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Dragon Age 2 demo available Feb. 22, includes free weapon for full game
You might have heard about a Dragon Age 2 demo somehow. BioWare officially announced the existence of said demo for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, with a launch date starting February 22. Specific dates for specific platforms weren't mentioned, but we can assume that it'll hit PSN on that date, because it's a Tuesday. Players will get the opportunity to choose one of three character classes and explore the new location of Kirkwall for the first time, where they will meet Isabela, one of the new love interests for Hawke. They'll also get to meet Hayder's Razor, a dwarven blade that boosts health, mana and "combat abilities." This blade is the demo's parting gift to you, usable in the full game.
Gamestop employees get Dragon Age 2 demo ahead of listed Feb. 23 public release
Working at GameStop is, at times, a pretty soul-crushing gig: long hours, minimum wage pay, thankless customers who trade in garbage bags full of slimy, stinky, long-since-dead game consoles -- it's pretty rough. Fortunately, BioWare's making life a little easier for these poor souls, apparently distributing download codes among GameStop workers for a PC Dragon Age 2 demo to be redeemed through a hidden page on the game's official site. That page isn't without treats for us non-sales advisers, though. Not only does it offer a look at the two (extra) bonuses that shoppers will receive when they pre-order the game -- the Lion of Orlais Shield and the Fadeshear Sword, which we can all agree are the two most fantasy-sounding armaments of all time -- but a notice at the bottom of the page says that sharing the demo "is strictly prohibited until February 23, 2011 when the demo is made available to all consumers." We've contacted EA for more details on how the demo will be distributed beyond GameStop and to confirm if it's coming to Xbox Live and PSN, as well. [Thanks Phaz!]
Dragon Age 2 PC DRM detailed, no disc check or install limit
Curious about the inconvenience factor of the PC version of Dragon Age 2's DRM? BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly has explained the game's anti-piracy measures on the developer's forums: The Steam version of the game will only use the basic Steam DRM tools, while the box-copy edition of the game will make use of two (relatively) non-obtrusive methods to keep adventurers on the straight and narrow. The first method is a "Release Control," which locks down the game until its official release date in the user's territory. The second is a more permanent DRM method -- though it doesn't require a disc check or limit the number of installations that can be made from a single copy of the game. After registering the game during installation, players can play on up to five different PCs within 24 hours. They can even play offline, though the game will need to make online checks at certain (heretofore undecided) intervals. Also, before you're able to play the game, you have to drink from a pewter goblet of Darkspawn blood. There's a pretty good chance that this test will kill you. But hey -- no disc checks! That's pretty sweet, right?
Dead Space 2 includes code for 'Ser Isaac of Clarke' armor in Dragon Age 2
EA has announced that early copies of Dead Space 2 (due out next Tuesday, January 25) will include a code to unlock special "Ser Isaac of Clarke" armor in Dragon Age 2, which arrives March 8. As you can see in the video after the break, the armor is a little more, well, medieval than Clarke's rig in Dead Space, but the resemblance is certainly there. And it's not just purty -- the armor's got rune slots in it; requires high dexterity and cunning skills to wear; and adds bonuses to armor and crit damage. According to the fine print, it seems like Xbox 360 and PC codes will be sharable across platforms, but the PS3 code from Dead Space 2 will only unlock the armor in the PS3 version of Dragon Age 2. If Isaac Clarke's career as an alien-slicing space-gineer never works out, maybe he can just stick with video game cameos -- he's already got quite the resumé.
Dragon Age 2 bonus DLC opens the Black Emporium for business
It wouldn't be a proper EA game release without both pre-order exclusive DLC and a "Project Ten Dollar" bonus for new copies, and Dragon Age 2 is holding to those sacred tenets. Pre-ordering the game from "participating retailers" -- or already having done so -- will earn you the Fadeshear long sword, which deals extra damage against demons and undead enemies, and the Lion of Orlais shield, which boosts health and experience and has two rune slots. Just buying the game new will get you an even better bonus: the "Black Emporium" location (huh, maybe that one should have been reserved for GameStop!) where you can find an appearance-changing mirror and a whistle that summons a mabari warhound. To sum up: puppy!%Gallery-114024%
Dragon Age 2 making-of video features Hawke's life and loves
EA has conjured another video about the making of Dragon Age 2 and, in this one, BioWare talks about the way the game's story is told. According to the developer, it's a framed narrative, with an unreliable narrator recounting the action as it happens. Unlike movies or books that use the same technique, though, this is interactive -- so not all of us will see the same story. The video also mentions that another storyline, much closer to Origins, was considered for the sequel. The hero's story will also unfold within a smaller chuck of the world than the first game's, but it'll be carried out over a period of years rather than days or weeks, which means we'll get to see his or her relationships blossom and grow. That's familial relationships in the form of a mother and siblings and, erm, concupiscent relationships in the form of any number of lusty elves, dwarves or humans. Watch the whole vid after the break.
