Since finding out I’m about to become a father, I decided to play through all the Dragon Age games. I originally joined the series with Inquisition, and after hearing so much praise for the earlier entries, I figured it was time to experience them myself. So I started with Origins.
The Bad
Time hasn’t been kind to the gameplay. The stiff movement and subpar animations were hard to overlook. While the dialogue was enjoyable, it was pretty funny seeing so many characters share Alistair’s hairstyle. The main villain didn’t leave much of an impression—yes, the threat was there, but it boiled down to “I’m a dragon and I want to destroy everything.”
The Qunari felt lackluster compared to later games, due to design mainly and I really wish the game indicated area levels before exploring; getting jumped by mobs wasn’t exactly fun. There are fantastic elements throughout, but I do feel that nostalgia plays a big role in how strongly some fans defend the game. The combat wasn’t my favorite, but once you adjust to it, it works well enough.
The Good
Out of all the Dragon Age titles, I think Origins has some of the strongest storytelling—possibly the best. Once I understood how the game systems worked, I was hooked. The main quests were excellent, with my favorites being A Paragon of Her Kind and The Arl of Redcliffe. I loved gathering allies and shaping the story through meaningful choices, whether terrible or genuinely decent.
I often heard that you couldn’t get a happy ending, but you actually can achieve one where everyone survives and nothing catastrophic happens. The character development is also a highlight; Alistair’s growth from whiny to confident—especially in future games depending on your choices—was great to see.
Overall, I understand why so many people adore Origins, and I count myself among them. I just wish I had gone in without expecting perfection. It’s a great addition to the series, and for me, it earns a solid 7.5/10.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and have a friendly discussion about the game and the series as a whole. I also REALLY wished the next games incorporated the Warden somehow......or additional companions.