Bioware gives away free copies of Mass Effect 2 in order to help sell DA2!

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

Ooooor.... they're working on adding to the hype for ME3's release later this year by trying to get Dragon Age fans interested in another of BioWare's IPs....

DA2 has been selling reasonably well. People try to do a straight comparison between the sales of Origins and DA2 to say DA2 without taking into account that Origins was released right at the start of the holiday season (which spikes sales) while Dragon Age 2 came out as people were heading into tax season.

Seriously, can we stop the incessant and insipid "Omg look at how much DA2 sucks and how desperate BioWare must be!!!!11one!!!eleven!1" threads?

Get a life and let it go already.

And the White Knight rides in again. Seriously, why do you have to defend Bioware at every turn while insulting others?

Because I'm bored, and if I wasn't on The Escapist, I might be productive, and we can't be having any of that.

If someone wants to have a reasonable conversation with give and take on both sides, I'm more than happy to provide one. But too many people are just interested in bashing BioWare and creating a scene. If you hate the game so much, don't play it and move on with your life.

I'm not insulting anyone here. The threads are incessant, and most (including this one) are insipid: "without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities".

I love The Escapist, but I'm getting damn tired of every third thread on here being "OMG DA2!!!!" People need to move on.

And yes, I enjoy it, and I see where BioWare is taking the franchise, and approve of its direction. But I've never said DA2 was perfect, or that complaints against it entirely lack validity. But the constant bashing and latching onto anything BioWare says or does as signs of being desperate are ridiculous. I tend to see a lot of overreacting with no attempt to compromise, or offer the developer any validity of their choices.

BioWare is not the first to do bundles. And not all bundles are desperate bids to sell more copies of a failing product, but to drive interest in another product all together.

You ask why I defend BioWare, why do you jump into every DA2 bashing thread? To make your opinions heard. Just because my opinions differ from yours, I'm apparently a White Knight fangirl, amirite?

First off, I blame EA. A 14-18 month development cycle? Fuck off. The composer even said EA was rushing the game to capitalize on Origins' success. Most problems can be traced back to "cut for time." I personally hope the game fails so EA might back off Bioware. They already bled Origin dry then shut them down. I would hate to see Bioware share a similar fate.

Secondly, I don't mindlessly hate. I've presented what I don't like about the game multiple times. I just hate it when I see users being insulted by people "defending" Bioware. They are a big boy. They can take it. I've already been labeled a "hater" despite being on the record as saying I really like ME, ME2, DA:O, and KOTOR. But I voice my dislike of one of their games and I just hate Bioware to be cool and edgy. I'm just fed up with people saying I can't dislike a game.

 

[Ninonybox_v1legacy]

*edited out*

wtf the escapist switched topics on me

 

[Eldarion]

Is the game doing this badly?

Damn, I knew I wouldn't want to play it but I didn't think it would do badly.

 

[Jaded Scribe]

Ooooor.... they're working on adding to the hype for ME3's release later this year by trying to get Dragon Age fans interested in another of BioWare's IPs....

DA2 has been selling reasonably well. People try to do a straight comparison between the sales of Origins and DA2 to say DA2 without taking into account that Origins was released right at the start of the holiday season (which spikes sales) while Dragon Age 2 came out as people were heading into tax season.

Seriously, can we stop the incessant and insipid "Omg look at how much DA2 sucks and how desperate BioWare must be!!!!11one!!!eleven!1" threads?

Get a life and let it go already.

And the White Knight rides in again. Seriously, why do you have to defend Bioware at every turn while insulting others?

Because I'm bored, and if I wasn't on The Escapist, I might be productive, and we can't be having any of that.

If someone wants to have a reasonable conversation with give and take on both sides, I'm more than happy to provide one. But too many people are just interested in bashing BioWare and creating a scene. If you hate the game so much, don't play it and move on with your life.

I'm not insulting anyone here. The threads are incessant, and most (including this one) are insipid: "without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities".

I love The Escapist, but I'm getting damn tired of every third thread on here being "OMG DA2!!!!" People need to move on.

