Info about Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition:

Official game description:
  
**Dragon Age: Origins**  
You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of this legendary order of guardians. With the return of mankind's ancient foe and the kingdom engulfed in civil war, you have been chosen by fate to unite the shattered lands and slay the archdemon once and for all. Explore a stunning world, make complex moral choices, and engage in bone-crushing combat against massive and terrifying creatures.  
**Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Expansion Pack**  
The story of the Grey Wardens continues as you are named their commander. Fight new enemies, learn new skills and spells, and explore an all-new area of the world, Amaranthine.  
**All Nine Content Packs**  
*   The Stone Prisoner  
*   Warden's Keep  
*   Return to Ostagar  
*   Feastday Gifts  
*   The Darkspawn Chronicles  
*   Feastday Pranks  
*   Leliana's Song  
*   The Golems of Amgarrak  
*   Witch Hunt
**Collect new rewards, gain new party members, and more as you delve deeper into the Dragon Age storyline. (Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 'Best of 2009' awards.)**

Release date: Oct 26, 2010

Categories: Tactical Real-time with Pause, Character Customization, Choice-based Narrative, Dark Fantasy, Party-based Combat, Character-driven Interactions and Dialogue, Moral Decision-Making

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The reviews for this game indicate that it offers additional content through DLCs and an Ultimate Edition. However, there is no direct evidence of predatory monetization practices such as pay-to-win, real-money gacha, or other aggressive monetization strategies. Some reviews mention the publisher's reputation for cash grab games and general complaints about the base price, but these do not specifically address in-game purchases or predatory monetization in this game.
- Mods: score 40; verdict: Buggy but Playable; summary: The game suffers from significant performance issues and bugs, particularly on modern hardware. The 4GB patch is frequently mentioned as essential to prevent constant crashes and improve performance. While the game is praised for its storytelling and world-building, the reliance on community fixes and mods to address performance and bug issues is a notable drawback. The consensus is that the game is playable but requires additional effort from the user to achieve a smooth experience.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback reveals several key themes. Users frequently rely on external guides and wikis to understand complex mechanics and complete quests, indicating a significant dependency on external data for learning systems and finding content. Additionally, there are numerous reports of game crashes and bugs, particularly when alt-tabbing or during specific actions, which significantly impacts the user experience. Users also refer to external resources to enhance their gameplay, highlighting the importance of these resources for optimal performance. Overall, the feedback suggests that while the game is enjoyable, there are notable issues with game stability and a heavy reliance on external data for a smooth gaming experience.
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: Dragon Age: Origins shows strong compatibility with Linux through Proton, with most users reporting smooth performance and minimal issues. Some minor tweaks and initial setup quirks were noted, but overall, the game runs well on Linux systems.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The analysis of user feedback for the Steam Deck experience of the game reveals several key issues. Frequent crashes and instability are significant problems, disrupting gameplay and causing frustration. While the game performs well on high-end hardware, indicating that performance issues may be configuration-specific, the lack of native controller support and reliance on mods for UI fixes are notable drawbacks. Additionally, many users prefer the GOG version due to fewer issues and a better overall experience, suggesting that the Steam version has several areas needing improvement.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence indicates that the community generally finds the game worth purchasing, especially when it is on sale. Multiple reviews mention that the game is a good value at a price of around $5 to $10. Some users suggest that the game is worth buying even without a sale, but the consensus leans towards it being a better deal when discounted.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 60.0h
  - Story completion: 40.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 20.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided includes multiple references to the total playtime required to complete the game and its additional content. Players mention spending 'well over 50 hours' and '50-80 hours or more' to complete a single playthrough, indicating that the typical total time to finish the game, including the main story and additional content, is substantial. The repeated mentions of extensive playtime across different reviews support the conclusion that the game completion time is significant.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a slow and tedious start but becomes significantly more enjoyable after the initial 5 to 10 hours, once players overcome the early challenges and learning curve.
  - Stance: Fun after initial slog
  - Anchor: Completing the initial opening phase
  - Time to anchor: 5h 0m
  - Friction: steep learning curve; tedious early gameplay mechanics; difficulty spikes
  - Unlock drivers: understanding the combat system; character building
  - Conditions: engaging with the story; persisting through initial tedious phases; interacting with characters
- Player Archetypes:
  - Exploratory Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: Exploration and discovery of new gameplay experiences.
    - Playstyle: Cautious and exploratory, willing to spend time understanding the game despite initial challenges.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player; casual
    - Reference games: Guild Wars 2; World of Warcraft
  - Veteran Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastery and completion of all aspects of the game.
    - Playstyle: Thorough and methodical, aiming to experience all content and playstyles.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: franchise fan; veteran player
    - Reference games: Baldur's Gate; Pathfinder
  - Enthusiastic Advocate (buy)
    - Motivation: Sharing the game's positive aspects and encouraging others to play.
    - Playstyle: Engaged and immersive, focusing on the story and characters.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: RPG fan; story lover
    - Reference games: Baldur's Gate 3; The Elder Scrolls
  - Cautious Recommender (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Providing balanced recommendations based on personal experiences and technical considerations.
    - Playstyle: Adaptive and patient, willing to work around technical issues.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: modder; technical player
    - Reference games: Mass Effect; Divinity: Original Sin


