Dragon Age: Origins

Giant Bomb

This is definitely not the game for those frightened of the idea of micromanaging a game to the point where a large portion of it will be spent in a pause screen. However, as the sort of guy that has lovingly played an Infinity Engine game at least once every year for the past decade, I can think of no higher praise for this throwback than to say that Dragon Age: Origins leaves me feeling fairly confident I won't need to dig out the classics for this ritual next year.

1UP

The folks at BioWare have shown that they're always looking for ways to make their games better -- each of their RPGs builds upon the previous title. Dragon Age displays this refinement, and while the story may not be completely original, it's told in a way that enthralls and enchants the player. It's the best RPG of the year -- and maybe the best of the HD era.

Cynamite

Truly epic single-player RPG with a compelling story.

RPGamer

Dragon Age: Origins is a complete package. It offers true role-playing, a diverse and engaging story, plentiful customization options, humorous dialogue, deep gameplay, and lots of variety.

AceGamez

With an estimated 40-60 hours for a relaxed, fairly expansive play through, and the choices of origin, class and race to ensure at the very least two to four replays, Dragon Age: Origins may well be one of the most addictive, satisfying and life-swallowing RPGs that you can play offline.

GamePro

A spectacular experience from beginning to end, and with an enormous amount of choices to make, cities to visit, dungeons to crawl, NPCs to interact with, treasure to find, quests to complete and crafts to master, I feel pretty confident in saying that Dragon Age: Origins is, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable and immersive RPG experiences I've had since my Infinity Engine days. [Jan 2010, p.66]

Console Monster

Dragon Age is the perfect first step for newcomers; come on in.

Extreme Gamer

If you like the thought of Megan Fox on your lap hating A.D.D. kids with you, if you are in touch with your inner nerd, if you are intelligent and can actually pay attention to a story, and if you love awesome things that are truly full of awesomness that last for a million hours, then get Dragon Age: Origins.

Gamer Limit

Dragon Age: Origins blurs the fine line drawn by most morality games. The immersive, addictive gameplay is a true testament to the hard work put in by Bioware. Every RPG fan should at least give it a shot.

RPG Fan

Dragon Age: Origins is a rare game, one reminiscent of the PC RPGs of the past, and those who enjoyed those games will undoubtedly enjoy this one.

Multiplayer.it

It's really difficult to describe in a few words what Dragon Age: Origins means for the RPG genre. It's role-playing at its roots, with an incredible story arc, deep gameplay and an atmosphere no other game can deliver. You'll hope the game will last forever. There are really few problems in the gameplay but we can say without any doubt that Origins is the RPG of the year and, perhaps, of the last few years.

Planet Xbox 360

Like the Pulp Fiction of high-fantasy, Dragon Age: Origins is an innovative homage to the greatest works of the genre, woven together with masterful dialogue and an acute sense of social interaction. In terms of storytelling and creating true emotional bonds, Dragon Age: Origins is one of the finest RPGs ever created.

ActionTrip

Players can expect a thoroughly entertaining and deep single-player RPG experience with an intriguing plot, solid quest structure, exciting gameplay and an unbelievably vast world to explore.

Strategy Informer

Dragon Age: Origins is much more than a game – it’s the glorious revisiting of Bioware’s past and a look at where they are going in the future.

TeamXbox

Dragon Age: Origins is not for newbs. It’s not for the RPG-squeamish who could barely handle Mass Effect. It is for serious RPG gamers who will no doubt appreciate BioWare going back to its fantasy RPG roots, and they’ll eat this game up like the greatest all-you-can-eat buffet they’ve ever been to.

GamesNation

Dragon Age: Origins has it all! In spite of the unsatisfying graphics, it has so much on offer in terms of gameplay, storyline and longevity that it deserves to be played by every single GDR fan out there!

My Gamer

Go do yourself a favor this holiday season. If you’re looking to buy a game for a friend, or even for yourself, buy Dragon Age as it could get overlooked this crowded holiday season.

Xbox360Achievements

This is undoubtedly one of the best RPG games to emerge in recent times and has a perfect balance between out and out fun, mixed with action, romance and comedy.

Game Revolution

Even with its graphical hitches and proverbial chinks in its armor, and though the story may not move you by virtue of its resemblance to The Lord of the Rings, Dragon Age: Origins creates a comprehensive story-world that lives and breathes with the best that epic video games have to offer.

