I finished DA Origins last night, headed straight to online reviews for DAII and this what I found out.
No Strat map as if not really needed but its good to use now and then, no armor sets! what were they thinking grinding for armor sets is the soul of rpg games . I fought tooth and nail for the Dragonbone plate armor in Dragon Age Origins even though i got the set right near the end but it was worth it. fighting style is faster there's really no need to pause and plan your next attack the game has been completely dum down for console players. Whole game takes place in one city.
Ive read reviewers rating the game in its 90's hahaha! where some are averaging it at 6/10
Heres a response from DA2 Lead dev Mike Laidlaw.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-03-10-biowares-mike-laidlaw-a-defence-of-dragon-age-ii-interview
as for me I wont be buying Dragon Age II its not worth the $90 or so bucks. I'll wait for the bargain bin even then I might need a good reason such as some mods to come out before I even touch this game.