Dragon Age: Origins Launch Day Reviews, Continued

I realize it’s already Wednesday for most of the US, but I’m still going to chalk up the latest critiques of Dragon Age: Origins as launch day reviews.

IGN (the US site, finally) gives the PC version a 9.0/10, the PS3 version an 8.7/10, and the Xbox 360 version an 8.7/10:

Incredibly deep and expansive, Dragon Age: Origins is one of those titles that can easily swallow up dozens of hours of play and keep you coming back for more. The fact that BioWare chose to include downloadable content, including a new character and side quest, on launch day proves that they have an extensive plan for supporting the game. Couple that with the fact that each character can be developed in radically different ways, and you have an adventure that earns its own place among BioWare’s expansive RPG collection. This is the kind of adventure that fantasy RPG fans have been hoping that BioWare would deliver a game with a ton of re-playability and an incredibly vivid world that is the start of an impressive franchise.

GameSpy gives it a 4.5/5:

After logging over a hundred hours on Dragon Age: Origins, I still want to continue playing. I want to unearth more of its secrets, to better know its characters, to see how the decisions I make can impact its world, and yes, to see more of its endings. I can’t think of a better recommendation than that.

OXM gives it a 9.0/10:

While the music is suitably high-fantasy epic, the graphics show some rough edges you’ll see a lot of reused art elements, which is at least understandable given this game’s mammoth scale. And Dragon Age truly is massive; the decisions you make feel remarkably impactful in creating an ending that is yours and is consistent with your choices. Even though the pacing is occasionally sluggish, RPG fans will adore that depth and the chance to explore a fully realized world. But most of all, gamers who are prepared to think and commit for the long, long haul will revel in a story that touches on resonant issues and puts the fate of a spectacular world in your hands.

TeamXbox gives it a 9.2/10:

Dragon Age: Origins is not for newbs. It’s not for the RPG-squeamish who could barely handle Mass Effect. It is for serious RPG gamers who will no doubt appreciate BioWare going back to its fantasy RPG roots, and they’ll eat this game up like the greatest all-you-can-eat buffet they’ve ever been to. Despite some of its weaker elements, the quality and quantity of the content that drives the experience will make you feel like you’re playing the most epic game of D&D ever, with Drs. Ray and Greg as your personal Dungeon Masters.

Gameplanet gives it a 9.0/10:

BioWare have done away with character alignments as they stood in Baldur’s Gate. Instead, party members operate on an approval system. The more party members approve of your actions, the better they fight. Go about your business in a fashion they disagree with and their waning respect for you will impact on how they perform. Win back their loyalty by distracting them with shiny trinkets and booze gifts that can be found or purchased. The gifting system is thin. It creates a sense of emotional vapidity in the game’s characters that is out of sync with their strong personalities.

GameDaily doesn’t appear to have a score:

The bottom line is Dragon Age: Origins is a fulfilling, involving adventure that is worth picking up. The choices you make for your character, along with the twists and turns that follow, will keep you engaged. Furthermore, the controls are well done, even without the standard PC and mouse combination. This is one adventure you’ll keep coming back to for months to come, even as you patiently wait for Bioware to button up the latest chapter in its Mass Effect saga.

And Games Radar gives it a 9/10:

Dragon Age: Origins is high fantasy role-playing at its finest. Its detailed world, memorable characters, meaningful choices, and engrossing combat system makes Dragon Age the sort of game you’ll want to replay from start to finish several times. RPG fans won’t be disappointed by this truly epic adventure.