GameTrailers

When it comes to voice work, though, you can't touch BioWare. The production is great, and astoundingly comprehensive.

GameSpy

After logging over a hundred hours on Dragon Age: Origins, I still want to continue playing. I want to unearth more of its secrets, to better know its characters, to see how the decisions I make can impact its world, and yes, to see more of its endings. I can't think of a better recommendation than that.

GameDaily

Dragon Age: Origins is a fulfilling, involving adventure that is worth picking up. The choices you make for your character, along with the twists and turns that follow, will keep you engaged. Furthermore, the controls are well done, even without the standard PC and mouse combination. This is one adventure you'll keep coming back to for months to come.

Games Radar (in-house)

High fantasy role-playing at its finest. Its detailed world, memorable characters, meaningful choices, and engrossing combat system makes Dragon Age the sort of game you’ll want to replay from start to finish several times. RPG fans won’t be disappointed by this truly epic adventure.

Official Xbox Magazine

Gamers who are prepared to think — and commit for the long, long haul — will revel in a story that touches on resonant issues and puts the fate of a spectacular world in your hands.

Everyeye.it

Dragon Age: Origins is one of the best RPGs seen in the Next Generation lineup with fantastic backgrounds, multiple storylines and a solid background. Some graphical issues and a different battle system than PC version are the minor problems of a gorgeous title.

GameZone

With a great story, likeable characters, plenty of options and plenty of bloody action, this is yet another role-playing game that is Required Playing for anyone who enjoys the genre.

X360 Magazine UK

BioWare is at the top of its game and though Dragon Age does nothing to push the genre forward, it plays with the existing tools to present an incredibly polished and thoughtful RPG experience. [Issue#52, p.72]

Eurogamer Spain

Dragon Age Origins comes without any make up. You simply don't need it when you're the best, bigger and most complex RPG of the year.

Eurogamer Italy

From now on, to play the best GDR available you don't have any longer to play with Baldur's Gate: place your copy among the finest pieces of your collection and enjoy this great game that, despite some ugly textures and those finishing touches you will soon forget not to see, will keep you in front of the screen for a very long time.

Gameplanet

An amazing RPG that sets some new heights with very little to criticise. An great story coupled with fantastic characters and lots of replay value make Dragon Age: Origins easily the best RPG of the last few years.

XboxAddict

If you are looking for a game that will keep your attention for days and months at a time, envelop you in a story that is all based around you, provide you with an amazing soundtrack and sound effects, and ultimately give you a gaming experience you will never forget.... pick up Dragon Age Origins.

Gamervision

While not for everyone, Dragon Age: Origins is absolute bliss for fans of the genre.

GamingTrend

Compelling epic storylines, characters so rich you can become emotionally invested in them, and a great combat engine that works on multiple platforms - Dragon Age: Origins has what it takes to take the RPG genre to the next level.

PALGN

Dragon Age: Origins is a fantastic and amazingly deep RPG that just keeps on giving. A game that is guaranteed to give you your money’s worth.

Kombo

Dragon Age is a cinematic masterpiece that incorporates action at all the right spots to keep you firmly interested and dedicated to saving the world from the Darkspawn. You can't go wrong with Dragon Age.

ZTGameDomain

Dragon Age: Origins has sucked me in more than most other games this year. I find myself thinking about the game when not playing it, imagining other scenarios and different ways that situations could play out.

MEGamers

Everything a great RPG game should be! The story has more twists than a box of pretzels and the gameplay will keep you hooked for days at a length.

GameFocus

It’s clear that Dragon Age: Origins was built with the PC in mind but regardless of that fact, a fantastic story, great cast of characters and expansive world still make this an incredible experience. For those who just want to get into a bloody battle and spend a long period of time enjoying it, they will most certainly not be disappointed.

GamingXP

Caution, addiction may be possible! The story ties you to this game and won't let you go until you finish it. After a long time we have a role-playing game back that keeps you in your living room for many weeks. Even if you play 20 to 30 hours, you won't be fed up with it.

HellBored

Although there may be other games in this genre on the shelf, I don’t think any of them come close to doing what Dragon Age Origins does. There are times when you really wish you had a mouse and keyboard but all in all, this is about as functional as it can get.

IGN

Incredibly deep and expansive, Dragon Age: Origins is one of those titles that can easily swallow up dozens of hours of play and keep you coming back for more.

