We're well into the silly season of gaming (as I like to call it ), too many games and probably not enough cash or time to enjoy them all (so why I'm writing this and not playing Brutal Legend is beyond me). With Borderlands and Left 4 Dead 2 already purchased via Steam, my gaming purchases are easing up a bit. Next up on my list was Dragon Age: Origins which I'm really excited about. Hell, my wife is really excited about it, because as big Baldur's Gate fan she's been looking forward to a deep, hardcore RPG.



Now, with me playing more and more titles on my PC, rather than my 360, the only problem I've got is buying the physical copy or a digital download version usually off Steam. I usually buy a physical copy of a game if it's not on Steam, I can get a good trade in price or if it comes with a really nicepre -order package that's too tempting to give up. EB game's website has got a great looking Dragon Age: Origins collectors edition that comes with 3 exclusive in-game items, steel box, cloth map, DVD and soundtrack. Now that's a nice specialedition! Let's be clear, I was always gonna buy Dragon Age because of Bioware's pedigree and I like the sound of the long termDLC and community support they have planned for the game. Thing is I do like the convenience of having all my games on Steam; digital downloads are convenient and can sometimes work out cheaper in Australia although this is probably an accident. When I bought Borderlands last week, I only paid $50AUS for it, thanks to a really favourable exchange rate. If I bought the game at retail, it would likely be between $90 and $100AUS.

So, I was really happy today when I saw Dragon Age: Origins on Steam. Right now there's no pre-purchase offer or any indication of what the game will cost. However, it will be released as a great looking "digital deluxe edition". There is a Steam exclusive item and a "pre-purchase item" available, which is cool. There's another three exclusive items, the Warden's Keep campaign, the Shale party character, Blood Armour (for Mass Effect 2 as well), plus the soundtrack and wallpapers. Wow! This is a great collection, with plenty of juicy looking in game items and cool extras.



I have to say, this is the route that I wish more developers would take with games on digital platforms. Frankly, I've said many times in the past that I wish more games came bundled with a soundtrack. I'm looking at theWitcher Enhanced Edition on my desk and the big box it's contained in. Dragon Age: Origins on Steam is offering a similar package, but alldownloadable. Excellent . I have to say, the more games that come out like this, then trinket laden special editions can tick themselves off my shopping list.

Oh and Brad Nicholson, here's your motherfucking dragon!



(Holy bollocksing shit! She turned into a fucking giant spider!!)