BioWare released some new videos of their highly anticipated single-player RPG, Dragon Age: Origins at PAX this year.  Dragon Age, billed as a spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate, is a return to BioWare’s origins.  However, the subtitle is not derived from this sentiment.  Each character will be able to develop his or her own origin story that will actually have an effect on the later game world.  This promises a truly unique experience for each character.  

          BioWare showcased four new demo videos featuring actual gameplay and a pure combat video (http://dragonage.bioware.com/).  These videos grant a window into the “dark heroic fantasy” world.  The game is visually stunning and delivers a very dark and gritty atmosphere that might come as a surprise to fans of some of their other games.  The videos hint at the story of Dragon Age, where a mysterious “Blight” is plaguing the land and “darkspawn” ravage everything in sight.  With BioWare at the helm, the narrative is bound to play an integral role in bringing the world to life.  The story places the player-character square in the middle of an epic conflict as one of the revered “Grey Wardens.”  

          Much to the delight of Baldur’s Gate fans, the pause and play combat system is returning for Dragon Age.  This system allows players to feel the ferocity of real-time combat and at the same time, have maximum control over one’s party.  This allows for a depth in strategy not available in most other games of this kind.  

          In addition, six videos presenting the toolset bundled with the game are available for forum members.  Those familiar with the Neverwinter Nights Toolset should feel right at home.  However, there are tons of new features and BioWare went to great lengths to overhaul some of the more laborious tools.  That’s great news for all you do-it-yourself world builders out there!  So what are you waiting for?  Check out the new videos and start counting down the days to Dragon Age: Origin.