One thing I love about Awakening is how much it lets you throw your weight around. You're constantly allowed to say "hey I'm the Hero of Ferelden I killed the archdemon" and watch NPCs shit their pants and fall over themselves over you it's a fantastic feeling

Interestingly if you are the Human Noble, there is a unique dialogue option with Nathaniel Howe. He is actually quite shocked to find out what his father did to the Couslands.

The dog as a returning character.

I mean…come on!

In all honestly Zevran should've returned for Awakening since there is obvious setup for him to keep following the warden till he eventually sets out on his journey to prove why he was the best assassin the crows ever had. Also, I would've loved a cameo of the best doggo. Why is my dog missing?

And when the world needed them the most , they returned

Considering Oghren never returns in the future games, I'm glad he got one last hurrah in Awakening.

Barkspawn  like it literally makes no sense that he isn't here

23:58 Oh, we deffenetly in the know. PR gang.

29:03 Based.

There is no good reason our best boy dog was not in awakening especially since there really isnt any  need   to pay  a voice actor for more lines.  oh sure they could have ser pounce a lot and speaking characters interact with dog but I would have been fine with the standard interactions your wardens have with him where he barks happily and roll around on his back when you pet him.  Maybe  have dog helping you sniff out components for wades armor and the sword vigilance

My go to returning companion has to be Loghain. He definitely deserved more screen time if you chose to make him a companion. Plus if your warden is marrying Anora its great potential father in law bonding time.

The return of the (artificial) kings!!

As much as I would've loved to see Alistair come back to help out the Warden, it does make sense that he can't, especially if he is made King. It does make sense having Oghren at the Keep especially if he wasn't allowed back in Orzammar or would've been casteless, so I think they made the right choice with bringing Oghren back.

In all honesty, Zevran and the dog should've returned. I know Zevran needs to hunt down the crows, but he could've held off on it to help us finish off the darkspawn. But there is no excuse for the dog not being there, that's our boy and he would never leave his owner's side. I know he helps fill up the kennels, but that can wait until the darkspawn are dealt with.

God what a great DLC.

HE’S BACK!!!

Being in the 'Know' is the hightlight in this cursed year for me. These President video circles are my excitement.

Damn, after finishing the full Origins movie, this is certainly a sight to behold.

For the Comment Question:  This one's a toughie.  Let me hit you unconventionally with it.  Awakening should've taken advantage of the temporary companion framework to offer cameos for the best hits.  Brief cameo of mage-grandma in the city.  Warden Allister or Loghain could've accompanied for the initial attack on the fort, before being called back after the Joining Rites are done.  Leliana suddenly appears on some chantry-mission board thing and a brief work together.  

I think that Bioware really realized the advantage of these types of cameos in Dragon Age 2.  Especially in what they did with Zevran.  That's the platonic model my answer to this comment question is framed off of.

Pulled up youtube during lunch, saw this and was immediately stoked. Looking forward to it.