A little over a year after its predecessor, Dragon Age 2 will hit the shelves, quenching gamers’ thirst for blood and adventure. The fan community is bubbling over with thoughts on what the game may or may not entail, with confirmed details few and far between.
Dragon Age appealed both to the passion for slaying things with swords and the appreciation of a great story. The writers went to great lengths to develop a history for the lands of Thedas, and complex relationships amongst its peoples. Politics, religion, and war weave together to form a rich back story. It remains unclear exactly where and when the new game will be set. It is said to take place in a new part of the world and span a decade.
Players of Dragon Age 2 will step into the boots of a new character, Hawke. Bioware promises, “The legend of your Rise to Power begins now.” Hawke is a survivor of the destruction of Lothering. There is speculation about how he may be related to characters from Dragon Age: Origins. What is known is that he is a human character who will rise from poverty to become a hero. The player determines exactly how.
Fans of DAO will be pleased to know that Lead Writer, David Gaider (also of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic) resumed his position with the second installment. Also on the creative team are Mark Darrah, Mike Laidlaw, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, all of whom are interviewed for the forthcoming issue of Game Informer magazine.
The Bioware website promises a trailer on August 17. This will give insight into what the game-maker describes as a “new visual style.” A handful of images have been released, revealing a highly detailed, mist-shrouded landscape. New combat mechanics are promised, described by Bioware as “spartan.” Also distinguishing the game from its predecessor, Hawke will be voiced.
Dragon Age 2 is available for pre-order for PS3, Xbox and PC, and will be released in March 2011. In the meantime fans can speculate en masse on Bioware’s forum.
