The biggest fault of DA 2 was that it was to different from the status quo of current RPGs. It took a very different route than DA:O and people don't like change.

And yes, it repeats graphic sets and has ninja mobs. But as a gamer who grew up on the rpgs of the early nineties I really couldn't care less.

I made mistakes in DA:O like having Harrowmont as King of Orzammar instead of Bhelen even though Bhelen himself was a dick himself Harrowmont was worse judging from the epilouge

http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Lord_Pyral_Harrowmont#Epilogue

The decision to elect who is King in Orzammar was not black and white that much

and also having the Chantry set up in Orzammar and dwarf traditionalist kills the head priest in a peaceful demonstration resulting in a Exalted March against the dwarves

DA:O is a solid game.

It has faults, but my biggest pet peeve of the internet for the last 2 years is probably the "OMG NOT TACTICAL CAUSE ANIMATION IS FAST" crap.

DA:O does have a Haste spell that makes your characters faster which is best used on your tank when you have Pricise Striking on

To the OP stick with Dragon Age: Origins its better and worth it as a standalone and It has Mod Support so don't expect that for DA 3 judging EA's and Bioware's current stance in gaming after Mass Effect 3

so hope the modders keep making Dragon Age Origins better and better

Thanks a lot guys. Despite some meandering into TW1/2 territory, there were a ton of great responses here. I have the complete edition game for the Xbox, still sealed. Luckily, my buddy manages a game store, and he loaned me a used copy of the base game to try out, see if I like it before I decide to keep DAOU or return it.

also rented Spec Ops the Line, which I have been *dying* to play since many of you gave it glowing recommendations. Actually, what the fuck am I am doing on the internet? Cya in a week!@