Dragon Age 2 is known to be an outcast of the series. It did a lot differently from Origins, from its combat to the protagonist having a voice actor, and not all of these differences were warmly welcomed by the fans.
Looking back though, was it really that bad? There is a population of players that say the game is one of the most underrated RPGs out there.
10 Least Best: Recycled Dungeons
The recycled dungeons were one of Dragon Age 2's most major flaws. You would visit a mine at one point and then visit a mage hideout and find out that these two places are actually the same map! It is the same place, but now serving a different purpose at a different location.
Even hardcore fans found this flaw to be pretty unforgivable, as the most basic of video games do not dungeon recycle.
9 Underrated: Memorable Characters
The writing of Dragon Age games never ceases to impress. As usual, like Origins, a lot of love and thought went into the characters. All of the characters have different ideas and morals, and when you learn their backstories, their personalities and flaws make sense!
Also, in a true Dragon Age fashion, a lot of lore and world-building are tucked into the stories behind these characters. They were built by society, and it is a treat to learn from them.
8 Least Best: Less Explorative
While Origins explored forests, the Deep Roads, the capital of Ferelden, and so much more, Dragon Age 2 takes place in just one city. While Kirkwall is a city with a ton of personality and different parts to visit, it is a far cry from the massive world introduced in Origins.
Luckily, Bioware learned from this mistake. Inquisition had huge maps with a ton of exploring involved.
7 Underrated: Deeper Main Character Writing
The main character's family is rarely part of an RPG. They are usually all dead or out of the picture. In Hawke's case though, they are very involved. You don't just have a backstory and go on an adventure. Your family and past are always with you.
This allowed for some deeper and more detailed writing for the main protagonist. They get to go through more inner struggles that are outside of their companions and the plot.
6 Least Best: Cannot Choose Your Race
One of the reasons the writing was deeper was because players did not get a backstory choice. You had to be a human named Hawke, not a Dalish elf, city elf, qunari, dwarf, or anything else. That was a major disappointment to the fans. Origins had a lot of race and class choices.
Once again though, Bioware learned from this mistake and let players pick their race in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
5 Underrated: Well Written Dialogue
Again, the writing is strong. The banters are a joy to hear as the banter provides world-building, revealing little character secrets, and often gives off a lot of emotion. The comedy and wit are bound to get some laughs or a jaw-drop, especially for players who pick the humorous options for Hawke.
It is easy to want to get some popcorn and just listen to your companions chat or argue with each other.
4 Least Best: No Major Plot
So what is the plot? That's actually a good question in Dragon Age 2. There are three acts, and each one offers a slightly different plot. However, its easy not to be aware of them happening. The first act is all about going on a Deep Roads expedition. That is as solid as it gets, as the two next acts do not really give you a main plot. You are just there for the ride.
Kirkwall is like a boiling pot, and you are hanging out and completing missions until the water boils over.
3 Underrated: Good Narrative
Despite the lack of plot, the narrative is well done. Varric is telling the story to Cassandra, and you are drawn in with her. You do not know what is going to happen, but you have a strong feeling that it will not be good. Dread is in the air of Kirkwall, and you know a disaster is on the horizon.
The pacing and lead up to the climax of the story for each act is well done.
2 Least Best: Compared To Origins And Inquisition
Dragon Age 2 stands between two giant games: Inquisition and Origins. Inquisition and Origins have more in common than Dragon Age 2 has with either of them. They also do a lot right where Dragon Age 2 was wrong. In the other games, you can choose your race and backstory. You get to explore a ton of Thedas instead of being limited to one city. There is a solid plot in them as well.
Next to them, Dragon Age 2 falls all the more short.
1 Underrated: Beautiful Soundtrack
Like its writing and characters, the series's music is always solid. Some fans consider that Dragon Age 2 has the best soundtrack of them all. Each character does not have their own tavern song like in Inquisition, but the music still instills wonder in the player.
The most notable piece of the soundtrack may be Hawke's theme. It is so memorable that it is even played in Inquisition at some points.