Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The controversial, unbalanced narrative of Dragon Age 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-controversial-unbalanced-narrative-of-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-controversial-unbalanced-narrative-of-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/the-controversial-unbalanced-narrative-of-dragon-age-2/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Dragon Age 2 is one of the most controversial role-playing games of recent years. Highly anticipated after the successes of BioWare's previous two games, Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect 2, it was released to strong sales and initially positive reviews. Yet it didn't take long before there was both fan and critical backlash to the game. What seemed like an unambiguously promising release turned into a lightning rod, and Dragon Age 2 went missing from many Game Of The Year lists. On the other hand, I noticed a small but extremely devoted cadre of fans, including some people who loved it so much that they immediately replayed it, four or five times, touching no other games for months.

So it was with both trepidation and excitement that I finally approached Dragon Age 2, as I missed it on initial release and then was warned off of it afterward. Having finally played it, I can see what the fuss was about, both good and bad. Dragon Age 2 almost demanded to be controversial thanks to its structure. In a genre filled with narratively complete, balanced games, DA2 ambitions push it in less balanced and incomplete directions. That's risky.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (2/8/2011)

Continue reading The controversial, unbalanced narrative of Dragon Age 2

JoystiqThe controversial, unbalanced narrative of Dragon Age 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecolumnDragon-Age-2microsoftOpinionpcplaystationps3rowan-kaiserrpgwrpgxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 has highest completion rate in ME, Dragon Age series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/mass-effect-2-has-highest-completion-rate-in-me-dragon-age-seri/#comments Image
BioWare's director of online development Fernando Melo presented the above player completion rates for Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 during a panel at GDC Europe. Mass Effect 2 topped the charts with 56 percent of players completing the entire game, followed by Mass Effect 3 with 42 percent, Dragon Age 2 with 41 percent, Mass Effect with 40 percent and finally Dragon Age: Origins at the lowest rate of 36 percent.

The spike in Mass Effect 2's completion can be attributed to Mass Effect 3's recent launch, when an influx of players were reminded of the game and attempted to finish it before that release, Melo said.

JoystiqMass Effect 2 has highest completion rate in ME, Dragon Age series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecompletionDragon-Age-2Dragon-Age-Originsmass-effectMass-Effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3salesxboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Digital sale goes medieval on Dragon Age series this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/amazon-digital-sale-goes-medieval-on-dragon-age-series-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/amazon-digital-sale-goes-medieval-on-dragon-age-series-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/amazon-digital-sale-goes-medieval-on-dragon-age-series-this-week/#comments Dragon Age series games ultra cheap on AmazonDeal-hunting RPG fanatics have reason to be happy today, as the entire Dragon Age series and its expansions are ridiculously cheap on Amazon this week. The digital deals drop all games in the BioWare-developed series below $10 for PC and Mac:
  • Dragon Age Dual Pack (Origins Ultimate Edition & Dragon Age 2): $9.99
  • Dragon Age Origins: $4.99
  • Dragon Age Origins Awakening: $4.99
  • Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition: $7.49
  • Dragon Age 2: $4.99

JoystiqAmazon Digital sale goes medieval on Dragon Age series this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-2EAmacpcMon, 25 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare done with Dragon Age 2, fully moving on to next phase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/#comments BioWare's Dragon Age 2 team has officially packed up its tents, put out the fires and left camp, executive producer Mark Darrah announced on the BioWare forums.

"While we will still be keeping an eye out for any issues that might crop up in DAII and supporting the community should any emergencies should [sic] arise, we're moving the entire team's focus to the next phase of Dragon Age's future," Darrah wrote.

The "next phase of Dragon Age's future" could be too vague for some, so creative director Mike Laidlaw clarified in a TL;DR Twitter update: "We're done development on Dragon Age II, and the team has fully moved onto The Next Thing(tm)."

BioWare halted production on Exalted March, an expansion pack for Dragon Age 2, because "other Dragon Age opportunities came up," Darrah tweeted. It's safe to reason that stopping production on DLC probably wouldn't happen for anything less than work on a shiny new title, and with these scraps of evidence and previous unintentional outings, we feel safe to propose that BioWare is now working on Dragon Age 3.

Moving the franchise into the future involves looking at the past, Darrah said. "This past year, we've spent a lot of time both going back to the 'BioWare vault' of games and re-examining them, and looking at some new possibilities that today's industry allows," he wrote. The Dragon Age team may not have to look very far in BioWare's history to find things it should avoid, such as "endings."

JoystiqBioWare done with Dragon Age 2, fully moving on to next phase originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Redemption hits DVD on Felicia Day; er, Valentine's Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/dragon-age-redemption-hits-dvd-on-felicia-day-er-valentines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/dragon-age-redemption-hits-dvd-on-felicia-day-er-valentines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/dragon-age-redemption-hits-dvd-on-felicia-day-er-valentines/#comments

Let's skip the formalities and just say it: BioWare wants you to buy Felicia Day for Valentine's Day. No, not buy something for her, but purchase Felicia Day herself. And no, not in any illegal or gross sense of the word -- Dragon Age: Redemption, the six-part webseries available on Machinima's YouTube channel since October, is coming out in DVD form on February 14, complete with behind-the-scenes extras, a commentary track and blooper reel.

