Astra Green
The mage system is better in DA 2. It's more fluid.
This is exactly why I didn't mind playing a mage so much in II. The battle system in general is a lot less stop and go. Granted, I had a harder time paying attention to the health of the party in II because of how fast-paced combat was. Anders definitely earned his keep in that game, other than being completely adorable and Adam Howden's voice lulling me into complacency.
I'm actually pre-ordering Dragon Age: Inquisition today. I'm super excited about romancing Varric. I want some sweet dwarf love.