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[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[Majority of profit from Dragon Age: Origins DLC was from launch DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/majority-of-profit-from-dragon-age-origins-dlc-was-from-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/majority-of-profit-from-dragon-age-origins-dlc-was-from-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/majority-of-profit-from-dragon-age-origins-dlc-was-from-launch/#comments Majority of profit from Dragon Age Origins DLC was day one"Having something post-ship is absolutely essential," BioWare director of online development Fernando Melo told an audience at GDC Europe today, during his discussion of day-one DLC, online passes and long-term monetization. Shipping DLC on the day of launch is essential from a business standpoint - Dragon Age: Origins, for example, saw 53 percent of all of its paid DLC transactions solely from sales of its day-one DLC packs, The Stone Prisoner and Warden's Keep.

This figure accounts for those who bought Stone Prisoner for $15 in a used copy of Origins, and those who purchased Warden's Keep for $7 outside of its inclusion in the Digital Deluxe Edition. Since these two DLC packs, Dragon Age: Origins has had seven additional iterations of downloadable content, which account for less than half of the total DLC revenue from Origins.

Melo stressed the importance of day-one DLC from a business standpoint for any developer. Launch day sees the highest number of players and offers the widest possibility for catching long-term, continuously paying players, he said.

JoystiqMajority of profit from Dragon Age: Origins DLC was from launch DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareday-one-dlcDLCdragon-age-originsGamescom-2012gdc-2012gdc-europe-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Remember Dragon Age: Origins or 'How to keep a good RPG going']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/remember-dragon-age-origins-or-how-to-keep-a-good-rpg-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/remember-dragon-age-origins-or-how-to-keep-a-good-rpg-going/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/remember-dragon-age-origins-or-how-to-keep-a-good-rpg-going/#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.
Remembering Dragon Age Origins or how to keep an RPG going
With The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's first expansion being released on multiple platforms as well as Mass Effect 3's first single-player add-on announced, it's been a busy week for the biggest role-playing games in recent months. Yet, my reaction to each piece of news was quite different, despite my similar feelings about both games. Hearing that I could finally play "Dawnguard" on my PC got me excited that there'd be more Skyrim when I got to it, because that was a game about exploring and finding new things. Mass Effect 3's "Leviathan," on the other hand, held no appeal for me. The entire third game was an emotional ending (although not always inspiring good emotions). Maybe I'd get excited doing another quest built into the middle of the game if I ran a new Shepard through all three games, but there's no appeal for me now.

I spent last weekend playing the Dragon Age: Origins expansions, which I'd left on my hard drive for far too long following the completion of the initial game. As I worked on my "Awakening" and pressed through more of Dragon Age's add-ons, the difference in form crystallized in my head. Role-playing games have specific issues to deal with involving add-on content, and by trying a wide variety of different strategies, Dragon Age: Origins demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of those plans.

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (Retail Expansion)

Continue reading Remember Dragon Age: Origins or 'How to keep a good RPG going'

JoystiqRemember Dragon Age: Origins or 'How to keep a good RPG going' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCDownloadable-Contentdragon-age-originsmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 10 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lighten up!: On thematic consistency in role-playing games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/lighten-up-on-thematic-consistency-in-role-playing-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/lighten-up-on-thematic-consistency-in-role-playing-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/lighten-up-on-thematic-consistency-in-role-playing-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
One of my all-time favorite role-playing games features a militaristic, near-fascist race of rhinoceroses who walk on two legs and wear uniforms. When you encounter them, they slide across the game screen, waving their muskets and cutlasses. They also fly spaceships around the galaxy, and are considered one of the most powerful empires in space, along with their spider-like rivals. It's a fantasy world.

The game is Wizardry VII: Crusaders Of The Dark Savant, released in 1992. The setting and story aren't what make the game great (see: the mechanics of the class system) but they are part of the whole, pleasant experience of the game. Yes, the setting is utterly ridiculous, but that's not a point against the game. If anything, it's a benefit. It's not serious, and it knows it's not serious, so why not just do fun weird stuff, like take on an army of blue-skinned theocrats aligned with an empire of spiders?