Dragon Age: Redemption parallels the story in Dragon Age 2's digital add-on, Mark of the Assassin, which features Day as an elf who assassinates things. Or, as Flatiron Film Company describes both forms of media, Felicia Day cosplaying!

Continue reading Dragon Age: Redemption hits DVD on Felicia Day; er, Valentine's Day

JoystiqDragon Age: Redemption hits DVD on Felicia Day; er, Valentine's Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon-Age-2dragon-age-redemptiondvdfelicia-daymicrosoftpcplaystationps3valentines-daywebseriesxboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/amazon-offering-dramatic-discounts-on-digital-ea-games-starting/#comments Amazon doesn't care for your silly stack of unplayed, unopened games -- it simply wants to trick you into buying more with a variety of impressive deals, albeit on games that exist only in the digital realm. Starting this coming Sunday (the 15th) and running through the end of the week (the 21st), individual EA titles will be offered day by day at ridiculously discounted prices: Bulletstorm and Dead Space 2 for $7 a pop, for instance.

The daily itemized list is just after the break, should you be preparing for yet another (admittedly minor) assault on your bank account in the effort to catch up on 2011's best games. Might we suggest conquering the concept of time scarcity first?

Continue reading Amazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday

JoystiqAmazon offering dramatic discounts on digital EA games starting this Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-madness-returnsamazonbattlefield-bad-company-2Bulletstormcrysis-2dead-space-2dragon-age-2dragon-age-originsmacmedal-of-honorpcThu, 12 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA finally responds to forum bans also banning Origin game access]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/ea-finally-responds-to-forum-bans-also-banning-origin-game-acces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/ea-finally-responds-to-forum-bans-also-banning-origin-game-acces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/ea-finally-responds-to-forum-bans-also-banning-origin-game-acces/#comments EA has proven that it's not afraid to bring the banhammer down on Origin users who defy their Terms of Service; though its stringent adherence to that policy has, on occasion, provided cause for concern. In March, a user on the Dragon Age 2 forums was banned for breaking the forum's rules, only to find out he'd been prohibited from using his purchased copy of the game as well. Though EA reinstated his Origin access and chalked it up to a system error, Rock, Paper, Shotgun reported that it was not an isolated incident.

EA has never explicitly said that handing out Origin bans alongside forum bans was its modus operandi; however, RPS finally received an official statement on the bans from EA Corporate Communications' John Reseburg. According to him, "when someone violates our Terms of Service, we are forced to take actions that can include suspensions and other measures." That's not a clear confirmation of the policy, though Reseburg later added, "We have listened to our customers and are planning a policy update which will include more equitable rules on suspensions - we want to make sure the time fits the crime."

It seems utterly bizarre that EA wouldn't be explicitly clear about a policy that carries as heavy a punishment as this. We can understand wanting to keep a forum free from the blight of obscenity, but if that comes at the cost of preventing legitimate purchasers of EA's products from accessing said games, those purchasers deserve to know about it ahead of time. As it stands now, Reseburg simply suggests, "any user with a question about suspensions or our policies to please contact us at (866) 543-5435 so we can address their specific situation."

JoystiqEA finally responds to forum bans also banning Origin game access originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbanhammerbattlefield-3dragon-age-2eaforumsoriginpcThu, 17 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 - Mark of the Assassin Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-review/#comments A mysterious woman hoping to use you for a heist during a rich guy's party, her motivations much more complicated than they initially seem... wait a minute. Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin, the second major DLC release for Bioware's current fantasy RPG series, has a strikingly familiar premise. Similar, even, to Mass Effect 2's Stolen Memory downloadable add-on, which also featured an enigmatic female thief looking to use Shepard to robin-hood somebody.

But that's where the similarities end. Where Stolen Memory felt like a tight, fast, well-paced attempt to tell a character's story, Mark of the Assassin is a much more sprawling exercise. Unfortunately, that's generally to its detriment.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 - Mark of the Assassin (Launch)

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 - Mark of the Assassin Review

JoystiqDragon Age 2 - Mark of the Assassin Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon-Age-2mark-of-the-assassinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 20 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Play Dragon Age 2 'Mark of the Assassin' DLC, watch 'Redemption' web series today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/psa-play-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-dlc-watch-redemp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/psa-play-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-dlc-watch-redemp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/psa-play-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin-dlc-watch-redemp/#comments
Celebrate Felicia Day ... day with the release of two Dragon Age creations featuring the actress. Both Dragon Age 2's "Mark of the Assassin" DLC and the first episode of the Dragon Age: Redemption web series, featuring Day as the elf Tallis, are premiering today. Day also wrote and produced the Redemption shorts.

