Chris InglisDragon Age: The Veilguard is the latest instalment in the renowned Dragon Age series from Bioware and publisher Electronic Arts, attempting to blend nostalgia with new elements aimed at a broader audience. While it successfully captures moments of greatness and acknowledges its predecessors in parts, it sometimes feels disconnected from the series’ core essence, particularly for longtime fans.
The game’s story revolves around a central conflict involving the Grey Wardens and familiar companions from previous games. The narrative starts with an ominous threat to the world of Thedas, and as a hero, you are tasked with navigating through this chaos. Despite its promising premise, the story seems tailored more towards newcomers rather than veterans of the series. The inclusion of references to past games, such as iconic characters Silas, Varric, and Morrigan (with a different character model), and previous events that affected the world is a nice touch, but the overall tone and pacing feel lighter and less intense. The balance between new and returning elements is a tricky one, and while the main plot picks up after 10-12 hours, it initially lacks the gripping urgency seen in Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age II, and Dragon Age: Inquisition.
The companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are a mixed bag. Some characters bring fresh perspectives and interesting backstories, adding some great side quests early on. However, others come across as cringeworthy and less engaging, which can be disappointing for fans expecting the rich character development the series is known for. This disparity in character quality often led me to abandon their side quests and focus on the main story to be able to progress the game. The character graphics and animations sometimes feel juvenile, reminiscent of the style seen in Hogwarts Legacy, which contrasts with the darker, more mature themes of previous Dragon Age titles.
The item loot system in Dragon Age: The Veilguard adopts a progression style that feels reminiscent of mobile games. When you find a particular weapon, finding it again later will upgrade your original weapon to +2, then +3, and so on. This incremental upgrade system may not appeal to all players, especially those accustomed to the more varied and intricate loot mechanics in previous Dragon Age games. Most of the loot is discovered in treasure chests rather than from defeating enemies, which can diminish the sense of reward from combat. Additionally, there are unique named items with fixed stats and rarity. These unlock special powers, like a trinket that swarms your enemies with bees, or an accessory that makes healing potions recharge your ultimate ability.
The talent tree in The Veilguard came as a pleasant surprise, offering a variety of pathways for character development. However, planning out these pathways can sometimes be challenging, as the tree’s structure can be complex and not always intuitive. The ability to freely respec your skills is fantastic, allowing for flexibility and experimentation with individual talent changes. You also have the ability to do a full respect however in doing this, it’s essential to remember your favourite skill choices since a respec wipes everything clean. It would be beneficial if the game allowed you to save your builds for reference or sharing with friends and other players. This feature would enhance the strategic element of the game and foster a sense of community among players.
Despite some issues with character models, Dragon Age: The Veilguard excels in its environmental design. The world of Thedas is brought to life with breathtaking detail and stunning vistas. The game’s landscapes are so beautifully rendered that I often found myself pausing to take screenshots, capturing the awe-inspiring views. From dense forests to towering mountains and ancient ruins, the visual experience is immersive and compelling, adding a significant layer of enjoyment to the gameplay. If you take the time to go off the beaten path, you are often rewarded with environmental puzzles that are quite challenging and engaging, involving multiple stages and requiring thoughtful solutions.
The combat system in The Veilguard offers both excitement and monotony. On one hand, the high-impact companion combos are thrilling, providing moments of strategic brilliance during battles. These sequences highlight the potential of teamwork and tactical gameplay. On the other hand, combat can sometimes feel repetitive and tedious, lacking the consistent engagement seen in previous titles. The initial hours may feel slow-paced, but the main story gradually gains momentum, becoming more compelling as you progress. By focusing on the main story after 10-12 hours, I found the game much more engaging than sticking with the less captivating side content.
One of the standout aspects of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is its sound design. The musical score is excellent, enhancing the atmosphere and complementing the various game settings. The voice acting is equally impressive, with most actors delivering performances that convey the correct emotions and add depth to the characters. However, some of the companions’ dialogue feels out of place, failing to match the gravity of the main story. These ‘positive vibes’ comments can sometimes detract from the overall immersion and intensity of the narrative.
Overall, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a solid action RPG, but it feels somewhat disconnected from the original trilogy. It appears to target new players to the series and a younger audience, which might not appeal to long-time fans seeking the severe, high-stakes storylines of the earlier games. Despite its flaws, there are moments of brilliance, and the dynamic combat and stunning visuals offer enjoyable gameplay. If you’re new to the Dragon Age universe or prefer a lighter tone, The Veilguard might be worth exploring. For veterans, it may still offer a fun experience, but it might not fully satisfy the craving for the depth and intensity of its predecessors.
This review utilised a Steam key provided by EA Australia and Dragon Age: The Veilguard is available to play on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation.
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Yonan