? If you can play dragon age on pc, you can certainly play ME2 as well.

 

[Anduron]

Jesus christ redcliffe, if i ever make it past this part its time to start making multiple saves. Wish I could go grind or something.

 

[Alex]

I can tell you the environments looks far better than in Dragon Age

I can't speak for 360 Dragon Age, I've only seen a half hour of it, but it's so hilariously above Mass Effect on the PC it's ridiculous. I've considered everything Bioware has put out since Infinity Engine 2D games to be quite goddamned hideous, but Dragon Age is one of the best looking games this year.

Mass Effect was an ugly, ugly game. UE3 bullshit all around.

 

[Twilight Princess]

looks like shapeshifters are kind of worthless...i'll definitely go blood mage and maybe a point or two into the arcane warrior chain. druids always get screwed, ms bare breasts looks so badass when she transforms into a spider in the intro movie, oh well...

 

[Truant]

looks like shapeshifters are kind of worthless...i'll definitely go blood mage and maybe a point or two into the arcane warrior chain. druids always get screwed, ms bare breasts looks so badass when she transforms into a spider in the intro movie, oh well...

They are worthless until you get Master Shapeshifter, which boosts the spider and bear ability to an incredibly overpowered level.

 

[Mrbob]

I need to get home so I can play this game some more!

Edit

Huh, wait, what? Why? If you can play dragon age on pc, you can certainly play ME2 as well.

I finished ME1 on 360 three times...gotta use those save files. ME is more of a console RPG in my opinion anyway, although I'll probably double dip on ME2 PC down the road.

 

[Zeliard]

looks like shapeshifters are kind of worthless...i'll definitely go blood mage and maybe a point or two into the arcane warrior chain. druids always get screwed, ms bare breasts looks so badass when she transforms into a spider in the intro movie, oh well...

I like Shapeshifter for its versatility. If I want my Mage to become an impromptu tank I can just turn him into a Bear. Haven't seen Flying Swarm yet, and Master Shapeshifter which modifies both Bear and Spider forms.

Gonna combo him up with Blood Mage when I unlock that.

 

[Effect]

You can change on the fly.

Great. Thanks.

Damn my lack of self-control when it comes to RPGs. I ended up buying the game today when I told myself I was going to wait. Guess Modern Warfare Reflex will have to wait a while now.

 

[Truant]

Starfang

Where do you get this weapon?

The best I have now is a one handed blade restricted to the Arcane Warrior class.

 

[Lostconfused]

I finished ME1 on 360 three times...gotta use those save files. ME is more of a console RPG in my opinion anyway, although I'll probably double dip on ME2 PC down the road.

That is the answer I expected and it makes sense because I do agree with you. But personally I am going to be playing on my PC since my 360 is less then a meter away from it and I use the same set up for both so might as well take advantage of the better visuals. Oh well if anything I'll either see if saves can be transferred over from the steam copy, or just roll up the same character all over again.

Where do you get this weapon?

The best I have now is a one handed blade restricted to the Arcane Warrior class.

I think you need to have the warden's keep DLC for this.

Spoiler

As you wonder around you get a random encounter parodying superman. You loot the ore and take it to the smith at warden's keep.

 

[Alex]

I need to get home so I can play this game some more!



I finished ME1 on 360 three times...gotta use those save files. ME is more of a console RPG in my opinion anyway, although I'll probably double dip on ME2 PC down the road.

I would probably have done the same but:

1.) I eventually forced myself to beat the game again on PC, it only took 8 hours but I'm not a big fan of the original Mass Effect's gameplay. I'm hoping for a lot of refinements. Namely to classes, challenge level and area design.

At least on the 360 side, you can probably expect the refinements introduced to the PC version in there, I haven't kept up with it, but if they leave out ability binds on 360 again, then they deserve to have their hand slammed in a car door.

2.) Prior to that, my 360 broke for the third time and I threw a hissy fit and sold it when I got the refurb back.

I used to always opt for the console version of games whenever possible due to how I grew up, controller felt better even when it meant sacrificing a ton of other things but years of WoW and this warped ass console generation have finally kinda pounded the steak in for me finally. :lol I'm too used to the PC controls and benefits as a primary now.

Dragon Age, however, I sincerely think they half-assed the console version. The visuals and combat are just so borked, but my friend enjoys it and doesnt have the option of going PC and I don't wanna seem like one of these "master race" crazies, so I dont think its worth spouting off.

 

[Xamdou]

So how to I unlock the character specialization for warrior class?

 

[water_wendi]

So how to I unlock the character specialization for warrior class?

Sometimes you unlock it by purchasing a Tome from a vendor. Other times you can get it by convincing different characters to teach you.

 

[Lostconfused]

So how to I unlock the character specialization for warrior class?

For Templar and Berserker certain party members can teach you those specializations, or you can buy a manual to learn them.

Champion

Spoiler

You can unlock it through a quest event later on in the game

No idea about reaver.

 

[Mifune]

I can't speak for 360 Dragon Age, I've only seen a half hour of it, but it's so hilariously above Mass Effect on the PC it's ridiculous. I've considered everything Bioware has put out since Infinity Engine 2D games to be quite goddamned hideous, but Dragon Age is one of the best looking games this year.

Mass Effect was an ugly, ugly game. UE3 bullshit all around.

While I didn't think Mass Effect was that ugly, I will say that Dragon Age on the PS3 is a much better looking game than ME on the 360. Runs about the same, though.