Continue reading Lighten up!: On thematic consistency in role-playing games

JoystiqLighten up!: On thematic consistency in role-playing games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-originspcrowan-kaiserultimawizardyFri, 24 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/dark-side-cause-it-looks-cool-the-failings-of-moral-choice-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Morality systems have become role-playing. Or at least, a significant amount of people have come to believe this. To take one example, this review of The Old Republic is premised on the concept that BioWare's style of moral choices are effective character-building mechanics. It's a fine review, but it's one that I can't agree with because I find the model of game morality used in The Old Republic and many other role-playing games ineffective at creating a moral system.

In order for a moral choice to have weight, it needs to have two components. First, meaningful choices have to cause the player to lose something in order to gain power. Something has to change, or be expected to change, within the game in order for the decision to matter. In Mass Effect, at one point in the game, you have to choose which of two party members to rescue - the other dies. Or, in Fallout: New Vegas, working with Caesar's Legion turns the New California Republic into an enemy, and vice versa.

Second, a moral choice has to be a difficult choice. The old adage "If doing the right thing were easy, everyone would do it" applies here. This is where games usually fail. They can do it with little choices, like with stealing even when you won't get caught in New Vegas. Take the owned items and you'll lose karma, which might be a small hit compared to the benefits of a new weapon. Alternately, in some games, honorable characters will simply refuse payment for quests, forcing money to be acquired by other means.

Continue reading Dark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games

JoystiqDark Side 'Cause It Looks Cool: The Failings of Moral Choice in Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndragon-age-originsfallout-new-vegasmass-effectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgstar-wars-the-old-republicThe-Old-RepublicxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 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[Big discounts on EA games, DLC on Xbox Live this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/big-discounts-on-ea-games-dlc-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/big-discounts-on-ea-games-dlc-on-xbox-live-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/big-discounts-on-ea-games-dlc-on-xbox-live-this-week/#comments Dead Space 2: Severed Xbox Live is hosting some decent deals on Electronic Arts content this week. Notable games include Risk: Factions for $5, Shank for $7.50 or Dragon Age: Origins for $15.

Plenty of DLC is up for grabs as well, including Dead Space 2 "Severed" or Mass Effect 2 "Arrival" DLC for $3 each, or Dragon Age's "Witch Hunt" DLC for $4. You can check out the full selection of sale items - oddly split into two different lists - here and here.

JoystiqBig discounts on EA games, DLC on Xbox Live this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-2dlcDragon-Age-Originsmicrosoftrisk-factionsshankxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 03 Jan 2012 17:01:00 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[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: Origins PC servers experience 'unidentified failure,' DLC unplayable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/dragon-age-origins-pc-servers-experience-unidentified-failure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/dragon-age-origins-pc-servers-experience-unidentified-failure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/dragon-age-origins-pc-servers-experience-unidentified-failure/#comments BioWare finally responded to the Dragon Age: Origins server outages yesterday by saying it is working to resolve the issues on its end. BioWare's Rob Bartel acknowledged on the company's forums that the problems began over the weekend of April 9 when the servers experienced an "as yet unidentified failure."

The server issue caused connection errors, which flagged DLC content as unauthorized. Although we've yet to test this ourselves, folks on the forums say that the game is still playable in offline mode.

Bartel expressed that the company will update the thread once it knows more. A similar, unintended incident occurred only a few months ago due to server maintenance.

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins PC servers experience 'unidentified failure,' DLC unplayable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCdragon-age-originspcserversTue, 12 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impulse takes dragon-sized bite from Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/impulse-takes-dragon-sized-bite-from-dragon-age-origins-ultimat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/impulse-takes-dragon-sized-bite-from-dragon-age-origins-ultimat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/impulse-takes-dragon-sized-bite-from-dragon-age-origins-ultimat/#comments From a value perspective, it's pretty hard to deny the cost to amount of game ratio of Impulse's half-price deal on Dragon Age: Origins. It includes both Origins and the Awakening expansion for 25 bucks. Throw in the fact that it's actually a good game and, well, you've got yourself a heckuva deal.

Continue reading Impulse takes dragon-sized bite from Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition price

JoystiqImpulse takes dragon-sized bite from Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition price originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaimpulsepcThu, 24 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra gets in the video game concert game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/dayton-philharmonic-orchestra-gets-in-the-video-game-concert-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/dayton-philharmonic-orchestra-gets-in-the-video-game-concert-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/dayton-philharmonic-orchestra-gets-in-the-video-game-concert-gam/#comments Hey, Video Games Live isn't the only contender in the market for orchestral performances of ludological accompaniment, you know. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra -- for those unfamiliar with their Midwest geography, that's Dayton, Ohio -- is putting together a game-themed show, aptly titled PLAY.