For the DLC, you'll have to pay $10 on Xbox, PC, Mac, or PS3 (coming later today when the PSN updates). For that episode of Machinima's web series, you'll have to pay attention to the top of this post.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 - Mark of the Assassin (Launch)

Continue reading PSA: Play Dragon Age 2 'Mark of the Assassin' DLC, watch 'Redemption' web series today

JoystiqPSA: Play Dragon Age 2 'Mark of the Assassin' DLC, watch 'Redemption' web series today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassindragon-age-redemptionmacmachinimamicrosoftpcplaystationps3psaxboxTue, 11 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Redemption series debuts on Machinima next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dragon-age-redemption-series-debuts-on-machinima-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dragon-age-redemption-series-debuts-on-machinima-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/dragon-age-redemption-series-debuts-on-machinima-next-week/#comments
If you can't bear to watch LARP-ing unless it's wrapped in professional production and synergistic, transmedia-compatible fiction, you'll want to tune in to Dragon Age: Redemption, a six-episode web series starting on October 11. Actually, ignore the "tune in" anachronism: Redemption will debut exclusively on Machinima's Youtube channel.

The show has an interactive companion in Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin, a new downloadable expansion that also launches on October 11. Both stories are propelled by the star power of Felicia Day, who plays a sarcastic elf assassin. It must be a tough life, always being on the verge of assassinating yourself.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Redemption series debuts on Machinima next week

JoystiqDragon Age: Redemption series debuts on Machinima next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragon-Age-2dragon-age-redemptiondragon-ages-2-mark-of-the-assassineafelicia-daymachinimamark-of-the-assassinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 05 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Felicia Day takes us through Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/felicia-day-takes-us-through-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/felicia-day-takes-us-through-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/felicia-day-takes-us-through-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/#comments Felicia Day likes Dragon Age 2 so much she almost got me killed.

In Dragon Age 2, I mean.

Last week I hung out with the actress as she showed me Dragon Age 2's new DLC, Mark of the Assassin, starring ... well, her. "I created the character with BioWare inputs," Day told me. "I played through the game several more times, you know? It was the best kind of research."

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Mark of the Assassin DLC)

Continue reading Felicia Day takes us through Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin

JoystiqFelicia Day takes us through Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassinfelicia-daymark-of-the-assassinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hang out with Felicia Day in Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/hang-out-with-felicia-day-in-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/hang-out-with-felicia-day-in-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/hang-out-with-felicia-day-in-dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassin/#comments The Felicia Day-fronted live-action web series based in the Dragon Age 2 universe has been delayed until October. Fortunately, it'll be paired with a companion piece that'll be infinitely more playable. BioWare recently announced a DLC pack for the Kirkwallian RPG titled "Mark of the Assassin," which sees you teaming up with Day's "Tallis" character from Dragon Age: Redemption, and diving through a trap-riddled dungeon in search of a precious gem.

The expansion will be available on October 11 for an undisclosed price. Really, though, how much is too much to ask for being able to hang out with Felicia Day without waiting in a week-long line at Comic-Con?

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Mark of the Assassin DLC)

JoystiqHang out with Felicia Day in Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-mark-of-the-assassinexpansionfelicia-daymark-of-the-assassinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 16 Sep 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Second batch of downloadable items hits Dragon Age 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/second-batch-of-downloadable-items-hits-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/second-batch-of-downloadable-items-hits-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/second-batch-of-downloadable-items-hits-dragon-age-2/#comments "... a fine tale, Gwen, and well told! And now, Sir Hawke, you promised to favor us with the tale of how you acquired that fantastic blade!"

"Oh no, Lordanon, I'd really rather not. It's not such a great story and --"

"Nonsense! A weapon like that, the quest to procure it must have been epic! Did you plunge a dagger between the scales of a frost dragon?"

"Well, no."

"Oh, well, then surely you must have artfully plucked it from the lair of a sleeping golem."

"Nah, it's just --"

"Perhaps a duel with a villainous wizard who threatened your vil--"

"Look, I downloaded it, OK?! It's from the Dragon Age 2 Warrior Pack II DLC that just came out today. It was $3. I could have downloaded the All-Class Pack II for $5, but I'm not a mage or rogue, so I didn't. I bought it on 360, but I assume it'll be on PC and PSN today too. Is that enough for you? Are you sated now? ... Whatever, I'm going to bed."

"...Sir Hawke?"

"... Yes, Lordanon?"

"Why does your bedroll read L.L. Bean? Is that the elf who wove it?"

"Go to sleep, Lordanon."

[Thanks, Lafu.]

JoystiqSecond batch of downloadable items hits Dragon Age 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-Age-2eamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Muzyka: BioWare to throw previous Dragon Age games into a blender for next title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/#comments Dragon Age 3 is going to blend the best features of Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2, BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka told PC Gamer at Gamescom. After Dragon Age 2's inconclusive, varied review scores, BioWare is focused on making all fans, core and new, happy: "What we need to do as developers is take that feedback from both sets of fans to heart and see about marrying that in future games in the Dragon Age franchise. I think that the team has actually got a great plan," Muzyka said.

We're on board as long as that plan doesn't involve throwing raspberries into the blender -- a raspberry and chain mail smoothie may sound good, but it is a bad idea. Trust us on this one.

