BioWare Shocked At Dragon Age 2 Fan Reaction

Many fans of Dragon Age: Origins who were upset at the major changes in Dragon Age 2 - specifically the dramatic switch from PC oriented tactical combat to a more fast paced experience.

While the shift was successful in helping draw in new fans to the franchise, BioWare was shocked at how negatively their die-hard fans reacted.

Electronic Arts has voiced their own surprise at the response to Dragon Age 2 by fans and review of the game did reflect similar criticisms. That said, was Dragon Age 2 a good game? Absolutely. It was still a fun, engrossing, and interesting role playing experience. Unfortunately, it just wasn't what fans had hoped for and BioWare is taking in all the feedback it can - to ensure that the third game in the series will live up to fan expectation.

In an interview with Xbox World Magazine, BioWare co-founder, Dr. Ray Muzyka, talked about the company's reaction to the fan's (negative) reaction.

"Dragon Age 2 was incredibly polarising and it caught us off-guard, honestly. It appealed to a new fanbase and we were delighted by that, but we've heard fans who wanted more of the Origins experience. We have to take all that feedback and find a way to marry those together, so we can bring everyone on the journey with us."

Whether or not you played Dragon Age 2 first and then Origins (or vice versa), it's easy to see the enormous amount of change between the two games - in many aspects and not just gameplay. Sounds like Dr. Muzyka wants to make sure that the third game will be the best combination of both titles. The combat in DA2 was certainly a little cleaner and offered more fluid on-screen action - giving the impression that you were actually injuring an opponent (as opposed to the simple attack animations in Origins).

The size of the world also turned off fans. Instead of the epic world traveling quest in Origins, players were stuck in one city. A large city - but one city all the same. However, regardless of how mad fans are at Dragon Age 2, BioWare is continuing to support it, with the most recent DLC featuring beloved nerd girl, Felicia Day.

How do you really feel about Dragon Age 2? What changes are you hoping to see in the inevitable Dragon Age 3?

The Dragon Age 2: Mark of the Assassin DLC releases October 11, 2011 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

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Source: Xbox World Magazine [via CVG]