And yes, I enjoy it, and I see where BioWare is taking the franchise, and approve of its direction. But I've never said DA2 was perfect, or that complaints against it entirely lack validity. But the constant bashing and latching onto anything BioWare says or does as signs of being desperate are ridiculous. I tend to see a lot of overreacting with no attempt to compromise, or offer the developer any validity of their choices.

BioWare is not the first to do bundles. And not all bundles are desperate bids to sell more copies of a failing product, but to drive interest in another product all together.

You ask why I defend BioWare, why do you jump into every DA2 bashing thread? To make your opinions heard. Just because my opinions differ from yours, I'm apparently a White Knight fangirl, amirite?

If I may defend my poor little thread a moment.
I made sure NOT to go on about my opinion of Dragon Age 2, for just this reason.
But honestly, I really cant see a way to offer a two sided argument for DA2. I saw nothing of merit in that game, when compared to its big brother, Dragon Age Origins.

Though, I do feel for you as someone who enjoyed the game. I'm sure the hate must be annoying.
Just remember, its the same with us when we go into a more DA2-positive thread.
"You have a negative opinion of the game? Your just a TROLL because you don't agree with us!"

I just miss the good ol' days, when Bioware made good games, and everyone sung their praises together..

Agreed. Sorry if I jumped on ya, but the "I wish I were kidding" and follow up comments made it seem like more of the same-old/same-old.

Honestly, I understand where those that dislike the game are unhappy with it. I loved the changes, but I see where it could be a big issue for those that already loved the current system, and weren't ready for the 180 they took.

You seem fairly reasonable. Drop me a line, and we can civilly compare notes on and debate the game. ^_^

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

I'd love this...

If I had any intention of buying Dragon Age 2 on the PC.

Even though I already own ME2 on the PS3, I wouldn't turn down a free PC version. If nothing else, I could give it away as a gift. Or actually import my ME 1 character instead of doing that intro comic for the fourth time.

But I don't. Dragon Age 2 on the PS3.

... now I just have to wait until my birthday (which is this summer) because my spouse made me promise. **sigh**

I'll just have to be satisfied with Third Birthday until then. Batshit insane plot or no.


Captcha: have longeti. Will travel?

 

[Hristo Tzonkov]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been wanting to get DA II for awhile now and this sinks it, getting this before the thirtieth. Just need to scrounge up the money now.

Cant argue about getting free Mass Effect 2.
Though you might be better off trying to just buying ME2 cheaper.
Dragon Age 2 is....well....the least said the better....*shudder*

There is a good reason its selling so poorly.

I've been offline for awhile, care to tell me what's up with DA II? I loved Dragon Age and with Bioware's usual quality I wouldn't think they'd mess up such a great game, but, worse has happened.

As is, I just noticed that I don't have enough room on my hd for both games and I don't want to buy an external one right now, so, Mass Effect might be the only one.

Hmm. Trying to think of the words to sum it up...
Honestly, it doesn't feel like a Bioware game.
It's short, unpolished, buggy, and your "choices" don't change anything. The ending is also one of the worst I've seen in a few years.
Top that with hit and miss art style, along with "streamlined" combat, and you've got a basic idea of the Dragon Age 2 package.

I'd recommend Mass Effect 2 any day of the week though. It's got its own problems, but the good FAR outweighs any issues

Thanks for the warning. I'll probably lose my Spring Break to Mass Effect 2, good trade off I'd hope.

Wait wait dude.If you're gunna take some random guy on the internet's opinion you can also listen to mine.

The combat isn't streamlined in the sense that is bad as most people make it seem like.If you remember DA:O had a fairly bad combat mechanic where the combat was a series of positive events or a quickload.It forced you to play in certain styles and even pick up certain people just so you won't die everytime you start combat with something more than a pack of wolves.

The story is more of an excuse to showcase characters,set the stage for DA3 and expand the universe.Humans,mages,templars,dalish everyone has a lot more character and color.There's a distinct difference in the thinking of dwarves that are born on the surface and in Orzammar,elves don't just look like skinny humans with pointy ears.These are all things I found lacking in DA:O.

As said the whole story is a passing plot of characters that will likely be in DA3.It's a string of random events that happens to 1 person and how he comes out of them rather than go around the world and try to save it.It does a damn good job for a sequel and when you couple it with the new combat mechanics(which had me playing the game 3 times over the course of 1 week as I already knew the story).That and the companion and dialogue wheel system is pretty close to perfection.

As previously stated it's not a better than sex virtual reality.But it's a damn good game one that I will likely replay in 1-2 months.

 

[valkeminator]

I ... I'm just speechless at EA's marketing ploy... *sigh*
Its getting hopeless... Not that I hate DA2, but the desperation...

Edit: Also, I do not blame Bioware, Im sure this is ALL EA'S DOING.

 

[Canadish]

What's worse, though? Creating threads to beat an already long dead horse, or to try and praise it for what people thought it did right?

Well, this is News. So its worth bringing up. Hell, some people might actually go buy it now they know about this deal. I would not recommend it...but...

Though, on the topic of dead horse beating, I'll happily kick this dead beast until Bioware show signs of going back to producing quality games.
Both Mass Effect 1,2 and DAO are in my Top 5 favorite games list, and as a customer, I want to encourage Bioware to head back in that direction.

Besides, I wouldn't know how to begin praising DA2. I really didn't think anything improved.
Well, maybe put Varric in future titles. I kinda liked him.

 

[Hristo Tzonkov]

The game isn't bad.Most people bashing are disappointed overzealous fanboys or people who have never played the game.Like previously stated grow up.The game is good it's just not the better than sex virtual reality you all expected.

Yup. That must be it. No way could people just genuinely not like a mediocre game, no sir. They must be lying about it because... they hate Bioware? Sure, lets go with that.

When did I say they hate Bioware good sir?

 

[x-machina]

Wait, I was under the impression Dragon Age 2 sold very well. Did, it bomb or maybe just not sell as well as they anticipated? I really hope it bombed, that might send a message to other companies. That stream lining games to try and have them appeal to a larger audience can backfire.

 

[dj Facchiano]

Oh look bioware is being awesome... HOW THE HELL IS THIS A BAD THING? I cannot logically understand you guys. You don't like Dragon age 2, I get it, but to act like bioware giving away free stuff is some evil plot really just shows how determined you guys are to hate them... BIOWARE IS BECOMING A CONSOLE SELL OUT!!! WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH DRAGON EFFECT 2 WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH enough da2 bitching please.

 

[Jaded Scribe]

Ooooor.... they're working on adding to the hype for ME3's release later this year by trying to get Dragon Age fans interested in another of BioWare's IPs....

DA2 has been selling reasonably well. People try to do a straight comparison between the sales of Origins and DA2 to say DA2 without taking into account that Origins was released right at the start of the holiday season (which spikes sales) while Dragon Age 2 came out as people were heading into tax season.

Seriously, can we stop the incessant and insipid "Omg look at how much DA2 sucks and how desperate BioWare must be!!!!11one!!!eleven!1" threads?

Get a life and let it go already.

And the White Knight rides in again. Seriously, why do you have to defend Bioware at every turn while insulting others?

Because I'm bored, and if I wasn't on The Escapist, I might be productive, and we can't be having any of that.

If someone wants to have a reasonable conversation with give and take on both sides, I'm more than happy to provide one. But too many people are just interested in bashing BioWare and creating a scene. If you hate the game so much, don't play it and move on with your life.

I'm not insulting anyone here. The threads are incessant, and most (including this one) are insipid: "without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities".

I love The Escapist, but I'm getting damn tired of every third thread on here being "OMG DA2!!!!" People need to move on.

And yes, I enjoy it, and I see where BioWare is taking the franchise, and approve of its direction. But I've never said DA2 was perfect, or that complaints against it entirely lack validity. But the constant bashing and latching onto anything BioWare says or does as signs of being desperate are ridiculous. I tend to see a lot of overreacting with no attempt to compromise, or offer the developer any validity of their choices.

BioWare is not the first to do bundles. And not all bundles are desperate bids to sell more copies of a failing product, but to drive interest in another product all together.

You ask why I defend BioWare, why do you jump into every DA2 bashing thread? To make your opinions heard. Just because my opinions differ from yours, I'm apparently a White Knight fangirl, amirite?

First off, I blame EA. A 14-18 month development cycle? Fuck off. The composer even said EA was rushing the game to capitalize on Origins' success. Most problems can be traced back to "cut for time." I personally hope the game fails so EA might back off Bioware. They already bled Origin dry then shut them down. I would hate to see Bioware share a similar fate.

Secondly, I don't mindlessly hate. I've presented what I don't like about the game multiple times. I just hate it when I see users being insulted by people "defending" Bioware. They are a big boy. They can take it. I've already been labeled a "hater" despite being on the record as saying I really like ME, ME2, DA:O, and KOTOR. But I voice my dislike of one of their games and I just hate Bioware to be cool and edgy. I'm just fed up with people saying I can't dislike a game.

Sadly, a lot of it was BioWare (I have a friend with friends that work for BioWare). The company's been having problems for years.

I don't think you mindlessly hate, and I respect your opinions when I see them in these threads. But there's a big difference between your general attitude: "I felt DA2 wasn't a good game, and I didn't enjoy it. I know some people did and that's fine, but I still feel BioWare is making mistakes and the series will suffer for it." (At least that's what I get from you ^_^) and most of the threads that I've posted in: "Omg DA2 sucks! Fuck BioWare. Anyone who likes this game is retarded and is just a fanboy with no taste and anyone that disagrees with me is wrong and I refuse to look at things from BioWare's perspective!!!"

I love discussing games with people who disagree with me, pointing out what I liked and didn't like, and hearing why they disagree. But I think a lot of people get up in arms over things and refuse to acknowledge there's another side.

The biggest thing for me is that BioWare didn't decide these things on a whim. They discussed them, they discussed alternatives to the changes, and they made a choice. We don't know why other ideas were set aside, or why some solutions to what BioWare felt were issues were used instead of others. Bandying about with "BioWare is just putting out a cash cow", I think, is unreasonable, and I honestly do my best to encourage dialogue on the subject where people can compare and contrast their opinions on the game without it turning into a flame war (or until my own patience runs thing and I start getting waspish, at which point I usually try to step out of the conversation, but not always).

 

[Traun]

Honestly, I understand where those that dislike the game are unhappy with it. I loved the changes, but I see where it could be a big issue for those that already loved the current system, and weren't ready for the 180 they took.

Here's a question. You know this game was made for different audience and you know that the original audience is going to be left in the dust, however instead of making a brand new game they capitalize on the success of the previous game, making the new game Sequel 2, which has nothing to do with the previous game. Here's the question - do you think it's right for a company to do this, instead of creating a brand new franchise for their new targeted audience?

 

[Canadish]

Wait, I was under the impression Dragon Age 2 sold very well. Did, it bomb or maybe just not sell as well as they anticipated? I really hope it bombed, that might send a message to other companies. That stream lining games to try and have them appeal to a larger audience can backfire.

Under a million in 3 weeks. I'm no expert, but that's supposed to be pretty poor. The numbers are dropping fast.
Compared to Origins, which started slow, but actually was selling better as the weeks went on.
It was a sleeper hit, using the old word of mouth marketing plan.
I think it reached 4.5 million or something around that.

 

[Slycne]

I'm having trouble thinking of any other group besides gamers that could honestly complain about getting something for free. I mean really guys?

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

snip

Alright. It's cool. If you want to, I would totally discuss the pros and cons of it in PMs. I love a good debate. I do hate the extremes: "BW IS SELLING OUT COMPLETELY! DA2 IS RETARDED!"
"YOU JUST HATE DA2 BECAUSE IT ISN'T MADE FOR YOU PC ELITISTS!" Sigh...