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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age anime film due in spring 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dragon-age-anime-film-due-in-spring-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dragon-age-anime-film-due-in-spring-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dragon-age-anime-film-due-in-spring-2012/#comments
Hey, remember the Dragon Age anime? Back in 2010, EA and Funimation announced plans for an original direct-to-video animated feature based on the franchise, to be released in 2011. Funimation has finally unveiled Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker, cleverly playing the delay off as an intentional Year of the Dragon placement.

You can see footage from the CG animated movie in the "Production Update" above. You'll be able to see the whole thing on DVD and Blu-Ray this spring.

JoystiqDragon Age anime film due in spring 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-dawn-of-the-seekerfunimationrelease-dateTue, 31 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumors: Dead Space expands into FPS and flight, Dragon Age goes multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumors-dead-space-expands-into-fps-and-flight-dragon-age-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumors-dead-space-expands-into-fps-and-flight-dragon-age-goes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumors-dead-space-expands-into-fps-and-flight-dragon-age-goes/#comments Kotaku cites an anonymous "insider" on two new rumors regarding two of Electronic Arts' biggest "new" franchises: Dead Space and Dragon Age. Though Dead Space 2 managed to ship over two million units in its first six months of release, EA wants to "make the series bigger and better," says the insider. The plan: A Dead Space first-person shooter, a Dead Space "flight game" and, lastly, a Dead Space "Uncharted-like game."

Apparently, that recent EA management shift in August "brought in new brass that nearly killed off Dead Space 3," if this insider is to be believed. But it's not dead and, as previous rumors suggested, Dead Space 3 takes place on ice planet Tau Volantis and will feature co-op.

Now for Dragon Age ... this one is good. Kotaku's insider says that, like BioWare's other major RPG brand, Dragon Age will get a multiplayer offering, reportedly powered by DICE's Frostbite 2 engine. This could be part of a future Dragon Age installment, let's call it Dragon Age 3, or a separate downloadable title; the gameplay will be arena-based, and feature both PvE and PvP combat, as well as ... dragons. Because Dragon Age, and all that.

Here's our advice, EA: If you want to increase awareness of the Dead Space brand, making games that aren't like Dead Space seems like a poor strategy. Also, a flight game? Are you trying not to sell games? And the problem with Dragon Age isn't a lack of multiplayer. The (extraordinarily) fast turnaround on Dragon Age 2 resulted in a rushed RPG that was dwarfed (and, frankly, embarrassed) by productions like The Witcher 2 and Skyrim (which managed to ship a not-so-shabby seven million units at launch).

JoystiqRumors: Dead Space expands into FPS and flight, Dragon Age goes multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredead-spacedead-space-2dead-space-3dragon-agedragon-age-3eaelectronic-artsmicrosoftplaystationps3visceral-gamesxboxWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:30:00 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[Dragon Age 3 artists wanted, Bioware sr. director tweets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dragon-age-3-artists-wanted-bioware-sr-director-tweets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dragon-age-3-artists-wanted-bioware-sr-director-tweets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dragon-age-3-artists-wanted-bioware-sr-director-tweets/#comments Dragon Age 3 was unceremoniously outed on Twitter last night in a call by BioWare creative lead Alistair McNally for new artists. "I'm looking for exceptional environment artists to join me at #BioWare Edmonton, Canada to work on #DragonAge3," he tweeted yesterday evening.

He added a few corresponding hashtags, but otherwise left the subtle reveal at that. An hour later, seemingly with environment artists still on his mind, McNally was praising The Witcher 2 for its topnotch graphics. "Looks stunning with DX11 and everything turned up," he tweeted.

[Thanks, Tyler C.]

JoystiqDragon Age 3 artists wanted, Bioware sr. director tweets originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alistair-mcnallybiowarebioware-edmontondragon-agedragon-age-3Fri, 20 May 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/starcraft-2-headlines-game-related-lightning-deals-on-amazon/#comments It's time once again to save on a seemingly random selection of nine games -- the Amazon Gold Box is loaded with game deals today. The Deal of the Day is Starcraft 2 for $39.99, but if that's not the craft you're after, you can also pick up the World of Warcraft Battle Chest right now (until 11AM EST, at least) for $18.

Hints for upcoming deals suggest that savings for Dragon Age and Kingdom Hearts games are on the way, along with Bulletstorm. Find the full schedule, with hints, after the break.