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Well-written characters (weight 0.3): The characters are described as well-written, real, and alive. Players appreciate the strong character development and writing.
- Meaningful choices and consequences (weight 0.2): Players appreciate that the choices they make in the game feel consequential and impactful, leading to different outcomes.
- Excellent world-building and story (weight 0.2): The game is noted for its strong world-building, lore, and storytelling. Players appreciate the depth and quality of the story and atmosphere.
- Excellent role-playing and atmosphere (weight 0.15): Players appreciate the genuine RPG experience, excellent voice work, and great atmosphere. The game is noted for its role-playing options and freedom.
- Good gameplay experience (weight 0.15): The gameplay is described as good, challenging, and fun. Players appreciate the gameplay variability and experience.
- Good character banter and interactions (weight 0.11): Players enjoy the banter and interactions between characters, which enhance their enjoyment of the game.
- Tactical combat system (weight 0.08): Players appreciate the tactical combat system and strategic gameplay, which add depth to the game.
- Outstanding voice acting (weight 0.08): The voice acting is frequently praised as high-quality and outstanding, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Common complaints:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.42): The game experiences frequent crashes, with many players reporting crashes every few minutes or during specific actions like loading or gameplay. This issue is widespread and significantly impacts the game's playability.
- Optimization for modern hardware (weight 0.21): The game is not well-optimized for modern hardware and operating systems, leading to crashes and poor performance. Players often need to apply patches or mods to run the game smoothly on newer systems.
- Combat system issues (weight 0.2): The combat system is criticized for being slow, clunky, and outdated. Players find it monotonous and not enjoyable, which detracts from the overall gaming experience.
- Numerous bugs (weight 0.16): The game is filled with various bugs that affect gameplay. These bugs range from minor issues to significant problems that hinder the overall experience.
- Outdated graphics (weight 0.15): The graphics are considered outdated and not visually appealing. This includes issues with textures and overall graphical quality.
- Needs patches and mods (weight 0.12): The game requires various patches and mods to function properly on modern systems, including a 4GB patch to prevent crashes.
- Lack of features (weight 0.1): The game lacks several features such as cloud saves, achievements, and DLC content, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Localization issues (weight 0.1): There are issues with localization, including the removal of Russian localization and problems with French audio and Chinese patches.
- Poor official support (weight 0.09): The game lacks official support, including poor optimization, performance issues, and lack of language support. This affects the game's stability and playability.
- Game does not launch (weight 0.06): Some players report that the game does not launch at all, making it unplayable for them.
- Level design criticisms (weight 0.04): The level design is criticized for being repetitive and uninspired, which affects the overall enjoyment of the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Choices with significant consequences (weight 0.31): The game features a variety of choices that have moral, political, and personal consequences, influencing the game's events and outcomes. These choices are impactful and shape the story significantly.
