Dragon Age: Origins

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

Once I gave Herbalism to Morrigan, things got exceptionally easier, for that very reason. Since I restarted this game, I have chosen not to visit the Broken Circle yet. I have only been to the Calenhad docks for other quests.



Now I'm surprised about Alistair. In the early going, he complained to Morrigan about hurting his "manly feelings"..."all one of them". I thought this implied something. Irrespective, I have him pretty pissed off, especially after

[Show spoiler]letting Isolde (I think that's Connor's mother) sacrifice herself.

Is there a trophy (obviously a secret one) for the group orgies?



Well, with the course I've chosen, she's the only Mage available thus far.
One of the difficult choices is whether to keep the same party for extended periods or to swap members out. The advantage of the former is that all reach high levels with greater abilities. The advantage of the latter is that the player character is the superior character and captures most of the experience points along the way, and you level up faster. When I finally do encounted Wynne, I'll have to think about it.

Wynne is pretty high powered. She starts off with Heal, regeneration, group heal, mana/stamina regeneration and 7-8 tactical slots. And if you finish her side story,she gets another cool ability. It would have to take Morrigan to level 14 before she gets the group heal ability.

[hellmonkey]

WTF are you guys doing have 3 ways? And how in the hell did I miss it . Its a shame the womenz have bras. I really do not get people. Blood, guts, murder, rape, child killing, swearing are all OK, but if a female nipple makes an appearence, the universe unravels and god kills every kitten. Stuff below the equator can stay covered, it wont offend me, but I understand needed to keep that under wraps.

I guess its just me complaining at how silly the sex scenese looks covering everyone up, but then 30 seconds later, you can decapitate someone

[BlackMamba]

Originally Posted by hellmonkey

WTF are you guys doing have 3 ways? And how in the hell did I miss it . Its a shame the womenz have bras. I really do not get people. Blood, guts, murder, rape, child killing, swearing are all OK, but if a female nipple makes an appearence, the universe unravels and god kills every kitten. Stuff below the equator can stay covered, it wont offend me, but I understand needed to keep that under wraps.

I guess its just me complaining at how silly the sex scenese looks covering everyone up, but then 30 seconds later, you can decapitate someone

There's a stigma in this country [the US] associated with sex. For lack of a better term, we're a bit too conservative with regards to this particular topic (we're also quite hypocritical but I won't delve into that).

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

There's a stigma in this country [the US] associated with sex. For lack of a better term, we're a bit too conservative with regards to this particular topic (we're also quite hypocritical but I won't delve into that).

If the game were to have nudity, it would have to have an Adult Only rating from ESRB rather than Mature which would definitely cut into exposure and sales. Some retailers, some especially large ones, may opt not to carry. I think retailers and legislators drive this more than the general public.

While I don't want to debate the "too" conservative issue, as I think that is an individual choice, I can't disagree that it seems bizarre that violent crimes are more socially acceptable as forms of audio/video entertainment than sexual activity between consenting adults.

However, if one wants to see boobies, there are better places to see them than in a video game.

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by hellmonkey

WTF are you guys doing have 3 ways? And how in the hell did I miss it . Its a shame the womenz have bras. I really do not get people. Blood, guts, murder, rape, child killing, swearing are all OK, but if a female nipple makes an appearence, the universe unravels and god kills every kitten. Stuff below the equator can stay covered, it wont offend me, but I understand needed to keep that under wraps.

I guess its just me complaining at how silly the sex scenese looks covering everyone up, but then 30 seconds later, you can decapitate someone

They took a lot of heat from Mass Effect. All you saw was their butt and got all kinds of hell for it.

I found it funny that they all have the same bras which is weird considering Morrigan's outfit. lol.

[dk3dknight]

Originally Posted by hellmonkey

WTF are you guys doing have 3 ways? And how in the hell did I miss it . Its a shame the womenz have bras. I really do not get people. Blood, guts, murder, rape, child killing, swearing are all OK, but if a female nipple makes an appearence, the universe unravels and god kills every kitten. Stuff below the equator can stay covered, it wont offend me, but I understand needed to keep that under wraps.

I guess its just me complaining at how silly the sex scenese looks covering everyone up, but then 30 seconds later, you can decapitate someone

Someone on the old bioware forums found that there were nude textures for the characters but requires a certain trick to see them, he particulary mentioned morrigan in his reference..

It had something to do with walking far away from your party till they fade and messing with there equipment. Cant say if it was just for pc or not, a developer showed that he was not happy with the person for mentioning it.

If I find it again ill make sure to mention it.

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

There's a stigma in this country [the US] associated with sex. For lack of a better term, we're a bit too conservative with regards to this particular topic (we're also quite hypocritical but I won't delve into that).

Yeah but Godfather 2 game has fully topless characters.

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

If the game were to have nudity, it would have to have an Adult Only rating from ESRB rather than Mature which would definitely cut into exposure and sales. Some retailers, some especially large ones, may opt not to carry. I think retailers and legislators drive this more than the general public.

