Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Developers: BioWare Edmonton
- Publishers: Electronic Arts, Spike
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening (2010)
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is the only expansion for Dragon Age: Origins, a role-playing game developed by BioWare and released in 2009. Awakening was released in 2010 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The expansion adds a new story, new characters, and new challenges to the original game.
Story
Awakening takes place shortly after the events of Dragon Age: Origins. The player character, who is now the Commander of the Grey Wardens, is called upon to investigate a series of attacks on the Vigil’s Keep, a fortress that serves as the headquarters of the Grey Wardens. The player quickly discovers that the attacks are being carried out by a new darkspawn horde, led by a powerful general known as the Architect.
The player must travel to a new region of Ferelden, known as Amaranthine, to stop the darkspawn horde. Along the way, the player will encounter new companions, including Velanna, a Dalish elf mage; Sigrun, a dwarven warrior; and Nathaniel Howe, the son of the traitorous Teyrn Loghain.
Gameplay
Awakening features the same core gameplay as Dragon Age: Origins. The player controls a party of up to four characters, each with their own unique abilities. The player can pause the game at any time to issue commands to their party members.
Awakening introduces several new gameplay features, including:
- New character classes: The expansion adds two new character classes, the Vigilant and the Artificer. The Vigilant is a warrior class that specializes in two-handed weapons and heavy armor. The Artificer is a rogue class that specializes in traps and gadgets.
- New abilities: All of the character classes from Dragon Age: Origins receive new abilities in Awakening. These abilities can be used to improve the party’s combat effectiveness or to solve puzzles.
- New locations: Awakening adds a new region to Ferelden, known as Amaranthine. Amaranthine is a mountainous region that is home to a variety of new enemies, including darkspawn, bandits, and wild animals.
- New quests: Awakening features a new main quest, as well as a number of new side quests. The side quests can be completed in any order, and they offer the player a variety of rewards.
Characters
Awakening introduces a number of new characters, including:
- Velanna: A Dalish elf mage who is a member of the Wardens. Velanna is a powerful mage, but she is also haunted by her past.
- Sigrun: A dwarven warrior who is a member of the Wardens. Sigrun is a skilled fighter, but she is also a kind and compassionate person.
- Nathaniel Howe: The son of the traitorous Teyrn Loghain. Nathaniel is a skilled ranger, and he is determined to redeem his family’s name.
- The Architect: A powerful darkspawn general who is the leader of the new darkspawn horde. The Architect is a cunning and intelligent enemy, and he is determined to destroy the Grey Wardens.
Reception
Awakening received critical acclaim upon release. The expansion was praised for its new story, new characters, and new gameplay features. Awakening was also a commercial success, selling over a million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Awakening is considered to be one of the best expansions ever released for a role-playing game. The expansion added a significant amount of new content to Dragon Age: Origins, and it helped to keep the game fresh and interesting. Awakening also introduced a number of new characters who became fan favorites.
Overall
Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is an excellent expansion that adds a lot of new content to the original game. The expansion features a new story, new characters, and new gameplay features. Awakening is a must-play for fans of Dragon Age: Origins.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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