Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Review

OUR RATING: 8.5/10

The moment you boot up The Veilguard, you’re greeted with a stunning visual feast. Thedas has never looked more alive, with breathtaking vistas and intricately detailed environments that beg to be explored. I found myself constantly pausing to admire the scenery, from the towering spires of Tevinter to the mysterious depths of the Fade. It’s clear that BioWare has leveraged the power of next-gen hardware to create a world that feels truly lived-in and authentic.

But The Veilguard is more than just a pretty face. At its core, this is a Dragon Age game through and through, with all the complex storytelling, memorable characters, and weighty decisions that fans have come to expect. The narrative picks up where Inquisition left off, with the fate of Thedas hanging in the balance as ancient elven gods threaten to tear the world apart. It’s a high-stakes premise that provides plenty of opportunities for drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

As with previous Dragon Age titles, players step into the shoes of a customizable protagonist. This time around, we’re introduced to Rook, the titular Veilguard. The character creation system is more robust than ever, allowing for an unprecedented level of customization. From facial features to voice options, you have the tools to craft a truly unique hero. I spent a good hour tinkering with my Rook’s appearance, and the results were impressive.

What sets Rook apart from previous Dragon Age protagonists is the depth of their backstory. Depending on your choices during character creation, Rook can hail from various factions within Thedas, each with its own rich history and motivations. This added layer of complexity makes Rook feel like a fully realized character from the get-go, rather than a blank slate.

The Veilguard wastes no time throwing players into the thick of the action. The opening sequence is a masterclass in tension-building, as Rook and their allies race to prevent a catastrophic ritual that threatens to unleash chaos upon Thedas. It’s a thrilling introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the game.

As you progress through the story, you’ll visit both familiar locales and entirely new regions of Thedas. The game does an excellent job of expanding the world we’ve come to know and love, introducing us to previously unseen corners of the continent. Tevinter, in particular, is a highlight, with its opulent architecture and complex social hierarchies providing a fascinating backdrop for political intrigue and magical mayhem.

No Dragon Age game would be complete without a colorful cast of companions, and The Veilguard delivers in spades. While some familiar faces make welcome returns (Varric’s wit is as sharp as ever), it’s the new additions to the roster that really shine.

Neve, the Tevinter mage detective, brings a refreshing analytical perspective to the party. Her sharp mind and dry humor make her an instant favorite. Emmrich, the surprisingly gentle necromancer, subverts expectations at every turn with his polite demeanor and genuine kindness. And Bellara, the bubbly elven Veil Jumper, injects much-needed optimism into even the darkest situations.

Each companion feels fully realized, with their own motivations, quirks, and personal quests. The banter between party members is a joy to listen to, often providing moments of levity amidst the game’s heavier themes. As you build relationships with your companions, you’ll uncover layers of depth that make them feel like real people rather than mere NPCs.

Dragon Age has always been about making tough decisions, and The Veilguard continues this tradition with aplomb. The choices you make throughout the game have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the main storyline but also the fates of individual characters and entire factions.

What impressed me most was how organic these choices felt. Rather than presenting obvious “good” or “evil” options, The Veilguard often forces you to navigate complex moral dilemmas with no clear right answer. I found myself agonizing over decisions, weighing the potential outcomes and considering how they aligned with my Rook’s personal beliefs and motivations.

The game also does an excellent job of remembering your choices and weaving them into the narrative. Offhand comments made early in the game can come back to haunt (or help) you hours later, creating a sense of continuity and consequence that makes the world feel truly reactive to your actions.

While storytelling has always been Dragon Age’s strong suit, The Veilguard makes significant strides in improving the series’ combat system. Gone are the days of clunky tactical battles; instead, we’re treated to a fluid, action-packed combat experience that still retains strategic depth.

The new combat system strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. Button-mashing can get you through easier encounters, but tougher fights require careful ability management and tactical positioning. The ability to seamlessly switch between real-time action and a more tactical pause-and-play approach gives players the flexibility to tailor the combat experience to their preferences.

Each of the game’s classes (Warrior, Rogue, and Mage) feels distinct and satisfying to play. The skill trees offer plenty of room for customization, allowing you to create a character that truly fits your playstyle. I particularly enjoyed the new specializations, which add unique twists to familiar archetypes. The Spellblade, for instance, blends magical prowess with melee combat in exhilarating ways.

Visually, The Veilguard is a stunning achievement. The attention to detail in both character models and environments is remarkable. From the intricate patterns on Tevinter robes to the way light filters through dense forest canopies, every frame is a work of art.

The game’s audio design is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed by the talented Trevor Morris, perfectly captures the epic scope of the story while also providing intimate, emotional moments. Voice acting is top-notch across the board, with each performer bringing their character to life with nuance and depth.

While The Veilguard is undoubtedly a triumph, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain story beats feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Some players may find the more linear structure of the main questline restrictive compared to the open-world approach of Inquisition.

Additionally, while the game’s visuals are generally stunning, there are occasional graphical hiccups and animation quirks that can break immersion. These issues are relatively minor and infrequent, but they’re noticeable enough to mention.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return for the beloved franchise. It successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessors while addressing many of their weaknesses. The result is a deeply engaging, emotionally resonant experience that will satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike.

With its captivating story, memorable characters, improved combat, and breathtaking visuals, The Veilguard stands as one of the finest RPGs of this generation. It’s a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, inviting multiple playthroughs to explore different choices and outcomes.

If you’ve been thirsting for a return to Thedas, The Veilguard is the satisfying drink you’ve been waiting for. It’s not just a great Dragon Age game; it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the series in the first place.