Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Pre-orders on Steam

Steam is now accepting pre-orders for Awakening, the first major expansion pack for BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins. The addon is available for what I consider a steep $39.99 (when did expansions cross the $30 threshold?), especially if the 15 gameplay-hour estimate is accurate. For $10 less than the original game, you get:
About the Game

From the Makers of the Best RPG of 2009, Dragon Ageâ„¢: Origins, comes the first official expansion pack.

For centuries, the Grey Wardens the ancient order of guardians, sworn to unite and defend the lands have been battling the darkspawn forces. Legend spoke that slaying the Archdemon would have put an end to the darkspawn threat for centuries to come, but somehow they remain.

You are the Grey Warden Commander and have been entrusted with the duty of rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens and uncovering the secrets of the darkspawn and how they managed to remain.

How you choose to rebuild your order, how you resolve the conflict with "The Architect", and how you determine the fate of the darkspawn will be but some of the many complex choices that await and shape your journey as you venture to the new land of Amaranthine.


A Stunning World Expanded
BioWare's deepest universe to date just got bigger with an all new area of the world to explore, Amaranthine

'¢ Unlock the secrets of the Darkspawn and their true motivations
'¢ Rebuild the Grey Warden order and establish their base of operations at Vigil's Keep


All-new Complex Moral Choices
Embark on an epic story that is completely defined and reactive to your play style

'¢ Shape your entire experience based on the choices you make and how your handle complex situations


New Ways to Customize your Hero
Experience additional spells, abilities, specializations, and items to further personalize and customize your hero and party.

'¢ Import your character from Dragon Ageâ„¢: Origins or start anew as a Grey Warden from the neighboring land of Orlais
'¢ Encounter five all-new party members and an old favorite from Dragon Ageâ„¢: Origins


Even more Bone-Crushing, Visceral Combat
Battle against a new range of horrific and terrifying creatures

'¢ Put your skills to the test against an evolved, intelligent breed of Darkspawn and other menacing creatures including the Inferno Golem and Spectral Dragon!