Video Game Review: Dragon Age Origins (X-Box 360)

I know a lot of people this week are going to be hunkered down playing Modern Warfare 2, but for those of us who like our wars set in medieval times, we have the awesome new RPG epic from Bioware, Dragon Age. Set in the ancient land of Ferelden, Dragon Age: Origins has you assume one of 6 roles, each with it's own unique backstory and opening segment. You're given the opportunity to customize your character right off the bat, making him whatever you want, from Dwarf to Elf to Mage to Human.. each with varying classes and fighting styles.

The story overall is excellent, rich, and very deep. Each different character type has it's own beginning, but the stories all merge in or around the same place. However, within Dragon Age you make your own decisions and with every decision you make you must face the consequences. If your companions don't agree, they will let it be known, and if you push them far enough they will leave your side and abandon you in your travels. You can have up to 3 companions at a time, and they are interchangeable from your camp site. I have to recommend keeping a mage for healing benefits and at times a good rogue to pick locks and steal. Just keep in mind that all of your actions, in one way or another, have consequences, some good, some not so good.

Like most RPGs you level up via experience points, and these can be obtained by killing villains, completing tasks, and having conversations that pertain to the game. All of that aside, the real fun in Dragon Age comes from the epic (I know, I know) story line and the great battle system. It looks a little worse on X-Box than it does on PS3 or PC, but X-Box has low loading times and from what I've read less glitches... but I mean, it's X-Box so whatever. It's just better.

Bottom line, I've put almost 18 hours in to the game so far (I can't freaking put it down) and I haven't even licked what's to come. If you're looking for a good story, fun play, and wait for it.... EPIC battles (I'm talking to you, Dragons) then this is a game you should pick up. Dragon Age: Origins is out everywhere for X-Box, PS3 and PC. Check it out!