JoystiqMuzyka: BioWare to throw previous Dragon Age games into a blender for next title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-3Dragon-Age-Originsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxSun, 21 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Laidlaw: DA2 'Legacy' DLC is a response to fan complaints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/biowares-laidlaw-da2-legacy-dlc-is-a-response-to-fan-complai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/biowares-laidlaw-da2-legacy-dlc-is-a-response-to-fan-complai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/biowares-laidlaw-da2-legacy-dlc-is-a-response-to-fan-complai/#comments "There's a game out there that's better than both [Dragon Age] Origins and DAII, and I'll be damned if the talented folks of the DA team can't find it," BioWare lead designer Mike Laidlaw concluded a recent response to one fan on his company's forums. He was engaged in an ongoing conversation over the past few days in a subject thread titled "Dragon Age 2 reception and community discussed," wherein fans sounded off and a handful of BioWare reps responded to criticisms about the critically divisive Dragon Age 2, and its improved follow-up DLC, Legacy.

"Legacy, I think, goes a long way towards demonstrating that we are listening, that we are aware of the weaknesses of DAII, and that we will continue to address them," he responded to another, specifically citing combat encounters, asset re-use, loot, and choice impact as areas to improve. While he of course didn't speak to Dragon Age 3, he did note that "Reasonable, passionate feedback is the best possible thing to provide. Seeing strongly negative reaction to DAII, and strongly positive reaction to Legacy, even from some of DAII's strongest detractors (and yes, I know it's not universal, but what is), is incredibly useful."

JoystiqBioWare's Laidlaw: DA2 'Legacy' DLC is a response to fan complaints originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdownloadable-contentDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-legacydragon-age-3dragon-age-originseaelectronic-artslegacymacmicrosoftmike-laidlawpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 05 Aug 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 Legacy DLC review: Family outing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-review/#comments Dragon Age 2: Legacy outlines your latest quest as a matter of familial preservation. Hawke and kin have come under attack from The Carta, a band of ruthless thugs operating from a wind-hewn fortress in the Vimmark Mountains. A failed attempt on your life provides adequate motivation to kick their door down, but there's even stronger impetus on the dirt road just behind you. Turn around and you'll be asked if you want to return to Kirkwall.

NO THANKS.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 Legacy DLC review: Family outing

JoystiqDragon Age 2 Legacy DLC review: Family outing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-legacymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 abducted from Steam, EA points finger at 'restrictive' terms of service as the culprit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/dragon-age-2-abducted-from-steam-ea-points-finger-at-restricti/#comments The mysterious disappearance of Dragon Age 2 from Steam this week, just before the launch of the game's latest DLC, is yet another thorn in the side of EA's relationship with Valve's Steam digital distribution game service. As many had assumed, the game wasn't removed due to the recent (re)launch of EA's own digital distribution service, Origin, but in fact because DA2's latest DLC doesn't play nice with the Steam Terms of Service.

As the DLC -- named "Legacy" -- is delivered via an in-game store, rather than via Steam's own client, the game was removed. "Unfortunately, Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to sell downloadable content," EA senior VP of global online David DeMartini noted in a statement. He also pointed out that the game is currently available on a variety of other "major download services," from GameStop to Direct2Drive, and that he hopes "to work out an agreement to keep our games on Steam." It's not clear why EA refused to deliver the DLC via Steam's client, but it appears the company won't be changing its stance just yet.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Legacy DLC)

JoystiqDragon Age 2 abducted from Steam, EA points finger at 'restrictive' terms of service as the culprit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredavid-demartinidigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contentDragon-Age-2eaea-biowareelectronic-artslegacymacoriginpcsteamterms-of-servicevalvevalve-softwareThu, 28 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2: Legacy DLC delayed on Euro PSN until Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-delayed-on-euro-psn-until-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-delayed-on-euro-psn-until-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-delayed-on-euro-psn-until-tomorrow/#comments Can a small delay in action really ruin your desire to smite all the world's snarling things? After the Dragon Age 2: Legacy DLC failed to show up during the weekly European PlayStation Store update, Rob Bartel, a designer on BioWare's Live Team, addressed the fault on the official BioWare forums.

"Apologies for the delay, everyone," he wrote. "We're still investigating why this has occurred but Sony Europe has confirmed that they will launch the Legacy DLC tomorrow morning. So hang tight, it will be available soon."

If Bartel's information is accurate, "soon" is roughly equivalent to about 0.003 percent of a dragon age. Mind you, they probably didn't employ phrases such as "hang tight" during that time, unless it was meant as a parting insult at the gallows.

JoystiqDragon Age 2: Legacy DLC delayed on Euro PSN until Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredelaydelaysdlcDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-legacyeuropeplaystationps3psnrob-bartelWed, 27 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age anime called 'Dawn of the Seeker,' pushed to 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-anime-called-dawn-of-the-seeker-pushed-to-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-anime-called-dawn-of-the-seeker-pushed-to-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/dragon-age-anime-called-dawn-of-the-seeker-pushed-to-2012/#comments Not be confused with the ABC television series about a certain sword of truth, "Dawn of the Seeker" is the name of Funimation's upcoming Dragon Age anime. The company also unveiled the first artwork for the film, featuring the probable protagonist and a good supply of swords. She might even have a third arm to go with that.

Unfortunately, said swords are being drawn slower than expected, as the animated film has been moved from a 2011 release window to sometime in 2012. For now you can take a peek at what's already in progress via two trailers below.

