Bioware is one of the most respected video game development teams out there. It began way back in 1996 with the classic Shattered Steel and has produced classic after classic ever since, from several chapters in the Baldur's Gate series to the Neverwinter Nights games to console hits like Mass Effect and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. To celebrate the release of its latest game, Dragon Age: Origins, we've decided to share our eight most shocking moments that the company has delivered to us over the years.

Note: Some of these moments will differ from yours, depending on how much you've played Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights or other games. If you feel we missed something, by all means, please share it with us in the comments below. We'd love to hear how Bioware rocked your world.

Without further ado, the eight moments...

Mass Effect: "Many Decisions Lie Ahead, None of Them Easy"

No decisions come easy in the massive science-fiction adventure Mass Effect. As Commander Shepard, you'll be forced to make hasty decisions as you proceed through the galaxy. This means turning away from distress calls, leaving those who are in need of your help, as well as leaving certain loved ones behind to perish on an exploding planet. (We felt our heart tug a little bit when we had to leave poor Ashley behind, personally.) Even the game's trailer, as seen below, hints at what choices you'll have to face.

Mass Effect: Let's Get It On!

A few folks were in uproar upon the release of Mass Effect back in 2008, but not for the reason you'd expect. Some people weren't too crazy about the science fiction violence, to be sure, but most took objection to the game's steamy love scenes. See, in the game, you're able to forge relationships with some of your cohorts, be it on a male-female ratio or even something unconventional like female-female. The story even ran on Fox News, complete with dimwitted reporters making comments. Really, guys, it's not that big a deal. And we're pretty sure there will be plenty more loving to come in Mass Effect 2, due to arrive on Xbox 360 and PC in late January 2010.

Knights of the Old Republic: Surprise, you're a former Sith Lord!

The journey you'll take through this Xbox/PC classic, one of the better Star Wars games out there, is a hard, dedicated one. You'll have to make many choices as you try to find out who Revan really is, including whether you're male or female or you serve the forces of good or the Dark Side. However, no matter what you choose, you're headed for a showdown with Malak, who finally tells you who you are – a former Sith Lord! Where you go from there is up to you, but, boy, talk about a wake-up call.

Jade Empire: That little girl's got bite!

As you make your way through Bioware's awesome kung-fu laden adventure, you'll run into a handful of memorable characters. Among them is a creepy little girl, one with a glowing stare and a deep, harrowing voice. That's just the least of her problems, though. During combat, she actually transforms into a tall, harrowing beast, able to scratch away at enemies with her claws. And we thought the girl from the movie Orphan was creepy. This one's got her beat by a mile.

Mass Effect: Speech!

If there's one thing Mass Effect knows how to do really, really well, it's emotionally driven speeches by characters. Throughout your adventure, you'll hear several characters speak for their causes, whether it's the Sovereign's speech to the Council or Commander Shepard briefing his crew to believe in his cause. We've also included a great Salarian speech below, so you can get an idea what kind of dramatic heft Bioware has given them. We can't wait to hear how much better they get in the sequel.

Bioware's surprise union with...Sonic?

Bioware has teamed up with a number of companies over the years, including Interplay and, most recently, Pandemic Studios through a purchase by Electronic Arts. However, never in a million years would we think that the company would team up with Sega to produce a Sonic the Hedgehog role-playing game. However, back in 2006, that's exactly what happened when Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood was announced for Nintendo DS. To even more surprise, when the game came out two years later, it actually wasn't half bad. It captures the essence of Sonic's universe while opening up a fascinating new side story. Plus, it's fun. Check it out if you haven't already.

Dragon Age: Origins: Rough Ritual

Dragon Age: Origins has a lot of surprises in store for its players when they pick it up in stores today. We won't spoil too much, but we will tell you about one instance we ran into early in the game, so skip this if you don't want to know anything...

OK, still here? In one of the game's many storylines, your lead character joins two others in a ritual called The Joining, something that all those who wish to join the Grey Wardens must go through. It involves drinking from a chalice and, if you survive, joining the ranks. Your character is the last to drink, so the other two men go first. The first collapses upon drinking from the cup and dies, without any sympathy from Duncan, the Grey Warden putting you through the test. The second refuses to drink from it, fearing for his life. Duncan informs him there's no turning back, but the man continues to panic. In a moment's notice, Duncan pulls out his sword and runs him through unapologetically. Considering you just went on a quest with these characters, you can't feel a bit of loss for their sudden, untimely deaths. And just a reminder – this is at the very beginning of the game. Wait until you see what choices are made later on.

Star Wars: The Old Republic: Blowing the Doors Off of E3

Very few moments truly took the Electronic Entertainment Expo by surprise this year, but one that's definitely worth mentioning is Bioware's presentation during the Electronic Arts press conference. Dozens of folks dressed as Jedi flooded the stage, with lightsabers lit. From there, the presenters showcased a brand new trailer for the long awaited Star Wars: The Old Republic, and the crowd went nuts. Relive this awesome presentation at the video below, and may the Force be with you come next year.

Again, these are just our picks for our favorite Bioware moments. If there's something specific you feel like mentioning, have at it. Who knows? We may even take the best moments and return with an all-new special, right alongside our Mass Effect 2 coverage.