Dragon Age II

[DeadPoolX]

Anyway, who did you bring in the Fade with you?

My normal group: Varric, Isabela, Anders (or Bethany when she was available) and me.

BTW... did you notice that Isabela is all over the place? She's teaching Merrill how to cheat at poker while striking some sort of deal with Fenris and apparently going to Anders for medical assistance.

It's the last one that really made me laugh. Anders' and Hawke's comments alone were great.

By the way... while looking up some videos of DA2 on YouTube that're related to Bethany's ill-timed departure, I came across a sequence where you actually punch Isabela? I don't mean in anger, it's part of some sort of mission where she tells you to do it. When does this take place? Do I have to punch her? I have a feeling Aveline would rather do it.

It's in Act III.

I take it you enjoyed that sequence?

[Tawmis]

By the way... while looking up some videos of DA2 on YouTube that're related to Bethany's ill-timed departure, I came across a sequence where you actually punch Isabela? I don't mean in anger, it's part of some sort of mission where she tells you to do it. When does this take place? Do I have to punch her? I have a feeling Aveline would rather do it.

It's in Act III.

I take it you enjoyed that sequence?

I... experimented. And saved before hand... it's... something.

[AndreaDraco]

I just finished Merrill's quest for Act 3.

It was very touching. I have a full rivalry with her, having always condemned her reckless use of blood magic, but seeing her crying in her home after what happened with Marethari was really moving.

In other news, I've embarked upon the Awiergan Scrolls side-quest and it's really hard. The fight with an Arcane Horror and dozens of shades saw me defeated a couple of times before I could master the right strategy.

[Tawmis]

I just finished Merrill's quest for Act 3.

Not done it myself. I am working on the Companion Quests in Act 3 right now though. Just doing the first rounds (all the chatting, which then has you come back around to do actual quests). Some seem pretty interesting.

[AndreaDraco]

Just doing the first rounds (all the chatting, which then has you come back around to do actual quests). Some seem pretty interesting.

Merrill and Varric's are perhaps the best of the bunch in Act 3. And even Sebastian, for reasons you will soon find out

[Maiandra]

OK, well I can't participate in most of this yet, since I still have to finish Act 1. Too much stuff going on this week and I wanted to wait until my long weekend before getting into the game again, so I could enjoy it properly.

I'll just say that I'm liking it so far. The lack of stealth was glaring for me a few times, but other than that I like the game. I do enjoy the music and the setting. I actually don't mind having it in the city, since there is quite a few areas and I really like the day/night cycle.

I don't know how much you guys have looked at Dragon Age Nexus, but DPX found me a No Gibbing Mod. Since I recall Tawmis mentioning a dislike of the exploding bodies, I thought I'd mention it. Deaths still sound a bit squishy, but at least they look better.

I also found a Pants Mod for Isabella, since it seems ridiculous for her to be running around the entire game without them. The black ones are awesome! I want a pair.

[Tawmis]

I don't know how much you guys have looked at Dragon Age Nexus, but DPX found me a No Gibbing Mod. Since I recall Tawmis mentioning a dislike of the exploding bodies, I thought I'd mention it. Deaths still sound a bit squishy, but at least they look better.

I also found a Pants Mod for Isabella, since it seems ridiculous for her to be running around the entire game without them. The black ones are awesome! I want a pair.

Ah, see, that's awesome about the console. Unfortunately, my video card showed problems with the DEMO (when you go to the character select screen of your companions, their faces float in deep, dark shadows! So until I get a better video card (which seems to be the issue according to the thread on the Bioware site), I won't be getting Dragon Age II for the PC (unless it severely drops in price over time; because I'd wager my work laptop could play Dragon Age II fine!)

As for correcting Isabella's pants... I must protest this MOD!

[DeadPoolX]

Ah, see, that's awesome about the console.

She was talk about the PC version. As far as I know, no mods exist for the console versions.

[AndreaDraco]

OK, well I can't participate in most of this yet, since I still have to finish Act 1. Too much stuff going on this week and I wanted to wait until my long weekend before getting into the game again, so I could enjoy it properly.

I'll just say that I'm liking it so far. The lack of stealth was glaring for me a few times, but other than that I like the game. I do enjoy the music and the setting. I actually don't mind having it in the city, since there is quite a few areas and I really like the day/night cycle.

Are you liking the new companions so far? If you're going to pursue a romance, I'll be very curious to know which companion you'll choose!

[Tawmis]

Ah, see, that's awesome about the console.

She was talk about the PC version. As far as I know, no mods exist for the console versions.

*face palm* Yes. Sorry, I mean that's what's awesome about the PC.

[AndreaDraco]

I have one major plot quest still to do, "Best Served Cold," then the Zevran quest, which I saved for last hoping for a patch, and then I'll begin the final segment of the game. I'm excited and a bit nervous

[Tawmis]

Something that I do like -

The random mobs you encounter within the city (that have specific group names) - if you fight them enough times, you will find notes that lead to their "base of operations" within the city - to actually go after them there. (And then the woman at the Hanged Man known as "A Friend" will pay you for wiping them out).

[DeadPoolX]

Just started Act 3!

Act 2 was definitely more interesting than Act 1. Act 2 started off slow, but quickly picked up speed toward the middle of it.

Is it just me or this game easier than DA:O? It doesn't seem as lengthy and overall exhausting, at least.

What I really like about DA2 is the character interaction. Depending on who you bring with you to do what, the dialogue can range from mean-spirited to hilarious to WTF!?

The best cutscene I've seen so far is the one between Aveline and Isabela, when Aveline wanted to "court" Donnic. The things they said to each other... wow. Those two do not mesh well at all.

The most disturbing cutscene, however, easily goes to what that Blood Mage did to Hawke's mom. The poor guy can't get a break! His brother's killed by an ogre, his sister is captured by the Templars and sent to the Circle and now his mom was chopped up and then reanimated as some lunatic's love toy.

Oh and in Varric's quest where he kicks in the door and starts using his crossbow like a machine gun is awesome. It didn't matter who he shot at or what ability he used (if any), every hit was an instant kill.

I was a little annoyed when Isabela "skipped town" after getting her the relic, but I had a feeling she'd be back. She seems to important to the overall story (especially if you're in a romance with her) to have her leave completely.

That last part when you fight the Qunari who were attacking the city was intense. Lots and lots of fighting. I brought Aveline, Anders and Merrill with me. It's a good thing I brought two Mages. Between their protective, crowd control and damage-dealing spells, most enemies were already dead before Aveline and I got a chance to hit them.

I didn't let the Qunari take Isabela. From what the Arishok said, it sounded like they were going to beat and/or rape her. I don't know for sure, of course, but whatever happened would've been far too cruel.

Naturally, this means I had to fight him. So I went with the duel, even though I know I could've turned it down and had a brawl between them and my team.

Why did I choose the duel? Well, I had to think like Hawke or at least how I imagine mine thinks. In other words, a duel might impress the girl a lot more. Either that or make her think I'm an unbelievable idiot, but considering Isabela's mindset, I'd bet on the former.

BTW, what happens if you let the Qunari take Isabela? Is she gone for good? I can't imagine she'd be too happy with that. I'd almost consider replaying that part, but it's just too chaotic to do again.

As bad as the Qunari were at times, I couldn't help but agree with them on some issues. Like those two elves they were sheltering. If they willfully joined the Qunari, then how is the Viscount, Aveline (or even Hawke) justified in telling the Arishok to give them up? He didn't kidnap them. I wanted to say something about that, but the game doesn't give you many options to choose from.

Anyway... it looks like the Mages and Templars are going to war with each other. I tend to side with the Mages -- if for no other reason, they took Bethany away.

Speaking of Bethany, she didn't seem too surprised or happy to see Hawke. Given the Qunari attack at the time, I didn't expect a warm family reunion or anything, but maybe a brief "Hey, it's great to see you!" or something. It's not like they get to see each other that often

So that's it for now. Holy crap, look at all those spoiler-covered paragraphs!

[Tawmis]

Just started Act 3!

Goes quick. Just be careful and talk to anyone and everyone. I have noticed... some people will have additional dialogue, even though they have no quest icons over them... Notable... Shamus... and the Viscount's assistant (whose name is slipping my mind)... among... others, scattered throughout. While they may not give additional quests, they certainly give additional information.

Is it just me or this game easier than DA:O? It doesn't seem as lengthy and overall exhausting, at least.

In many regards, it feels MUCH easier than Origins. But the fight with the Templar who kidnaps the Qunari and the battle with Airshok were long battles for me.

What I really like about DA2 is the character interaction. Depending on who you bring with you to do what, the dialogue can range from mean-spirited to hilarious to WTF!?

Agreed, which I said is what I liked about DAO. And it's definitely the VERY varying dialogue while walking around that has sincerely warmed me up to actually swaying my opinion to LIKE Dragon Age II, despite my original stance.

The best cutscene I've seen so far is the one between Aveline and Isabela, when Aveline wanted to "court" Donnic. The things they said to each other... wow. Those two do not mesh well at all.

I got the same dialogue.

The most disturbing cutscene, however, easily goes to what that Blood Mage did to Hawke's mom. The poor guy can't get a break! His brother's killed by an ogre, his sister is captured by the Templars and sent to the Circle and now his mom was chopped up and then reanimated as some lunatic's love toy.

Agreed.

Oh and in Varric's quest where he kicks in the door and starts using his crossbow like a machine gun is awesome. It didn't matter who he shot at or what ability he used (if any), every hit was an instant kill.

I only wish it would have lasted longer. I was laughing so hard.

I was a little annoyed when Isabela "skipped town" after getting her the relic, but I had a feeling she'd be back. She seems to important to the overall story (especially if you're in a romance with her) to have her leave completely.

Annoying yes, but fitting for said character.

That last part when you fight the Qunari who were attacking the city was intense. Lots and lots of fighting. I brought Aveline, Anders and Merrill with me. It's a good thing I brought two Mages. Between their protective, crowd control and damage-dealing spells, most enemies were already dead before Aveline and I got a chance to hit them.

I enjoyed slaughtering those who stood in my way! I had myself, Varric, Anders, and Isabella...

I didn't let the Qunari take Isabela. From what the Arishok said, it sounded like they were going to beat and/or rape her. I don't know for sure, of course, but whatever happened would've been far too cruel.

Naturally, this means I had to fight him. So I went with the duel, even though I know I could've turned it down and had a brawl between them and my team.

Why did I choose the duel? Well, I had to think like Hawke or at least how I imagine mine thinks. In other words, a duel might impress the girl a lot more. Either that or make her think I'm an unbelievable idiot, but considering Isabela's mindset, I'd bet on the former.

BTW, what happens if you let the Qunari take Isabela? Is she gone for good? I can't imagine she'd be too happy with that. I'd almost consider replaying that part, but it's just too chaotic to do again.

No idea, as I followed the same path here that you did.

As bad as the Qunari were at times, I couldn't help but agree with them on some issues. Like those two elves they were sheltering. If they willfully joined the Qunari, then how is the Viscount, Aveline (or even Hawke) justified in telling the Arishok to give them up? He didn't kidnap them. I wanted to say something about that, but the game doesn't give you many options to choose from.

Well, as everything with Dragon Age, they frequently walk the lines of grey...

Anyway... it looks like the Mages and Templars are going to war with each other. I tend to side with the Mages -- if for no other reason, they took Bethany away.

Speaking of Bethany, she didn't seem too surprised or happy to see Hawke. Given the Qunari attack at the time, I didn't expect a warm family reunion or anything, but maybe a brief "Hey, it's great to see you!" or something. It's not like they get to see each other that often

At least she is alive for you...

[AndreaDraco]

Act 2 was definitely more interesting than Act 1. Act 2 started off slow, but quickly picked up speed toward the middle of it.

If I may, in my opinion, Act 2 - from a pure storytelling perspective - surpasses almost everything seen in DA:O and ME2. The way your companions quest intertwine with the main plot, the way the overarching Qunari theme comes to a peak, the way Hawke's family becomes involved with the story, the moral ambiguity of almost every quest... it's a great experience. I really loved it.

Can I ask you, just out of curiosity, what was your outcome in the "Dissent" quest? Anders companion quest, that is.

The best cutscene I've seen so far is the one between Aveline and Isabela, when Aveline wanted to "court" Donnic. The things they said to each other... wow. Those two do not mesh well at all.

I didn't have Isabela in my party and still Aveline's companion quest was priceless. I really like her and her scenes with Donnic were hilarious.

The most disturbing cutscene, however, easily goes to what that Blood Mage did to Hawke's mom.

It was a really emotional moment. I was shocked. It's very disturbing and incredibly sad. What made me sob really hard, though, was Aveline's story about her dad, the one she tells Hawke to console him for Leandra's death. Wonderful writing.

Oh and in Varric's quest where he kicks in the door and starts using his crossbow like a machine gun is awesome. It didn't matter who he shot at or what ability he used (if any), every hit was an instant kill.

That scene was amazing! But, piece of advice, during the Lily Killer quest, spare Gascard, bring him in Quentin's lair and watch Varric's reaction. I was speechless for a moment and then I started applauding.

I was a little annoyed when Isabela "skipped town" after getting her the relic, but I had a feeling she'd be back.

My reaction was: "Quella puttana figlia di troia," which is the exact Italian translation of what Aveline actually says if she's in the party when Isabela bails. I didn't have enough friendship with her, though, so that was the last I saw of her. And by the way, yes, if you give her to the Arishok, she's taken to Par Vollen and you completely loose her.

As bad as the Qunari were at times, I couldn't help but agree with them on some issues.

I actually disagree with them on almost everything and their philosophy frightens me, not to mention the abhorrent way they treat their mages (poor Katojan/Saarebas). Still, I deeply respected the Arishok and that's why my hawke agreed to the duel.

Word of advice on Act 3. Even if it's tiresome and long and hard (it requires lot of exploration), do the "The Lost Swords" quest, because the reward is pretty amazing!

Oh, and DPX, do you have the Exiled Prince DLC? If so, I'm sure you'll enjoy Sebastian's personal quest in Act 3. I can't say why, but I'm sure you will