Continue reading Dragon Age anime called 'Dawn of the Seeker,' pushed to 2012

JoystiqDragon Age anime called 'Dawn of the Seeker,' pushed to 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebiowaredawn-of-the-seekerDragon-Age-2dragon-age-dawn-of-the-seekerfilmfunimationmovierelease-dateWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Redemption teases a tentative release date and details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/dragon-age-redemption-teases-a-tentative-release-date-and-detail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/dragon-age-redemption-teases-a-tentative-release-date-and-detail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/dragon-age-redemption-teases-a-tentative-release-date-and-detail/#comments
Dragon Age Redemption is bringing big-screen talent to an online miniseries, including Independence Day producer Peter Winther as director, Lost's John Bartley as executive producer and Hellboy's Doug Jones acting alongside Felicia Day (who, to this crowd, needs no introduction). At the Redemption Comic-Con panel, Day revealed that each episode will run six to 10 minutes, or an hour in total. Day, who wrote the script, said she modeled Redemption after The Guild, where each episode has a beginning, middle and end.

Redemption was also confirmed as canonical within the Dragon Age universe. The series doesn't have an official host site or release date yet, although Day did say, "It should be out early this fall. Don't tweet that." Luckily for us, this isn't Twitter.

JoystiqDragon Age Redemption teases a tentative release date and details originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abe-Sapienbiowarecomic-con-2011Dragon-Age-2dragon-age-redemptioneafelicia-daypcsdcc-2011The-GuildSat, 23 Jul 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age 2: Legacy' DLC revealed theatrically]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-revealed-theatrically/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-revealed-theatrically/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-revealed-theatrically/#comments BioWare is sparing no expense on screaming warlocks, gigantic fire pillars, and enormous beasts in its upcoming DLC for Dragon Age 2, "Legacy." Get your first glimpse of the new content in the thrilling premiere trailer, just above.

Continue reading 'Dragon Age 2: Legacy' DLC revealed theatrically

Joystiq'Dragon Age 2: Legacy' DLC revealed theatrically originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdownloadable-contentDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-legacyeaelectronic-artslegacymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 08 Jul 2011 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age 2: Legacy' DLC due on July 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-due-on-july-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-due-on-july-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-due-on-july-26/#comments Having become intimately acquainted with every dreary lane, dank cave and fragment of mortar in Kirkwall, you're surely entitled to a vacation in Dragon Age 2's first downloadable add-on -- even if it's necessarily perilous. On July 26, EA and BioWare will invite you and your heroic Hawke to the Vimmark Mountains, a new locale that grounds the story of Dragon Age 2: Legacy.

"Leave Kirkwall," the announcement commands, as you explore to a prison constructed by the Grey Wardens and foil a criminal cartel that's taken a keen, violent interest in the Hawke family's lineage. The ascent into "several new locations" also leads to Darkspawn enemies, a new class-specific weapon, more achievements and the opportunity to come "face-to-face with an ancient horror." (Well, at least it has a face.)

According to BioWare, Legacy is playable from any point in the Dragon Age 2 campaign. It will cost $10 on PlayStation 3, and 800 points on Xbox 360, PC and Mac.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Legacy DLC)

Joystiq'Dragon Age 2: Legacy' DLC due on July 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-Age-2dragon-age-2-legacyeamacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblmxboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 'Legacy' DLC Achievements spotted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-achievements-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-achievements-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/dragon-age-2-legacy-dlc-achievements-spotted/#comments If you can't wait until Comic-Con to see what's coming next for Dragon Age 2 DLC, or if you're one of the people on Earth who can't make it to Comic-Con (most of 'em), you can get an early glimpse of the future now, thanks to Xbox360Achievements.

The site has posted a list of achievements for the "Legacy" DLC, which we suppose could constitute spoilers for content nobody knew about. Judging by the Achievements, you'll be spending the majority of this episode in the Vimmark Mountains. Do those sound removed enough from the city of Kirkwall?

JoystiqDragon Age 2 'Legacy' DLC Achievements spotted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsbiowaredlcdragon-age-2electronic-artslegacymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 24 Jun 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dragon Age 2 DLC, Mass Effect 3 demo playable at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/new-dragon-age-2-dlc-mass-effect-3-demo-playable-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/new-dragon-age-2-dlc-mass-effect-3-demo-playable-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/new-dragon-age-2-dlc-mass-effect-3-demo-playable-at-comic-con/#comments Going to Comic-Con won't just let you meet all the most enthusiastic Dragon Age cosplayers. It'll also let you get an early look at new Dragon Age content! BioWare announced that it will debut a new Dragon Age 2 DLC pack at the event, which runs from July 21 - 24. BioWare's demos will be located in the developer's "base in the Hilton Gaslamp hotel."

In addition to Dragon Age 2, fans will also have the opportunity to play Mass Effect 3. And to guarantee the maximum concentration of cosplayers, BioWare is holding a costume contest on July 22.

JoystiqNew Dragon Age 2 DLC, Mass Effect 3 demo playable at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomic-con-2011dlcDragon-Age-2electronic-artsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 23 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/#comments Dragon Age: Asunder, BioWare Lead Writer David Gaider's third novel set in the fantasy realm, will arrive in "late 2011." Gaider had previously chronicled the world of Thedas with Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne and Dragon Age: The Calling -- oh yeah, and both games. Asunder will jump off from Dragon Age 2, with a killer loose in the White Spire, a templar stronghold in the Orlesian Empire.