Continue reading Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra gets in the video game concert game

JoystiqDayton Philharmonic Orchestra gets in the video game concert game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniaconcertdayton-philharmonic-orchestradragon-age-originsohioorchestraThu, 24 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare describes making of Dragon Age 2 in new video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/bioware-describes-making-of-dragon-age-2-in-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/bioware-describes-making-of-dragon-age-2-in-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/bioware-describes-making-of-dragon-age-2-in-new-video/#comments
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.

Continue reading BioWare describes making of Dragon Age 2 in new video

JoystiqBioWare describes making of Dragon Age 2 in new video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-originseaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgxboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Dragon Age Ultimate Edition missing Ostagar DLC in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ps3-dragon-age-ultimate-edition-missing-ostagar-dlc-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ps3-dragon-age-ultimate-edition-missing-ostagar-dlc-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/ps3-dragon-age-ultimate-edition-missing-ostagar-dlc-in-europe/#commentsThe European PS3 release of the Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition isn't as ultimate as buyers would probably like. Players are reporting that the "Return to Ostagar" content, one of seven DLC packs supposed to be included in the package, is missing. It's in the menu, but doesn't load. Just one more problem for this bizarrely troublesome content.

According to Eurogamer, EA is aware of the issue, and is giving vouchers for the Ostagar DLC to those affected. Just contact Customer Services to have them return Ostagar to you. And now we know why it wasn't named the "Return to Ostagar Is Definitely On the Disc" Edition.

JoystiqPS3 Dragon Age Ultimate Edition missing Ostagar DLC in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebugsdragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-ultimate-editionelectronic-artseuropeglitchplaystationps3return-to-ostagarTue, 02 Nov 2010 03:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 will import 'the world' from Dragon Age: Origins save]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dragon-age-2-will-import-the-world-from-dragon-age-origins-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dragon-age-2-will-import-the-world-from-dragon-age-origins-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dragon-age-2-will-import-the-world-from-dragon-age-origins-sa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

JoystiqDragon Age 2 will import 'the world' from Dragon Age: Origins save originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-originselectronic-artsmicrosoftmike-laidlawpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 06 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition hits on Oct. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-hits-on-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-hits-on-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-hits-on-oct-26/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not content with delivering some of this year's most promising games, October has also decided to become a haven for new versions of last year's standout titles. Living a year behind the rest of us has its benefits, as illustrated by the (now officially announced) "Ultimate Edition" of Dragon Age: Origins.

Okay, so perhaps the actual illustration on the cover -- depicting slightly smaller cover illustrations -- isn't entirely elegant, but how else do you convey such an impressive amount of value for a $60 video game? Launching on October 26 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, the Ultimate Edition packs in BioWare's acclaimed fantasy RPG, the Awakening expansion, all 7 downloadable add-ons (including Witch Hunt) and 37 billion hours of tactical party management, intriguing conversation and moral handwringing.

If the folks at BioWare really want to pile on the pressure, they'll slip in a note that says, "Hey, try to wrap this up by March, 2011."

Continue reading Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition hits on Oct. 26

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition hits on Oct. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originsdragon-age-origins-ultimate-editioneagotymicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-dateRPGxboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare working to resolve 'continuity bug' in Dragon Age's Witch Hunt DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/bioware-working-to-resolve-continuity-bug-in-dragon-ages-witc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/bioware-working-to-resolve-continuity-bug-in-dragon-ages-witc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/bioware-working-to-resolve-continuity-bug-in-dragon-ages-witc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BioWare's Witch Hunt DLC for Dragon Age: Origins has been affected by a few unfortunate bugs during its launch, executive producer Mark Darrah admitted on the company's forums. "Unfortunately, there is a continuity bug that is causing issues with a subset of our player base. While this issue is not affecting the majority of people, it is still a significant issue that we will address," Darrah said last night.

