So Dragon Age 2

[Merkavar]

A few questions

Is there any advantage or disadvange over which party members you take? Like is there any difference in gameplay or story if i take anders instead of bethany?

so why are mages hated so much. surely not all of them go bad and get possessed by demons?

is anders the only character you can go gay for? are there other characters you can get it on with? of the female variety?

how long is this game? 10 hours in so far and still in act 1, how many acts are there?

 

[sheah1]

*Sort of spoilers*
Well in the Deep Roads, don't take Bethany. Trust me. You can go gay for Fenris methinks (although he's a dick), mages are hated because they risk possession by demons and so have the potential to level cities (theoretically) and Isabella, Merril and possibly (I'm really not sure about this one, the option was weird) Aveline, I think Isabella and Merril are both possibly lesbian romance options (Isabella definitely, Merril I assume). The game is huge if you do all the sidequests, but don't expect Fallout or Oblivion sizes.

 

[sheah1]

Oh and the difference between mages depends on how you level them, while the difference between rogues are obvious (ranged/up close)and the warriors are aggressive (Fenris) and defensive (Aveline), personally I just change party members when it feels appropriate, or if I'm angling for something (like taking Fenris on a pro mage quest for rivalry points). Plus the banter is hi-frickin'-larious.

 

[JediMB]

There are advantages to bringing certain companions for certain quests. Beyond the obvious battle advantages, all characters have times when they can be invited into conversations and contribute with their skills or personal input. (Also, Anders is the only decent healer in the game, besides a Mage Hawke.) Certain character plots may also change depending on who is with you.

Mages are feared because they're powerful, basically. Besides the whole demon-possession thing.

All "romanceable" characters in the game are bisexual, so that they can be available regardless of the player's chosen gender.

There are three acts, of which the third is rather short. Game time can vary, but a first playthrough probably averages at 45-50 hours.

 

[ScoopMeister]

No real advantage/disadvantage, 'cept you want a balanced party. Also, some companions will react differently to different conversation options you pick, so be careful with that one.

While not all mages go bad, they are feared simply because theyhave the potential to go bad.

You can have a relationship with Anders, Isalbella, Merill, Sebastian (exiled prince DLC), Fenris. They are all bisexual except sebastian. You can't have a relationship with Avalene, Varric, or your sibling (obviously).

My playthroughs lasted 30-40 hours, with most of the side quests completed. It all depends on how you play the game really.

 

[sheah1]

Spoiler

Well in the Deep Roads, don't take Bethany. Trust me. You can go gay for Fenris methinks (although he's a dick), mages are hated because they risk possession by demons and so have the potential to level cities (theoretically) and Isabella, Merril and [possibly (I'm really not sure about this one, the option was weird) Aveline, I think Isabella and Merril are both possibly lesbian romance options (Isabella definitely, Merril I assume). The game is huge if you do all the sidequests, but don't expect Fallout or Oblivion sizes.

Use spoiler tags please.


Ah, sorry man, I wanted to but couldn't be bothered looking it up, as I don't really know how, but thanks, your attentiveness has

Spoiler

educated

me. That wasn't sarcastic by the by, I genuinely appreciate that.

 

[ScoopMeister]

(Also, Anders is the only decent healer in the game, besides a Mage Hawke.)

Bethany can also be a good healer, though you can't have her for half of the game.

 

[JediMB]

(Also, Anders is the only decent healer in the game, besides a Mage Hawke.)

Bethany can also be a good healer, though you can't have her for half of the game.

What with Bethany's complete lack of a Spirit Healer-type specialization, I'm going to have to disagree with you. One healing spell with a long cooldown just isn't enough. Especially on any difficulty above Normal.

EDIT: <3 Bethany, though.

 

[Merkavar]

Spoiler

Actually, DO take Bethany into the Deep Roads. Just make sure you take Anders as well, then she will become a Grey Warden and can join you again for the final battle. If you take her to the Deep Roads but NOT Anders, she will die. And if you leave her she goes away and joins the Circle so you will lose her anyway.

really your choice of companion can have that big an impact? losing a companion just cause you dont take them on a certain quest?

 

[sheah1]

Spoiler

Actually, DO take Bethany into the Deep Roads. Just make sure you take Anders as well, then she will become a Grey Warden and can join you again for the final battle. If you take her to the Deep Roads but NOT Anders, she will die. And if you leave her she goes away and joins the Circle so you will lose her anyway.

really your choice of companion can have that big an impact? losing a companion just cause you dont take them on a certain quest?

Character spoiler ahead:

Spoiler

You lose your sibling no matter what, this just decides their precise fate and whether or not you see them ever again.

 

[Rascarin]

Spoiler

Actually, DO take Bethany into the Deep Roads. Just make sure you take Anders as well, then she will become a Grey Warden and can join you again for the final battle. If you take her to the Deep Roads but NOT Anders, she will die. And if you leave her she goes away and joins the Circle so you will lose her anyway.

really your choice of companion can have that big an impact? losing a companion just cause you dont take them on a certain quest?

Spoiler: Spoooilers:

Bethany (or Carver, depending) is always removed from the party at the end of Act I. Either they die in the deep roads, become a grey warden, or are taken to the Circle to become a mage/templar, and cannot be used again. The only difference by taking Anders along is that the grey warden option becomes available, and then Bethany/Carver will reappear at the end of the game to help you in the final battles.

Edit: Curses, ninja'ed. ¬_¬ (mine's more informative though.... )