***SOME MINOR SPOILERS, TALKING ABOUT CHARACTERS AND SUCH***
It feels weird for me to say since I'm usually a fan of really good things. Not in the sense that I only buy things that get over 90 on metacritic, but based more on the fact that most things that I call my "favourites" are loved by tons of people who are into that particular thing such as RPGs, horror movies, DJs, whatever. But Dragon Age 2 might be the first thing that I truly love that seems to be hated by pretty much everyone (online).
I just bought the game 2 weeks ago after having borrowed it from a friend last summer. During the few weeks I had it during the summer I completed it 3 times with different characters and different "alignments". I always understood the complaints about the recycled areas and the fact that it was just a much, much smaller game that was far more linear than the Origins, but I didn't care. I love pretty much everything about it. I'll start with the characters.
Hawke is amazing. I know people out there enjoy the range of dialogue options you get in a game like Skyrim, but all of that just feels empty to me when it's not voiced. Origins had the same problem. I like to RP a character, not act like myself in a video game. DA2 basically gives you three different characters to play, although you're free to switch it up at any point and make the decisions you want. Going through as a sarcastic mage on my second playthrough was some of the most fun I've ever had in a video game. So many of the lines had me laughing out loud to myself just do to the way they were delivered... nevermind the reactions I got from the NPCs. My playthrough as an ******* (only time I've used male Hawke) was quite interesting as well. I hated the game to start out since it felt weird just being a dick to everyone for no reason, but when bad stuff started happening and Hawke actually had a reason to be angry and it became kind of awesome.
But that's just Hawke.. all of the other characters were just as great. Having Varric narrate the entire thing was such a unique way to tell the story, not to mention him being one of the most entertaining party members of any RPG I've played. Even his weapon is awesome... heck, it might as well be another member of your party since it levels up and has a name.
Merrill is just my favourite. I love everything about her character and the way she interacts with your party. All light-hearted and naive when things start out... and then it just gets ****ing dark. I love dynamic characters in games and stories, and she goes through some pretty major stuff depending on your choices near the end of the game. I mean I thought the whole Dalish/Werewolf thing in Origins was heavy... it's got nothing on Merrill's final quest.
This is already dragging on way too long, but Aveline is the ****. She manages to just be a good person without ever getting annoying with it like some other characters do when you make some questionable choices. She also doesn't ever let you get with her. Respect.
I'll finish up with the siblings (Fenris and Isabela are cool too, but I'm getting tired here). Now by giving you two options for siblings depending on which class you choose (Mage or other) they could have went the easy route and made them minor characters or gave them similar personalities since they're twis. Instead you get two completely different characters that interact with Hawke in unique ways. In my opinion, Bethany is great, and Carver is a piece of ****. It sets up such interesting conversations when you can hate your sibling, or be doing everything in your power to protect them. I feel bad for anyone who played through this game just once, because I'm sure they have no idea how different all the stuff with your family can play out during different parts of the game.
That's all for now. I'll talk about the rest later.
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