- Pauseable real-time combat (weight 0.2): The combat system is real-time but can be paused, allowing for tactical and strategic planning. This mechanic enhances the depth and flexibility of combat.
- Strategic and challenging combat (weight 0.17): Combat requires strategic planning, including positioning, target priority, and environmental awareness. The combat system is challenging and rewarding.
- Classic RPG mechanics (weight 0.13): The game embodies classic RPG elements, including deep mechanics and a complex story, providing a pure CRPG essence.
- Dark fantasy setting (weight 0.08): The game is set in a dark fantasy world with a gritty tone, creating a narrative that feels substantial and immersive.
- Character origins affect story and interactions (weight 0.05): Character origins have a significant impact on the story and interactions within the game, adding depth and personalization to the gameplay experience.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.32): The game experiences frequent crashes, often occurring every 5 to 10 minutes during gameplay, loading screens, or when loading save games.
- Compatibility issues with modern hardware (weight 0.2): The game has significant issues running on modern hardware and operating systems, leading to crashes, graphical issues, and poor performance.
- Compatibility issues with Windows 11 (weight 0.06): The game has specific issues with crashing and not working properly on Windows 11.
- Specific issues on non-English systems (weight 0.05): There are specific issues reported on non-English systems, including crashes during alt-tabbing and specific in-game actions.
- Best performance on older systems (weight 0.03): The game runs best on older systems, such as Windows 7 machines with hardware from before 2014.
- Lack of controller support (weight 0.03): The game has issues with controller support, making it difficult for players who prefer using controllers.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.15): The game is highly recommended by a significant number of players. They suggest it for everyone, especially those who enjoy epic stories and immersive role-playing experiences.
- Play in specific order (weight 0.07): Recommendations on the order to play the game and its DLCs for the best experience, suggesting the main game first, followed by specific DLCs.
- Buy on GOG (weight 0.07): Many players recommend purchasing the game through GOG instead of other platforms for a better experience.
- Avoid if seeking simplicity (weight 0.05): The game may not be suitable for those looking for a simple, low-investment experience. It is complex and deep, which might not appeal to everyone.
- Save frequently (weight 0.04): Players advise saving the game often and keeping old saves to avoid losing progress.
- Recommended for Baldur's Gate 3 fans (weight 0.04): If you enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3 or Skyrim, this game is highly recommended as it shares similar elements and was influential in their development.
- Deep characters and choices (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for fans of dark fantasy with deep characters and meaningful choices that impact the story.
- Wait for sale (weight 0.03): Some players suggest waiting for a discount before purchasing the game to get the best value.
- Hope for a remake (weight 0.03): There is a desire among some players for a remake of the game with improved graphics and possibly more content.
- Consider console version (weight 0.02): Some players suggest buying the game for consoles rather than on Steam for a potentially better experience.
- Suitable for Steam Deck (weight 0.02): The game is reported to be suitable for playing on the Steam Deck, making it a good option for handheld gaming.
- Log decisions for future games (weight 0.02): Players recommend logging decisions in Dragon Age Keep to carry over the world state into future games in the series.

