I've only had the opportunity to play DA1 & its DLC through - I do own DA2, but it's too difficult to play/read when you don't have an HDTV, so I gave up after 10 min or so.

From what little I did play, though, I favor the combat system of DA2 more. It's a shame to hear about the character development
(or lack thereof) though, as the characters are my favorite part of DA1. Is there at least humorous dialogue?
At any rate, I did like DA1...enough that I've played through it a couple of times and it hasn't ceased to amuse yet.
I really do gotta get myself an HDTV though, especially if there's a DA3 coming out eventually. So much technology, so little money, hehehe.