Dragon Age: Origins, just the title alone symbolizes an epic story of friends, questing, and plenty of Darkspawn.  For those players that have conquered this 40+ hour campaign are already enjoying the multiple content downloads that EA and Bioware have given the community.  So it is no suprise that EA has announced the release date of the new expansion pack for Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening.

“Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening shows BioWare’s commitment to our fans by delivering new story-driven experiences which enrich the dark heroic fantasy universe our fans have come to know and love,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group, EA, and Co-Founder, BioWare.

The release date for this next chapter in the epic saga is March 16th 2010 on xbox 360, playstation 3 and PC.  The retail price will be $39.99.  As if they haven't sucked enough $5 micro-transactions out of me, i gotta spend another 40 bucks. Oh well I'm sure the journey will be well worth it.

Designed and written by the same team that brought you Dragon Age: Origins,the Awakening expansion pack offers a brand new area of the world to explore known as Amaranthine, featuring an epic story that will allow players to unravel the secrets of the Darkspawn - and their true motivations!

The fact that the team that worked on the first one is doing the expansion excites me.  More storytelling, more morally questionable choices, and more dialogue.  Everything that made the first game great.

Now for the details: Players will have the option to start the campaign as a new Grey warden or use their already time invested character from the original if they so choose.  For those that logged plenty of hours and effort into the look and feel of their character, this new expansion will also give the ability to re-spec their old characters, opening a re-playability option that many players will enjoy.  Awakening will also bring an increased level cap, new spells/abilities, a slew of new swag and if you are tired of all those old friends you've been running around with, five new party members can be add to your already growing army.

BioWare fans rejoice! This shows the serious dedication to fans and communities that was lacking so much in numerous titles over the last year, that's right 2009 I'm talking to you!  2010 Death to the Darkspawn!

www.dragonage.com/awakening