Dragon Age: The Veilguard review

06 November 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard review

Dragon Age Veilguard is a highly anticipated addition to the BioWare series. So, what can we expect from this title? Is it a must-play or a letdown? Let’s dive in and find out!

A breath of fresh air

It’s been ten years since we’ve last visited Thedas in Dragon Age Inquisiton. The legendary narrative-driven series has amasssed a large following, so the moment The Veilguard was announced, fans were on the edge of their seats. The game promised to continue the rich storytelling and immersive gameplay that we’ve come to expect from this beloved franchise. Did the creators from BioWare managed to fullfill this promise? With some major changes to gameplay and visuals, The Veilguard definitely is a game worth disscusing about.

The graphics in Dragon Age The Veilguard present a bold shift from what fans of the series know. Some people complain that the characters look almost Fortnite-esque, and the cartoony feeling makes the game less serious. Personally, I think it is refreshing and unique—a visual palette that revitalizes the franchise. While hyperrealism can be enjoyable, it often becomes monotonous when every AAA game adopts this art style.

Another noteworthy aspect is the stunning quality of the rendered cutscenes. From visual effects to facial expressions, each scene is a treat to watch. Our Rooks don’t look weird of out-of-place, as its often the case with custom made characters appearing on cutscenes. By the way, the character creation process is undeniably enjoyable. If you take pleasure in crafting your in-game characters, you’ll likely spend countless hours designing the Veilguard’s hero, known as Rook.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard characters

What is a Dragon Age game without its memorable characters? In The Veilguard, players are introduced to a band of seven distinct companions, each with their own compelling backstories and quests. These characters aren’t just allies; they are integral to the player’s experience, each offering unique perspectives and skills that enrich the narrative. 

  • Lace Harding: Scout
  • Emmrich Volkarin: Necromancer
  • Neve Gallus: Detective
  • Lucanis Dellamorte: Assasin
  • Davrin and his Gryphon Assan: Grey Warden
  • Taash: Dragon Hunter
  • Bellara Lutarte: Veil Jumper

Their diversity extends beyond appearance, encompassing varied personalities and moral compasses. The interactions and relationships you build with them can influence the game’s outcome, adding layers of complexity and replayability. Players can also choose to romance their companions, a process that involves unique quests and interactions. 

Veteran Dragon Age fans will undoubtedly enjoy the return of familiar faces including Morrigan, Dorian, Isabella, and even the Inquisitor. While their roles may not be prominent, it’s always good to reconnect with beloved characters.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard story

At the heart of Dragon Age The Veilguard lies its captivating story that revolves around Solas and a failed ritual that brought two incredibly powerful beings to the world: elven gods Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain. The story in the game can surprise and force you to make choices that can have a huge impact on the course of the story. As in previous installments, our choices also affect our relationships with the characters and can drastically change them. And while the overall story is quite engaging, a bit of criticism must be placed on the dialogues themselves. Many of them even seem too polite, which somewhat limits the full expression of our character.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard combat

Combat in The Veilguard is a high-paced experience that differs greatly from Dragon Age: Inquisition. In this installment, players can no longer directly control their companions; however, they can pause the game and command heroes to utilize their abilities during battles and execute powerful combos. This significant change has raised skepticism among many players. Previous Dragon Age combat mechanics have been much more strategic: now it’s more about reflexes. The game also offers skill trees, allowing us to freely create the best combinations to suit our style of play.

It is understandable why some players received these changes very negatively – after all, they are quite significant. Nevertheless, the system itself is very enjoyable, and the combat is gripping.

Conclusion

Dragon Age: The Veilguard definitely offers a fresh take on a beloved franchise. With its innovative graphics, rich character development, gripping storytelling, and engaging gameplay, it provides an adventure that is both familiar and refreshingly new. If you enjoy games that offer both adrenaline and an enjoyable story, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a title you should check out!