Hmmm, I think the first shot of Hawk looks pretty good.  The second one is a bit more difficult to make out.  I kinda like the focus on triangles and edges because it does make it look fairly different.  At the same time, there isn't much detail, so that's where the WOW comparisons come in.  I need to see more to get a real feel for it.

Episode 4 is now up, gang!  Let us know what you guys think. 

Also, I'd like to ask if you guys would like a longer podcast or a shorter one.  We're always talking about that on staff, and we seem to have settled on an hour time limit.  Just want to ask the listeners to see what you guys think!

Right there with you, Uru.  Guess that means I agree with everyone here.  We need lots of moral choices, but we also want to see them play out in the context of the story and have a direct impact on what happens.  I think Bioware has a real chance to go in these desired directions by focusing on a single character.  While I'll certainly miss the personal feelings established in the origin stories, I'm excited to see what they will do with a single protagonist. 

Very good point, Parn, and I would love to see more of those kinds of choices in DA2. 

I still think we have to wait and see if these kinds of choices will have an effect in Mass Effect 3, however.  I didn't really see much cross over between ME1 and 2 outside of some dialogue, which was kind of a bummer.  Here's hoping that all of your choices will come together in a meaningful way in the final act of the trilogy. 

We're hopefully going to talk a little bit about Dragon Age 2 during our podcast recording this weekend.  Not trying to pimp the show or anything, but it should prove interesting.

Okay, maybe just a little pimping...

I meant more along the lines of the werewolves in the Dalish forest, or the golems in Orzammar.  While there was certainly a tinge of evil in some of the potential outcomes, they weren't as blatant as, say, nuking a whole town in Fallout 3. 

I would really like to see DA2 incorporate choices that could really bite you in the ass.  Say for example you sided with the mages in the tower but then something bad happens as a result (maybe a really difficult fight or you could potentially lose a party member).  If you're going to give players choice then I want to see real consequence, both good and bad.  What if the golems went crazy and started attacking you if you used them during the final battle? 

I'm okay with a voiced character a la Mass Effect so long as they take away the Paragon and Renegade system.  I can't stand making such binary decisions.  I really like the "shades of gray" nature of Dragon Age.

I don't think we can make too much out from the art style just yet.  I would be okay with a more ethereal look.  If anything, the first first pieces have an Amano-like watercolor look that I am totally okay with. 

We're working on that too!

Two threads!  Dear lord, this is madness!

Wow, didn't even realize we had a thread up about the podcast.  As you have no doubt guessed, I am Rob...

Wow, my condolences.