Furthermore, an issue with saved games not reflecting the DLC's completion is currently being looked into -- our own reviewer even ran into this particular glitch -- which could be troublesome for those hoping to import the DLC's outcome into next year's Dragon Age 2. Darrah also added, "We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing anyone," and said his team is "doing everything we can to fix this in a timely manner so those who are affected can go back to enjoying Witch Hunt as soon as possible."

JoystiqBioWare working to resolve 'continuity bug' in Dragon Age's Witch Hunt DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsdlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originsglitchesmark-darrahmicrosoftpcplaystationps3witch-huntxboxThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Witch Hunt DLC review: Build a bridge out of her]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-review/#comments "But whether you seek answers, revenge, or reconciliation with your lost love, you may find more than you bargained for."

Contrary to the marketing line, you'll likely find less than you bargained for in Dragon Age: Witch Hunt, a disappointing and flimsy finale to the Dragon Age: Origins storyline. It's not a terrible chunk of content -- and it would have to do far worse before it could tarnish BioWare's other efforts in keeping the Dragon Age universe alive for almost a year now -- but the crucial failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion is hard to forget. We'll talk forgiveness later.

Continue reading Dragon Age: Witch Hunt DLC review: Build a bridge out of her

JoystiqDragon Age: Witch Hunt DLC review: Build a bridge out of her originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originsmicrosoftmorriganpcplaystationps3witch-huntxboxWed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBFC: Dragon Age Ultimate Edition to include Awakening and all DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/dragon-age-ultimate-edition-to-include-awakening-and-all-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/dragon-age-ultimate-edition-to-include-awakening-and-all-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/dragon-age-ultimate-edition-to-include-awakening-and-all-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite popping up on GameStop and having been rated by Australia's OFLC, the so-called "Dragon Age Origins - Ultimate Edition" still hasn't been officially announced by EA. Now the British Board of Film Classification has gone ahead and listed the supposed contents of the re-release, which is "made up of a number of separate components," including:
While the GameStop listing has since been removed, the retailer had posted a $60 price and an October 12 release date for the Ultimate Edition. We'll be sure to note the official details when EA officially announces them.

JoystiqBBFC: Dragon Age Ultimate Edition to include Awakening and all DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcBioWareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningdragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chroniclesdragon-age-origins-dlcDragon-Age-Origins-Ultimate-Editiondragon-age-origins-wardens-questEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Ultimate-EditionxboxFri, 03 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 'Witch Hunt' DLC teaser offers a taste of our Warden's final quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-teaser-offers-a-taste-of-our-warden/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-teaser-offers-a-taste-of-our-warden/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/dragon-age-witch-hunt-dlc-teaser-offers-a-taste-of-our-warden/#comments Next week, we'll finally get to find out what became of Morrigan at the conclusion of Dragon Age: Origins. Well, technically that wasn't the conclusion of the story -- this is the end, but you get our point. Sort it all out for yourself past the break.

Continue reading Dragon Age 'Witch Hunt' DLC teaser offers a taste of our Warden's final quest

JoystiqDragon Age 'Witch Hunt' DLC teaser offers a taste of our Warden's final quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originseamicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgwitch-huntwitch-hunt-dlcxboxThu, 02 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins Awakening now available on Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragon-age-origins-awakening-now-available-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragon-age-origins-awakening-now-available-on-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/dragon-age-origins-awakening-now-available-on-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mac users, it's time to brush the caked-on dust from the once-shiny pauldrons of your Dragon Age: Origins party. We know you've been forced to wait patienty for months while BioWare readied the massive RPG's similarly sizable expansion, Awakening, for your particular gaming platform of choice. Your wait is over -- the add-on is now available on major digital distributors for the price of $30.

Of course, it's probably been close to eight months since your Warden's seen any combat action. We strongly suggest you do some stretches to avoid damaging your atrophied Darkspawn-slaying muscles.

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins Awakening now available on Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-AwakeningDragon-Age-OriginsDragon-Age-Origins-Awakeningelectronic-artsmacrpgTue, 31 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age: Origins -- Ultimate Edition' rated by OFLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-rated-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-rated-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-rated-by-oflc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dragon Age Origins - Ultimate Edition has yet to be officially announced, but it has now been rated by Australia's OFLC. Previously popping up as a GameStop listing with a $60 price and an October 12 release date, the re-release once again prompts us to blankly stare in EA's general direction until it confesses like a mage in the Chantry. We've sent couriers off to EA for official comment.

