Dragon Age: Origins Preview

PALGN has kicked up a quick preview of Dragon Age: Origins, though it doesn’t appear to be based on any hands-on experience with the game.

Backing you up will be up to three NPC’s, who BioWare are trying to push as something more than just ‘three meat popsicles’. Each will have their own agenda and their own moral compass, meaning you can draw their ire if you do something they disapprove of, and they may refuse to assist you full-stop. You’ll also be able to develop relationships with other characters, some of whom are open to something a little snugglier than fighting monsters. The dialogue system is somewhat reminiscent of Mass Effect, though you’ll tend to be choosing ideas and emotions to convey rather than specific phrases. Of course, you can’t have an RPG nowadays without some kind of morality monitor, and while it doesn’t seem you can fundamentally alter the course of the game’s story (though there will be multiple endings) the emphasis will be on what the exact shape of the world will be by the time you’re done with it. You’ll have the influence to determine which kings rule, which nations form and dissolve, and which races survive, which promises some pretty hefty beard-stroking (or thoughtful hair twirling for the ladies) as you weigh up your options.