With any luck, Gaider's Asunder novel won't be perceived as neglecting the "straight male" demographic in the same way Dragon Age 2 was accused of doing. To compensate, expect vivid descriptions of Orlesian breasts and a coupon for Domino's pizza hidden in the novel's pages (not confirmed).

Continue reading 'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011

Joystiq'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebookdavid-gaiderdragon-ageDragon-Age-2dragon-age-asundereaElectronic-ArtsfantasynovelWed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare teases Dragon Age artwork, says improvements must be made in future installments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/bioware-teases-dragon-age-artwork-says-improvements-must-be-mad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/bioware-teases-dragon-age-artwork-says-improvements-must-be-mad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/bioware-teases-dragon-age-artwork-says-improvements-must-be-mad/#comments In a recent post on the official BioWare forums, Dragon Age 2 lead designer Mike Laidlaw addressed some of fans' concerns with the Kirkwall-stuck sequel. After naming some of these issues -- such as "level re-use, the implementation of wave combat, concerns about the narrative and significance of choice" -- Laidlaw added, "I'm not only aware of the concerns, but I agree that there are aspects of DA II that not only can but must be improved in future installments. And that is precisely our intent."

As far as the series' future, Laidlaw may have given a sneak peek at what's next for Dragon Age in the very same forum post. Teasing the images seen in the gallery below, Laidlaw said, "I stumbled across a few images I thought I might share with you folks," adding, "After all, there's been a lot of requests to explore areas outside of Kirkwall, and I agree that seeing some more of the Free Marches would be cool." As long as we're not talking about Lurkwall, a very similar suburb of Kirkwall, we think this would be an expansion worth getting excited about.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (5/30/11)

JoystiqBioWare teases Dragon Age artwork, says improvements must be made in future installments originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2eamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 30 May 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA grows digital sales in Q4, stems losses for fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-grows-digital-sales-in-q4-stems-losses-for-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-grows-digital-sales-in-q4-stems-losses-for-fiscal-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/ea-grows-digital-sales-in-q4-stems-losses-for-fiscal-year/#comments EA enjoyed solid growth in the final quarter of its 2011 fiscal year (ending March 31), thanks in large part to a bump in digital revenue. Digital sales were up $67 million from the same period a year ago to $211 million. Good ol' boxed games weren't slouching though, as packaged goods revenue increased $44 million up to $838 million. In all, EA rebounded from its rough Q3 to record $151 million in profit during the fiscal fourth quarter.

The engine for that growth was a surprisingly impressive quarterly lineup for the company. Seven of its titles from fiscal Q4 have surpassed 1 million units shipped, with Crysis 2, Dead Space 2 and Dragon Age 2 all over the 2-million-shipped mark. DLC for those titles (like Dead Space 2's "Severed" add-on) was the cornerstone of digital profits, as well. Over its entire 2011 fiscal year, EA shipped 12 million units of FIFA 11, 7 million copies of Bad Company 2 (released at the tail end of FY10), and five million each of Medal of Honor, Hot Pursuit and Madden 11.

But it seems that, in the grand scheme, these titles weren't enough to alter EA's fortunes for the fiscal year, which ended in a $267 million loss for the company. We suppose there's still a bit of a silver lining, however -- those losses would seem to sting considerably less than the $677 million lost by EA just one year prior.

JoystiqEA grows digital sales in Q4, stems losses for fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2crysis-2dead-space-2dragon-age-2dseaearningselectronic-artsfifa-11financialfy-2011madden-nfl-11medal-of-honormicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitnintendopcplaystationps3pspq4salessonywiixboxWed, 04 May 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Week on Steam kicks off with discounts on Dragon Age titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/ea-week-on-steam-kicks-off-with-discounts-on-dragon-age-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/ea-week-on-steam-kicks-off-with-discounts-on-dragon-age-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/ea-week-on-steam-kicks-off-with-discounts-on-dragon-age-titles/#comments Every day this week, Steam's offering discounts on select EA titles and franchises. To kick things off, the retailer's knocked a number of bucks off the various installments of the Dragon Age franchise today, including Origins, Awakening and ... um, 2.

Continue reading EA Week on Steam kicks off with discounts on Dragon Age titles

JoystiqEA Week on Steam kicks off with discounts on Dragon Age titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2Dragon-Age-Originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeapcsteamMon, 02 May 2011 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 DLC provides a touch of class to each class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2-dlc-provides-a-touch-of-class-to-each-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2-dlc-provides-a-touch-of-class-to-each-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2-dlc-provides-a-touch-of-class-to-each-class/#comments BioWare is now offering options for Dragon Age 2 players looking for some fancy new finery to show off during their extended stays in Kirkwall. The company released three new item packs today: one each for Warriors, Rogues, and Mages.

Each pack contains three follower items, new weapons, and armor. You can see the new ensembles in action in our gallery. We were just thinking that our Mage didn't look nearly enough like the child of Altair and the guy from V for Vendetta.

You can get all three packs for $5 (400 BioWare Points or Microsoft Points), and each class's pack for $3 (240 Points) on PC, Xbox 360 and (some day) PS3.

