I FINALLY played Dragon Age: Origins... (2024)

[@HadrorexHun]

Regarding the main theme variation that plays at the end of main quests, I love how you pointed that out. So few people notice it and care about music cues in the first place. The same theme also plays when you first talk to Wynne at Ostagar or Sten in Lothering. There is also a mechanic to it, it only plays at the end of main quests, if you got the "best" possible outcome. It can also play after the battle of redcliffe village, but ONLY if you save all the npcs in the village. If anyone dies at all, you will not get the music.

[@vanyadolly]

I love seeing new people come into the series! (PSA: get the 4GB patch on PC, it solves the crashing and texture issues.) The game does give you the opportunity to explore Loghain's motives because you can take him on as a companion, and ask other characters like Anora and Eamon about him. Basically he was so traumatized by the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden in his youth that he viewed the Orlesians as a bigger threat than the darkspawn. Remember that many didn't believe it was a true blight at the time, and no one knows that Wardens are actually necessary to stop a blight. Ironically the fact that he's willing to go to any lengths for the end goal is what makes him an ideal Grey Warden. These choices where it's difficult to determine what the right decision is, if there even is one, is what makes DA so special. Do you have the right to depose a popular Queen, or destroy the anvil if it could save the Dwarves, or risk Conner attacking the village again if you go to the Mages for help? Even when replaying the game I find myself debating those issues.

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

I must agree that the choices were absolutely amazing in DAO. I might make videos for some of them eventually. Their complexity probably easily allows for a video for each of them, at least the main ones. Also, thank you for all the background on Loghain's character, it's good to know! Makes a lot more sense

[@apolan598]

As someone that has been heavily involved in Fantasy fiction through Books, Tabletop gaming and Video Games, I can definitely say that Dragon Age: Origins ranks up there in terms of quality. The visuals and thematic choices blend quite well with the strong story and characters. I think seeing this video makes me want to replay it haha. Anyways, great video as always, keep it coming!

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

Absolutely! After playing, it became clear to me pretty quickly why so many people claim it's one of the goats! Good luck and enjoy your playthrough, if you end up playing again. I'm personally excited to eventually play the DLCs and the sequels, though I have heard a lot of mixed feelings on the sequels. Thank you for the kind words!

[@apolan598]

@@ParadoxiaGaming I would be keen to hear your thoughts on Inquisition as it is certainly mixed

[@Aufsammelkabbler]

Don‘t forget the absolutely epic music in this game! The companions where also incredible. The interactions and the banter between them is absolutely hilarious and gives them a depth of character.

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

Yeah that's very true. The music is fantastic!

[@gardin2002]

Found your videos just hyping myself up for Veilguard release in a few days. I think one of my favorite things about Origins is how your character's background really makes some areas like Orzammar or the Circle of Magi richer for that character. I was laughing also at your commentary for Loghain's character. I definitely felt the same until I read the first dragon age novel that goes into his background. I enjoyed the book and extra lore, but the content in the game should be able to stand on it's own ... and I still killed him for all but 1 replay (just to get the achievement lol).

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

I hope you'll enjoy Veilguard! Thanks for watching :) You aren't the only one mentionning the fact that Loghain's motives and backstory are explained in some sort of book. I might need to look into that!

[@alexandriafecher]

I dunno if people care about spoilers for this game but spoiler warning lmao if you play as a female dalish elf and have a lil romance with tamlen you see him again way later in the game after he's been tained by the darkspawn and you have to put him out of his misery. It's actually so tragic and I remember crying a lot during that scene because I had no idea about it. I even played as the male Dalish before that and that scene didn't exist so I'm pretty sure it only happens if you flirt with him in the origin

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

Well, I also saw Tamlen later in the game. He showed up at the party camp, and just like you said, I had to put him down. He was almost unrecognizable. Looks like him showing up or not is most likely a result of some other decision then! Interesting.

[@alexandriafecher]

@muskeys hmm maybe I just don't remember it then since my male dalish was the first route I ever played?

[@popcandy44]

You shouldnt have to read the books to know this tbh, it could have been implemented into the game better imo. Loghain is basically just a war vet, who didnt even sign up for the military mind you, the literal Prince of Fereldan just showed up at his doorstep when he was a teenager and his dad was like oh fuck Loghain you have to help this stupid stupid boy then the people chasing the prince killed his family so he just decided to stay with Prince Maric since thats what his dad told him to do. Orlesians killed his family and did a bunch of other fucked up things in that book from what little I remember so Loghain just genuinely cannot conceptualize anything worse than Orlesians, and more Grey Wardens would be coming from Orlais, along with Orlesian armies. He has no idea you literally need Grey Wardens to end a blight as well so in his eyes its like trying to put out a fire with an even bigger fire.

[@popcandy44]

I should add hes still an idiot and it doesnt excuse what a weird obvious super villain he is in origins.

[@ParadoxiaGaming]

Hmmm, so it does sound like there's a lot more to his character. I wonder if they came up with all that after the game's release or if they always had that in mind while writing his character, even in DA:O. Makes a lot more sense and I wish his backstory was better explained in the game!

[@popcandy44]

@ParadoxiaGaming I'm fairly certain the book came out before the game actually. You can talk to him a lot more about it if you recruit him but that's a stupid thing to do and most people don't, including me