EA and Bioware recently officially announced the existence of the Dragon Age: Origins retail-bound expansion pack, The Awakening, after rumours of the add-on began mounting over the holidays.

The Awakening will once again take on the role a Grey Warden, this time trying to restore an order of legendary warriors, while being tasked with discovering secrets surrounding the threat of the Darkspawn.

Players will also battle new enemies and monsters, including the “Inferno Golem and Spectral Dragon,” as well as another mysterious enemy going by the name of the “Architect.”

Naturally, The Awakening expansion for Dragon Age: Origins also raises the level cap, and includes new abilities, spells, items and specialisations for players to acquire and master. You’ll also be given the option of importing you current Dragon Age: Origins character into the expansion, or create a brand new Grey Warden from the land of Orlais, while taking advantage of five new party members.

BioWare co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka said of the expansion:

“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.

“The vibrant worldwide community of Dragon Age fans will relish uncovering the secret motivations of the darkspawn, revealing how the darkspawn continue to infest the world despite the defeat of the Archdemon.”

Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will become available on March 16th on PS3, PC and Xbox 360 in North America (and presumably March 19th in Europe) for an expected retail price of $39.99.

Source: All Games Beta