Continue reading StarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon

JoystiqStarCraft 2 headlines game-related Lightning Deals on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbulletstormdeal-of-the-daydragon-agegold-boxkingdom-heartspcplaystationps3Starcraft-2world-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-battle-chestTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/#comments It might seem strange to pair Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers in one post, but they just happen to share the same director, Leo Kei Angelos. Both projects are planned for release as complete short films later this year, and they already look impressive.

In fact, if the super, super creepy trailer is any indication, the Silent Hill inspired film, The Confined, just might turn out better than its full-length cinematic counterpart. Check out both trailers after the break.

Continue reading Watch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers

JoystiqWatch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-agefan-filmfanmadefilmleo-kei-angelosmicrosoftmovienintendoplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-downpourwiixboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 review: A world of your own creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/dragon-age-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/dragon-age-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/dragon-age-2-review/#comments It's pretty much impossible to have a conversation about Dragon Age: Origins without talking about its development time. Sure, it's an epic, but after so long in development (as many as eight years by some accounts) what excuse would it have not to be? Also, why does it still feel so shoehorned onto consoles?

Now, with just a fraction of the development time, BioWare has delivered Dragon Age 2, a sequel that streamlines the experience to something that feels far more at home on the 360 or PS3 ... but might just have lost a touch of that epic feeling along the way.

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

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 review: A world of your own creation

JoystiqDragon Age 2 review: A world of your own creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-ageDragon-Age-2electronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 08 Mar 2011 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2 making-of video features Hawke's life and loves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dragon-age-2-making-of-video-features-hawkes-life-and-loves/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dragon-age-2-making-of-video-features-hawkes-life-and-loves/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dragon-age-2-making-of-video-features-hawkes-life-and-loves/#comments EA has conjured another video about the making of Dragon Age 2 and, in this one, BioWare talks about the way the game's story is told. According to the developer, it's a framed narrative, with an unreliable narrator recounting the action as it happens. Unlike movies or books that use the same technique, though, this is interactive -- so not all of us will see the same story. The video also mentions that another storyline, much closer to Origins, was considered for the sequel.

The hero's story will also unfold within a smaller chuck of the world than the first game's, but it'll be carried out over a period of years rather than days or weeks, which means we'll get to see his or her relationships blossom and grow. That's familial relationships in the form of a mother and siblings and, erm, concupiscent relationships in the form of any number of lusty elves, dwarves or humans. Watch the whole vid after the break.

Continue reading Dragon Age 2 making-of video features Hawke's life and loves

JoystiqDragon Age 2 making-of video features Hawke's life and loves originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-ageDragon-Age-2eaElectronic-Artshawkemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 21:30:00 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 -- 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[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[First Dragon Age 2 screenshots sport better graphics, familiar imagery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/first-dragon-age-2-screenshots-sport-better-graphics-familiar-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/first-dragon-age-2-screenshots-sport-better-graphics-familiar-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/first-dragon-age-2-screenshots-sport-better-graphics-familiar-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dragon Age 2 screenshot
Saying that Dragon Age 2 has better graphics than its predecessor isn't much of a compliment. Though Dragon Age: Origins remains one of our favorite games from 2009 (as a matter of fact, it was our #4 pick!), on consoles, it looked like the game's entire texture library was secretly replaced with macro photographs of roadkill.

The game's announcement promised "updated graphics" and a "new visual style," and the first two screenshots - part of Game Informer's month-long look at the title - are certainly updated, but we're not quite ready to call them "visually super hot" and we're not seeing the "new visual style." The image above shows a highly detailed Hawke (remember, s/he's the new Commander Shepard-esque lead) but look at that ground texture! The image after the break shows a new Ogre, some awkward Hurlocks, and Hawke's not insignificant ups.

Be sure to peep the full-res images at Game Informer, then come back and tell us what you think. We're going with: unconvinced but optimistic.

Continue reading First Dragon Age 2 screenshots sport better graphics, familiar imagery

JoystiqFirst Dragon Age 2 screenshots sport better graphics, familiar imagery originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-AgeDragon-Age-2EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RPGxboxMon, 12 Jul 2010 20:20:00 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[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[New details on Star Wars: The Old Republic companion characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/new-details-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-companion-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/new-details-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-companion-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/new-details-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-companion-characters/#comments BioWare's lead designer James Ohlen has done a quick interview with IGN about Star Wars: The Old Republic's concept of "companion characters." Not only do you get to tool around the universe as a Sith or a Jedi, but as we first heard back at the game's announcement, you get to bring some other poor suckers with you. The idea sounds a lot like your party members from Dragon Age or Mass Effect 2 -- your companions will follow an "Affection" system, and you can end up making them "twisted to the dark side of the Force" or "stronger and more independent," depending on how you treat -- even gift -- them. (Those being just a couple of examples.)

