Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review

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Storyline and Worldbuilding – Rich History, but Sometimes too Handy

The game begins with a world torn by Solas’ ambition to dismantle the Veil—a choice that reveals a darker Thedas than ever before. Unlike Dragon Age: Origins, where we were introduced to a heroic “save the world” storyline, The Veilguard hones in on the repercussions of a single character’s journey and desire for a personal vendetta. Though Solas remains a central figure, you don’t play as him; instead, you create your own protagonist, adjusting their history and motivations, giving a bit of a “choose-your-own-destiny” feel. The result? An atmosphere rich with lore, deeply entrenched in a complex storyline. But while the setup is compelling, The Veilguard struggles at times with over-explaining itself, adding pop-ups and on-the-nose dialogue that break immersion.

However, the environments in The Veilguard are as immersive as ever. The game takes you through regions in Thedas we've previously only dreamed of exploring—dense, bustling cities and eerie underwater prisons that don’t just feel like set dressing. Places like Treviso or the underwater dungeons aren't merely backdrops; they teem with life, NPCs, and environmental storytelling that make wandering feel worthwhile.

Gameplay and Combat – An Evolution in Real-Time RPG Mechanics

BioWare has completely rehauled the combat system, diverging from the “tactical pause” combat of Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition in favour of a real-time, combo-heavy style. The game now leans into fast-paced, action-RPG combat, which encourages players to master character-specific combos and contextual attacks like “counterblows” and “grappling spear.” Much like Final Fantasy XVI, the combat isn’t about queuing up abilities; it’s about creating fluid chains, and, admittedly, it’s pretty satisfying once you get the hang of it.

Unfortunately, BioWare’s decision to simplify party control may ruffle some feathers. Unlike previous games where full party control was key to survival, The Veilguard limits direct companion actions, making you rely more on your own character’s skills and positioning. For those who loved managing every spell and stance of their party in Origins, this might feel like a downgrade. That said, the emphasis on your protagonist’s skills and careful combo crafting may win over RPG fans who have longed for something more akin to real-time strategy in an RPG setting.

While party AI limitations might be divisive, the game compensates with its class system, which is flexible enough for players to tailor their character’s abilities. Each class branches into different specialisations, with options for customisation that make each class feel distinct, much like Divinity: Original Sin 2. Although some may miss the tactical micromanagement, The Veilguard carves a satisfying niche with its new approach.

Companions and Relationships – A Staple of Dragon Age, Done Well?

Of course, what’s Dragon Age without its unforgettable companions? In The Veilguard, your interactions with companions like the arcane-minded Neve and the enigmatic rogue Lucanis are given due attention. Their backstories are tightly woven into your journey, with relationship mechanics that hinge on choices and dialogue outcomes. Thankfully, these personal relationships retain the emotional depth that fans expect from BioWare, where nuanced conversation choices can lead to unexpected bonds, arguments, and even romantic possibilities.

However, the writing stumbles when it ventures into hand-holding territory, with some companions over-explaining their feelings or choices. Dialogue often borders on spoon-feeding, leaving some players with the feeling that BioWare doesn’t entirely trust its audience to grasp subtext. But in one-on-one conversations, the game shines, rekindling the series’ best elements of character-building and companion depth, recalling the camaraderie in Mass Effect 2.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Can It Revive the Tactical Fantasy RPG?

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Exploration and Wayfinding – More Freedom, If You Want It

The world in The Veilguard is designed with exploration in mind, and, for the first time, players have the option to truly get lost without relying on markers. With new settings in the wayfinding menu, BioWare lets you toggle off quest markers, minimaps, and even visual hints—allowing for a “hands-off” experience similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Fans who’ve longed for a more immersive RPG experience, free of minimaps and breadcrumb trails, may find this feature delightful.

This commitment to player freedom extends to questing as well, where side-quests and main missions often overlap, rewarding those who stray off the beaten path. You might find yourself sidetracked by an enticing rumour or a curious-looking landmark, only to stumble into an entire side story. Notably, the game encourages players to choose how much guidance they want, striking a balance that appeals to exploration lovers and those who just want to follow the narrative.

Visuals and Sound – Atmospheric, with Occasional Hiccups

Thedas has never looked better—or sounded more ominous. The Veilguard treats players to breathtaking cityscapes and chilling dungeons that are as grand as they are haunting. Character designs are given a bit of a graphical upgrade as well, bringing to life the fantasy nuances of each companion, but the technical quality of the graphics can sometimes falter. There are occasional frame rate drops, particularly in crowded areas, and character animations may look a bit stiff. It’s a beautiful game, but it’s not flawless.

The soundtrack, though, deserves special mention. The mix of orchestral scores and atmospheric sound design does an excellent job of setting the tone, especially during the game’s more intense or emotionally charged moments. The Veilguard’s audio is like an unseen character, always present and elevating the experience.

Comparisons to Previous Games – A Departure from Origins and Inquisition

In comparison to Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition, The Veilguard marks a significant shift. Origins was tactical, dark, and relentlessly challenging, while Inquisition introduced larger open worlds and streamlined combat without sacrificing control over your party. The Veilguard, on the other hand, focuses on real-time action and limits player control over companions, which may not appeal to series veterans who loved the tactical gameplay. However, this real-time focus is reminiscent of BioWare’s approach with Mass Effect: Andromeda, albeit more refined, lending The Veilguard a more modern, cinematic feel.

In terms of storytelling, The Veilguard dives deeper into personal and cultural conflicts, placing more emphasis on the lore of elven history and Solas’ motivations. It’s darker, more intimate, and arguably more focused than its predecessors. Players looking for deep narrative arcs tied to their choices will feel right at home, though the story’s heavy reliance on series lore may make it harder for new players to dive right in.

Value for Money – A Decent Return to Thedas with Caveats

Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings around 40 hours of main storyline gameplay, with numerous side quests, exploration opportunities, and multiple endings based on player choices. While it’s not the longest RPG on the market, it offers enough content to keep fans engaged, though it lacks the replayability factor seen in some recent RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, where choices heavily shape each playthrough.

Ultimately, The Veilguard isn’t a perfect return, but it’s a worthy one. BioWare has attempted to balance nostalgic elements with innovative changes, and while the execution isn’t flawless, it provides a fresh take on a beloved franchise.

Final Verdict: 8/10

For:

• Rich, immersive worldbuilding with player-driven exploration

• Engaging, combo-focused combat system with high customisation

• Nuanced companion relationships and personal storylines

• Option to customise wayfinding for true exploration

Against:

• Limited companion control may feel restrictive for series veterans

• Over-explanatory writing can break immersion

• Minor technical issues like frame rate drops in busy scenes

Dragon Age: The Veilguard may not please every veteran, but it’s a welcome addition to the series, offering a compelling return to Thedas with enough twists to feel fresh. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a newcomer, there’s plenty here to love, so gear up—it’s time to face the Veil.