DRM debates are boring, and don't seem to be getting anywhere anymore - if they ever did. Everybody's just rehashing whatever old arguments support their personal opionion and game aquisition habits
However, I think MasterKromm has really hit the nail on the proverbial head when it comess to "The Great DA2 Feather Ruffling (Q1 2011)".
Considering that Mr. Gaider seemed to have been using high-level divination spells to criticize DA years before it was made (based on available pre-release marketing, Biowarite interviews and the ill-fated demo), I'm very curious about his response explaining the change. What happened?
a) Mr. Gaider used to have stong convictions about what "RPG" means (as stated in that quote and other material from the DA forums of 3-4 years ago, which used to make me happy about the great game it would surely result in), but changed his mind. Possible.
b) Mr. Gaider still believes those elements made other games less-than-ideal RPGs, but will somehow result in the ultimate RPG experience when used in DA2. Disappointing (if true, because he's smarter than that).
c) Mr. Gaider still believes those elements make for a less-than-ideal RPG experience, but is paid/intimidated/pacified enough by EA not to really care about DA2 being such an experience. Depressing.
d) Mr. Gaider never actually believed in what he said, but was just following the marketing plan of the month - which at the time thought RPG freaks (becoming disgruntled with Bioware's increasing fondness for CAAC - Cinematics At All Costs TM) are the audience that needs to be catered to. Cynical.
Now how's that for a dialogue wheel choice for you?
Unless this question is answered, Bioware loses all RPG-cred they might have had. They might still prosper and enjoy a golden age of "cinematic experiences", but they will slip from my list of credible RPG sources (and I have no illusion that they care about my opinion, but it's what matters to me).
Do keep in mind that I have no personal hard feelings towards Mr. Gaider or any other individual Bioware employee - the guy's day job is writing (for a game company no less) and that's something that always deserves respect imnho (and a bit of envy
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Also keep in mind that DA forums in those times (years before even DAO was released) were full of interesting RPG discussions, and anti-munchkiny ideas. I still remember reading how healing should be rare, with injuries and cripplings likely outcomes of many combats etc. - only to be slightly confused with the multitude of healing potions and "injury kits" (for Lucifer's sake!) effectively still keeping combat and resulting injuries just a minor obstacle on the path to ever more CAAC (TM).
So, in a way, DAO - while an all right game, with some good (origin stories, lots of background lore, non-romance companion interactions) and bad (combat, camera, CAAC) elements - was already a departure from the "good, non-mainstream RPG at all costs" vibe the game was supposed to be - a long time ago, on a forum now far away...