Dragon Age 2 first DLC named 'The Exiled Prince,' teased in video
As of right now, you've got four days until pre-orders for Dragon Age 2 shrivel and return to their normal state; as previously noted, the "Signature Edition" of DA2 only exists as a bonus for folks pre-ordering before January 12. And with that Signature Edition comes "The Exiled Prince," a free DLC quest and character (named Sebastian Vael) that both seem hinged on revenge. If you decide to skip the Signature Edition, the DLC will become available for 560 MS Points ($7) at some point after DA2's release this March. Head past the break for the first teaser of The Exiled Prince.
Dragon Age 2, Your Shape and Disney come to Xbox Live Avatar Marketplace
The Avatar Marketplace has received a bunch of new items, including Dragon Age 2 gear, some Your Shape: Fitness Evolved props and ... Disney sidekicks? Sure enough, you can own a virtual version of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid. Talk about a sentence we never thought we'd have to write. Pricing on these new Avatar duds is pretty much par for the course. Your Shape and Disney sidekick props will run you 240 MS Points ($3) a piece, while some of the more complex Dragon Age 2 ensembles will set you back upwards of 400 MS Points ($5). Hit the links below for your preferred Avatar gear.
BioWare responds to same-sex romance complaints about Dragon Age
Dragon Age senior writer David Gaider, who also penned the game's prequel novels, has come to the defense of the studio's decision to include same-sex romances in its games. Gaider posted in the BioWare Forums that as long as game romances "of any kind are optional" (and need to be actively pursued by the player), advocating against content a player doesn't intend to interact with is "largely pointless." "I would hope that some folks could be sensitive enough to be happy for those players [pursuing same-sex romance]," he concluded, "at the very least out of the selfish notion that they may one day end up in the minority of some content issue and receive the same consideration if nothing else." So, it would appear BioWare's Dragon Age team is taking an open approach to sexuality in the sequel (just as it did in the first game). However, when it comes to same-sex romance between males in BioWare games, there's still a big question surrounding the company's intergalactic RPG franchise: Will Commander Shepard, who has been denied bromomance (alien or not) thus far, finally be allowed to explore a man's touch in the trilogy's dramatic conclusion?
Dragon Age 2 developer diary lets you take combat fast or slow
Whether you're one of those people who enjoys butchering fantasy monsters slow and methodically, or if you prefer to dole out pain with reckless abandon, Dragon Age 2 will cater to your needs. Check out the dev diary after the jump while you decide what type of a Darkspawn-killer you are.
BioWare describes making of Dragon Age 2 in new video
Gamespot has posted a brand new video about the making of Dragon Age 2, and there are some nice tidbits in there for those seeking more information about the sequel to BioWare's fantasy RPG. The game's devs talk about how they began with the art style, putting together an animatic first that showed off what they wanted the look and feel of the game to be. Dragon Age: Origins had the Grey Wardens providing a strange sort of justice, but Dragon Age 2 is a little dirtier, with werewolves licking blood and heads getting smashed in. It's also "more personal," according to the developers. Rather than DAO's create-a-character templates, BioWare wants to customize Hawke's story by showing how he affects people, so treating someone one way early in the story will have an effect on how they act later on, creating what the company hopes is its "most reactive game to date." You can watch the whole video after the break.
Facebook game roundup: Games.com Blog's Week in Review
When it comes to Facebook game news, features and tips, Joystiq sister site Games.com - The Blog! has you covered. Whether you're looking for info on the hottest new Facebook game, or you're just curious about your regulars, you'll find it at GDC-TB. Check out our biggest features of the week: Dragon Age Legends: BioWare's epic role-player goes social In order to tide you Dragon Age lovers over until the sequel arrives in March, BioWare plans to release a Facebook game a few months beforehand. Play it to unlock items in Dragon Age 2 and, once again, take on Darkspawn and other creatures you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. Or even a brightly lit alley. Mafia Wars Atlantic City swings onto iPhone Mafia Wars Atlantic City arrives on the iPhone, something totally separate from the regular iPhone version of the game. The game runs pretty smoothly, and we hope this serves as a sign that Zynga's getting closer to launching a fully-realized Mafia Wars companion app for iOS. Simply Hospital: The cure for the common Facebook game If you ever played any hospital tycoon game on PC, then this is the Facebook version of that same game. For social gamers who've been inundated with farming and pet simulation games, Simply Hospital makes for a welcome change of pace. Bonus for boys: The nurses have some real eye-popping assets.
BioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans
BioWare co-founders Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka have their fingers in a lot of pies (which are made of giant RPGs) -- in a recent interview with Eurogamer, the duo explained how the developer's attention is split across its catalog of franchises. On the subject of Dragon Age 2, the Doctors explained that they're focusing on expanding the universe they've created, rather than telling a chronological story. "It's probably fair to say it's less precise than the Mass Effect trilogy concept," Zeschuk explained. Speaking of BioWare's spacefaring RPG, Muzyka explained, "We're still working on stuff in the Mass Effect universe actively," with Zeschuk adding, "We have a pretty long DLC plan for Mass. We're still doing lots of stuff there." The Doctors also addressed their tremendously costly MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, with Muzyka saying "It's a big bet, but it's the right kind of bet to make for EA," and Zeschuk adding "Hey, entertainment's risky by nature." That's certainly true -- just ask The Adventures of Pluto Nash. Check out the full interview for more of the Doctors' insights on BioWare's upcoming projects.
