Dragon Age II

[AndreaDraco]

Can you customize the appearance of Hawke?

Yes, fully.

Will the main character from the first game have a cameo?

We don't know yet, but I doubt the Warden will make an appearance.

[DeadPoolX]

I'd try the mods, but the full game is coming out in less than a week. I think I can wait until then.

[Tawmis]

You know, randomly - was thinking - any indication of the Mabari (did I spell that right? Probably not!) being in Dragon Age II as a team member?!?

[AndreaDraco]

Do you mean the exact same Mabari we had in Origins?

If so, I think the answer is no.

If you preordered the game, you'll the Black Emporium, though, and the Emporium, a secret marketplace underneath Kirkwall, comes with a Mabari Hound we can purchase and then summon into battle, effectly being the five member of the active party.

Oh, and DPX: the point is that the character creator is even more strange than in the first game. When you create a character there is almost no lighting on the screen and a face that seem acceptable or even beautiful could turn out not so much. In fact, it took me almost an hour and an half to create my Mage Hawke, who'll be my first and "canon" character, so to speak. Now I'm fiddling around with the CC to create a warrior and a rogue, but nothing that I really like, so far. Anyway, I think these mods are pure gold. Why BioWare didn't unlock these options in the first place - even if this is a slightly older build - is beyond me.

[DeadPoolX]

Oh, and DPX: the point is that the character creator is even more strange than in the first game. When you create a character there is almost no lighting on the screen and a face that seem acceptable or even beautiful could turn out not so much. In fact, it took me almost an hour and an half to create my Mage Hawke, who'll be my first and "canon" character, so to speak. Now I'm fiddling around with the CC to create a warrior and a rogue, but nothing that I really like, so far. Anyway, I think these mods are pure gold. Why BioWare didn't unlock these options in the first place - even if this is a slightly older build - is beyond me.

Hopefully the full game's build includes better lighting. Whether it does or not, Maia and I pre-ordered the game, so we'll get The Black Emporium and the Mirror of Transformation.

Sure, it's annoying to redo your face, but at least you get the option. I have a feeling a lot of people wanted that in DA and probably ME1/ME2 as well.

[Tawmis]

Do you mean the exact same Mabari we had in Origins?
If so, I think the answer is no.
If you preordered the game, you'll the Black Emporium, though, and the Emporium, a secret marketplace underneath Kirkwall, comes with a Mabari Hound we can purchase and then summon into battle, effectly being the five member of the active party.

Awesome sauce.

[Tawmis]

Sure, it's annoying to redo your face, but at least you get the option. I have a feeling a lot of people wanted that in DA and probably ME1/ME2 as well.

You lost me? What do you mean redo the face?

[DeadPoolX]

Sure, it's annoying to redo your face, but at least you get the option. I have a feeling a lot of people wanted that in DA and probably ME1/ME2 as well.

You lost me? What do you mean redo the face?

The Mirror of Transformation allows you to recreate your face DURING the game. You don't have to restart.

[AndreaDraco]

Hopefully the full game's build includes better lighting. Whether it does or not, Maia and I pre-ordered the game, so we'll get The Black Emporium and the Mirror of Transformation.

Oh, and now there are way more options for hair, eyes, stubble, beard and so on and, as you may have seen from the screen I posted, characters look more realistic than before. I predict that Maia will loose many hours trying to create her fHawke.

[DeadPoolX]

Hopefully the full game's build includes better lighting. Whether it does or not, Maia and I pre-ordered the game, so we'll get The Black Emporium and the Mirror of Transformation.

Oh, and now there are way more options for hair, eyes, stubble, beard and so on and, as you may have seen from the screen I posted, characters look more realistic than before. I predict that Maia will loose many hours trying to create her fHawke.

Oh yes, she will indeed.

BTW, in the demo, I gave my character the first name of "Mike" and I didn't realize it at first, but when you say "Mike Hawke" out loud, it takes on an entirely different meaning.

[AndreaDraco]

BTW, in the demo, I gave my character the first name of "Mike" and I didn't realize it at first, but when you say "Mike Hawke" out loud, it takes on an entirely different meaning.

Yeah, it was a running joke on the social site since the announcement of Hawke. Fortunately, everyone will call you simply Hawke, so no problem in this regard.

And you guys, what do you think of the companions so far?

[Tawmis]

And you guys, what do you think of the companions so far?

Thus far, ... interesting. To me a lot of their character developed, not only when I talked to them - but when they'd talk amongst each other as I walked around (some of that dialogue was the best!) So I am curious to see if they maintain that with Dragon Age II.

[DeadPoolX]

BTW, in the demo, I gave my character the first name of "Mike" and I didn't realize it at first, but when you say "Mike Hawke" out loud, it takes on an entirely different meaning.

