After a decade since Dragon Age: Inquisition graced our screens, fans had been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the beloved series. With setbacks from previous titles, Dragon Age: Veilguard felt like a critical comeback for BioWare, and I can confidently say it lives up to the hype.
Set ten years post-Inquisition, the game introduces players to fresh locales within the rich tapestry of Thedas. You assume the role of Rook, and the character creator offers diverse options to craft your hero-from elves to dwarves, and even other human factions. The narrative centers on Rook's quest to thwart Solas, the elven trickster god Fen'Harel, from unleashing chaos upon the world by destroying the Veil. Without delving too deep into spoilers, the storyline is compelling and intriguing right from the start.
Kicking off with the character creator, I found myself spending an indulgent amount of time fine-tuning my hero. Contrary to the backlash seen online, I appreciated the option to choose they/them pronouns. It's a modern and inclusive feature that can enrich character depth. The fact that so many people have taken issue with this optional aspect is frustrating. It's disheartening to see such disdain for something that simply allows more players to see themselves represented in the game. Isn't that what roleplaying games are all about?
The game plunges you immediately into the action. You're thrown into the chaos caused by disruptions in the Fade, and the sense of urgency to confront the blight is palpable. The emphasis on action is evident; players can take two companions into battle while exploring the sprawling environments. Expect plenty of combat encounters, as approximately 85% of the gameplay revolves around exhilarating battles against hordes of enemies or formidable bosses, each requiring tactical thinking and quick reflexes.
While the fast-paced combat is mostly enjoyable, pacing can sometimes suffer due to respawning enemies that feel more like annoyances rather than challenges. Battling significant foes can stretch on for nearly 30 minutes-though intense, it's satisfying to emerge victorious. The game also includes some puzzles, though they take a backseat to the frenetic action and quest completion.
Veilguard's side quests are integrated well within the main narrative, often introduced through interactions with your party at the home base. I found the companion quests-to help deepen relationships-engaging, though they begin with simpler tasks and evolve into more meaningful missions that sometimes lead to climactic boss battles. These personal stories add weight to your interactions and are worth pursuing for the character development they provide.
BioWare once again demonstrates its prowess in crafting memorable characters. While it may not reach the heights of Mass Effect or Dragon Age: Origins, the camaraderie among the crew felt authentic, and I found myself caring for their fates. Individual character arcs were compelling, with some companions standing out as particularly engaging, which is to be expected in a rich narrative like this.
The gameplay loop kept me intact, with adrenaline-pumping battles that had me on the edge of my seat. There were moments where my stubbornness led me to face bosses far above my level, but the challenge made eventual victories rewarding.
Voice acting is top-notch; Bellaria's character resonated deeply with me, her portrayal capturing a blend of humanity and vulnerability. The musical score enhances the atmosphere beautifully, complementing the emotional beats throughout the story.
Graphically, the game manages to impress, even if some areas lean towards a slightly cartoonish aesthetic. It may not break new ground visually, but it delivers a vibrant and engaging world nonetheless.
In my 60 hours with Veilguard, I rarely spent time aimlessly wandering-the game structures exploration efficiently, guiding you with markers that indicate quest objectives. While it lacks the open-world vibe of titles like The Witcher 3, the expansive locales invite limited exploration.
What stands out in Veilguard compared to its predecessor is the absence of unnecessary padding. The pacing is tight, and each quest feels pertinent to the evolving story rather than filler content-a welcomed improvement over Inquisition.
In conclusion, Dragon Age: Veilguard is a triumphant return for BioWare, revitalizing the franchise with a strong narrative, engaging characters, and exhilarating gameplay. Despite the online backlash regarding certain character options, which I find utterly misguided, the game delivers an experience that speaks to the diversity of players. I would give it an 8.5/10, proving that while the journey may have been long, it was worth the wait. Here's to hoping future entries continue to embrace inclusivity and storytelling excellence!