It's not quite the "Dragon Age Molybdenum" edition, but one can safely speculate that this "Utlimate" package would include all of the Origins DLC, along with the recently announced "Witch Hunt" add-on. With Dragon Age 2 half a year away, it really is time to wrap up Origins in a nice bundle.

Joystiq'Dragon Age: Origins -- Ultimate Edition' rated by OFLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsDragon-Age-Origins-Ultimate-EditionEAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftOFLCpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 26 Aug 2010 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins story concluded in 'Witch Hunt' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dragon-age-origins-story-concluded-in-witch-hunt-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dragon-age-origins-story-concluded-in-witch-hunt-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dragon-age-origins-story-concluded-in-witch-hunt-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

And you thought they'd save this one for the sequel! BioWare has announced "Witch Hunt," a new Dragon Age: Origins add-on that concludes the storyline and investigates the true motives of Morrigan, the sardonic witch known for delivering sick burns via verbal insult or fireball incantation. This will be of particular interest if you spent time, err, investigating Morrigan during the main quest.

As BioWare puts it dramatically, "Her plans and her whereabouts have remained a mystery... until now."

Well, until September 7, when you'll download Witch Hunt for $7 (or 560 MS/BioWare points) on PC, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. The content will allow you to create a new, high-powered character or import your hero from Dragon Age: Origins and the Awakening expansion. "But whether you seek answers, revenge, or reconciliation with your lost love," BioWare warns, "you may find more than you bargained for."

That's always nice when it comes to DLC, isn't it?

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins - Witch Hunt (DLC)

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins story concluded in 'Witch Hunt' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originselectronic-artsmicrosoftmorriganpcplaystationps3release-daterpgwitch-huntxboxWed, 25 Aug 2010 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM Deal of the Week: Dragon Age DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/xblm-deal-of-the-week-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/xblm-deal-of-the-week-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/xblm-deal-of-the-week-dragon-age-dlc/#comments If you just can't wait for official details on Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition (or if you already have the game), this XBL Deal of the Week is for you. It's all Origins content this week, with the highlight being Awakening. Gold members can snag it for 1600 MSP ($20), down from 2400 MSP ($30).

Continue reading XBLM Deal of the Week: Dragon Age DLC

JoystiqXBLM Deal of the Week: Dragon Age DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDeal-of-the-WeekDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftXBLMxboxXbox-LiveTue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop lists 'Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition' for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gamestop-lists-dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-for-pc-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gamestop-lists-dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-for-pc-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gamestop-lists-dragon-age-origins-ultimate-edition-for-pc-ps/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've held off on purchasing Dragon Age: Origins until now ... keep holding off. GameStop listings have appeared for something called "Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition" on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, supposedly due for release on October 12 for $59.99.

The listings have no information at all about what's included in the package -- and neither EA nor BioWare have officially announced this thing, though we've asked for a comment regardless -- so it's anyone's guess as to what's included. If it were truly "Ultimate" it would include the Awakenings expansion and all the DLC. Now that word's out about this thing's existence, we expect an announcement soon, at which point we'll learn the precise level of ultimateness contained within.

[Thanks, No Name]

JoystiqGameStop lists 'Dragon Age Origins: Ultimate Edition' for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsDragon-Age-Origins-Ultimate-EditionElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RPGxboxMon, 09 Aug 2010 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age to be rocked by 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC on Aug. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dragon-age-to-be-rocked-by-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc-on-aug-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dragon-age-to-be-rocked-by-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc-on-aug-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/dragon-age-to-be-rocked-by-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc-on-aug-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You know that Dragon Age: Origins DLC, "Golems of Amgarrak," we just played at Comic-Con? You'll be playing it soon yourself -- on Tuesday, August 10, to be exact, for PS3, 360 and PC. (Unless, that is, you don't like Dragon Age, in which case we can't be friends anymore. Kidding!)

BioWare's, er, bio on its new 'ware -- which is meant for seasoned adventurers -- tells of a backstory involving a "missing dwarven expedition" and "ancient secrets for creating monstrous constructs." How this is all that different from most normal people's days escapes us, but at least we can look forward to fighting an "all-new terrifying creature!" (Spoiler alert: it's probably a golem.)

