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Dragon Age II Will Feature Its Own Cerberus Network

Let's call it "Dragonslayers Den." No, wait--"Heroes Guild." C'mon, spitball with me here.

Dragon Age II and Mass Effect 2 have a couple of features in common already, but the latest revealed feature might entice you to purchase the follow-up to Dragon Age: Origins in its new retail form. That's because Dragon Age II will feature a content delivery portal not unlike Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network, meaning you'll need to get a code for this portal if you want certain DLC. And If history repeats as we expect it to, codes will be included with new copies of the game, while "used" owners will be pulled into a money-flinging party that'll go well over the five bucks that they saved.

"We will be doing that," game executive producer Mark Darrah replied when asked by Joystiq if Dragon Age II will feature a service like Cereberus Network. "We haven't announced what's in it, but it'll definitely be something kind of in that Cerberus vein where there will be additional content." 
 
  
  

== TEASER ==There's some slight room for interpretation of Darrah's words, but it seems unlikely that developer BioWare wouldn't implement another version of the system EA has so often touted. Plus, it's a very effective way for EA and BioWare to pull some cash from users who purchased the game on used shelves. In Mass Effect 2, for example, Cerberus Network cost owners without a free code $15. Then, said user had to purchase whatever DLC he or she wanted--provided it wasn't already free. That adds up.

And speaking of DLC, Darrah said that the content delivered through this system wouldn't be so much like Return to Ostagar. Bigger teams will create bigger DLC levels with more unique creatures, he told Joystiq.

Making this a little bit more confusing is the fact that pre-order copies of the game will also ship with a bonus character, missions, weapons, and items. We'll have to wait for some clarification from EA prior to the game's release next March on exactly how all this stuff will be laid out.

68 Comments

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Kaigan

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Edited By Kaigan
@Jayzilla said:
" I loved DA1 but I had my fill of it after 1 DLC. If this game doesn't make significant changes I wont e getting it. "
Psst, it's an action RPG now. 
 
No mouse required.
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deactivated-57d3a53d23027

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@Levio said:
" How long until these games just come with CD keys?  Lets just cut to the chase already. "
Consoles should adopt the following idea off-of Steam: 
 
 Enter the master-key and it is assigned to a single profile which then owns the game. Install from disc or play off of the disc, and if the player loses the disc, let the user re-download their game. 
 
Also, they need to offer every game as a download, enable users to use whatever storage device they want with no restrictions, and have tokens for each game to keep the retailers in business (since they are the ones that gamers go to - to get their hardware). 
 
Then one day when almost everywhere has 1GB connections, do what onLive does, and they won't even have to worry about keeping retailers happy (install as a service on TV's, web browsers, handhelds etc).
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Brians

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Edited By Brians

I'm ok with this. I just want to be able to talk to my party. in Dragon Age 2, Having only instances in Awakenings where i could talk to my party pissed me off.

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issun187

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Edited By issun187

Loved the first one, wasn't too happy with its DLCs. Hopefully, the sequel won't throw too many elements of part 1 away just to appeal to more people.
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Tordah

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Edited By Tordah

I'll wait for the GOTY edition somewhere down the line. I still have DA1 to play.

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Siepher

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Edited By Siepher

Loved the first game, can't wait to play this as well!

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MichaelBach

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Edited By MichaelBach

Looking forward to it. I like the Mass Effect 2 stuff, will be nice in DA2. Can't wait to see the improved graphics for the 360.

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penguindust

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Edited By penguindust

Meh, I wasn't terribly impressed with the Ceberus Network, but the added character's loyalty mission was kind of fun.  After that, the stuff was largely useless. I'm not against it, but it won't entice me any to buy it if the game play is dumbed down to being just another action game.

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Branthog

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Edited By Branthog

This shit is fucking ruining gaming.

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knightlyknave

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Edited By knightlyknave

I think this is a good idea. Rather than bitching about used games they're actually doing something to encourage new sales instead. The glass if half full and all that.

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Spiritof

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Edited By Spiritof

The new network shall be called the, "Warden Tax Scheme".
 
And it shall be glorious.

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phantomzxro

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Edited By phantomzxro

I don't know why people are up at arms about this i think it works better then any other means of trying to get people to buy it new. At least with this if you buy it new you get some cool etrxa to toy with and if you get it used it not like you are missing out on anything worth while or game breaking. I really think both parties win in this plan, unlike with $ 10 pass you feel like your getting less of a game if you get it used or borrow from a friend. Also you have the games that have to be online at all times for it to work just calls for all kinds of trouble.
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TheWiFiJedi

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Edited By TheWiFiJedi

Cool

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ruffedgz

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Edited By ruffedgz

It seems to me that this is the new way to go when it comes to video game publishers/developers. It's a good way to think in this ever changing society but sucks for us (the consumer) in the end. Oh well.

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BUCK3TM4N

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Edited By BUCK3TM4N

i couldnt get the cerberus network for mass effect 2 to work it would alwaya say there were connection problems

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darkjester74

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Edited By darkjester74

A few days in and I am already tired of that trailer, ugh.

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MattDementous

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Edited By MattDementous

Mabari Network. That would be awesome :P

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LovermanOwens

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Edited By LovermanOwens

I am seriously looking forward to this game