The console version of "Dragon Age: Origins" didn't have the same magic as its PC counterpart. The story, characters and quests were all the same but the thrill of battle was damaged during the transition. Addressing this problem is the greatest strength of "Dragon Age II"; by implementing a combat system tailored to play on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, developer BioWare's epic fantasy series takes a new shape. This changed vision for the franchise might disappoint hard-core fans of the original, but the sequel still delivers -- although not in the ways you'd expect.

BioWare's template story structure -- an intro, four main quest hubs and a finale -- is nowhere to be found in "Dragon Age II." Unfortunately, no compelling story rises to take its place.

"Dragon Age II" attempts to tell the tale of Hawke's rise to power in Kirkwall. In execution, the story amounts to little more than a bunch of side quests lashed together. They are rarely connected to a central goal. You get little sense of mounting tension or rising stakes until the climax is upon you.

Most of the missions are short, in-and-out affairs that involve traveling between Kirkwall's painfully limited number of locations. While the city is supposedly huge, you only bounce among about 10 areas and a handful of buildings and caves within them. By the fourth or fifth time, I was sent down to Darktown to resolve shady business, I was pining for the vast forests of Ferelden.

But most quests have a clever spark that keeps the entertainment value high. I hunted a serial killer, took a jaunt into the Fade and watched an ally awkwardly blow a date with her ideal man. The inventive scenarios, interesting characters and excellent writing are among the highlights of "Dragon Age II."

The biggest change from the first game is the combat. No longer trying to straddle the fence between tactical and action-focused systems, "Dragon Age II" gives itself over entirely to fast-paced, responsive battles. The drastic departure from the original formula is bound to upset purists, but it suits the game well. The action feels more immediate.

Several tweaks also make the sequel better suited for console play than its predecessor. The "Mass Effect"-like conversation system gives Hawke a voice and keeps the dialogue flowing, although it also removes some of the moral ambiguity. Inventory and equipment are easier to manage, and the new skill levels, while heavily simplified, help differentiate characters and give them unique roles in combat.

Part of me was disappointed with "Dragon Age II." The new battle system is fun, but not nearly as satisfying or rewarding as "Origins." Because you don't have even a main antagonist until the final hours, the story pales in comparison to the original. But if you put those complaints aside and remove "Dragon Age II" from the impressive shadow of its predecessor, you'll find an engaging experience that still retains BioWare's trademark clever dialogue, cool characters and detailed lore.