JoystiqDragon Age to be rocked by 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC on Aug. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredlcDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsEAElectronic-ArtsGolems-of-Amgarrakmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 28 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/preview-dragon-age-golems-of-amgarrak-dlc/#comments "We just brought it down," the marketing guy from BioWare told me while waiting in line. The company was already bringing a bunch of computers to Comic-Con to let visiting fans preview Dragon Age 2, so they figured why not bring some PCs down all loaded up with unreleased DLC to play, too? Other companies hold secret sneak previews and require pages of NDA agreements to see their unreleased games for the first time, but BioWare just brings them to Comic-Con.

So yes, alongside the public, I got a chance to see the upcoming DLC. And the first thing I heard about it is that it's hard. Really hard. Dragon Age: Origins is already a game that requires some thinking, but BioWare has apparently turned up the difficulty on this one -- there's lots of big enemies, I was told, that will provide a challenge even on the easiest setting.

Continue reading Preview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC

JoystiqPreview: Dragon Age 'Golems of Amgarrak' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecomic-con-2010Dragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originseamicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach, Dragon Age Avatar gear now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-dragon-age-avatar-gear-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-dragon-age-avatar-gear-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/halo-reach-dragon-age-avatar-gear-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As promised, new Halo: Reach and Dragon Age: Origins goodies are now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The Reach items include a handful of T-shirts, a hat and Noble Team armor. The Dragon Age offering is somewhat more robust, including hats, shirts, various character outfits and armor, helmets and even a couple of props (including a nice goblet for your digital krunk needs). Strangely absent from the Dragon Age set: A Brood Mother Avatar pet.

JoystiqHalo: Reach, Dragon Age Avatar gear now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatar-MarketplaceAvatarsBioWareBungieDragon-Age-OriginsEAHalo-ReachmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxXbox-LiveXbox-Live-MarketplaceFri, 23 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 'Leliana's Song' DLC for Dragon Age: Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-lelianas-song-dlc-for-dragon-age-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-lelianas-song-dlc-for-dragon-age-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/review-lelianas-song-dlc-for-dragon-age-origins/#comments Leliana's Song DLC There's a strange calculus that we all apply to digitally-distributed gaming content. iPhone games, XBLA and PSN releases, etc., divorced from the usual MSRP for retail products, all suffer the same fate: intense pricing scrutiny. While our reviews aim to be more experiential and less commercial, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't applying that same calculus to the latest Dragon Age: Origins DLC, "Leliana's Song," while I played it. How much new content is there? How long is it? How does that compare to the retail version? And, of course, how much does it cost?

Let's cover that new content first: "Leliana's Song" is a fully-voiced expansion featuring several new characters (like your companions Sketch the mage and Tug the dwarf), some new music, and some new (albeit dull) locations. A particular disappointment: despite Leliana's Orlesian (read: French) lineage, and despite this being her origin story, you won't see a single Orlesian blade of grass in this adventure. Instead, you'll spend time in the oft-recycled Denerim Market and you'll sneak through the Arl's castle; familiar environments, to be sure. Depending on what you're hoping to extract from "Leliana's Song," there's either a wealth of content (new dialogue! new music!) or a dearth of it (old locations!).

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins (Leliana's Song DLC)

Continue reading Review: 'Leliana's Song' DLC for Dragon Age: Origins

JoystiqReview: 'Leliana's Song' DLC for Dragon Age: Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsEAElectronic-ArtsLelianas-Songmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Jul 2010 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[More Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age DLC now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/more-mass-effect-2-dragon-age-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/more-mass-effect-2-dragon-age-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/more-mass-effect-2-dragon-age-dlc-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bioware buckaroos, mount up! New DLC add-ons were deployed this week for the developer's sci-fi, space-faring RPG, Mass Effect 2, and its traditional fantasy RPG, Dragon Age: Origins. Head past the break for complete details and stuff to look at.

Continue reading More Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age DLC now available

JoystiqMore Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age DLC now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aegis-packBiowareDLCDragon-AgeDragon-Age-Originslelianas-songMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 07 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for July 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/european-psn-releases-for-july-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/european-psn-releases-for-july-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/european-psn-releases-for-july-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A handful of big ol' games became even bigger this week with a few high-profile DLC releases, such as Modern Warfare 2's "Resurgence Pack," and Dragon Age: Origins' "Leiliana's Song." Also, LittleBigPlanet gets a booster shot in the form of a Marvel Level and Costume Kit, and the new and improved version of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge hits the storefront. Click past the jump for the full release list!

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading European PSN releases for July 7

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for July 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutyDragon-Age-Originslittlebigplanetmodern-warfare-2monkey-island-2-special-edition-lechucks-revengeplaystationps3psn-wednesdaypsn-weeklypspWed, 07 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2 gain +10 cheapness on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dragon-age-mass-effect-2-gain-10-cheapness/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dragon-age-mass-effect-2-gain-10-cheapness/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/dragon-age-mass-effect-2-gain-10-cheapness/#comments At their standard retail prices, BioWare titles typically offer players an unparalleled amount of HEPD, or "hours of enjoyment per dollar." That highly scientific ratio has been significantly altered by Amazon today.

Continue reading Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2 gain +10 cheapness on Amazon

JoystiqDragon Age, Mass Effect 2 gain +10 cheapness on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-Originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai signs multi-year licensing deal with EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/gaikai-signs-multi-year-licensing-deal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/gaikai-signs-multi-year-licensing-deal-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/gaikai-signs-multi-year-licensing-deal-with-ea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gaikai may not be ready for action just yet (the service doesn't have a release date), but the company was more than happy to drop news of a multi-year licensing agreement with Electronic Arts today. The news appears to be delivering on promises that the company's fearless leader, Dave Perry, made back in April of a big E3 announcement. Among the games Gaikai will be bringing to the web-streaming service are The Sims, the Battlefield: Bad Company series, the Dragon Age series, the Mass Effect series, Medal of Honor and Need for Speed.

"Gaikai's innovations open whole new experiences for both current players and new customers looking for the best of interactive entertainment," EA's Richard Hilleman said of the licensing deal. We're open to both "whole new experiences" and "interactive entertainment," so that sounds just fantastic to us.

JoystiqGaikai signs multi-year licensing deal with EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-Bad-CompanyDragon-Age-Originse3-2010EAElectronic-ArtsGaikaiMass-EffectMass-Effect-2Medal-of-HonorpcRichard-HillemanThe-SimsFri, 18 Jun 2010 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age anime due in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/dragon-age-anime-due-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/dragon-age-anime-due-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/dragon-age-anime-due-in-2011/#commentsContinuing the inexplicable trend of western games being adapted into anime (see also: Halo, Dante's Inferno), BioWare and anime publisher Funimation have announced a deal to produce an anime movie based on the Dragon Age franchise. Production started last month, with an intended 2011 direct-to-video release.

This will be the first release from Funimation's new Original Entertainment department, started to do exactly this kind of thing: develop new anime based on existing IP. We do wonder about the strict definition of the term "anime," though: if it's produced by an American publisher and based on an American (Canadian, actually) game, is it still anime? Luckily, this is one of those distinctions that doesn't matter at all. Regardless of the name, if you like Dragon Age, you'll soon get to watch a cartoon about it.

JoystiqDragon Age anime due in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeBioWareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-OriginsElectronic-ArtsFunimationMicrosoftRPGXbox-360Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sins of a Solar Empire for $4; Mass Effect and Dragon Age bundles part of Impulse sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/sins-of-a-solar-empire-for-4-mass-effect-and-dragon-age-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/sins-of-a-solar-empire-for-4-mass-effect-and-dragon-age-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/sins-of-a-solar-empire-for-4-mass-effect-and-dragon-age-bundle/#comments Impulse's Memorial Day sale this weekend has Sins of a Solar Empire at the heavenly price of $4. Go buy it now -- full stop. Whatever nit-picky issues the 4X strategy title may have can be thrown out an airlock at that price point. It may lack a single-player campaign to teach the ropes of glorious galactic armada warfare, but setting up a medium-sized map using normal AI is a good place to start. Which reminds us: Gratuitous Space Battles is also on sale.

Impulse also has a more mainstream space opera experience on sale with the first two chapters in the Mass Effect saga bundled for $42. Want something not involving spaceships? There's a Dragon Age: Origins bundle, which includes the original game and Awakening, for $48 -- that'll definitely keep you busy all weekend. Check out the rest of the Impulse weekend sales after the break.

Gallery: Sins of a Solar Empire

Continue reading Sins of a Solar Empire for $4; Mass Effect and Dragon Age bundles part of Impulse sale

JoystiqSins of a Solar Empire for $4; Mass Effect and Dragon Age bundles part of Impulse sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningGratuitous-space-battlesimpulseIroncladIronclad-Studiosmass-effect-2RTSSinsSins-of-a-Solar-EmpirestardockStrategyFri, 28 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinima.com creates canonical expansion to Dragon Age: Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/machinima-com-creates-canonical-expansion-to-dragon-age-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/machinima-com-creates-canonical-expansion-to-dragon-age-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/machinima-com-creates-canonical-expansion-to-dragon-age-origins/#comments Jonesing for more stories set in the grim Dragon Age universe, but don't have the patience to wait for the game's next expansion? Machinima.com recently produced a canonical miniseries set in the days following Origins' ending, and tells the story of Kristoff, another Gray Warden which players encounter in the Awakenings DLC. Considering the miniseries is titled "Warden's Fall," we seriously doubt things are going to turn out all roses and sunshine for him.

The first episode of the series went live earlier today, and can be found posted after the jump. If you're a fan of the game, it's well worth seven minutes of your time.

Continue reading Machinima.com creates canonical expansion to Dragon Age: Origins

JoystiqMachinima.com creates canonical expansion to Dragon Age: Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originsmachinimaMicrosoftminiseriesrpgvideowardens-fallXbox-360Sat, 22 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins PS3 freezing issues patched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/dragon-age-origins-ps3-freezing-issues-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/dragon-age-origins-ps3-freezing-issues-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/dragon-age-origins-ps3-freezing-issues-patched/#comments The game-crashing errors which have plagued the PS3 version of Dragon Age: Origins since firmware update 3.30 launched have finally been remedied. A patch, available today in the U.S. and Europe, fixes the frequent freezes, and also sorts out an issue which removed free DLC redeemed with promo codes from the in-game store.

It also adds Trophy support for the "Darkspawn Chronicles" DLC, which was added to the game yesterday. Apparently, when BioWare said the PS3 version of the expansion was "coming soon," it actually meant, "in like, a few hours."

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins PS3 freezing issues patched originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chronicleseapatchrpgupdateWed, 19 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins 'Darkspawn Chronicles' DLC out on 360 and PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/dragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chronicles-dlc-out-on-360-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/dragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chronicles-dlc-out-on-360-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/dragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chronicles-dlc-out-on-360-and-pc/#commentsDo you feel like satisfying that evil streak you've got locked away deep, deep inside you? You can now play as the maleficent baddies of Ferelden by picking up Dragon Age: Origins' newest DLC pack, Darkspawn Chronicles. It's available today on 360 and PC for 400 ($5). Check out the trailer above to get an idea of how the other, uglier half of Dragon Age's epic conflict lives.

According to BioWare's official website, the PS3 version of the DLC is "coming soon." We're not sure what the hang-up is, but we've contacted BioWare to get a rough idea of the content's ETA.

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins 'Darkspawn Chronicles' DLC out on 360 and PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredarkspawndlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chroniclesmicrosoftrpgXbox-360Tue, 18 May 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Darkspawn Chronicles trailer kills the Wardens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/dragon-age-darkspawn-chronicles-trailer-kills-the-wardens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/dragon-age-darkspawn-chronicles-trailer-kills-the-wardens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/dragon-age-darkspawn-chronicles-trailer-kills-the-wardens/#commentsDragon Age: Origins is great and all, but it's a little too goody two-shoes, if you ask us. Thankfully, some new DLC is set to cater to our evil side. Darkspawn Chronicles will allow players to step into the grotesque, mud-soaked shoes of Ferelden's evil inhabitants and play out an alternate scenario: What if the good guys never won?

It appears we'll all find out come May 18.

JoystiqDragon Age Darkspawn Chronicles trailer kills the Wardens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredarkspawndarkspawn-chroniclesdlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-darkspawn-chroniclesMicrosoftrpgXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 19:30:00 EST