Bioware's latest epic Dragon Age 2 is just on the horizon now and many console and PC gamers alike are eager to get their hands on it. Dragon Age 2 looks to surpass everything that Dragon Age: Origins built, much like Mass Effect 2 surpassed its predecessor. The only problem, is that the game isn't out yet and gamers need something to keep them going until March 8th. Below is a list of several games that aren't quite Dragon Age 2 but are close enough to keep you going until the release date of Bioware's next epic.
The original Dragon Age was filled with moral decisions but they seemed fairly black and white when compared to the moral decisions you make in The Witcher. The Witcher is a fantasy game that sees you taking on the role of Geralt. He is a Witcher who has lost his memory(Better than it sounds) and must track down an evil mage who has stolen the Witcher powerful mutagens. The world of The Witcher is a very rich one that easily rivals Bioware at its best. It is also filled with very grey moral decisions and other more mature content not usually seen in video games.
The Witcher is in some ways very comparable to Dragon Age but unlike Dragon Age, The Witcher's combat system focuses less on tactics but makes the combat more involving by making it a rhythm game of sorts.
While Neverwinter Nights 2's campaign might lack the characterisation, polish and epic scope of Dragon Age it certainty makes up for it with the hundreds of mods that can played thanks to the game's powerful module toolset which allows for anyone to easily put together a fantasy adventure for them to play through. Neverwinter Nights 2 is set in the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons and Dragons and perfectly brings that classic D&D gameplay and feel to your monitor.
Neverwinter Nights 2 also has an expansive multiplayer allowing for everything from a Co-Op campaign to PVP arena's and persistent online servers that emulate MMORPGs like World of Warcraft.
If the epic setting of Dragon Age appealed to you then The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is definitely worth checking out. Oblivion takes place in the vast province of Cyrodil which has a backstory stretching back decades and, with The Elder Scrolls V : Skyrim on the horizon, there has never been a better time than now to try out Oblivion.
Oblivion allows you to develop and customise your character in numerous ways and you have a lot of freedom in how you want to play through the game; you don't just have to do the campaign. Want to be half-tiger half-man vampire who stalks the streets at night? You can! Want to join and earn your way through the legendary Brotherhood of Assassins? You can!
While the first person combat of Oblivion can be a bit hit or miss it's still as close as you will likely ever get to fighting demons with a great-sword.
If you can't wait any longer to lose your life to Bioware's next epic RPG then hopefully these three games will allow you to pass the time until March 8th.