Dragon Age II is a strange beast and one that has polarised opinion. A fair comment would be that so far the downloadable content has disappointed generally and been a mere cash-in for the developer. With the arrival of Mark of the Assassin, finally fans of the series have a viable purchase on the menu.
The download size is 948mb and this hints at the size and scope of the Assassin package. Once installed a statue will appear in your Kirkwall home, you can then decide when you wish to go on the expedition. It offers Hawke and his party an opportunity to experience the opulent lifestyle of the rich and famous upper elite. Approached by the mysterious elf assassin, Tallis, the team moves camp to the Orlesian estate outside Kirkwall. The social event of the year is underway and Tallis wishes to retrieve the artefact known as the ‘Ben-Hassrath’ (Heart of Many) from the aloof Duke.
Thankfully this pack isn’t just confined to breaking and entering the lavish palace. First you have to engage in a traditional Duke hunting competition to win his favour. With the court full of competitive individuals, many will stop at nothing to kill the first Wyvern. These ferocious dragon-like beasts roam the surrounding countryside and you are left to your own devices to explore the Duke’s sizeable hunting grounds. These areas are of a decent size, with linear paths through the forests, hills and waterside environments. It makes a refreshing change from the enclosed streets of Kirkwall and Dragon Age II. As experienced previously in Dragon Age II, at times there is the sense of slowdown when the action becomes widespread.
It is well worth exploring these outer environments as generally throughout Mark of the Assassin there are plentiful and profitable treasures to be found. The greenery is also littered with a variety of quests that often you will complete without thinking. Depending on your experience levels there are challenges to be found including ‘The Cult of the Sky’. Overall this package is almost as profitable as a trip to the Deep Roads.
Much has been made of the elf assassin Tallis, with Felicia Day providing the voice and sense of likeness. She remains mysterious until the close of this chapter and the story feeds well into the overall strands of Dragon Age II. More thought and effort has been put into Mark of the Assassin and this comes through with the storyline. After the infiltration of the Duke’s chateau the game introduces a stealth element (if you so wish), where Hawke must navigate the interior only armed with his wits, a knife and a stone for distraction. This Metal Gear influenced dynamic works reasonably well, as you attempt to reach the Duke’s vault.
For the completist, Mark of the Assassin offers 5 achievements, over 20 Codex entries, 19 Quests including optional ones and sizeable experience points. It all adds up to a viable package, a decent running time and value for money at last. If this is the shape of downloadable content to come for Dragon Age II, then there’s life in the game for sometime yet.
