Dragon Age 2 is happening. Then again, we already knew that; the first game was called "Origins." The Game Informer cover doesn't reveal much, but here's what we're able to glean from its meager frame: The game is called Dragon Age 2, it features a new champion (what about importing Sneakblayde, our elf rogue?), a different part of the world (see ya, Ferelden!) and it's "breathtaking."
We're not sure what's breathtaking here, but if the game looks anything like the art style on the cover, we're going to imagine that's what GI's talking about. Remember, Greg Zeschuk told us they were working to make the Dragon Age engine look, in his words, "visually super hot." Is this what BioWare was teasing for February 1, 2011? With a 10-page cover story, it sounds like BioWare and EA are ready to talk about this thing, so we're guessing in the affirmative. Watch that mailbox (or F5 Joystiq) to learn more.
Update 9:35am: That didn't take long! BioWare just uncorked the Dragon Age 2 page and, with it, some new details. First, we've got a description of the game that has you gathering allies (the deadliest of them, no less!), amassing fame and fortune, and beginning your "Rise to Power." Yeah, we're getting a Fable 3 vibe also.
The "key features" include a decade-long story, the aforementioned "rise to power," some much-needed "dynamic new combat mechanics," not only "updated graphics" but also a "new visual style," all combining for an "entirely new cinematic experience." We've got some concept art for you below
Oh, and pre-orders start today, but that hasn't stopped GameStop from putting up a date. Yeah, they're saying February 1, 2011.
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/dragon-age-2-revealed-on-game-informer-cover-praise-andraste/
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Final boxart ? :
Bioware surely must have a huge team.
UPDATE:
Also like Mass Effect, Dragon Age 2 is ditching the original's roll-your-own character creation system, complete with unique origin stories for all the different playable races, for a more "cinematic" scripted hero named Hawke. BioWare's Chris Priestley addressed the community on the official forums, stating, "While I do enjoy having fun with our fans, I am not joking about this. The player character is a human (either male or female) with the last name of Hawke. Dragon Age 2 is the story of Hawke." Then he quotes from the press release:
Dragon Age 2 thrusts players into the role of Hawke, a penniless refugee who rises to power to become the single most important character in the world of Dragon Age. Known to be a survivor of the Blight and the Champion of Kirkwall, the legend around Hawke's rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor. Featuring an all-new story spanning 10 years, players will help tell that tale by making tough moral choices, gathering the deadliest of allies, amassing fame and fortune, and sealing their place in history. The way you play will write the story of how the world is changed forever.