While I don't want to debate the "too" conservative issue, as I think that is an individual choice, I can't disagree that it seems bizarre that violent crimes are more socially acceptable as forms of audio/video entertainment than sexual activity between consenting adults.

However, if one wants to see boobies, there are better places to see them than in a video game.

But but Godfather 2 has topless girls in it walking around in some of the clubs.. so that kinda proves that its possible.

Originally Posted by Beefbowl

They took a lot of heat from Mass Effect. All you saw was their butt and got all kinds of hell for it.

I found it funny that they all have the same bras which is weird considering Morrigan's outfit. lol.

lol... I think they had to add it in to make the esrb happy.

[hellmonkey]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

If the game were to have nudity, it would have to have an Adult Only rating from ESRB rather than Mature which would definitely cut into exposure and sales. Some retailers, some especially large ones, may opt not to carry. I think retailers and legislators drive this more than the general public.

While I don't want to debate the "too" conservative issue, as I think that is an individual choice, I can't disagree that it seems bizarre that violent crimes are more socially acceptable as forms of audio/video entertainment than sexual activity between consenting adults.

However, if one wants to see boobies, there are better places to see them than in a video game.

I agree that there are better places for it, but I personally think it should be ok in context. Its a sex scene ffs. I would agree if it were something like GTA4 but instead of clothed, everyone was naked. Thats pointless nudity and doesnt fit in. IMO it all comes back to parents not wanting to be parents and keeping track of what their kids do/play with.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by hellmonkey

I agree that there are better places for it, but I personally think it should be ok in context. Its a sex scene ffs. I would agree if it were something like GTA4 but instead of clothed, everyone was naked. Thats pointless nudity and doesnt fit in. IMO it all comes back to parents not wanting to be parents and keeping track of what their kids do/play with.

Completely agree on the parenting bit. And with respect to DA:O, the desire demons are far more revealing than the characters in the love scenes, they're just not in sexually suggestive positions, but I think they have pasties on. My thoughts on Morrigan is that her lovemaking cutscene appearance is much more "ample" than she looks in regular gameplay. Leliana, now, she appears about to bust out at any minute, depending on how you have her uniformed. I really don't know how to do a screenshot, or I'd show you.

[BlackMamba]

should be getting the game tomorrow (really excited!). Any tips or personal preferences for someone just starting out?

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

should be getting the game tomorrow (really excited!). Any tips or personal preferences for someone just starting out?

make sure you have Wynne in your party. Other than that, not really. Mostly trial and error. I spent a lot of time starting over and over. I had to put in +60 hrs on this game and I still get upset about the choices I made with my character.

[hellmonkey]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

should be getting the game tomorrow (really excited!). Any tips or personal preferences for someone just starting out?

Playing a mage makes things a lot easier. High damage, long range, and AoE. You can molester almost anything. I started a new char as a warrior and its going much much slower and im using a lot more potions. But Im almost to wynn, so I hope that helps.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

should be getting the game tomorrow (really excited!). Any tips or personal preferences for someone just starting out?

Originally Posted by Beefbowl

make sure you have Wynne in your party. Other than that, not really. Mostly trial and error. I spent a lot of time starting over and over. I had to put in +60 hrs on this game and I still get upset about the choices I made with my character.

Originally Posted by hellmonkey

Playing a mage makes things a lot easier. High damage, long range, and AoE. You can molester almost anything. I started a new char as a warrior and its going much much slower and im using a lot more potions. But Im almost to wynn, so I hope that helps.

If you want to have Wynne in your party early, you are confined to pursuing the story in a certain way. That's entirely up to you. I'm playing a Dwarf Commoner Warrior (Berserker). Though admittedly I restarted once due to frustration from early choices, I have not encountered Wynne yet, and I am doing well (on normal difficulty, hard was crushing me). If you want to play on hard, you may want to pick up Wynne ASAP. Yes, I have needed a lot of potions at first, but as long as you give Herbalism to one of your party members, just having a simple Heal in that members tactics goes a long way. Before that, I had to use a tactical slot in all of my characters to use health poultices when they got near death. I don't plan on going toward Wynne for quite a while. I'm happy with how things are going now.

My advice is only to save frequently, so you can easily go back and select different dialog options, if you don't like the initial results. And don't worry too much about pleasing your NPC's during gameplay. It can be made up for substantially at camp. Enjoy. This is my first true RPG for years. I forgot how absorbing they are.

[pBLU-RAYs3]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

should be getting the game tomorrow (really excited!). Any tips or personal preferences for someone just starting out?

1) Increase hitpoints by adding to the constitution so you'll face an easier time with bosses. Every time you level up your hitpoints increase a little but I had a hard time with bosses until I added to constitution.
2) Add a rogue to your party and focus on his/her lockpicking skills to loot locked chests.

[BlackMamba]

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice - all of your recommendations have been duly noted! Seems like this Wynne character is quite strong although I may forgo his/her services for a while because I like a challenge.

