Dragon Age 2 Pre-orders Get Extra Sword and Shield; All New Copies Get 'The Black Emporium'

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EA and Bioware have announced that those who pre-order Dragon Age 2 on Xbox 360 or PC will receive in-game items the "Fadeshear long sword and the Lion of Orlais shield." As you can tell from the images, they look pretty swell, unless you're inclined to play as rogues or magic-using types, or plan on playing the PlayStation 3 version.

On top of the extra weaponry, all new copies of Dragon Age 2 will also include a bonus area called "The Black Emporium." It's described as "a mysterious new location in Kirkwall that is home to the appearance changing mirror of transformation and a wealth of rare artifacts including a rare whistle that will allow you to summon your very own mabari warhound throughout the game." Neat.

Descriptions of the extra content and their associated perks are as follows:

    The Fadeshear - (Improves with level-up. Does extra damage versus demons and undead.)

    The core of this blade is old, as old as the first smiths who sought a way to battle the nightmares from the land beyond. It has fought the demonic hosts in countless battles. Sometimes it has been held high in triumphant victory. Other times, it has lain broken besides its dying owner. But after every defeat it has always been reclaimed, reforged, and made stronger. Fadeshear has passed through many hands before yours. Now it is your turn to make the demons of the Fade pay for crossing the Veil into the waking world.

    The Lion OF Orlais - (Two rune slots. Adds to health. Adds to % XP gain.)

    At the height of the Summer War all of Orlais was embroiled in fierce battles. Over the course of the war dozens of contenders for the Imperial Throne emerged - most long forgotten except as footnotes in scholarly tomes. But everyone remembers the gallant young lord Emile Deveraux, "The Golden Prince." Thought outnumbered at every turn, he racked victory upon victory culminating in the Seventh Battle of Roses. While wearing this shield he broke through his uncle's vanguard to win the day. He never knew the taste of defeat, instead meeting his end at the hands of a jealous lover in the dead of night.

    The Black Emporium

    Come one, come all to the Black Emporium! There, nestled deep under Kirkwall, you'll find a curious collection of items, some for sale, some for free and ranging from the mundane to the mysterious! One artifact can even transform your very body, face, hair, eyes - all new! We've even granted you your very own mabari war hound to call to your side with a whistle - a boon in battle and a beloved pet at home. Visit the Black Emporium today, and you'll be the envy of adventurers everywhere! Once you've escaped imminent danger, return home. Your invitation awaits!

From The Chatty
  • reply
    January 12, 2011 2:05 PM

    It's nice that you give pre-order copies get extra content. However, you are giving everyone the middle finger for buying it on and after release day? It's one hell of treatment to over 50% of your customers.

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      January 12, 2011 2:32 PM

      Well its just a sword and shield which I am sure you will replace quickly. Its just a mild incentive. The Emporium is "all new copies" so as long as you dont buy used your set on what sounds like the actual cool DLC.

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        January 12, 2011 2:43 PM

        >>just a sword and shield which I am sure you will replace quickly.

        That certainly wasn't the case in DA:O. That Blood Dragon armor lasted me the full game. And if you didn't want it, sell it for umpteen billion gold pieces. Now that's broken.

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          January 12, 2011 3:18 PM

          Yeah there's something wrong when your pre order item eliminates the loot game for one of your major inventory slots in an RPG. I'm against the idea of awarding extra loot for out-of-game behaviors anyway, what ever happened to the idea of a level1 newbie who starts with nothing but a few copper pieces?

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          January 12, 2011 4:41 PM

          Sell the Blood Dragon Armor for umpteen billion gold pieces? Huh what? You do realize that you have to buy the Blood Dragon armor in-game, right? And that selling it back will get you a fraction of what you paid?

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            January 12, 2011 6:06 PM

            No, you get the breastplate for free with the DLC. Which you can sell for some hefty sum of gold. Can't remember exact numbers, but early in the game it was just completely exorbitant.

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          January 12, 2011 4:55 PM

          I would have been pissed if there were no other complete armor sets you can find and equip throughout the whole game. I just played through DA:O and while I did wear the blood dragon armor for awhile, I beat the game wearing a bunch of other stuff.

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