Other player notes:
- Crash and memory leak fixes (weight 0.04): Players have reported issues with crashes and memory leaks. A fix is available through a provided link.
- Hungarian language support (weight 0.02): There is a Hungarian language pack available for the game, which can be downloaded online.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.28): The primary cause of frustration among players is the game's frequent crashes and stability issues, which make it unplayable for many. Additionally, technical problems such as compatibility issues with modern hardware, lack of controller support, and poor official support contribute significantly to this frustration. Players also express annoyance with the game's outdated mechanics, bugs, and the need for external patches or mods to enjoy the game properly.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.17): Players feel nostalgic due to the game's classic status and the fond memories associated with playing it during its prime. The rich story, memorable characters, and the game's impact on their gaming journey contribute to this sentiment. Many players appreciate the game's enduring qualities and its influence on modern RPGs, reminiscing about the time when BioWare was synonymous with quality.
- Joy (weight 0.09): Players experience joy from the game's engaging story, well-written characters, and the overall fun gameplay. The rich history, universe, and lore of the game, along with the enjoyable companions and high-quality writing, contribute to this positive emotion. Players also find joy in revisiting the game as adults and finally experiencing it as intended.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoy the game despite its issues, appreciating the story, characters, and gameplay. The engaging story, character interactions, and strategic depth provide a fun and enjoyable experience. The complexity and replayability of the game, along with the companion banter and deep story, contribute to this enjoyment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Players feel disappointed due to the game's technical issues, such as constant crashes, lack of support, and compatibility problems with modern systems. The removal of DLC access, misleading advertisements, and the game not meeting expectations in various aspects also contribute to this disappointment. Players also express dissatisfaction with the combat system and repetitive dungeon design.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Players feel satisfied with the game's story, decisions, and builds, finding the choices meaningful and the gameplay enjoyable. The overall quality of the game, along with the positive experience of playing it without crashes, contributes to this satisfaction. Players also appreciate the game's narrative and gameplay, as well as the successful setup and improvement through mods.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Players are excited by the game's innovative features, storytelling, and tactical combat system. The engaging and replayable story, along with the deep narrative and moral complexity, contribute to this excitement. Players also look forward to continuing the game and exploring the unique story beginnings.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game's rich world lore, character development, and detailed world descriptions. The game's story, atmosphere, and soundtrack, along with the voice acting and character dialogues, contribute to this admiration. Players also appreciate the game's structure, art direction, and the deep grounding of its epic and thrilling story.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Players are enthusiastic about the game's story, gameplay, and companions, praising its deep RPG elements and lively dialogues. The positive aspects of the game, along with the high recommendations and praise from other players, contribute to this enthusiasm. Players enjoy the game's features and atmosphere, recommending it to others.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players express love for the game's world, characters, and lore, finding the companions and writing particularly endearing. The game's plot, setting, and the whole Dragon Age series contribute to this love. Players appreciate the characters feeling real and human, along with the detailed world-building and dialogue.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players are angry due to the game's performance issues, frequent crashes, and lack of support from EA and BioWare. The feeling of being scammed, along with the game not working on modern PCs and the lack of official patches, contribute to this anger. Players also express frustration with the game's launcher issues and corrupted saves.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's tone, which is dark, grounded, and mature, with light touches of comedy that enhance immersion. The depth of the story and characters, along with the complex moral choices, contribute to this appreciation. Players also value the game's lore and storyline, finding the characters and story compelling.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with the game's performance issues, launcher issues, and the difficulty in fixing them. The technical issues and lack of functionality, along with the lack of support, contribute to this frustration. Players also express annoyance with the game's performance issues on newer equipment and the inability to progress in the game.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude for the help received from random internet people and the game's influence on other RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3. The game's ability to make players feel that their decisions matter and the re-experiencing of the game's story contribute to this gratitude.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players find amusement in the game's character interactions and reactions, as well as humorous bugs and engaging story. The humorous descriptions and engaging story contribute to this amusement.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Players feel affection for the game's companions, finding them funny, sincere, and well-developed. The interactions between companions and the detailed character descriptions contribute to this affection.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for a remaster of the game, wishing for an improved version that retains the game's quality and depth.
- Surprise (weight 0): Players are surprised that the game's story still holds up despite its age and that the game hasn't crashed once during their playthrough. The discovery of the game's depth and quality contributes to this surprise.
- Approval (weight 0): Players approve of the game's modding scene, finding it strong and recommending quality of life and personalization mods. The expansion of the game's features and storyline through mods like Awakening contributes to this approval.
- Contentment (weight 0): Players feel content with the game's enduring qualities and its ability to still shine despite its age. The game's special qualities and the wish for more content contribute to this contentment.}