On another note, I usually like to start off as base class "warrior" in these games, but I'm actually thinking about going with the rogue/assassin type first. Question - if you could only play through the game once (I only ask this because I may be limited by time especially if each playthrough is 60 hours) which class(es) would you recommend and why? I know hellmonkey you vouched for the mage because of gameplay reasons, but which classes have the most interesting sidestories/quests/coolest armor & weapons/skills/etc...? Also, kinda adding onto what pblu-rays3 mentioned, is there a site that can explain to me what each attribute does (constitution for example contribrutes to HP)? Thanks again!

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

If you want to have Wynne in your party early, you are confined to pursuing the story in a certain way. That's entirely up to you. I'm playing a Dwarf Commoner Warrior (Berserker). Though admittedly I restarted once due to frustration from early choices, I have not encountered Wynne yet, and I am doing well (on normal difficulty, hard was crushing me). If you want to play on hard, you may want to pick up Wynne ASAP. Yes, I have needed a lot of potions at first, but as long as you give Herbalism to one of your party members, just having a simple Heal in that members tactics goes a long way. Before that, I had to use a tactical slot in all of my characters to use health poultices when they got near death. I don't plan on going toward Wynne for quite a while. I'm happy with how things are going now.

My advice is only to save frequently, so you can easily go back and select different dialog options, if you don't like the initial results. And don't worry too much about pleasing your NPC's during gameplay. It can be made up for substantially at camp. Enjoy. This is my first true RPG for years. I forgot how absorbing they are.

I don't understand what you mean by this.

"If you want to have Wynne in your party early, you are confined to pursuing the story in a certain way. "

How far are you into the game? I honestly can't see myself getting past the High Dragon without Wynne.

Has anyone downloaded the Warden's Keep DLC yet? The Starfang seems to be the best longsword in the game. Anyone find anything better than the Starfang?

[Beefbowl]

Originally Posted by BlackMamba

Hey guys, thanks for all the advice - all of your recommendations have been duly noted! Seems like this Wynne character is quite strong although I may forgo his/her services for a while because I like a challenge.

On another note, I usually like to start off as base class "warrior" in these games, but I'm actually thinking about going with the rogue/assassin type first. Question - if you could only play through the game once (I only ask this because I may be limited by time especially if each playthrough is 60 hours) which class(es) would you recommend and why? I know hellmonkey you vouched for the mage because of gameplay reasons, but which classes have the most interesting sidestories/quests/coolest armor & weapons/skills/etc...? Thanks again!

I'd say be a Rogue. You can alway build your Rogue into a warrior class but not vice versa. Unless having a sword and shield or a big ass sword like conan is your thing, then be a warrior. I liked being a Rogue since I was building a two sword weapon character but at the same time give him some archery skills. You just get more variety with a rogue and have more room to play around with.

[hellmonkey]

I havent come across much as class specifig quests. Ive read that is one for the rogue. Armor is fairly standard no frills astetically except for the dragon armor. You will need a very high str to wear the best armor 38-42 or be a mage and become an arcane warripr with 42 magic. BTW, arcane warriors kick ass. You can still cast all your mage spells, but it allows you to wear plate and use melee weapons for close quarters and the only penalty to wearing armor is an increase in mana cost.

Warriors to me are a little boring unless you want to tank. I havent played a rogue yet, so i can not comment on them.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by Beefbowl

I don't understand what you mean by this.

"If you want to have Wynne in your party early, you are confined to pursuing the story in a certain way. "

How far are you into the game? I honestly can't see myself getting past the High Dragon without Wynne.

Has anyone downloaded the Warden's Keep DLC yet? The Starfang seems to be the best longsword in the game. Anyone find anything better than the Starfang?

I only mean to suggest that you would have to visit that part of Ferelden where she can join early in the game, if you want to have Wynne in your party. That is a restriction. A player could easily decide to play for a very long time without venturing there, even though it's part of the main story. I'm to level 11 or 12 without going there, working most of the time on

[Show spoiler] Arl of Redcliffe and Sacred Urn (relate) quests

as well as tasks from the Chanters' Board, Mages' Collective and Blackstone Chest. Though I definitely can not speak from experience, I hope that playing enough to level up my character and party will allow me to play through with the party of my choice.

I have downloaded Warden's Keep, but I have not visited the location.

Has anyone tried to solo this game?

When you play, do you like to divide your attention between multiple branches of the story, or do you like to focus on one bit at a time, then move to another. I prefer more of the latter.

[BlackMamba]

Thanks for the clarification guys. Arcane warriors do sound awesome. Didn't know you could essentially combine base classes. Still think I'll go with rogue/assassin to start off, but you never know!

[BlackMamba]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

When you play, do you like to divide your attention between multiple branches of the story, or do you like to focus on one bit at a time, then move to another. I prefer more of the latter.

I don't have the game yet, but I too normally try to focus on one quest at a time.