First review, confirming what I've heard left and right in hushed tones: it's a great game.

http://gameinformer.com/games/dragon_ag ... eview.aspx

Let's hope the other reviews echo this statement

that review was practically gushing. So there are copies out at review sites? According to Gamespot, the game isn't due out until November 3rd.

Seeing as the game was virtually finished for PC when it was delayed for the consoles earlier this year, it's not that surprising really. I know that a lot of people inside the industry (not just reviewers) have played the game already, too.

I'm definately considering this as my next game (followed up by Assassins Creed 2 for some 'lighter' playing) but whilst I have it preordered from work I'll be stashing my copy away until one of you guys can say if it truly is like BG/IWD or not. If not, I won't be bothering. I'm tempted by the collectors edition but not going to bother, it's only 4 items that give extra stats and while that's appealing, I'm not that much of a min-maxer that I want to pay an extra £5 or £10 just for them!

I have been chatting to a mate about the 4th edition DnD rules though which are the ones I assume Dragon Age will use... I'm not sure I like the sound of them at all. They sound too... well... wow-ish for me (odd comment since I like WoW but I don't class it as good enough to be used in a BGesque game).

That review certainly is gushing but sounds like any other rpg review really... we will wait and see.

I agree about 4th edition D&D.... but this isn't D&D, so don't worry. It's its own little world... I'm guessing they got tired of D&D and all the licensing BS.

Well as long as they've worked it right then that's a relief

Getting rid of the annoyances with D&D (like being owned by Atari) was one of the reasons they started developing their own IP. BGII and NWN being the only D&D games I ever played, I often thought BGII was good despite D&D instead of because of it.

Dragon age will be launching with... DLCs. Several. Immediately.

Is it just me, or doesn't it kinda feel like this crap should've been included as part of the game, rather than pay-for downloads? It's one thing if we're buying a game and 6 months later they release new material they built... but this stuff was obviously developed at the same time. Seems kinda petty.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6232117.html

I mean, I guess if there's 70 hours of gameplay in the game they're selling, and dozens more in these expansions, I'm not sure I can legitimately complain, but still, it feels sleazy to me.

Yep I think it every time, if it's available at launch it should be on the damn disc. Half the time it actually is and all you do is purchase an unlock and not even download it. Just a huge rip off.

Two letters: EA.

Having read the article forward, 2 of the 3 downloads are available immediately for free using unlock codes. Used as a means to try to destroy the second-hand game market. Lame. That's sleazy too.

The third is for-pay and sounds like Watcher's Keep from BG2. I'm kind of annoyed with this game now. If it's great I may still get it, but definitely no collector's edition or launch-day purchase for me.

The armor and the Stone Prisoner I can live with, but the Warden's Keep one is just lame. Meh. I really wish Bioware hadn't teamed up with EA for all this bullshit. Like the armor being wearable in ME2 too. Why? Why would I care? What's the point? It's a set of freaking armor. It's not even like you can get it as a vanity item to show off to other players because it's completely singleplayer.

With good reviews, I will still get Dragon Age. Might even pre-order it. But the DLC...I dunno. On the one hand I would love more of a good rpg, on the other I don't want the send the signal that I like this bull.

Sigh. If this was Call of Duty or some such clone shooter I'd have an easy decision. But there have been so little good rpg's lately...

If I get the game, I'll play through it, and if I really liked it, I may buy the DLC for a replay. We'll see. So far, I'm not convinced the game is going to be the epitome of extreme awesome. If it is, i'll be hopelessly addicted and will gladly fork over my cash for more of that sweet, sweet crack.

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/sacre ... 2?type=flv

First truly epic cg video of Dragon Age. I love it and none of that crappy music at the end.

Good video. But why does Bioware insist on having women only in such skimpy armour? No wonder she's complaining about the cold.