Yeah, it was a running joke on the social site since the announcement of Hawke. Fortunately, everyone will call you simply Hawke, so no problem in this regard.

And you guys, what do you think of the companions so far?

Hard to say, really. We barely get to know them as most of the demo focuses on combat.

So far, here's what I think and it may change during the game itself:

Bethany: She seems nice and very willing to listen and follow Hawke. In other words, she's not a trouble maker. Of course, that may change later on, but in the demo, she seems quite laid back. I also like the "big brother/little sister" dynamic, especially when it comes to Templars.

BTW, did you guys notice that in Varric's first over-the-top story that Bethany's bust is MUCH larger than in the real game? I didn't even realize this until I read a thread about it on the BioWare social site. I have a feeling Varric likes human females.

Carver: First of all, who the hell names their kid "Carver?" Sounds like it should be the nickname of a serial killer.

Anyway... he definitely plays the "rival" part well, although certain dialogue options seem to make him more amicable. I don't like him, but I don't heavily dislike him, either. If it's a choice between Bethany and Carver, I'll choose the former, if for no other reason, I'm playing a two-handed sword-wielding Warrior.

Aveline: Meh. She's nothing to write home about. Her only usefulness is that she's a sword-and-shield Warrior, which generally allows her to soak up more damage.

Isabela: Right off the bat, I've got to say there's NO WAY she could perform all those flips and actions with a chest like hers. I guess all bets are off in a game that uses magic.

Since we only saw her for one part of the demo and couldn't even control her, I don't have a whole lot to say. She seems like she'll be an interesting companion, especially if you're a male Hawke and choose a romance with her.

Hawke might want to bring a condom, though. She's probably been ridden more times than Evel Knievel's motorcycle.

Varric: I like him. I didn't find him exceptionally useful in combat (maybe I was using him wrong), but his attitude and personality MORE than make up for it. I love the way he's messing with the Templar's mind at the start of the game.

[AndreaDraco]

Bethany: She seems nice and very willing to listen and follow Hawke. In other words, she's not a trouble maker. Of course, that may change later on, but in the demo, she seems quite laid back. I also like the "big brother/little sister" dynamic, especially when it comes to Templars.

I can't really stand her and I'm particularly happy to be playing a mage. She comes off as whiny to me and her reaction to Aveline's husband made me want to punch her As a rule of thumb, I don't like snarky female companions à la Morrigan, but at least Morrigan had a solid background, while Bethany seems to me a bit flat. Perhaps my opinion will change when I'll play a warrior/rogue and I'll get to know her better, but, for now, I won't miss her.

Carver: Anyway... he definitely plays the "rival" part well, although certain dialogue options seem to make him more amicable. I don't like him, but I don't heavily dislike him, either.

I like Carver, despite the name. I like that he challenges Hawke and that he's not a pushover. I also like that he's pretty strong-minded about certain things (can't say more to avoid spoilers) and I think it will be an interesting dynamic to have him in the party. That is, before we get Fenris

Aveline: Meh. She's nothing to write home about. Her only usefulness is that she's a sword-and-shield Warrior, which generally allows her to soak up more damage.

I liked her attitude toward her husband. She was very protective of him, to the point of decapitating a darkspawn (with splatter all over). However, considering her personality, I doubt that my "Freedom for the Mages! Death to the Templars!" mage will get along very well with her.

Isabela: Since we only saw her for one part of the demo and couldn't even control her, I don't have a whole lot to say. She seems like she'll be an interesting companion, especially if you're a male Hawke and choose a romance with her.

From what we've seen so far, I like her, even if I'm not going to romance her, obviously. Her background seemed interesting and I like that she fought to freedom the elven slaves - if I could, I'd totally play an elf! - and that she's sassy without coming off as snarky. Between her and Varric I really don't know which rogue I'll bring along, but right now I think I'll pick her most of the times.

Hawke might want to bring a condom, though. She's probably been ridden more times than Evel Knievel's motorcycle.

I don't know who Evel Knievel is, but I think you're right and that's another thing I like about her. The virginal type of girl (à la Leliana/Merrill) usually bores me. I very much prefer strong-willed women capable of pursuing their pleasures.

Varric: I like him. I didn't find him exceptionally useful in combat (maybe I was using him wrong), but his attitude and personality MORE than make up for it. I love the way he's messing with the Templar's mind at the start of the game.

He's a dwarf. Hence I didn't think I'd like them. And I adored him! Plus, I don't know what abilities you tried, but Rain of Arrows (or whatever it's called) is massive and pinning shot is a wonderful ability now.

[Tawmis]

I don't know who Evel Knievel is, but I think you're right and that's another thing I like about her. The virginal type of girl (à la Leliana/Merrill) usually bores me. I very much prefer strong-willed women capable of pursuing their pleasures.

I am always shocked when cultures don't cross over...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evel_Knievel