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 (Item packs)

JoystiqDragon Age 2 DLC provides a touch of class to each class originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-Age-2ea-partnerselectronic-artsitem-packsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblaxboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy BioWare's wares for Japan relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/buy-biowares-wares-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/buy-biowares-wares-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/buy-biowares-wares-for-japan-relief/#comments BioWare games are all about binary moral choices, but you don't have to choose between self-serving behavior and "Paragon" style heroism in real life -- all you need is a ton of money. The developer is auctioning a few custom Dragon Age 2-themed PS3 and Xbox 360 systems, plus a bunch of Mass Effect hoodies signed by BioWare founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka.

The auctions all end April 19, and with bids already in the $400-$600 range for the consoles, expect to give a lot of money to the Japanese Red Cross in exchange for one of these collectibles. But shipping is free!

JoystiqBuy BioWare's wares for Japan relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-2ebayjapanmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 15 Apr 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/bioware-sequel-celebration-brings-free-mass-effect-2-to-dragon/#comments BioWare heard you liked BioWare sequels, so it put a free BioWare sequel in your BioWare sequel, so you can role play while you role play. To celebrate the success of Dragon Age 2 (the game passed "the 1 million mark in less than two weeks and faster than Dragon Age: Origins," BioWare said), it's offering free downloads of the PC version of Mass Effect 2 to people who purchased Dragon Age 2 on any platform.

According to the email sent out to lucky recipients, you must activate the "Black Emporium" Online Pass content by April 30, log into the site set up for the offer, and enter the Online Pass code to initiate the download.

The trailer after the break is also free to Dragon Age 2 owners (and everyone else!)

Continue reading 'BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners

Joystiq'BioWare sequel celebration' brings free Mass Effect 2 to Dragon Age 2 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-sequel-celebrationDragon-Age-2electronic-artsmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 writer responds to complaint about BioWare neglecting 'straight male' demographic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/dragon-age-2-writer-responds-to-complaint-about-bioware-neglecti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/dragon-age-2-writer-responds-to-complaint-about-bioware-neglecti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/dragon-age-2-writer-responds-to-complaint-about-bioware-neglecti/#comments For the second time in under six months, Dragon Age senior writer David Gaider felt obligated to step among the Darkspawn in the BioWare Forums to defend the sexual politics of Thedas.

A post on the forum declares that "Bioware Neglected Their Main Demographic: The Straight Male Gamer" in Dragon Age 2. The author's thesis (which you should totally read) posits several interesting arguments. Our favorite: "It makes things very awkward when your male companions keep making passes at you. The fact that a 'No Homosexuality' option, which could have been easily implemented, is omitted just proves my point."

"We have good numbers, after all, on the number of people who actually used similar sorts of content in [Dragon Age: Origins] and thus don't need to resort to anecdotal evidence to support our idea that their numbers are not insignificant," Gaider wrote, echoing previous sentiments in his response.

We think BioWare should seize this opportunity and release some DLC: the big, gaudy, golden "Necklace of Nohomo" that grants +2 against "unwanted advances" -- then donate the proceeds to the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

JoystiqDragon Age 2 writer responds to complaint about BioWare neglecting 'straight male' demographic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowarebisexualDavid-GaiderDragon-Age-2EAElectronic-Artsgayglbtlesbianmicrosoftpcplaystationps3queerxboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 for $40 on Amazon today, more games in lightning deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/dragon-age-2-for-40-on-amazon-today-more-games-in-lightning-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/dragon-age-2-for-40-on-amazon-today-more-games-in-lightning-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/dragon-age-2-for-40-on-amazon-today-more-games-in-lightning-de/#comments Spring's in full swing, and you know what that means: Time for young love to start blossoming. Why not mix it up this year -- in a manner that's in no way sad -- and fall in love with video games? Today, Amazon's offering up a season's worth of affairs with Gold Box deals all day on potential digital love interests.

Why, right now you could have a fling with Dragon Age 2 for just $40, and there are some equally attractive offerings to come, judging by Thrifty Nerd's list of guesses. Are they all beauties? Nope. But it's spring! Let yourself live a little.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 for $40 on Amazon today, more games in lightning deals

JoystiqDragon Age 2 for $40 on Amazon today, more games in lightning deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondragon-age-2dsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront invades UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/homefront-invades-uk-charts/#comments THQ's Homefront blitzed the UK's wallets last week, taking the top spot on Chart-Track's all formats chart. According to Chart-Track data obtained by Eurogamer, format purchasing for the new IP was quite lopsided, with 70 percent of total retail Homefront sales being on Xbox 360, 26 percent on PS3 and the four percent remainder (which does not include digital distribution) on PC. Due to the invasion the prior week's top two, Dragon Age 2 and Pokemon White, slipped down one spot each, leaving BioWare's well-received RPG in second place.

Beyond Homefront, the UK saw several solid premieres last week. PC-exclusive Total War: Shogun 2 found an honorable place in fourth, while multiplatform tennis sim Top Spin 4 just missed out on the top ten in the 12th spot. Taking a trip further down the list, we find Yakuza 4 debuting at number 25.

