I played through all the origins. I feel like I know the game inside-out. But I never actually did a full playthrough as a human or a dwarf.

(I have played Orzammar as a dwarf and Landsmeet as a noble, for modding purposes. I think dwarf society is awesome, and having your character take the throne sounds cool... But idk it just doesn't appeal to me. I'm elf all the way.)

Anyway, my two cents.

• Dwarf Noble and City Elf have the best origin plots — but not that interesting for the rest of the game.

• Dalish Elf and Human Noble have the worst origin plots — but the rest of the game is a lot of fun.

• Magi is strong on both counts. Dwarf Commoner is average on both.

I usually recommend City Elf or Magi to first-time players.