Dragon Age 2 preview: A rogue's tale, exaggerated
In Dragon Age 2, the story takes shape as it is passed along from narrator to listener. A short, plump man sits upon a throne and regales his unnamed female counterpart with the tale of our new hero, Hawke. In my preview session with executive producer Mike Darrah, I sampled two different versions of the game's opening: an exaggerated introduction of the powerful Hawke and her crew; followed by what really happened. %Gallery-106101%
Dragon Age Legends Facebook game unlocks items in Dragon Age 2
Dragon Age Legends is a Facebook-based strategy RPG launching this February. Perhaps more importantly, it's a method through which you'll be able to unlock stuff in the upcoming Dragon Age 2. Legends takes place in Kaiten, a city in the Dragon Age 2 setting of the Free Marches. Players ally themselves with a Viscount named Ravi (nephew of Khedra) in order to save Ravi's son Elton from danger and protect the Free Marches. "Alongside their Facebook friends," according to EA, "players will take on challenging quests within an engaging storyline, earning loot, sharing rewards and growing their kingdom." EA 2D general manager Mark Spenner hopes to "raise the quality bar" of Facebook games with this offering, in order to draw traditional gamers. While we don't know exactly how Legends' cooperative tactical combat works, we'll find out soon enough: EA will hold a beta for the title starting in January, with invitations distributed to lucky EA account holders who have Facebook accounts and subscriptions to the Dragon Age Newsletter -- and who sign up for the beta, of course.
Dragon Age 2 to include bonus DLC pipeline like Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network
Unsurprisingly, Dragon Age 2 will feature some manifestation of "Project Ten Dollar" (an incentive to buy EA's games new) akin to Mass Effect 2's bonus content delivery system, the Cerberus Network. "We will be doing that," executive producer Mark Darrah confirmed to Joystiq during a recent press preview of the game. "We haven't announced what's in it, but it'll definitely be something kind of in that Cerberus vein where there will be additional content." Speaking of Dragon Age 2 DLC in general (and not necessarily just the freebie content), Darrah said we could expect to see a boost in quality over the Dragon Age: Origins DLC, which prompted complaints about a limited scope and areas being recycled from the main game. He assured us that the sequel's add-ons would be more unique: "What we're doing with the DLC in Dragon Age 2 is making it larger; so it'll be bigger teams, more unique environments, more unique creatures -- so that it gets the attention it deserves to get." BioWare intends to offer free DLC to early birds as well, with pre-orders of Dragon Age 2 being upgraded to the BioWare Signature Edition at no extra charge. Dragon Age 2 will launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on March 8, 2011.
Dragon Age 2 'Rise to Power' trailer makes it big
The Dragon Age 2 trailer posted below follows the ascension of Hawke, who goes from refugee to "Champion" over the course of the game -- but we're still unsure about what's he's champion of, exactly. Romance? Beards? Not cutting himself with double-swords? Slow motion jump-cutting?
Dragon Age 2 pre-orders upgraded to 'BioWare Signature Edition'
Enticement? Enticement! BioWare has conjured up a new incentive to pre-order next year's talkin' Tolkien-esque epic, Dragon Age 2. Pre-orders for the game will be automatically upgraded to the "BioWare Signature Edition," which comes packed with a download code for an extra playable character (and accompanying missions), a downloadable soundtrack, an in-game armory with bonus weapons and "additional downloadable items." In total, BioWare values it as a $20 bonus that you could get for no extra charge. This special edition of Dragon Age 2 (for Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3) will be available via pre-order from Gamestop, Amazon, Electronics Boutique and the online EA store, with more stores to be announced later. You'll also be able to find it in several European territories, as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. There's just one catch: Your pre-order will only transform into BioWare Signature Edition if it's placed before January 11, 2011. If you miss the deadline, you'll have to pick up a regular copy of Dragon Age 2 on March 8. Maybe you could take it to a convention and have someone from BioWare autograph it for you.
Dragon Age 2 will import 'the world' from Dragon Age: Origins save
You can still import an older save file into BioWare's upcoming fantasy RPG, Dragon Age 2, like you could with Mass Effect 2 -- but since you don't have a persistent character this time (whoever your Warden was in the first game is replaced by "Hawke" in the sequel), it hasn't been as clear what the save file would change in the new game. Speaking to NowGamer, lead designer Mike Laidlaw revealed that while you don't get to import your character, you're "importing the world" as it was in your game of Origins. "Who's in charge of Ferelden, what happened with the Dwarves, who's running Orzammar?" Laidlaw said. "All of these things are reflected and accounted for in Dragon Age 2." So if you hate the way you left affairs in Origins, consider a fresh save in Dragon Age 2. Then again, maybe you like fixer-uppers.
A pair of new Dragon Age 2 screens, care of PAX
Two new screens from Dragon Age 2 have been passed along from BioWare, one of which showcases dudes with anteater masks. Sure, that may not be the technical term for said masks, but we're totally going with it. %Gallery-101585%
