michaelm
N2
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Mass Effect Andromeda
XBL Gamertag: ArchMikem
Posts: 154 Likes: 187
inherit
6004
0
May 28, 2020 20:46:27 GMT
187
michaelm
154
Mar 25, 2017 13:30:11 GMT
March 2017
michaelm
Mass Effect Trilogy, Mass Effect Andromeda
ArchMikem
|
Post by michaelm on Dec 2, 2018 0:28:04 GMT
Never touched a game, never even read a single word about its world, but now that ME is in the grave for a while im curious about Bioware's other series.
Whats it about? Where would a new player safely start? Is it similar in mechanic to Mass Effect? Is the fantasy world similar to Elder Scrolls?
|
|
sjsharp2010
N7
Go Team!
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Posts: 10,464 Likes: 18,004
inherit
2309
0
18,004
sjsharp2010
Go Team!
10,464
December 2016
sjsharp2010
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by sjsharp2010 on Dec 2, 2018 1:47:07 GMT
Never touched a game, never even read a single word about its world, but now that ME is in the grave for a while im curious about Bioware's other series. Whats it about? Where would a new player safely start? Is it similar in mechanic to Mass Effect? Is the fantasy world similar to Elder Scrolls? It's a fantasy world with magic swords and shields basically instead of guns ships and kinetic barriers. It's about a world called Thedas with several different races such as elves, dwarves and Qunari as well as humans. The biggest difference really is you can choose which race your hero is for the most part aside from DA2 where unfortunately Hawke (the protag) is human. But in DAO and DAI you can choose There are 3 classes to choose from. Mage which gives you the ability to wield magical abilities and spells and is basically what you might call something similar to an Adept in ME in that they're basically your crowd controllers and buffers Rogue which is a more stealthy warrior type that can kind of pick locks,scout without being seen(if you level it up high enough). Basically they're your assassin type characters that use either bows and arrows at range or daggers when they get up close and personal. Warriors are your 3rd class and are basically your tanks. They wear heavy armour and use either a sword and shield or 2 handed weapons such as a greatsword or greataxe. There are various options within each class that you can specialize in but that's down to how you decide to play and what build you're going for. This isn't a gameplay vid but it kind of shows off what some of the various classes and characters can do and some of the kinds of skills there are to choose from. Here's some actual gameplay from IGN's review of DAO Some of DA2 DAI DAI is probably the easiest of the 3 to get to grips with simply because a lot of the character building is done in the background you only need to pick which skills and passives you want. But DAI is a more action focused game than DAO and DA2 as you do need to control your character more manually than in the first 2. DAO an dDA2 are more challenging mentally as it is more of a tactical hack and slash. The mechanics can be tricky to master at first but once you get to grips with them the game is a lot o f fun. I do remember having to get the strategy guides to get to grips with DA' s systems but then in thee nd I'm glad I did as I'v had a lot of fun with the games since with my various characters.DAO and DA2's graphics aren't as sharp as any thing you might play now but the story,characters and gameplay I find more than makes up for it. Story wise the order of play is that it goes DAO first then DA2 then DAI however. So you may not want to start with DAI even though it probably is the easiest to master
|
|
dmc1001
N7
Biotic Booty
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Origin: ferroboy
Prime Posts: 77
Posts: 9,934 Likes: 17,652
inherit
Biotic Booty
1031
0
Sept 20, 2023 1:37:11 GMT
17,652
dmc1001
9,934
August 2016
dmc1001
Top
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
ferroboy
77
|
Post by dmc1001 on Dec 2, 2018 1:51:24 GMT
Each game is different. No single protagonist like in ME. You change from game to game. The second and third games have a pretty significant carryover for plot points developed in DA2. The first game is less relevant to the next two. There are references but nothing I see as being majorly important.
It's not quite like TES. The plot is tighter in DA than TES. Sure, you can still go off and do other things but sometimes the game will remind you that there are more pressing issues to be dealt with. This was done in party banter so there wasn't even a need to engage that companion.
Personally, I prefer DAI (3rd in the series) over the others, but I think it's because it's graphically superior and I like the combat better.
|
|
sjsharp2010
N7
Go Team!
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Posts: 10,464 Likes: 18,004
inherit
2309
0
18,004
sjsharp2010
Go Team!
10,464
December 2016
sjsharp2010
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by sjsharp2010 on Dec 2, 2018 1:59:22 GMT
Each game is different. No single protagonist like in ME. You change from game to game. The second and third games have a pretty significant carryover for plot points developed in DA2. The first game is less relevant to the next two. There are references but nothing I see as being majorly important. It's not quite like TES. The plot is tighter in DA than TES. Sure, you can still go off and do other things but sometimes the game will remind you that there are more pressing issues to be dealt with. This was done in party banter so there wasn't even a need to engage that companion. Personally, I prefer DAI (3rd in the series) over the others, but I think it's because it's graphically superior and I like the combat better. Yeah DAI is my favourite of the 3 as well. But then I feel that DA has always improved on its predecessor's so far as I like DA2 more than DAO and I like DAI more than ht first 2. Can't say whether that trend will continue with DA4 but only time will tell. But all 3 have good things to enjoy about them.
|
|
Sokemis
N3
Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Jade Empire
Posts: 876 Likes: 1,827
inherit
9163
0
1,827
Sokemis
876
August 2017
sokemis
Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Jade Empire
|
Post by Sokemis on Dec 2, 2018 2:11:35 GMT
Haven't played ME yet (keep meaning to), so can't really make a comparison on that. Played a little bit of Morrowind years ago, but from what I remember, the setting was similar - Medievalish fantasy setting with the ability to choose between different races (except DA2 where you can only be human). You can choose between three classes: Rogue, Mage, and Warrior - with the ability to further specialize within those three. DAI isn't quite as open world as I remember Morrowind being, but it is more open world than the other three.
I would recommend starting with Origins, including it's expansion Awakening, then working your way through DA2 and Inquisition. Many characters and events referenced in Inquisition you will actually meet and play through in the first two titles. Some of your choices in the earlier games can have effects on the later games. Even if the effects are in little ways, it makes my different world states seem a bit more personalized based on my characters' choices.
|
|
inherit
Friend of Red Jenny
90
0
18,890
vertigomez
5,281
August 2016
vertigomez
|
Post by vertigomez on Dec 2, 2018 2:12:49 GMT
Instead of Reapers, there are darkspawn, and you shoot them full of arrows and not bullets. It's a spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate and is very heavy on worldbuilding and character interactions - so, very similar to Mass Effect in that way, but moreso.
|
|
inherit
529
0
7,815
Nightscrawl
3,266
August 2016
nightscrawl
Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Neverwinter Nights, Mass Effect Andromeda
|
Post by Nightscrawl on Dec 2, 2018 2:44:45 GMT
I won't burden you with my subjective views on things. I fully believe people should make their own decisions based on their own experience and preferences. This is as objective a description as I can muster.
The main thing to keep in mind is that there is not a fixed protagonist, like Shepard. Each game has its own separate story that is connected to the world at large, with a different protagonist and (mostly) different supporting characters. There is also not the renegade/paragon system. The closest DA comes is the personality system in DA2, which varied between diplomatic (blue), sarcastic (purple), and aggressive (red). But this only determines how Hawke reacts during auto-dialogue and other similar moments, in addition to there being some rare unique options.
Origins was designed to be the introduction to the world. As such, each of the "origins" offers insight into the races and cultures. The rest of the games build on this knowledge the veteran player is assumed to have. Because of this, I recommend starting with Origins. The combat is a bit more in the style of a traditional RPG, with a greater focus on tactics. You can play in real time -- I do -- so you have that option if you don't want to micromanage everything. The dialogue system in Origins is apart from II and Inquisition. The protagonist is not voiced and there is a list of dialogue options rather than the voiced PC and wheel found in the ME series and other two DA games.
If you do decide to play Origins, I also recommend giving each of the origins (the prologue for each race and culture option) a run through. They don't take very long and are a great way to learn about the world.
The expansion to Origins, Awakening, is more of the same, and is notable for allowing you to use your same Warden character, OR create a new one specifically for that story.
II is a bit of an outlier for the series in that there is a semi-fixed protagonist in Hawke, although you can still choose gender. I would say this is the most Shepard-like experience. The combat is also more action-y. While you can set up advanced scripts for follower behavior, you can not go into the tactical camera mode, as in Origins.
Inquisition is a return to the multi-race selection. Because of the plot, there is no origin story, and race selection in this game is primarily about roleplay than learning about different races or cultures. In regard to combat, I would say it is a combination of the first two games. Origins could be a bit slow at times, while DA2 seemed too fast; DAI's speed is more between the two. The tactical camera is back from its vacation, BUT there are no advanced scripts for follower behavior, as in Origins and II.
Origins and Inquisition have a "save the world" plot, while II is a more personal story. All of them have fully developed followers and companions, as well as romances, some of which are more connected to the main events than others.
In the end, it comes down to how you feel about a fantasy, sword 'n' sorcery setting and whether you're interested in that. I think it would be fair to call Mass Effect "Dragon Age in space." The two series have the same basic structure, but different personalities due to their different development teams.
|
|
inherit
∯ Oh Loredy...
455
0
Mar 28, 2024 16:27:05 GMT
26,627
gervaise21
10,745
August 2016
gervaise21
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights
|
Post by gervaise21 on Dec 2, 2018 8:55:14 GMT
I was the opposite to you in coming to Mass Effect. I normally prefer the fantasy setting and played earlier Bioware offerings like Baldurs Gate and Neverwinter Nights, so when I was told about Dragon Age I naturally wanted to give it a go. I played through Dragon Age Origins, Awakening and DA2 and was eagerly awaiting the next instalment but wanted something to play in the meantime and the same person who recommended Dragon Age to me, suggested I give Mass Effect a try. I did and I loved it. Coming to it late meant that I could play through all three games straight off.
So hopefully you would find the same going from Mass Effect to Dragon Age.
|
|
inherit
749
0
Mar 10, 2024 18:44:44 GMT
3,652
Iddy
3,727
August 2016
iddy
|
Post by Iddy on Dec 3, 2018 16:30:23 GMT
Sex, fighting, the protagonist's rise to fame and tons of cameos.
|
|
sjsharp2010
N7
Go Team!
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Posts: 10,464 Likes: 18,004
inherit
2309
0
18,004
sjsharp2010
Go Team!
10,464
December 2016
sjsharp2010
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by sjsharp2010 on Dec 4, 2018 4:06:17 GMT
Haven't played ME yet (keep meaning to), so can't really make a comparison on that. Played a little bit of Morrowind years ago, but from what I remember, the setting was similar - Medievalish fantasy setting with the ability to choose between different races (except DA2 where you can only be human). You can choose between three classes: Rogue, Mage, and Warrior - with the ability to further specialize within those three. DAI isn't quite as open world as I remember Morrowind being, but it is more open world than the other three. I would recommend starting with Origins, including it's expansion Awakening, then working your way through DA2 and Inquisition. Many characters and events referenced in Inquisition you will actually meet and play through in the first two titles. Some of your choices in the earlier games can have effects on the later games. Even if the effects are in little ways, it makes my different world states seem a bit more personalized based on my characters' choices. Trust me it's worth it.
|
|
Blaze
N3
Everyone seem normal till you get to know them
Posts: 893 Likes: 952
inherit
1150
0
Mar 26, 2023 11:03:39 GMT
952
Blaze
Everyone seem normal till you get to know them
893
Aug 23, 2016 12:15:31 GMT
August 2016
blaze
|
Post by Blaze on Dec 4, 2018 10:07:58 GMT
what its about? well to explain what dragon age is about for me i would need to go back to my first playthrough of origins. it was a fun game with interesting world and story, but what really made me realize how great dragon age is, was the point where i realized how much the game allowed me to play the character i wanted to play. as someone who love RPG and RPing and making different characters, that what made me love dragon age and that is what this game is about for me.
other than that, there are the usual bioware things: an interesting original world full of rich lore; interesting, complex and memorable companions; and crisis, cause you ccan't have an action RPG without crisis.
where would a new player safely start? safely start? dragon age 2 i guess. but i really recommend starting from the start, with dragon age: origins and continuing from there. safety is overrated anyway.
is it similar in mechanic to mass effect? no. dragon age is a party based game, where you have full control over a party of four (namely your PC and 3 companions). you can pause, switch between characters and issue commands. i'm not gonna lie, the first game's combat system is not great, and waay too slow, the 2nd game is more fast paced but less strategic, but inquisition have a good combat to it. this is really what's great about it, that bioware keep trying to improve with each game.
is the fantasy world similar to elder scrolls? well every fantasy world is different. the world of dragon age is similar to the world of elder scrolls in the same manner that the world of lord of the rings is similar to the world of song of ice and fire or harry potter. that is to say, some races are completely original (darkspawn, qunari) while other races taken from myth and other fantasy worlds (such as elves and dwarves) are given their own original spin.
|
|
Gileadan
N5
Agent 46
Clearance Level Ultra
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
Origin: ALoneGretchin
Posts: 2,664 Likes: 6,633
inherit
Agent 46
177
0
6,633
Gileadan
Clearance Level Ultra
2,664
August 2016
gileadan
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
ALoneGretchin
|
Post by Gileadan on Dec 4, 2018 10:29:46 GMT
If you played and liked ME Andromeda, I would recommend starting out with Dragon Age Inquisition, as the game structure will be somewhat familiar - you have big maps to explore and can establish outposts to help your party keep going. There is also research to improve your gang as a whole.
Other than that, you will get what you hopefully liked in Mass Effect - a story to keep you going and interesting companions you'll love to love (or hate) to tag along with you.
You'll just have to say goodbye to your Avenger, and hello to all kinds of swords, bows and magic explodey stuff. Not a bad deal in my opinion.
|
|
Blaze
N3
Everyone seem normal till you get to know them
Posts: 893 Likes: 952
inherit
1150
0
Mar 26, 2023 11:03:39 GMT
952
Blaze
Everyone seem normal till you get to know them
893
Aug 23, 2016 12:15:31 GMT
August 2016
blaze
|
Post by Blaze on Dec 4, 2018 16:24:18 GMT
You'll just have to say goodbye to your Avenger, and hello to all kinds of swords, bows and magic explodey stuff. Not a bad deal in my opinion. sorry but gotta go off topic on that one: avenger, really? as far as assault rifle goes, it's the mattock or go home. and hey, with infiltrator being my fav class, i'd say black widow would be my main weapon of choice and yeah i get it, avenger is the poster rifle, but come on, it's not the best stat wise, not the most badass-looking. granted, the ghost in andromeda (which is an improved version of the avenger) is probably the best assault rifle there. but yeah, to your original point, i'll take swords and bows over guns any day of the week! =D
|
|
Gileadan
N5
Agent 46
Clearance Level Ultra
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
Origin: ALoneGretchin
Posts: 2,664 Likes: 6,633
inherit
Agent 46
177
0
6,633
Gileadan
Clearance Level Ultra
2,664
August 2016
gileadan
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
ALoneGretchin
|
Post by Gileadan on Dec 4, 2018 16:29:50 GMT
You'll just have to say goodbye to your Avenger, and hello to all kinds of swords, bows and magic explodey stuff. Not a bad deal in my opinion. sorry but gotta go off topic on that one: avenger, really? as far as assault rifle goes, it's the mattock or go home. and hey, with infiltrator being my fav class, i'd say black widow would be my main weapon of choice and yeah i get it, avenger is the poster rifle, but come on, it's not the best stat wise, not the most badass-looking. granted, the ghost in andromeda (which is an improved version of the avenger) is probably the best assault rifle there. but yeah, to your original point, i'll take swords and bows over guns any day of the week! =D What? It's absolutely deadly when fired on full auto.
|
|
sjsharp2010
N7
Go Team!
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Posts: 10,464 Likes: 18,004
inherit
2309
0
18,004
sjsharp2010
Go Team!
10,464
December 2016
sjsharp2010
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect Andromeda, Anthem, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by sjsharp2010 on Dec 4, 2018 19:37:30 GMT
You'll just have to say goodbye to your Avenger, and hello to all kinds of swords, bows and magic explodey stuff. Not a bad deal in my opinion. sorry but gotta go off topic on that one: avenger, really? as far as assault rifle goes, it's the mattock or go home. and hey, with infiltrator being my fav class, i'd say black widow would be my main weapon of choice and yeah i get it, avenger is the poster rifle, but come on, it's not the best stat wise, not the most badass-looking. granted, the ghost in andromeda (which is an improved version of the avenger) is probably the best assault rifle there. but yeah, to your original point, i'll take swords and bows over guns any day of the week! =D TBH I feel it's whatever does the job best for you depending on your build. Personally I prefer the Mattock but Avenger can be good if you prefer a gun that fires shots off at a faster rate and stays accurate. But again as I said it depends on your build and what you prefer. But I agree with you you just have to say goodbye to having guns and hello to using magic swords and bows. Still a good bow can do a lot of damage and so can a good dagger.
|
|
michaelm
N2
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Mass Effect Andromeda
XBL Gamertag: ArchMikem
Posts: 154 Likes: 187
inherit
6004
0
May 28, 2020 20:46:27 GMT
187
michaelm
154
Mar 25, 2017 13:30:11 GMT
March 2017
michaelm
Mass Effect Trilogy, Mass Effect Andromeda
ArchMikem
|
Post by michaelm on Dec 10, 2018 0:00:57 GMT
sorry but gotta go off topic on that one: avenger, really? as far as assault rifle goes, it's the mattock or go home. and hey, with infiltrator being my fav class, i'd say black widow would be my main weapon of choice and yeah i get it, avenger is the poster rifle, but come on, it's not the best stat wise, not the most badass-looking. granted, the ghost in andromeda (which is an improved version of the avenger) is probably the best assault rifle there. but yeah, to your original point, i'll take swords and bows over guns any day of the week! =D What? It's absolutely deadly when fired on full auto. The M7 Avenger added in ME3 was beast and i loved it. The sound was oof and I'm a big fan of the heatsink unlimited ammo mechanic. Thats the issue with Andromeda weapons, the sound design doesnt give them any punch.
|
|
House Targaryen
N5
The night is dark and full of terrors, but the fire burns them all away.
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
Origin: gscott7833
Prime Posts: 1,584
Posts: 4,535 Likes: 10,214
inherit
621
0
10,214
House Targaryen
The night is dark and full of terrors, but the fire burns them all away.
4,535
August 2016
thehound
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
gscott7833
1,584
|
Post by House Targaryen on Dec 11, 2018 5:22:08 GMT
Its ME with swords and horses. No laser guns or planetary jumping space ships.
|
|
inherit
2754
0
5,955
Son of Dorn
Fortifying everything.
6,263
Jan 11, 2017 14:17:27 GMT
January 2017
doomlolz
Dragon Age Inquisition
|
Post by Son of Dorn on Dec 11, 2018 16:49:46 GMT
It's alright, better than Mass Effect anyways. Could use a more darker tone with its last villain though... (DAI)
|
|
dmc1001
N7
Biotic Booty
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Origin: ferroboy
Prime Posts: 77
Posts: 9,934 Likes: 17,652
inherit
Biotic Booty
1031
0
Sept 20, 2023 1:37:11 GMT
17,652
dmc1001
9,934
August 2016
dmc1001
Top
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
ferroboy
77
|
Post by dmc1001 on Dec 13, 2018 4:05:37 GMT
Its ME with swords and horses. No laser guns or planetary jumping space ships. Fast travel to camps and cities serves the same purpose as far as similarity to relays goes.
|
|