Actually, at least that's what I think surprised EA.
A beautiful game like Mass Effect 2, sold only 1.6 million units. I say only, because a game like that, in a fairer universe, should be outselling less original titles like Call of Duty and Halo.
Dragon Age sold 3.2 million units. Yes... the first game in a franchise outsold the second game in a more established franchise by exactly twice as much. And as we can see from the statement given to Joystiq, most of those sales happened on the console.
While I *loved* Dragon Age, I'll be the first to admit that it was a bit of a generic old-school, swords and wizards game. The theme and storytelling -- while alright -- didn't appeal to me as much as the fantastic combat, the tactical stuff, and the mechanics of the game.
So guess what, they are going to basically keep the theme and storytelling, and lighten the load on the other stuff.
BTW, the sales number I mentioned (you can Google them) are from the first month of selling. I don't know how well the games did down the road, but as we all know, if you sell 2 million units in the first month at full price, you are basically better off than selling four million units at half price throughout the rest of the year (especially when factoring in other costs like shelf space, and when considering that those other sales happen during weekend sales etc.).
So the point is that Dragon Age was subpar on the consoles, yet outsold ME2 on the them by twice as much. What made them buy the game? I bet it was the marketing. Along with the manson music, the less informed buyers were expecting something like the video game version of 300 the movie. I think basically that's what they want DA2 to be this time. Bioware have said they are looking to make an action RPG.
I am not saying that Dragon Age 2 will be a bad game.
In fact, like ME2, this could be a great game. Bioware -- aside from Jade Empire -- haven't let us down yet. I just am disappointed that this is what DA2 is turning into. As Sirean said, ME and DA serviced different needs.
BTW, what I find really sad, are the resident fanboys on the Dragon Age 2 forums.
You go there, and you can spot them very quickly. It is the same on every game forum... you have five to ten posters, who just hang out on the game forum, posting thirty to forty times a day (yes I checked their profiles), every day. They almost don't even log out.
It is a bit creepy. Yes, this is coming from a dude who posts a lot on OW, but we don't all have one game in common interest. This a general forum, and we discuss all sorts of stuff. These guys only discuss Dragon Age 2, all day, and seem to spend most of their posting time defending against whatever someone new posts are criticism.
I am almost wondering if they are Bioware employees. Either that, or they are just in denial.
Some examples: (Note, the answers are coming from the same group of 5-10 people)
Q: They modified the tactical view WTF? You can't queue orders any more? WTF?
A: So? It is a good thing. In fact, it will make the game *more* tactical.
Q: How?
A: You'll see.
Q: You can't equip your party anymore? Can't change their gear, only their whole outfits?
A: Yea, but what does that to do with the game's depth? It should actually be a GOOD thing!
Q: How?
A: You'll see.
Q: They've modified the skill tree? Compressed several branches into one a piece? Zomgs!
A: So, it gives you less time to worry about that stuff, and more to concentrate on the actual game! (yes, someone said that)
Q: You are limited to a single race?
A: Yea, but who selected another race anyway?
Basically, there is no arguing with these people. I am convinced that they are either mentally ill, or Bioware employees... or possibly both.