Continue reading Homefront invades UK charts

JoystiqHomefront invades UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydragon-age-2homefrontmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpokemon-whiteps3ukwiixboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 patched on PC, busted save files fixed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/dragon-age-2-patched-on-pc-busted-save-files-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/dragon-age-2-patched-on-pc-busted-save-files-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/dragon-age-2-patched-on-pc-busted-save-files-fixed/#comments If you were experiencing one of a number of issues with your save file in the PC version of Dragon Age 2, you should be in the clear -- the game has been patched to remedy a handful of data oddities, a list of which can be found just below. The patch may also double the number of dragons. Maybe.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 patched on PC, busted save files fixed

JoystiqDragon Age 2 patched on PC, busted save files fixed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2eapatchpcsteamupdateFri, 18 Mar 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Legends now live on Facebook, go poke some Darkspawn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/dragon-age-legends-now-live-on-facebook-go-poke-some-darkspawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/dragon-age-legends-now-live-on-facebook-go-poke-some-darkspawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/dragon-age-legends-now-live-on-facebook-go-poke-some-darkspawn/#comments At last, social game aficionados/haters have a new title to sink their teeth into/receive hundreds of unwanted Facebook invitations to: Dragon Age Legends. The network-connected strategy RPG lets players work together to complete quests, and earn equipment -- both in Legends and the recently released Dragon Age 2.

If you're feeling lost after loading up the game, you're not without options -- perhaps you could consult with one of the thousands of players who got in on the game's beta, which kicked off in January? We bet they know a thing or two about putting down Genlocks.

JoystiqDragon Age Legends now live on Facebook, go poke some Darkspawn originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-2dragon-age-legendseaea2dfacebookpcsocial-gamesWed, 16 Mar 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 champions UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dragon-age-2-champions-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dragon-age-2-champions-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/dragon-age-2-champions-uk-sales-chart/#comments Dragon Age 2, as it was foretold by the Chantry prophecies, took the top spot on Chart-Track's all formats UK sales chart for the week of March 6. Hawke's ascension meant that s/he pushed back the Pokémon of the White and Black breeds to second and fourth place, respectively.

Fight Night Champion beat up most of the competition to retain third place, while Just Dance 2's seductive moves helped it slide up two spots to fifth.

The big move last week was THQ's uDraw Studio (with Game Tablet), which shot up into tenth place from #83 in its second week at retail. Check out the complete UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 champions UK sales chart

JoystiqDragon Age 2 champions UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklyDragon-Age-2fight-night-championjust-dance-2microsoftnintendoplaystationpokemon-black-and-whiteps3salesudrawukwiixboxMon, 14 Mar 2011 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Player banned from Dragon Age 2 forum 'accidentally' loses access to entire game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/player-banned-from-dragon-age-2-forum-accidentally-loses-acces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/player-banned-from-dragon-age-2-forum-accidentally-loses-acces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/player-banned-from-dragon-age-2-forum-accidentally-loses-acces/#comments There are bans, and then there are bans. One user of BioWare's forums found himself facing one of the latter after having his account suspended for allegedly using inappropriate language in a post -- but instead of just keeping him from socializing temporarily, it prevented his PC copy of Dragon Age 2, purchased online, from running entirely.

EA has acknowledged that this actually happened to the affected user, but calls it an error. While it says it intended to temporarily ban the individual for violating the forum code of conduct, "there was an error in the system that accidentally suspended a user's entire account."

"Immediately upon learning of the glitch, EA took steps to restore the user's macro account and apologized for the inconvenience," the publisher told Joystiq. What it didn't say is what -- if any -- steps are being taken to prevent similar mega-bans from happening in the future.

[Thanks, Jeff]

JoystiqPlayer banned from Dragon Age 2 forum 'accidentally' loses access to entire game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbiowareDragon-Age-2eaelectronic-artsforumspcrpgFri, 11 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 glitch is an XP factory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/dragon-age-2-glitch-is-an-xp-factory/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/dragon-age-2-glitch-is-an-xp-factory/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/dragon-age-2-glitch-is-an-xp-factory/#comments Amateur QA engineer "boricuacookie" discovered a glitch in Dragon Age 2 that awards XP infinitely. The glitch, taking place in the chantry, appears pretty simple to execute -- certainly much simpler than dozens of hours of fighting. But, of course, don't do this.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 glitch is an XP factory

JoystiqDragon Age 2 glitch is an XP factory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2ea-partnersglitchmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 10 Mar 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Day-one texture pack released for Dragon Age 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/day-one-texture-pack-released-for-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/day-one-texture-pack-released-for-dragon-age-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/day-one-texture-pack-released-for-dragon-age-2/#comments On its own, the release of a high-resolution texture pack for the PC version of Dragon Age 2 wouldn't be that weird. It would just be nice for those PC owners with the gear to handle it. But this pack isn't being released years after the fact, when graphical display technology has improved and made the game look dated -- it's being released now, on the same day as the game.

In order to take advantage of the new textures, you need at least 1 gigabyte of video RAM, and BioWare recommends DirectX 11. You also need over a gig of spare hard drive space. You should probably clean your glasses, too, for the absolute highest visual fidelity.

JoystiqDay-one texture pack released for Dragon Age 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2electronic-artspatchpcupdateTue, 08 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST