Wildfire
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Post by Wildfire on Jan 17, 2017 21:32:59 GMT
The title pretty much says it all. Having played every Bioware game since NWN, I have to conclude that Dragon Age 2 is, for me, the best, the most impressive and the most memorable; one of the only games during which I have wanted to cry my heart out. Especially when I'm Not Calling You a Liar started playing at the end :'( Everyone knows the faults of the game, so I won't waste my time discussing with them. They are what they are. I don't mean to challenge anyone to a debate about DA2. I respect the opinion of everyone, including those who don't think much about the game. And I understand why someone would feel that way But for me - even with the numerous flaws - the unique story, the unforgettable characters, the spectacular script and brilliant voice acting make DA2 one of the top 3 gaming experiences ever, if not the best. I mean, how often does fantasy-RPG:s have such dramatic and yet down-to-earth themes like family and the fear of otherness? How often does fantasy RPGs feature relatives who play a big role in the game and who do not all die at the end? I can't think of many, but maybe I'm just uncivilised. What's more: although bad things happen in the game, the nasty stuff are never gratuitious nor meaningless. The previous is true for all other Bioware games and I appreciate it very much. Hawke always does the best they can to make things better. From the very start, it's personal, and it resonated with me like nothing has ever done before. And the characters... I know everything's probably been said about them already elsewhere, but simply put: they're the best NPCs in any game, ever. What is more, the tale of Hawke was not brushed away in the sequel, either. I simply have to give Bioware massive credits for always taking player choice seriously. I mean, the moment when Hawke showed up, my very own Champion of Kirkwall... I can't even describe that feeling. It almost felt like... vindication for something. Pure bliss. To be honest, I'm not a die-hard Bioware fanboy in general - although I'm always eager to play their games, a majority of their titles have not been special in the literal sense of the word. But what they've done with Hawke is just beyond words - I think that it just goes on to show that when you are not afraid to innovate and try new things while remembering to respect player choice and continuity, you can truly fulfill Bioware's mission of creating unforgettable stories and characters. Dragon Age 2 was something special - and that Hawke's legacy was properly paid respect in DAI serves to solidify the fact that my time with them will stick with me for decades to come. So... What's the point of this thread? Well, I guess I just wanted to invite you all to share your good moments and memorable experiences! A very own thread for us who have irrevocably fallen in love with DA2. Sorry for the incoherence in advance, hopefully you will bear with me. PS. I even changed all my tapestry to Free Marches styles in DAI Just wanted to see that crest again...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2017 22:19:21 GMT
The title pretty much says it all. Having played every Bioware game since NWN, I have to conclude that Dragon Age 2 is, for me, the best, the most impressive and the most memorable; one of the only games during which I have wanted to cry my heart out. Especially when I'm Not Calling You a Liar started playing at the end :'( Really.. That was ME:2 and DA:O for me. But anyhow, i liked snarky male Hawke. So much so, it's a blast to play him.
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Post by Catilina on Jan 17, 2017 23:02:11 GMT
The title pretty much says it all. Having played every Bioware game since NWN, I have to conclude that Dragon Age 2 is, for me, the best, the most impressive and the most memorable; one of the only games during which I have wanted to cry my heart out. Especially when I'm Not Calling You a Liar started playing at the end :'( Everyone knows the faults of the game, so I won't waste my time discussing with them. They are what they are. I don't mean to challenge anyone to a debate about DA2. I respect the opinion of everyone, including those who don't think much about the game. And I understand why someone would feel that way But for me - even with the numerous flaws - the unique story, the unforgettable characters, the spectacular script and brilliant voice acting make DA2 one of the top 3 gaming experiences ever, if not the best. I mean, how often does fantasy-RPG:s have such dramatic and yet down-to-earth themes like family and the fear of otherness? How often does fantasy RPGs feature relatives who play a big role in the game and who do not all die at the end? I can't think of many, but maybe I'm just uncivilised. What's more: although bad things happen in the game, the nasty stuff are never gratuitious nor meaningless. The previous is true for all other Bioware games and I appreciate it very much. Hawke always does the best they can to make things better. From the very start, it's personal, and it resonated with me like nothing has ever done before. And the characters... I know everything's probably been said about them already elsewhere, but simply put: they're the best NPCs in any game, ever. What is more, the tale of Hawke was not brushed away in the sequel, either. I simply have to give Bioware massive credits for always taking player choice seriously. I mean, the moment when Hawke showed up, my very own Champion of Kirkwall... I can't even describe that feeling. It almost felt like... vindication for something. Pure bliss. To be honest, I'm not a die-hard Bioware fanboy in general - although I'm always eager to play their games, a majority of their titles have not been special in the literal sense of the word. But what they've done with Hawke is just beyond words - I think that it just goes on to show that when you are not afraid to innovate and try new things while remembering to respect player choice and continuity, you can truly fulfill Bioware's mission of creating unforgettable stories and characters. Dragon Age 2 was something special - and that Hawke's legacy was properly paid respect in DAI serves to solidify the fact that my time with them will stick with me for decades to come. So... What's the point of this thread? Well, I guess I just wanted to invite you all to share your good moments and memorable experiences! A very own thread for us who have irrevocably fallen in love with DA2. Sorry for the incoherence in advance, hopefully you will bear with me. PS. I even changed all my tapestry to Free Marches styles in DAI Just wanted to see that crest again... Absolute favorite. There are many good moment in DA2. Hawke is my favorite (comic-book-)hero, and Varric is the best storyteller. I like every companions, and always felt, that they have real relationship with each others, and really good idea the protagonist, who arrived in the city with his/her family. This is a personal story with real friends. Never felt that in another game. The NPC-s also great: Thrask, Cullen, Meredith, Petrice, Elthina, Arishok, Orsino... The faults of the game are funny, 1000 and comics memes was born out of it. (Sure it could have been better, but I'm not sure I could love more a perfect version – if you know what I mean.)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2017 0:34:46 GMT
The title pretty much says it all. Having played every Bioware game since NWN, I have to conclude that Dragon Age 2 is, for me, the best, the most impressive and the most memorable; one of the only games during which I have wanted to cry my heart out. Especially when I'm Not Calling You a Liar started playing at the end :'( Everyone knows the faults of the game, so I won't waste my time discussing with them. They are what they are. I don't mean to challenge anyone to a debate about DA2. I respect the opinion of everyone, including those who don't think much about the game. And I understand why someone would feel that way But for me - even with the numerous flaws - the unique story, the unforgettable characters, the spectacular script and brilliant voice acting make DA2 one of the top 3 gaming experiences ever, if not the best. I mean, how often does fantasy-RPG:s have such dramatic and yet down-to-earth themes like family and the fear of otherness? How often does fantasy RPGs feature relatives who play a big role in the game and who do not all die at the end? I can't think of many, but maybe I'm just uncivilised. What's more: although bad things happen in the game, the nasty stuff are never gratuitious nor meaningless. The previous is true for all other Bioware games and I appreciate it very much. Hawke always does the best they can to make things better. From the very start, it's personal, and it resonated with me like nothing has ever done before. And the characters... I know everything's probably been said about them already elsewhere, but simply put: they're the best NPCs in any game, ever. What is more, the tale of Hawke was not brushed away in the sequel, either. I simply have to give Bioware massive credits for always taking player choice seriously. I mean, the moment when Hawke showed up, my very own Champion of Kirkwall... I can't even describe that feeling. It almost felt like... vindication for something. Pure bliss. To be honest, I'm not a die-hard Bioware fanboy in general - although I'm always eager to play their games, a majority of their titles have not been special in the literal sense of the word. But what they've done with Hawke is just beyond words - I think that it just goes on to show that when you are not afraid to innovate and try new things while remembering to respect player choice and continuity, you can truly fulfill Bioware's mission of creating unforgettable stories and characters. Dragon Age 2 was something special - and that Hawke's legacy was properly paid respect in DAI serves to solidify the fact that my time with them will stick with me for decades to come. So... What's the point of this thread? Well, I guess I just wanted to invite you all to share your good moments and memorable experiences! A very own thread for us who have irrevocably fallen in love with DA2. Sorry for the incoherence in advance, hopefully you will bear with me. PS. I even changed all my tapestry to Free Marches styles in DAI Just wanted to see that crest again... It is not my favourite but I mostly agree with you most people try to see bad things about this game, but in truth DA2 has a more grounded plot than Inquisition or Origins and this made it unique, and the fact that most of the companions are flawed individuals made the game more relateable for me
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Post by dragontartare on Jan 18, 2017 2:19:33 GMT
You had me at the title, Wildfire Hawke and their story are the most relatable of the games for me, for all the reasons you mentioned. I don't really have anything else to add that I haven't said elsewhere, though.
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MarilynRobert
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Post by MarilynRobert on Jan 18, 2017 5:34:17 GMT
Absolute favorite. There are many good moment in DA2. Hawke is my favorite (comic-book-)hero, and Varric is the best storyteller. I like every companions, and always felt, that they have real relationship with each others, and really good idea the protagonist, who arrived in the city with his/her family. This is a personal story with real friends. Never felt that in another game. The NPC-s also great: Thrask, Cullen, Meredith, Petrice, Elthina, Arishok, Orsino... The faults of the game are funny, 1000 and comics memes was born out of it. (Sure it could have been better, but I'm not sure I could love more a perfect version – if you know what I mean.) I loved DA2 also, so much so that I can't say that I like the other two games better than DA2, even though I did like them a lot. DA2 had me laughing often, for many reasons and I'll always remember it fondly and I want to play it over and over.
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Post by fenris on Jan 18, 2017 7:02:34 GMT
LOVE THIS GAME! It's probably my favorite of the DA games, yes, despite it's shortcomings. But your reasoning is perfectly put.
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Post by javeart on Jan 18, 2017 10:23:53 GMT
Another DA2 lover here I love Hawke almost as much as I love Shepard and that's to say a lot and the same goes for the cast, it's still a second favourite after DAO, which is a lot too. And it's not only the writting that is amazing, there's a lot of things that I think it does extremely well (side-quest integration, companion content, combat+builds+tactics,...) Love it
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Post by fenris on Jan 18, 2017 10:38:23 GMT
Also, DA2 has the best antagonists by far! I won't even talk about the ME franchise, but even among the DA games: DA:O - an evil "kill for the sake of killing" type of villains. Not very interesting. Even if you take Loghain to be the bad guy - he's interesting, but not the most clever of villains and a rather regular "I'm a tyrant because I think I'm right." DA:I - Yeah... Let's not even go there... Good game, but not because of its main plot. DA2 - You have several minor and major villains, with the Qunari threat causing the best villains to step forward (we have the Arishok, Sister Patrice...). Then we have the Templar-Mages conflict, with the tragic Orsino and the cause-driven-made-insane-by-magic (which kind of proves her point to begin with) Meridith...
Just an awesome set of villains all together.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2017 14:16:47 GMT
I am looking forward to trying it, but I still have to finish Awakening first.... it has to be something completely out of this world to top JE, KOTOR 2 and MET for me though. Glad to hear the companions are cool, because from their descriptions they do not look particularly stellar, and some are downright cringeworthy. But Bio pulled really silly char concepts before, so I am sure they will be nice enough.
So far the only BioWare/Obsidian games I liked less than Dragon Age franchise was NWN1 and Planescape Torment (I did not play Shattered steel and Pillars of Eternity). Fingers crossed DA2 changes that.
I really need to psych myself up into playing Awakening again.
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Post by MarilynRobert on Jan 18, 2017 16:02:37 GMT
I am looking forward to trying it, but I still have to finish Awakening first.... it has to be something completely out of this world to top JE, KOTOR 2 and MET for me though. Glad to hear the companions are cool, because from their descriptions they do not look particularly stellar, and some are downright cringeworthy. But Bio pulled really silly char concepts before, so I am sure they will be nice enough. So far the only BioWare/Obsidian games I liked less than Dragon Age franchise was NWN1 and Planescape Torment (I did not play Shattered steel and Pillars of Eternity). Fingers crossed DA2 changes that. I really need to psych myself up into playing Awakening again. For me, the companion interaction was great. It very much felt like they had a life even away from Hawke and you got to see or hear bits and pieces of that, throughout the game. The companion interaction made the game for me and caused me to use every single companion, everywhere, over time.
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Post by Catilina on Jan 18, 2017 16:05:17 GMT
I am looking forward to trying it, but I still have to finish Awakening first.... it has to be something completely out of this world to top JE, KOTOR 2 and MET for me though. Glad to hear the companions are cool, because from their descriptions they do not look particularly stellar, and some are downright cringeworthy. But Bio pulled really silly char concepts before, so I am sure they will be nice enough. So far the only BioWare/Obsidian games I liked less than Dragon Age franchise was NWN1 and Planescape Torment (I did not play Shattered steel and Pillars of Eternity). Fingers crossed DA2 changes that. I really need to psych myself up into playing Awakening again. (Planescape Torment one of my favorite games!)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2017 19:15:39 GMT
I am looking forward to trying it, but I still have to finish Awakening first.... it has to be something completely out of this world to top JE, KOTOR 2 and MET for me though. Glad to hear the companions are cool, because from their descriptions they do not look particularly stellar, and some are downright cringeworthy. But Bio pulled really silly char concepts before, so I am sure they will be nice enough. So far the only BioWare/Obsidian games I liked less than Dragon Age franchise was NWN1 and Planescape Torment (I did not play Shattered steel and Pillars of Eternity). Fingers crossed DA2 changes that. I really need to psych myself up into playing Awakening again. (Planescape Torment one of my favorite games!) I liked the setting, but not the protagonist. After modding a different pc in and rewriting the dialogues as I went to suit her for a few days I just gave up the endeavour. I just do not like the subgenre without cc of the protagonist. I prefer a co-creative games, like BioWare's rather than passively watching someone else's fav character story. Obsidian was always more heavy handed with their treatment of the player than Bio, forcing the protagonist or companions. Also it was a long time ago, and I was not yet comfortable with play cross-gender at all. And a lot of the game's humour was not my cup of tea, like using your own genitalia for a weapon, wink, wink, nudge, nudge....
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Wildfire
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Post by Wildfire on Jan 18, 2017 19:41:13 GMT
Interesting to hear your thoughts. I discovered the brilliance of Dragon Age 2 at a time when I had all but lost interest in Bioware. Dragon Age Origins was downright depressing (almost bored me to death), MET was too much like a rubbish Hollywood movie and that kind of space science fiction never really interested me... Jade Empire was rather bizarre, especially for a Chinese-born like me. Despite its absurdity, it was enjoyable - but not memorable. So before DA2, the previous really impressive game from Bioware had been NWN: Hordes of the Underdark. So I was losing hope... I obviously recognised the contributions Mass Effect had made to gaming (dialogue wheel, player choice), but I never grew to care about the universe. But Dragon Age 2 just changed it all. I think it came down to the fact that it had such a great cast of characters plus that super-emotional and relatable plot. I totally adore the female Hawke - her voice is like honey. Someone already mentioned the good antagonists, and I completely agree. Even the random supporting cast members are somehow special. I've come to adore Cullen, for some reason He's so sad and troubled all the time, the poor man.
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Post by phoray on Jan 18, 2017 20:04:45 GMT
Companions: (cross posted but expanded.) I love them all.
Sebastian is okay, don't dislike him, suffers from the same proselytizing most religious folks suffer from, but it seems to bring happiness to Fenris, and for that, I give him a pass on even his greatest flaw (in my eyes.) His ... I'm not going to call it an over reaction, but his very real reaction at the end of DA2 in response to Anders actions was great except for the tiny little problem of his pointing his rage at Kirkwall as opposed to directly at Hawke or Anders. We should have had to fight Sebastian on the spot or allow him to do the execution. Unfortunately, his story direction had actual support as a WT mission in DAI...sigh. SO, until that very moment, he is a solid if underwhelming character.
I love Aveline because she punched my murder Hawke in the face and we laughed about it afterwards. That's family, fucked up family, but family nonetheless. She has a couple of Javier from Les Miserables Moments when dealing with the Arishok. And the scenes you may not even get where she refuses to side with the mages but then also refuses to raise her blade against you is an amazing one one should look up on youtube.e
I love Merril for being the dorkiest dork ever. Also, in spite of how mean people can be to her, she still refuses to go down to their level and hit them where it hurts. She is also proud to be a Dalish, and represents it in a non angry very respectful way. Previous Dalish companion, Velanna, comes no where close to this. Yes, she does a lot of silly banter, but put her in a party where people judge her or challenge her on her beliefs and you can see her very serious very devoted side. And people should try to see both sides and not just saddle her with the naive child label.
I love Varric for trying to protect everyone is his special kinda Carta way; whether its's Merril, Fenris, Anders, and even Cole, later. He was the perfect built in friend for Hawke.
I love Isabella for her sex positivity and career goals; the way she thrives on freedom is refreshing to watch. And if you get her loyalty, it's as touching as when Morrigan got all choked up and called me friend. It's touching, you just got to dig past the sexual bravado.
I love Fenris because, in spite of his struggle and trauma, he pushes himself to get through it. To move beyond it. He wants to, so desperately, and it's painful to watch how frustrated he gets with himself. But then he gets there. He gets there and it's beautiful to witness. Whether it makes your heart swell with love or friendship, you can't help but be proud to see where he ends up. Supporting you in protecting the mages is the biggest thing he could ever do to show he believed in you considering his past.
I love Anders. And I hate Anders. And that's why his character is so well done. He's so human it's disgusting. he has it all. He has jealousy, joy, silliness, pain, selfishness, devotion, fear, cowardess.... He's judgemental but allows himself to be judged. Add a dash of pathetic on more than one occasion and you got a roller coaster of emotion from start to finish that represents a true and flawed human being. He makes huge mistakes. His energy and passion are his driving force and it is easy for someone to get swept away in it.
Then the siblings!
Bethany is bland (to me). She's very likable but there is also a sadness to her belief that maybe she really should be in a tower kept from everyone. She doesn't ever seem to complain. All of the NPCs think of her fondly. However, I think there is an edge of strength within that must come up when she's pushed.
Then there is Carver. Wanting to stand on his own two feet so badly. Jealous of Hawke, perceiving them to cast a shadow he can never escape. A childish brat of a man-boy who's growth over the game is just as touching as Fenris'. "It's gone too long without being said. I'm proud to call you "sister." And with that line, he stole my heart as favorite sibling of the two. Also, as a Warden, he breaks regs and comes to help you at the end game battle. I love that guy, my little brother.
Gamlen is a bit of a nasty person, but he has redeeming moments as well. And Leandra has the flaw of wanting to be noble again after rightfully losing it all to her life choices.
All of them. So real. Interacting with you. REACTING TO YOU.
The relationships could change based on rivalry or friendship! No Cassandra becoming self destructive JUST because the Herald of Andraste is an assshole. Come on, Cass, you're stronger than that! And between the two extremes is also some allowance for if you're not quite the best of friends. And you get so many different scenes! And you, the player, trying to be a hero. And pretty much failing. You can never fix all the problems that Kirkwall has because they are bigger than you. You can either embrace the flawed status quo or fight against it as a moderately tragic freedom fighter. It's as close to reality as you'll ever get. I went to a Muhammed Ali museum yesterday. He was a complicated guy, who followed his own beliefs and was very outspoken. Following his own beliefs got him hated and loved and everything in between. Doesn't make him less of a hero today. And Hawke is that kind of hero. Also, great villains! I still can't say I don't agree with the Arishok. "Would you do differently if you were in my shoes?" My murder Hawke thought about someone doing violence to his sister and was like..."Nope. I'd do the exact same thing." When you can AGREE with the BAD guy?! Amazing! The Battle mechanics are flashy and fun. And you could still program your AI. DAI kept the flashy and minused the second part, a big failing. I can go on and on, but it's quite long enough! ^__^ but OP, you are definitely not the only lover of DA2
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Post by Catilina on Jan 18, 2017 20:10:30 GMT
Interesting to hear your thoughts. I discovered the brilliance of Dragon Age 2 at a time when I had all but lost interest in Bioware. Dragon Age Origins was downright depressing (almost bored me to death), MET was too much like a rubbish Hollywood movie and that kind of space science fiction never really interested me... Jade Empire was rather bizarre, especially for a Chinese-born like me. Despite its absurdity, it was enjoyable - but not memorable. So before DA2, the previous really impressive game from Bioware had been NWN: Hordes of the Underdark. So I was losing hope... I obviously recognised the contributions Mass Effect had made to gaming (dialogue wheel, player choice), but I never grew to care about the universe. But Dragon Age 2 just changed it all. I think it came down to the fact that it had such a great cast of characters plus that super-emotional and relatable plot. I totally adore the female Hawke - her voice is like honey. Someone already mentioned the good antagonists, and I completely agree. Even the random supporting cast members are somehow special. I've come to adore Cullen, for some reason He's so sad and troubled all the time, the poor man. Cullen is a good-looking knight, I'm no wonder, you like him. Too bad, that non-romanceable in DA2. Would be interesting a rival romance! (Okay, I'm satisfied with Anders and Fenris but still...) Ha had some bad days in the Ferelden Circle, and after, in Kirkwall also: the templars also involved: Wilmod for example, and when it was over, he saw, that Meredith getting crazier. He respected her, this was a great disappointment.
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Post by Catilina on Jan 18, 2017 20:15:57 GMT
Companions: (cross posted but expanded.) I love them all.
Sebastian is okay, don't dislike him, suffers from the same proselytizing most religious folks suffer from, but it seems to bring happiness to Fenris, and for that, I give him a pass on even his greatest flaw (in my eyes.) His ... I'm not going to call it an over reaction, but his very real reaction at the end of DA2 in response to Anders actions was great except for the tiny little problem of his pointing his rage at Kirkwall as opposed to directly at Hawke or Anders. We should have had to fight Sebastian on the spot or allow him to do the execution. Unfortunately, his story direction had actual support as a WT mission in DAI...sigh. SO, until that very moment, he is a solid if underwhelming character.
I love Aveline because she punched my murder Hawke in the face and we laughed about it afterwards. That's family, fucked up family, but family nonetheless. She has a couple of Javier from Les Miserables Moments when dealing with the Arishok. And the scenes you may not even get where she refuses to side with the mages but then also refuses to raise her blade against you is an amazing one one should look up on youtube.e
I love Merril for being the dorkiest dork ever. Also, in spite of how mean people can be to her, she still refuses to go down to their level and hit them where it hurts. She is also proud to be a Dalish, and represents it in a non angry very respectful way. Previous Dalish companion, Velanna, comes no where close to this. Yes, she does a lot of silly banter, but put her in a party where people judge her or challenge her on her beliefs and you can see her very serious very devoted side. And people should try to see both sides and not just saddle her with the naive child label.
I love Varric for trying to protect everyone is his special kinda Carta way; whether its's Merril, Fenris, Anders, and even Cole, later. He was the perfect built in friend for Hawke.
I love Isabella for her sex positivity and career goals; the way she thrives on freedom is refreshing to watch. And if you get her loyalty, it's as touching as when Morrigan got all choked up and called me friend. It's touching, you just got to dig past the sexual bravado.
I love Fenris because, in spite of his struggle and trauma, he pushes himself to get through it. To move beyond it. He wants to, so desperately, and it's painful to watch how frustrated he gets with himself. But then he gets there. He gets there and it's beautiful to witness. Whether it makes your heart swell with love or friendship, you can't help but be proud to see where he ends up. Supporting you in protecting the mages is the biggest thing he could ever do to show he believed in you considering his past.
I love Anders. And I hate Anders. And that's why his character is so well done. He's so human it's disgusting. he has it all. He has jealousy, joy, silliness, pain, selfishness, devotion, fear, cowardess.... He's judgemental but allows himself to be judged. Add a dash of pathetic on more than one occasion and you got a roller coaster of emotion from start to finish that represents a true and flawed human being. He makes huge mistakes. His energy and passion are his driving force and it is easy for someone to get swept away in it.
Then the siblings!
Bethany is bland (to me). She's very likable but there is also a sadness to her belief that maybe she really should be in a tower kept from everyone. She doesn't ever seem to complain. All of the NPCs think of her fondly. However, I think there is an edge of strength within that must come up when she's pushed.
Then there is Carver. Wanting to stand on his own two feet so badly. Jealous of Hawke, perceiving them to cast a shadow he can never escape. A childish brat of a man-boy who's growth over the game is just as touching as Fenris'. "It's gone too long without being said. I'm proud to call you "sister." And with that line, he stole my heart as favorite sibling of the two. Also, as a Warden, he breaks regs and comes to help you at the end game battle. I love that guy, my little brother.
Gamlen is a bit of a nasty person, but he has redeeming moments as well. And Leandra has the flaw of wanting to be noble again after rightfully losing it all to her life choices.
All of them. So real. Interacting with you. REACTING TO YOU.
The relationships could change based on rivalry or friendship! No Cassandra becoming self destructive JUST because the Herald of Andraste is an assshole. Come on, Cass, you're stronger than that! And between the two extremes is also some allowance for if you're not quite the best of friends. And you get so many different scenes!
And you, the player, trying to be a hero. And pretty much failing. You can never fix all the problems that Kirkwall has because they are bigger than you. You can either embrace the flawed status quo or fight against it as a moderately tragic freedom fighter. It's as close to reality as you'll ever get. I went to a Muhammed Ali museum yesterday. He was a complicated guy, who followed his own beliefs and was very outspoken. Following his own beliefs got him hated and loved and everything in between. Doesn't make him less of a hero today. And Hawke is that kind of hero.
Also, great villains! I still can't say I don't agree with the Arishok. "Would you do differently if you were in my shoes?" My murder Hawke thought about someone doing violence to his sister and was like..."Nope. I'd do the exact same thing." When you can AGREE with the BAD guy?! Amazing!
The Battle mechanics are flashy and fun. And you could still program your AI. DAI kept the flashy and minused the second part, a big failing.
I can go on and on, but it's quite long enough! ^__^ but OP, you are definitely not the only lover of DA2 This is so complete and pretty! Each characterization. I can not really add ... maybe later.
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Wildfire
N2
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda
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Post by Wildfire on Jan 18, 2017 22:18:26 GMT
And you, the player, trying to be a hero. And pretty much failing. You can never fix all the problems that Kirkwall has because they are bigger than you. You can either embrace the flawed status quo or fight against it as a moderately tragic freedom fighter. It's as close to reality as you'll ever get. I went to a Muhammed Ali museum yesterday. He was a complicated guy, who followed his own beliefs and was very outspoken. Following his own beliefs got him hated and loved and everything in between. Doesn't make him less of a hero today. And Hawke is that kind of hero. Also, great villains! I still can't say I don't agree with the Arishok. "Would you do differently if you were in my shoes?" My murder Hawke thought about someone doing violence to his sister and was like..."Nope. I'd do the exact same thing." When you can AGREE with the BAD guy?! Amazing! What you said about Hawke... It's so true! It's just like in the comic where Hero of Ferelden and Inquisitor brag about their achievements to Hawke. The latter is just a person trying to do their best in a mad world, and often ends up being more of an anti-hero than a hero. It's so poignant, funny and sad at the same time when Senechal Bran says something like: "Kirkwall is, on the whole, grateful for your efforts. Let's hope nothing more is required." In the end, it was so tragic to see how the things unfolded. Despite Hawke's best efforts, everything fell apart and a lot of people ended up blaming them for those tragic events... Oh Hawke, you are so... human. And that's the beauty, really. About the characters, I completely agree with phoray. It's almost impossible to pick a favourite, because they are all so good! Merrill is absolutely adorable when she is in the "kitten" mode, yet there is steel in her enough to cut through anything. Isabela is a well-executed version of the archetypal sexy pirate girl and instantly commands both love and respect. Varric has enough charm to make the whole world love him, but he also has a good heart and he really cares about Hawke, and their friendship is one of the most beautiful things in the game. The story of Aveline is one of the most unique in the gaming world, and I am really impressed that she was conceived. I loved the fact that she had love life which did not directly involve the player, and the way she respects and stands by Hawke and protects them all... Hawke has all the reason to be grateful. I mostly disliked Anders throughout the game and yet I could only lament at his tragic fate. In his own way, he is also an antagonist of sorts (unless you are mage radical), and that blur between friend and foe is really intriguing and sorrowful. He was such a well-crafted character. Fenris was probably the only one with which I have never developed a deep bond... For some reason, we have just never clicked. And I haven't even downloaded Sebastian Gotta correct this wrong soon. As characters, the siblings were maybe not as strong as the others (not sure about Carver though, can't remember him all that well), but it was so comforting to know that they were there for you. Same was true for Mother and Gamlen. And I actually liked Gamlen - he kinda embodies the fact that relatives can suck ass but they are still relatives and loved ones, nevertheless. I think what really stood out in the game was that deep love all the characters felt for each other. In their own way, everyone wanted to protect each other, and at times it was just so touching. And the amount of different scenes is just amazing, there's no doubt that I'll replay the game in a few months just to see more of them. PS. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I've wanted to romance Anders and kill him in the end... For the drama. But I know my heart couldn't take it :'( If I did that I'd probably have to spend the next year or so writing a massive fanfiction about it... I think that would destroy Hawke for good.
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Post by dragontartare on Jan 19, 2017 1:23:28 GMT
And you, the player, trying to be a hero. And pretty much failing. You can never fix all the problems that Kirkwall has because they are bigger than you. You can either embrace the flawed status quo or fight against it as a moderately tragic freedom fighter. It's as close to reality as you'll ever get. I went to a Muhammed Ali museum yesterday. He was a complicated guy, who followed his own beliefs and was very outspoken. Following his own beliefs got him hated and loved and everything in between. Doesn't make him less of a hero today. And Hawke is that kind of hero. Also, great villains! I still can't say I don't agree with the Arishok. "Would you do differently if you were in my shoes?" My murder Hawke thought about someone doing violence to his sister and was like..."Nope. I'd do the exact same thing." When you can AGREE with the BAD guy?! Amazing! What you said about Hawke... It's so true! It's just like in the comic where Hero of Ferelden and Inquisitor brag about their achievements to Hawke. The latter is just a person trying to do their best in a mad world, and often ends up being more of an anti-hero than a hero. It's so poignant, funny and sad at the same time when Senechal Bran says something like: "Kirkwall is, on the whole, grateful for your efforts. Let's hope nothing more is required." In the end, it was so tragic to see how the things unfolded. Despite Hawke's best efforts, everything fell apart and a lot of people ended up blaming them for those tragic events... Oh Hawke, you are so... human. And that's the beauty, really. About the characters, I completely agree with phoray. It's almost impossible to pick a favourite, because they are all so good! Merrill is absolutely adorable when she is in the "kitten" mode, yet there is steel in her enough to cut through anything. Isabela is a well-executed version of the archetypal sexy pirate girl and instantly commands both love and respect. Varric has enough charm to make the whole world love him, but he also has a good heart and he really cares about Hawke, and their friendship is one of the most beautiful things in the game. The story of Aveline is one of the most unique in the gaming world, and I am really impressed that she was conceived. I loved the fact that she had love life which did not directly involve the player, and the way she respects and stands by Hawke and protects them all... Hawke has all the reason to be grateful. I mostly disliked Anders throughout the game and yet I could only lament at his tragic fate. In his own way, he is also an antagonist of sorts (unless you are mage radical), and that blur between friend and foe is really intriguing and sorrowful. He was such a well-crafted character. Fenris was probably the only one with which I have never developed a deep bond... For some reason, we have just never clicked. And I haven't even downloaded Sebastian Gotta correct this wrong soon. As characters, the siblings were maybe not as strong as the others (not sure about Carver though, can't remember him all that well), but it was so comforting to know that they were there for you. Same was true for Mother and Gamlen. And I actually liked Gamlen - he kinda embodies the fact that relatives can suck ass but they are still relatives and loved ones, nevertheless. I think what really stood out in the game was that deep love all the characters felt for each other. In their own way, everyone wanted to protect each other, and at times it was just so touching. And the amount of different scenes is just amazing, there's no doubt that I'll replay the game in a few months just to see more of them. PS. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I've wanted to romance Anders and kill him in the end... For the drama. But I know my heart couldn't take it :'( If I did that I'd probably have to spend the next year or so writing a massive fanfiction about it... I think that would destroy Hawke for good. This is a flaw that must be corrected. But in seriousness, have you rivaled him or friendshipped? Have you tried either of his romances? I really enjoy seeing how Hawke's love and/or support changes him for the better over the course of the game. motydz.tumblr.com/post/153393370980/meditation
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Wildfire
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Post by Wildfire on Jan 19, 2017 10:35:48 GMT
But in seriousness, have you rivaled him or friendshipped? Have you tried either of his romances? I really enjoy seeing how Hawke's love and/or support changes him for the better over the course of the game. No I don't, I've just always been put off by his angsty-emo-elf demeanour... I'm a bad person, I know, right? But I'll definitely do that during my next playthrough! There's gotta be something in him which makes everyone love him...
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our_lady_of_darkness
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Post by our_lady_of_darkness on Jan 19, 2017 11:20:00 GMT
What others wrote here: the protagonist who is beyond the standard heroic trope, being flawed and yet extremely compelling, well-developed multidimensional antagonists and great writing in general, both moving and hilarious at times.
This is one of the few games I think of with great fondness, since I invested a lot of time and emotions in it. Worth every moment and every feeling.
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Post by Catilina on Jan 19, 2017 23:46:13 GMT
But in seriousness, have you rivaled him or friendshipped? Have you tried either of his romances? I really enjoy seeing how Hawke's love and/or support changes him for the better over the course of the game. No I don't, I've just always been put off by his angsty-emo-elf demeanour... I'm a bad person, I know, right? But I'll definitely do that during my next playthrough! There's gotta be something in him which makes everyone love him... Haha, no, you are not bad person, I needed 2-3 playthrough to like him... Yes, his personality is pretty much more, than whine and "hatred" toward Anders and the mages (and sometimes toward Hawke). He try to be more open minded, and try to be objective, but his fear prevent him in this intention. At the end (no matter rivalry or friendship ... okay, in rivalry this more quick and clear, as I see), he succeed, and this is the reason, why only if his personal quest is over, and the real danger is averted he able to thinking about the future and the love. But sometimes he shows more understanding than people expect, and he can be really fun, if you like the dry humour. this is a really good examle, as i see (not my video, I never let Anders to kill Ella...) Bonus: Fenris about his "whine":
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Post by javeart on Jan 20, 2017 0:20:55 GMT
No I don't, I've just always been put off by his angsty-emo-elf demeanour... I'm a bad person, I know, right? But I'll definitely do that during my next playthrough! There's gotta be something in him which makes everyone love him... Haha, no, you are not bad person, I needed 2-3 playthrough to like him... Yes, his personality is pretty much more, than whine and "hatred" toward Anders and the mages (and sometimes toward Hawke). He try to be more open minded, and try to be objective, but his fear prevent him in this intention. At the end (no matter rivalry or friendship ... okay, in rivalry this more quick and clear, as I see), he succeed, and this is the reason, why only if his personal quest is over, and the real danger is averted he able to thinking about the future and the love. But sometimes he shows more understanding than people expect, and he can be really fun, if you like the dry humour. this is a really good examle, as i see (not my video, I never let Anders to kill Ella...) Bonus: Fenris about his "whine": hahaha I can't believe I never saw that line abut his whining before!! How could I missed it?? It's true that Fenris is very serious, but then has a few very funny lines, Gaider's great with humorous dialogues, with different types of characters and in different styles
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Post by Catilina on Jan 20, 2017 0:35:51 GMT
Haha, no, you are not bad person, I needed 2-3 playthrough to like him... Yes, his personality is pretty much more, than whine and "hatred" toward Anders and the mages (and sometimes toward Hawke). He try to be more open minded, and try to be objective, but his fear prevent him in this intention. At the end (no matter rivalry or friendship ... okay, in rivalry this more quick and clear, as I see), he succeed, and this is the reason, why only if his personal quest is over, and the real danger is averted he able to thinking about the future and the love. But sometimes he shows more understanding than people expect, and he can be really fun, if you like the dry humour. this is a really good examle, as i see (not my video, I never let Anders to kill Ella...)
Bonus: Fenris about his "whine":
hahaha I can't believe I've never saw that line abut his whining before!! How could I missed it?? It's true that Fenris is very serious, but then has a few very funny lines, Gaider's great with humorous dialogues, with different types of characters and in different styles Everyone thinks that the red responses related with him are insults, but it is not always true. Honestly, I can imagine to saying similar than this to my friend after a seven-year friendship (it's just a friendship, not rivalry, and even not romance). And sometimes he quite well respond to red answers. I the first discussion he mentioned, that he is not made of glass. I don't think, that he want Hawke to treat him, as a glass flower.
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Post by themikefest on Jan 20, 2017 2:45:05 GMT
I like DA2. My favorite character is Meredith. Sarcastic femHawke is great. Better hairstyles than DAI.
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