Great moments in PC gaming are bite-sized celebrations of some of our favorite gaming memories. Dragon Age: Origins, developed by BioWare in 2009, was a truly groundbreaking RPG that set a new standard for the genre. One of the standout features of the game was the ability to choose an Origin for your character, which would significantly impact the beginning of your adventure.
Unlike other RPGs that offer similar character background choices that only provide mechanical bonuses, Dragon Age: Origins took it a step further by completely changing the opening of the game based on your Origin selection. For example, starting as a City Elf would thrust you into a brutal fight for survival against oppressive human nobles, while playing as a Dalish Elf would involve exploring magical mysteries in a forest.
These unique Origins not only added variety to gameplay but also helped establish the fantasy world of Thedas in the players’ minds. The political divisions between races and classes were highlighted, giving the game a depth and complexity not often seen in high fantasy settings. As you progressed through the story, your chosen Origin would continue to influence your interactions with characters and locations, providing a more immersive experience.
While the Origins system was ambitious and not without its flaws, it showcased BioWare’s dedication to storytelling and creativity. Despite some shortcomings, the team’s passion for RPGs was evident in their efforts to create a truly captivating and engaging gaming experience. As a player, it was exciting to see developers push the boundaries of traditional RPG narratives and offer something fresh and unexpected.
Looking back at Dragon Age: Origins and its innovative approach to character Origins, one can’t help but hope for more of such creative storytelling in modern games. While it’s uncertain if the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard will feature a similar Origin system, fans of the series are eager to see BioWare continue to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of RPG gaming.
As a longtime PC gamer and enthusiast, I have witnessed the evolution of the gaming industry and the impact of memorable gaming moments like those found in Dragon Age: Origins. The ability to shape your character’s background and see how it influences the game world is a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming. With each new game release, I remain hopeful that developers will continue to strive for innovation and creativity in their narratives, providing players with unforgettable gaming experiences.