Dragon Age: Origins
Main Game
RELEASED
8.6
Nov 3, 2009
Xbox 360PC (Microsoft Windows)+2byBioWare Edmonton•Electronic Arts
Overview:|
This third-person Role-Playing Game, originally released in 2009, tasks you with creating a hero from human, elven, or dwarven stock to join the Grey Wardens against a monstrous Darkspawn invasion in Ferelden. Gameplay features real-time combat with a crucial pause function for issuing detailed tactical commands to your party members, supported by an AI editor for companion behavior. A distinctive feature is the six unique starting prologues that shape your initial journey, even as the main story remains centered on uniting the realm to defeat the commanding Archdemon.
This is a deep, third-person role-playing game set in the fictional kingdom of Ferelden during a time of intense civil strife. Players step into a dark fantasy world where an ancient order, the Grey Wardens, is the last line of defense against monstrous forces known as the Darkspawn. The core premise involves being recruited into this order and tasked with uniting the fractured lands to defeat the Archdemon leading the invasion and securing the realm's future.
Core Gameplay and Character Creation
The experience begins with extensive character customization. Players choose their character's gender, appearance, race (human, elf, or dwarf), and class (warrior, mage, or rogue). A significant feature of the game is its unique approach to narrative starting points; while the main quest remains consistent, the game features six distinct prologues—two for each race—that significantly shape the initial hours of gameplay and offer varied perspectives on the world.
Combat operates in real-time but includes the crucial ability to pause at any moment. This tactical pause allows players to survey the battlefield, issue detailed commands to their companions, and manage abilities strategically. Furthermore, the game provides a robust tactical editor, enabling the player to pre-program detailed instructions for their non-player characters (NPCs) to follow based on specific in-game conditions, adding a layer of strategic depth to party management.
What makes this game unique in the RPG genre?
The game is often recognized as a spiritual successor to classic PC role-playing franchises, emphasizing deep narrative choices and complex companion interactions alongside its tactical combat system. The world reacts significantly to the player's decisions, influencing both the immediate plot progression and the long-term state of Ferelden.
Setting and Atmosphere
The atmosphere is characterized by high-stakes fantasy, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Set against the backdrop of a massive invasion, the narrative explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the difficult choices required to lead disparate factions toward a common goal.
Available Content and Reception
In addition to the main experience, which launched in late 2009, the game features one major expansion pack and seven downloadable content (DLC) packs, offering further narrative continuation and additional gameplay elements beyond the initial release. Community reception upon launch highlighted the strength of the story, character development, music, and the flexible combat system.
Platforms and Release Context
This main installment was originally released for PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Mac.
Game Details
Primary Name: Dragon Age: Origins
Alternative Names:
DAO (Acronym)
Dragon Age 1 (Alternative title)
Dragon Age: Początek (Polish title)
Dragon Age™: Origins (Stylized title)
Dragon Age: Начало (Russian title)
龙腾世纪: 起源 (Chinese title - simplified)
闇龍紀元: 序章 (Chinese title - traditional)
Type: Main Game
Series: Dragon Age
Developer: BioWare Edmonton
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Engine: Eclipse Engine (BioWare)
Release Information
Release Date: Nov 3, 2009
Genres & Themes
Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
Themes: Open world, Action, Fantasy
Platforms
Xbox 360PC (Microsoft Windows)PlayStation 3Mac
Game Modes
Perspective: Third person
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player
Age Ratings
ESRB:M (Mature)
PEGI:18+
The content of this game is suitable for persons aged 18 years and over only. It contains: Extreme violence - Multiple, motiveless killing - Violence towards defenceless people - Sexual violence.
CERO:D (17+)
USK:18+ (Adults Only)
GRAC:19+
CLASS_IND:16+
ACB:MA15+ (Mature 15+)
Strong violence
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