Dragon Age II Preview

There's a brief preview of Dragon Age II up on GameDynamo, the contents of which look to be based on existing information rather than any hands-on time with the game. Still, here's a snip:
BioWare will again include romantic encounters as part of the gameplay, but this time it will not only be with NPCs in the party (as before) but also with others met throughout the game world. There will also be encounters with groups and characters from Origins, including Flemeth (yes, she is still alive).

The timeline covers a span of ten years. Hawke is from Lothering and escapes right before the Dawkspawn attack that town, fleeing to Kirkwall, which is north of Ferelden, where Dragon Age II will take place. Hawke is the Champion of Kirkwall and will rise to power during the course of the game.

Gameplay will be similar in style to Dragon Age: Origins; players can decide where to go and when without following a set pattern. But, unlike DAO, the story will be non-linear, so depending on where the gamer does have Hawke go, it will shape the sequence of events.