Companion characters will also have a lot of combat utility, and you may want to bring some of them based strictly on how they complement you in combat. The gear you equip for them will also make a difference, so you may have to tailor your party and their gear for the specific goals of any given mission. The system doesn't sound too different from past BioWare games, with the caveat that, since it's an MMO, you'll have to direct AI players in real-time rather than pausing the game to give out orders. Ohlen also says his favorite recent character is Alistair, which worries us a little bit -- he always struck us as whiny.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqNew details on Star Wars: The Old Republic companion characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alistairbiowarecompanioncompanion-charactersdark-sidedragon-agegamesjames-ohlenjedimass-effect-2missionsmmoquestssithstar-wars-the-old-republicFri, 28 May 2010 02:00:00 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<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2, Dragon Age: Origins win Canadian game awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/assassins-creed-2-dragon-age-origins-win-canadian-game-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/assassins-creed-2-dragon-age-origins-win-canadian-game-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/assassins-creed-2-dragon-age-origins-win-canadian-game-awards/#comments We like to playfully rip on Canada every now and then (America's hat!), but we must admit that The Great White North knows how to make some quality games, evidenced by the winners at the inaugural Canadian Videogame Awards ceremony. While Game of the Year went to Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed 2 made out with the most awards, winning Best Console Game, Best Visual Arts, and Best Game Design, and sharing the award for Best Technology with Radical Entertainment's Prototype.

That's not to say all of the awards went to the triple-A titles, as Toronto's own darling, Capybara Games, received nods for two of its titles: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes, which won Best Handheld Game, and Critter Crunch, which secured victory as the Best Downloadable Game. Maybe now that cute little guy will stop crying so much!

[Thanks, Alan Strangis]

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2, Dragon Age: Origins win Canadian game awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleassassins-creedassassins-creed-2biowarecanadacanadian-videogame-awardsCapyCapybara-GamesCritter-Crunchdragon-agedragon-age-originsiPodmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesprototypePSNPuzzleradicalradical-entertainmentubisoftThu, 06 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioware working on fix for Dragon Age PS3 freezing issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/bioware-working-on-fix-for-dragon-age-ps3-freezing-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/bioware-working-on-fix-for-dragon-age-ps3-freezing-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/bioware-working-on-fix-for-dragon-age-ps3-freezing-issue/#comments BioWare is in the process of developing a patch to fix Dragon Age: Origins' game crashing bug caused by the PS3 firmware 3.3 update. If the thread on the BioWare forums is any indication, the developer was just as flummoxed and frustrated by the situation as the players. It appears that BioWare, after much collaboration with the community, has a patch in the works that should fix the problem.

The bad part is there is currently no timetable for the patch to make its way to the masses. If the code changes work internally, then it's off to EA for "publisher side certification testing." After that, it goes to Sony for testing. We sure hope Sony takes the BioWare team who ended up having to work extra on this out for a nice steak dinner.

[Via Kotaku, IncGamers]

JoystiqBioware working on fix for Dragon Age PS3 freezing issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originseafirmware-3.3freezingpatchsonyWed, 05 May 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/xbox-live-marketplace-in-may-rocket-knight-dragon-age-dlc/#comments You know that dusty piggy bank you've had sitting on the shelf forever? Look, forget the kid's college fund -- she's not going to college for, like, years -- and bust that thing open! There's going to be some solid content on Xbox Live Marketplace this month.

In the mood for XBLA games? How does Rocket Knight or Zeno Clash tickle your fancy? Oh, so you want some DLC -- Dragon Age: Origins will have more to offer the tireless adventurer later this month. Want to learn the Secret of Monkey Island? During the week of May 17, the secret will be half-off. See what we mean?

Head past the break for more XBLM release highlights for the month provided by Microsoft.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace in May: Rocket Knight, Dragon Age DLC and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsadd-onadd-onsArmy-of-TwoAtlusavatar-marketplaceavatarsbattlefieldbattlefield-2brothers-in-armsbrothers-in-arms-hells-highwayCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-3dlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-motorsport-3game-roomgames-on-demandkonamilipsmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftmiley-cyrusrock-bandrocket-knightsnoopy-flying-acesuper-street-fighter-ivthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editiontom-clancys-endwarubisoftxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekxbox-live-marketplacezeno-clashZeno-Clash-Ultimate-EditionTue, 04 May 2010 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Dragon Age players report crashing with Firmware 3.30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ps3-dragon-age-players-report-firmware-3-30-crashing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ps3-dragon-age-players-report-firmware-3-30-crashing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ps3-dragon-age-players-report-firmware-3-30-crashing/#commentsWhat's the next feature to be removed from the PS3 through a firmware update? According to some posters on the Bioware forums, it's the ability to play Dragon Age: Origins. Several users have reported frequent crashes or freezes while playing the RPG after installing PS3 Firmware 3.30. "The game has crashed like 7 times in an hour just after the update," complained forum poster "scorpgul." Another poster, "eugeni_dodonov," reported that "it never ever froze before, but since 3.30 it is freezing like every 15 minutes." Players claim to be experiencing the issue on both original and "slim" PS3 models in the US and Europe.

On Friday, online producer Fernando Melo indicated that BioWare was working with Sony to correct the issue, which he called "a bit out of the blue for us." We suppose your Warden could use a couple days off anyway.

JoystiqPS3 Dragon Age players report crashing with Firmware 3.30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.30biowarebugscrashingdragon-agedragon-age-originsfirmwareps3-firmware-3.30Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins celebrates Feastday with DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dragon-age-origins-celebrates-feastday-with-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dragon-age-origins-celebrates-feastday-with-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/dragon-age-origins-celebrates-feastday-with-dlc/#comments
You might be forgiven for thinking this was a joke, considering the calendar date, but no, apparently it's real. BioWare really has released $3 worth of downloadable content for the in-game Dragon Age: Origins holiday of "Feastday," which is what they call April Fool's in Ferelden. For $1.99 in real money, you can get a Feastday Prank pack or a Feastday Gift pack, consisting of 10 items each that will either decrease or increase your standing with the various characters in your party, and also provide some simple fun. Examples include a doggie cone that you can give to your Warhound, as you can see above, or an Alastair Doll that you can give to Morrigan to have her do some voodoo on your least favorite Grey Warden. No really -- this is real.

And the money you'll be giving them for this is real, too -- $1.99 (in each systems' requisite points format, of course) for either the Gifts or Pranks pack, or $3 for a Combo Pack with all of the items. On the one hand, sure, it's a bit of in-game fun for your Dragon Age characters. But on the other hand, BioWare, it's not quite as funny if you go and make your April Fool's gag, y'know, real. And then charge us for it.

JoystiqDragon Age: Origins celebrates Feastday with DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdragon-agedragon-age-originseaElectronic-Artsfeastdayfeastday-pranksMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware offering free Dragon Age shield codes for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/#commentsAh yes, Dragon Age Origins' storied realm of Thedas, where great warriors and mages do battle against the Demon Spawn, play kings and knights off of each other in political schemes, and register promotional DLC codes for in-game items. What's that? Your heroic Grey Warden hasn't done the last one yet?

Here's your chance -- Alienware is giving away some free DLC keys for an in-game shield called the Bulwark of the True King. If you only have the original PC game, it's a tier 5 shield, but apparently if you have the Awakening expansion, it revs up to a Tier 7 item. All you have to do is run over to the Alienware website, create an account in its Arena community (you didn't think it'd be that "free," did you?), and then redeem the code in-game to claim your shield.

Note that these keys don't work in the console versions of the game -- Alienware only wants you PC users. But it is a pretty easy way to get a new shield. Much easier than slaying the mad mage of Ferelden or saving the Arl of Redcliffe.

[Thanks Wayne!]

JoystiqAlienware offering free Dragon Age shield codes for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-arenabiowarebulwark-of-the-true-kingdlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaElectronic-ArtsWed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dragon Age Awakening character needs to go eat a sandwich or something]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/new-dragon-age-awakening-character-needs-to-go-eat-a-sandwich/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/new-dragon-age-awakening-character-needs-to-go-eat-a-sandwich/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/new-dragon-age-awakening-character-needs-to-go-eat-a-sandwich/#comments
Justice takes center stage in the latest, and perhaps last trailer for Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (which is due out this week). Justice is actually a "person," and not the principle -- a ghost trapped in a human body by a sorceress. Uh-huh, it's up to you to help him escape this mortal dilemma.

To make things worse, Justice's "new" body is basically Christian Bale's body (and not the Batman one). In other words, he's a skeleton tightly wrapped in skin. We're surprised Justice can even lift that shield and mace! Forget Elfroot, somebody get this guy some delicious Corpse Gall to fatten him up.

