Dragon Age 2: Specializations and Skills Info

[DustyDrB]

Bioware has put up the page for the Dragon Age 2 Warrior [http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/world/classes/warrior/].

Note that the champion specialization is not listed. Does this mean there will be one less specialization per class or that each class will come with a default one to start off?

Also...

Spoiler: Warrior Skill Tree

Presumably, we'll be seeing the same info for Mages and Rogues soon. We can assume the Duelist class will still be available for Rogues (due to the presence of Isabella in the game). But if all classes are losing a specialization, then I don't know what one I would want back least. Ranger, Bard, and Assassin were all extremely useful.

Reactions?

Edit:
Found some more trees...

Spoiler: Mage Spell Tree

Spoiler: Swashbuckler Specialization Tree

This looks likes there are more options for spending points for the specializations. It also looks like this is handled on a separate screen than the class trees. Look at the heading. It lists the specialization name (Swashbuckler in this case), whereas the other trees said Abilities.

Destructoid [http://www.destructoid.com/preview-dragon-age-ii-193570.phtml] also has a preview up for the game. Some of the pictures are, dare I say it, pretty.

Spoiler: And IGN has a preview video with a good bit combat featured

 

[darth.pixie]

To me it seems incredibly simplistic. It was a little bit better before, now it's just...well unsatisfying.

I didn't like/use Ranger. I used all the warrior specializations. As for the mage, I never picked shapeshifter. I don't know why they have so few skills and specializations, but I have a dreaded feeling I might dislike this game.

Off topic: Have you read the Anders bit? Was I the only one thinking that it was strange?

 

[DustyDrB]

To me it seems incredibly simplistic. It was a little bit better before, now it's just...well unsatisfying.

I didn't like/use Ranger. I used all the warrior specializations. As for the mage, I never picked shapeshifter. I don't know why they have so few skills and specializations, but I have a dreaded feeling I might dislike this game.

Off topic: Have you read the Anders bit? Was I the only one thinking that it was strange?

I liked Ranger (my last character was a Bard/Ranger archer). I tended to use the Wolf and Spider for their ability to incapacitate an enemy momentarily while I'd take shots from far away. Assassin isn't very useful for an archer. The +2 dexterity is OK, but the bonus in critical chance only applies to melee. And the Assassin's abilities are all related to backstabs. Duelist is as viable an option for archers, but I prefer the extra support. An archer can pretty much auto-crit enemies starting late in Origins and is an unstoppable force in Awakening.

About Anders: Yeah. I just read that. I liked him in Awakening (actually, I liked all the Awakening characters. Even Nathaniel). You're right, it does seem very strange. We'll see how that goes over.

And you're right about Shapeshifter. I invested points in it my first time playing Origins and then never again. Losing all those buffs a mage can offer is just not wise.

 

[Wulfclaw]

It looks incredibly... technical for a fantasy RPG. Disapointingly technical. I don't know, i'm getting the feeling i won't like the game, that it doesn't have much heart/soul.

It feels like its just a Hack n Slay and i miss the old good RPGames (BG 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, KotOR) that seemed to be less about killing and more about story/world/environment.

 

[darth.pixie]

I liked Ranger (my last character was a Bard/Ranger archer). I tended to use the Wolf and Spider for their ability to incapacitate an enemy momentarily while I'd take shots from far away. Assassin isn't very useful for an archer. The +2 dexterity is OK, but the bonus in critical chance only applies to melee. And the Assassin's abilities are all related to backstabs. Duelist is as viable an option for archers, but I prefer the extra support. An archer can pretty much auto-crit enemies starting late in Origins and is an unstoppable force in Awakening.

About Anders: Yeah. I just read that. I liked him in Awakening (actually, I liked all the Awakening characters. Even Nathaniel). You're right, it does seem very strange. We'll see how that goes over.

And you're right about Shapeshifter. I invested points in it my first time playing Origins and then never again. Losing all those buffs a mage can offer is just not wise.

Agreed on the archer. Even Leliana did quite a lot of damage at higher levels and Nathaniel was unstoppable. I picked Assassin and Duelist usually. I found that both of them worked quite well. As for the mages, well a Blood Mage and the Arcane Warrior were a game-breaker. I used specializations mostly depending on the character however. Alistair didn't seem the berserker type so he was a Champion as his second and Sten didn't seem like a Templar or a Champion so he was a Berserker or Shadow Reaver. I liked having many choices which ...now seem to lack.

I also liked all the characters in Awakening (except maybe the Dalish Elf) but I think it might have worked a tad better with an unknown character. Anders is great but he might lose his old quirks with such a burden. But you're right. We'll see.

 

[DustyDrB]

It looks incredibly... technical for a fantasy RPG. Disapointingly technical. I don't know, i'm getting the feeling i won't like the game, that it doesn't have much heart/soul.

It feels like its just a Hack n Slay and i miss the old good RPGames (BG 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, KotOR) that seemed to be less about killing and more about story/world/environment.

Well Dragon Age 2 certainly isn't going to be Hack n' Slash. I don't know if you've seen combat demonstrations, so...

The combat wheel is still there, as are most of the things that comprised the Origins combat. I find less specializations a downer, though. I was hoping some of the Awakening specializations would be back (Legionnaire scout, Battlemage, Guardian). However, it looks so far that we're going to have just the 3/4 of the Origins specializations

 

[adrian_exec]

It feels like its just a Hack n Slay and i miss the old good RPGames (BG 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, KotOR) that seemed to be less about killing and more about story/world/environment.

So very true! I wish more RPG games would be made like that, though I think Dragon Age: Origins resembled those games a bit, that's why I liked it so much. But I will still remain skeptical about Dragon Age 2 until I actually get to play the game, 11th March isn't far away ..yey.

 

[hazabaza1]

That's... not very big.
Still, I'm sure it'll be good, but seriously Bioware. Love ya, but that's not enough stuff.

 

[DustyDrB]

Found some more trees...

Spoiler: Mage Spell Tree

Spoiler: Swashbuckler Specialization Tree

This looks likes there are more options for spending points for the specializations. It also looks like this is handled on a separate screen than the class trees. Look at the heading. It lists the specialization name (Swashbuckler in this case), whereas the other trees said Abilities.

 

[Wulfclaw]

It feels like its just a Hack n Slay and i miss the old good RPGames (BG 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, KotOR) that seemed to be less about killing and more about story/world/environment.

Well Dragon Age 2 certainly isn't going to be Hack n' Slash. I don't know if you've seen combat demonstrations, so...

Well, _the_ defining new and improved thing everyone seems to talk about in conjunction with DA 2 is combat. There were times where a new RPG would be hyped on story, character, world/environment and setting.

I say "Hack & Slay" because all you hear and see is: "great fluid combat", "fantastic moves", etc. Skilltrees are leaking instead of character reveals and its the best thing since cut bread. Is this all the RPG player today is interested in? Combat system and skilltrees?

I am sorry, this just hits a nerve.

Edit: and don't forget about the idiotic amount of blood thats used in DA and perhaps in DA 2. I really would like to hear on what basis this was decided. Who they asked to come to the conclusion that many people (the RPG players today) want their characters drown in blood and bloodsoaked characters are "cool"?!.

Edit 2:

Oh, they've released plenty of info about the settings, characters, and some story. I just choose to not look at that stuff because I'm spoiler-phobic. I wish I hadn't seen the bit about Anders.

Is this more like what you're looking for?

Please don't misunderstand me. I am aware, that there certainly will be a story underneath the blood, perhaps even a good one (we talk bioware after all). It's just the focus and presentation that is disappointing me. It's hard to explain.

 

[DustyDrB]

It feels like its just a Hack n Slay and i miss the old good RPGames (BG 1 and 2, Icewind Dale 1 and 2, Planescape: Torment, KotOR) that seemed to be less about killing and more about story/world/environment.

Well Dragon Age 2 certainly isn't going to be Hack n' Slash. I don't know if you've seen combat demonstrations, so...

Well, _the_ defining new and improved thing everyone seems to talk about in conjunction with DA 2 is combat. There were times where a new RPG would be hyped on story, character, world/environment and setting.

I say "Hack & Slay" because all you here and see is: "great fluid combat", "fantastic moves", etc. Skilltrees are leaking instead of character reveals and its the best thing since cut bread. Is this all the RPG player today is interested in? Combat system and skilltrees?

I am sorry, this just hits a nerve.

Oh, they've released plenty of info about the settings, characters, and some story. I just choose to not look at that stuff because I'm spoiler-phobic. I wish I hadn't seen the bit about Anders.

Is this more like what you're looking for? [http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/world/characters/]

 

[Trolldor]

I'm going to need a hands on.

But I don't care.

I want to know if the story will be as great, if the game will allow you to explore characters in the same depth that the old DA allowed - just through dialogue let alone their actions with the environment, with each other and cut-scene specific interjections.

 

[Klepa]

I hope the harder difficulties have friendly fire on. DA:O was pointless without it.

I'm still skeptical about the game. The gameplay has the potential turn out really amazing, or amazingly catastrophic.

 

[minispike47]

These skill trees look have many branches, with basic skills leading to more specialist skills. They also look better than the linear skill trees in DA:O.

I'm really ooking forward to DA2, although its going to be a huge distraction for me and my massive pile of work I have to do

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

eh..

this looks kind of simplistic.

but still, i'll give it a fair review when i play it, it looked pretty polished besides that.

hopefully some mods or something can make that skill tree have more "depth"

 

[RemytheNinja]

Yea...still not sure on this game.
I'm just worried that it will turn out like ME2. Don't get me wrong ME2 was awesome, but i played the entire game with my blood dragon armor and almost all of the default weaponry. That's not very Rpg of it, where's the customization. Also the leveling IMO was neutered. ME2 had quite a few years to change its formula, DA:O came out last year, i dont know if that's enough time to refine and perfect the changes made. I just skeptical in general, but Bioware hasn't done anything horrible yet, so we shall see.

To me it seems incredibly simplistic. It was a little bit better before, now it's just...well unsatisfying

I agree with this, shouldn't you get more options and customization in the sequel, not less...ME2

 

[DustyDrB]

eh..

this looks kind of simplistic.

but still, i'll give it a fair review when i play it, it looked pretty polished besides that.

hopefully some mods or something can make that skill tree have more "depth"

It seems they've reduced some options for classes, but added more for individual specializations (check out the Swashbuckler tree).

A rumor I've been hearing that I do not like is that companion armor will be done like it was in Mass Effect 2. It sounds like there won't be individual armor pieces for companions (helmet, torso, greaves, gauntlets), but there will only be full sets. Not liking that rumor at all. I was quite happy with Dragon Age: Origins inventory and armor systems.

 

[darth.pixie]

A rumor I've been hearing that I do not like is that companion armor will be done like it was in Mass Effect 2. It sounds like there won't be individual armor pieces for companions (helmet, torso, greaves, gauntlets), but there will only be full sets. Not liking that rumor at all. I was quite happy with Dragon Age: Origins inventory and armor systems.

It's not a rumor. One of the devs said that the armor will remain as is except for some changes (because 10 years in the same armors is...strange). I'm sure they'll release DLC with extra armor. It's Bioware/EA after all.

For a generic armor (PC armor) you have an option of showing the helmet or not, but generally it's the same without other types of shoes/gauntlets.

Have you watched the livestream? It gave some spoilers, much of which I did not approve of. The animations for running and walking are so awkward. It's like they have broken arms. The combat is much faster now though. And the spell combos are gone and instead we have cross class combo (warrior stops, mage kills) and stuff like that.

Oh and one of the characters is Jack from ME2 except male and elf. That was a dissapointment.

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

eh..

this looks kind of simplistic.

but still, i'll give it a fair review when i play it, it looked pretty polished besides that.

hopefully some mods or something can make that skill tree have more "depth"

It seems they've reduced some options for classes, but added more for individual specializations (check out the Swashbuckler tree).

A rumor I've been hearing that I do not like is that companion armor will be done like it was in Mass Effect 2. It sounds like there won't be individual armor pieces for companions (helmet, torso, greaves, gauntlets), but there will only be full sets. Not liking that rumor at all. I was quite happy with Dragon Age: Origins inventory and armor systems.

ah christ, that second part doesn't make me quite happy at all.

 

[Gill Kaiser]

eh..

this looks kind of simplistic.

but still, i'll give it a fair review when i play it, it looked pretty polished besides that.

hopefully some mods or something can make that skill tree have more "depth"

Each ability has multiple upgrades, as you can see on the Swashbuckler tree. They're just not all shown on the main skill screen.