3DJuegos

Despite its lack of innovation Dragon Age: Origins is the best RPG in 2009. Its great value and addictive gameplay are among its main highlights.

GamingExcellence

Whatever the game may lack in visual splendor it makes up for with a deep story and pure awesome fun.

Gaming Target

With a decent storyline, hundreds of quests and missions, along with downloadable content the game could easily take anyone over 100+ hours to beat it; and that's not including the game's multiple endings.

AtomicGamer

While exhibiting a blatant disregard for aesthetics and an almost cavalier attitude toward bugs, Dragon Age is saved by its epic design, exceptional narrative and incredible voice acting.

MS Xbox World

A great storyline with plenty of twists and charismatic characters make Dragon Age: Origins a memorable experience.

GameSpot

Incredible storytelling, great characters, and exciting battles are just a few of the things that make this fantasy role-playing game so great.

WonderwallWeb

Fantasy fans are going to fall for this game, its a true Dungeons and Dragons style RPG for the console generation.

Vandal Online

RPG lovers shouldn't miss a great RPG title which offers a powerful story and a stunning conversational mode.

IGN AU

It's a delight to give into a fantasy setting with such a dense back story, even if the gameplay still rarely breaks away from conventions established a decade ago.

Cheat Code Central

If you're a Western-style, fantasy RPG nut, you simply can't go wrong with Dragon Age: Origins. BioWare has outdone itself once again - they've created an RPG masterpiece that more than rivals its competitors, even if it loses its tactical luster in translation to consoles.

XGN

Although Dragon Age: Origins doesn't bring anything new, we dare to say that this is the RPG of this autumn!

Games Master UK

A wonderfully designed RPG, but one that's also familiar and cliched. [Winter 2009, p.82]

DarkZero

As great as it is, there are too many irritations with the combat (and too many unnecessarily drawn-out combat sections) to hail it as a true classic.

games(TM)

This is pure BioWare, crafted with consummate fantasy fans in mind. [Christmas 2009, p.108]

GameCritics

Despite my qualms about the combat engine, graphics and the amount of minor bugs on display, it's a testament to BioWare's craft that Dragon Age: Origins is as intensely addicting and as ultimately satisfying as it is.

Official Xbox Magazine UK

It's difficult to describe a game with so many choices and different paths, but making them all feel meaningful is what Dragon's Age excels at. Complex it may be, but it's more focused than Fable II, better in combat than Mass Effect, and richer than The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. If you've got the patience, it's a cracker.

Worth Playing

For all its bluster, Dragon Age: Origins comes off as a game that's afraid to take risks. Everything about it, from the combat to the story line, stays very safely within established bounds. After Mass Effect, though, Origins feels like a bit of a step backward.

Game Informer

The story and its multiple branches will grab your attention, and the combat – while different in style – delivers plenty of thrills. I prefer the PC iteration, but it’s still good on PS3 and 360, and way better than not playing Dragon Age at all.

MondoXbox

BioWare partially failed to port to console a very classical PC RPG. The Xbox 360 version of the game is ruined by bad graphics and a flawed combat system, while some aspects like the great, multiple-branching story will delight many players. Despite its problems, Dragon Age: Origins remains the only good "old style" RPG on this platform, so if you're looking for something like this you should give it a chance.

Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

Eventually great and undeniably epic, but it looks terrible and takes too long to begin. [Jan 2010, p.88]

Destructoid

It has a great story, high production values, and one of the most immersive worlds ever created in a videogame. Tragically, Origins' considerable high points have been squandered on a frustrating, unbalanced combat system, and a customizable A.I that's just too broken to adequately customize.

Gamers' Temple

If games were rated on story alone Dragon Age: Origins would sit at the top of the scale, but you simply can't ignore the gameplay issues.

Eurogamer

RPG fanatics without a PC will probably want to fight their way through these flaws to get to the meat of Dragon Age: Origins - which is all still hanging off the bone, and which still makes for a filling, if slightly flavourless, meal. But they won't be able to escape the knowledge that they're playing an inferior version, a game that's been squeezed into a suit that doesn't fit. PC gamers can - with a flick of the mouse-wheel - look down on them.

Edge Magazine

It is so often calamitous that its few charms are either squandered or obscured. [Christmas 2009, p.96]