JoystiqNew Dragon Age Awakening character needs to go eat a sandwich or something originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftrpgtrailervideoXbox-360Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mystery Dragon Age project dated Feb. 1, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/mystery-dragon-age-project-dated-feb-1-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/mystery-dragon-age-project-dated-feb-1-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/mystery-dragon-age-project-dated-feb-1-2011/#comments
[1UP]

It would appear that the still-unnamed next project in the Dragon Age series has been given a date, as spotted by 1UP in an early retail box of Dragon Age: Origins -- Awakening for PS3. Aligning with the release window hinted at by EA hinted earlier this year during a financial call, the scarcely-detailed game will arrive on Februrary 1, 2011 -- or, in the graphic's terms, "02.01.2011."

We're not exactly sure if this is part of the two years of promised content that BioWare outlined late last year, but at very least it's an extremely early (possible) release date for more content in a critically acclaimed series. We've asked EA for more information on the date and will let you know more as soon as we do.

JoystiqMystery Dragon Age project dated Feb. 1, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-ageDragon-Age-2dragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaElectronic-Artsq1-2011release-dateThu, 11 Mar 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 'TidBits' drop stats like a Fluffy punch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/dragon-age-tidbits-drop-stats-like-a-fluffy-punch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/dragon-age-tidbits-drop-stats-like-a-fluffy-punch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/dragon-age-tidbits-drop-stats-like-a-fluffy-punch/#comments Game Informer's latest "TidBits" column features a a glorious list of "inside baseball" stats from Dragon Age: Origins. Some of the numbers are simply cute, while others are positively frightening: "QA analyst Bruce Venne played 1,957.55 hours of Dragon Age PC in 5,352 games." Consequently, "The Bruce" was awarded to staff that played more than Venne in any given month -- the honor was bestowed only once.

While the list is mostly packed with numbers, there are some notable non-numerical did-you-knows, like the staff's affectionate nickname for the Ogre, "Fluffy," and, unsurprisingly, the revelation that one of the BioWare crew makes chain mail "from scratch."

Check out the full list of Dragon Age tidbits on Game Informer.

JoystiqDragon Age 'TidBits' drop stats like a Fluffy punch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originseaElectronic-Artsgame-informerMicrosoftstatstidbitsXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Origins: Awakening trailer introduces The Disciples]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/dragon-age-origins-awakening-trailer-introduces-the-disciples/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/dragon-age-origins-awakening-trailer-introduces-the-disciples/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/dragon-age-origins-awakening-trailer-introduces-the-disciples/#comments You know how in Gremlins 2, the Gremlins all break into a genetics lab, and they eat all of the weird gene goop and it gives them superpowers like bat wings or vegetable bodies? And remember how one of them drinks like a brain hormone and becomes Brain Gremlin and gets played by Tony Randall? That's kind of what's happening to the Darkspawn in the Dragon Age Origins: Awakening expansion, according to this new trailer.

Of course, we don't know what kind of brain goop they ate -- and they definitely don't sound like Tony Randall -- but they're all called The Disciples and are all smart and talkative now. And evil. As you can see in the various screenshots below, they've got a face only a Gremlin could love. And honestly, while you might play the expansion on March 16 "thinking you know of our kind, human," you're wrong. All they're looking for are things like the Geneva Convention, chamber music, Susan Sontag. That's right: They just want to be civilized.

Gallery: Dragon Age Origins: Awakening - Disciples

JoystiqDragon Age Origins: Awakening trailer introduces The Disciples originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningbrain-gremlindarkspawndragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeninggallerygremlinsMicrosoftscreenshotstony-randalltrailervideoXbox-360Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Dragon Age expansion on PC, get Origins 40% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/pre-order-dragon-age-expansion-on-pc-get-origins-40-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/pre-order-dragon-age-expansion-on-pc-get-origins-40-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/pre-order-dragon-age-expansion-on-pc-get-origins-40-off/#comments If you're anything like us, you simply weren't impressed enough by the already overabundant amount of content available in Dragon Age: Origins. No sir! You wanted -- nay! -- demanded more content. Luckily for you, you immovable demander, EA is offering a deal in its online store for the first Dragon Age expansion where pre-orders of the new content can snag the original game on PC for 40 percent off its normal $50 asking price (now just under $30).

That means you could get both Awakening and the game it's based on for a combined $70 -- just $10 more than the Game of the Year edition that's sure to come out in a year's time! It's like an early reward for being hesitant ... almost like you paused the action and arranged the tactics ahead of time. Is there something we should know? Hmmm?

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

JoystiqPre-order Dragon Age expansion on PC, get Origins 40% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningbiowaredigital-distributiondlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaea-storeElectronic-ArtssaleFri, 26 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST