The last months of 2011 were exciting, what with the release of industry giant Bethesda Softwork’s epic game Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. As a role-playing enthusiast, its been a common misconception that I would have played the game already. I would then start stupefying people by saying “no, I have not touched the game at all”.
Now before you start taking out your swords, maces, bucklers (yes, they’re weapons too), axes, daggers, cestuses, FISTS (for those unarmed bad-ass Nords out there), let me say one thing: amidst all theรย wondrousรย hubbubรย about Skyrim, we seem to have forgotten that one golden game that graced us with its presence this year: Bioware’sรย Dragon Age II.
Prep some popcorn, grab some coffee, hit the jump and read why THIS epic tale of one’s rise from warrior to legend is my Game of the Year.
A few weeks ago Vince asked me to write a GOTY article for Back2Gaming, and I was at a loss. Days were then spent scouring my memory for each new game I’ve played this year, and I was at a loss. Since my rig broke down last August, I haven’t had the chance to play any new game, so I spent the past few days sulking instead.
Skyrim, Arkham City, L.A. Noire… I was so outdated. Have I failed as a gamer?
Suddenly, like a scene from an award-winning drama, the morning rays fell on my bookshelf, illuminating one lone game. As if waking from a long dream, memories flooded back like a welcome friend.
I was brought back to Hawke’s days of glory: his first steps into the majestic city of Kirkwall , with its vibrant collection of denizens, his first encounters, his first trials. I reminisced my adventures with my comrades: the headstrong pirate Isabella, the suave dwarf Varric, the dedicated medieval Warden terrorist Anders, the overly fangirl’d lyrium-infused elf Fenris, the aloof elven valley-girl Meri… okay, forget Merill.
And who could forget Bethany, Hawke’s awesome apostate sister?
I remembered the article I wrote last year and the review that followed a few months later. I remembered my childish giggles and my shaking hands as I handled the inserts inside the box. I remembered those exciting first moments, those first few lines, that first fight.
I remembered all they hype that came with the game; the statements from people saying that it was going to be the GOTY for 2011. I remembered that gleaming 94% it got from PC Gamer which made me feel good that I bought the limited edition. I remembered those sleepless days, hacking and slashing as a cunning rogue.
I remembered this scene. I remembered how I nearly fell off my chair from laughter.
I remembered how majestic the graphics were. I recalled those glorious moments when Bethany’s fire spells laid waste on the battlefield (and how it made my video card scream like a little girl).
I remembered how powerful the dialogues were. I remembered how moving the tale was: a classic tale of one’s rise to power, told from the eyes of an unlikely comrade. I remembered the questions it left me. And yes, I remembered Cassandra Pentaghast.
I remembered Hawke’s lightning fast movements across the zone. I remembered the decisions I made. I remembered the events that transpired. I remembered how I brought hope back to those who were without.รย I remembered how it felt to be a hero.
Dragon Age 2, despite being a linear role-playing game, was a hallmark of success. Its powerful narrative, memorable characters, compelling dialogue and majestic visual effects left a mark on the face of gaming; a definitive benchmark that will challenge games for years to come.
But mostly, this is my GOTY because of the memories. And because they were good.รย After all, the best games out there are those you remember long after the console is off.
Thanks for reading! Happy new year, everyone.
~ Shin
