With each new Dragon Age game, BioWare has pushed the boundaries of its beloved RPG series, introducing new mechanics and building upon the rich lore established in its predecessors. Dragon Age 2 moved away from the classic CRPG roots of the original, embracing a more engaging real-time action combat system. Then, Dragon Age: Inquisition fully embraced the open-world trend, delivering a sprawling world brimming with political intrigue and grand adventure. Now, ten years later, Dragon Age: The Veilguard takes the best aspects of both Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition, creating what could be the most polished and captivating Dragon Age game yet.
Digital Trends recently spent four hours immersed in the world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and had the opportunity to speak with game director Corinne Busche about the game’s setting and what players can expect after such a long wait. The Veilguard’s journey begins in Minrathous, the bustling capital of the Tevinter Imperium. The game’s prologue thrusts players into the role of Rook, a customizable protagonist tasked with preventing Solas from opening a portal to the Fade, a dangerous realm teeming with otherworldly creatures. This explosive opening is designed to grab the player’s attention and set the stage for the game’s high stakes and emotional depth, as Busche explains: “I think about the prologue of games as being a contract that we make with the player about what you can expect, what is the promise of the game. I wanted players to have that opportunity to jump right in and really get a feeling for the stakes, the depth, and the emotion of the game, right from the opening moments.”
Beyond Solas, The Veilguard introduces even more formidable adversaries: Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain, ancient and immensely powerful elven gods who dwarf Solas in their raw might. These gods loom as constant threats throughout the game, their presence felt in every corner of the world. During the demo, they manifested as colossal thunderclouds, casting an oppressive shadow over the land, spreading blight and sowing chaos wherever they tread. This stark contrast to the more passive antagonist in Inquisition, Corypheus, adds a much-needed sense of urgency and intrigue.
The Veilguard’s visuals are undeniably striking. The vibrant sapphire and emerald hues of Minrathous are a feast for the eyes, a stark contrast to the grim and desolate landscapes of previous games. The game’s art direction effectively uses color to highlight the contrasting environments, showcasing the beauty and richness of Northern Thedas. Busche explains: “Northern Thedas is a very different part of the world. This is a part of the world that embraces magic. Magic is literally seeping through these ancient ruins using magic like people use electricity to light up the city streets of Minrathous. What that meant is we knew that there would be aspects of this game that absolutely are more vibrant with those magical energies, but a critical part of it are those dark and blighted lands, truly horrific moments where you’re fighting alongside people as they struggle. That darkness is still very much a part of the game.”
One particularly memorable moment occurred during a mission to rescue Lucanis, a vampiric assassin with black wings, from an underwater prison. The flowing water visuals and intricate dungeon design felt like stepping into the lost city of Atlantis, a far cry from the simpler graphics of earlier Dragon Age games. BioWare has clearly poured their hearts into crafting a diverse and captivating world, and the early hours of The Veilguard showcase a remarkable level of visual fidelity and atmospheric detail.
Of course, no Dragon Age game is complete without a compelling cast of characters, and The Veilguard is already delivering some memorable companions. Lucanis is a standout, his personality shrouded in mystery, with a demon residing within him that periodically manifests, visible only to him. This creates a unique dynamic between him and the other companions, adding an element of intrigue and humor to his interactions.
The Veilguard brings back the beloved dialogue wheel, allowing players to choose the tone and style of Rook’s conversations. The game also excels at visualizing the impact of player choices, displaying subtle cues on the screen to convey the emotional responses of characters based on the player’s actions and words. While the game emphasizes decision-making, the long-term impact of choices remains to be seen. During the prologue, players can choose between two companions, the dwarf Harding or the mage Neve, to accompany them on their quest to stop Solas. The chosen companion will bear visible bruises as a consequence, offering a tangible reminder of the dangers they face and the impact of player choices.
The combat system in The Veilguard is reminiscent of Dragon Age 2, favoring a more action-oriented approach. Players must actively press buttons to execute attacks, abandoning the auto-attack system of Origins and Inquisition. While some may be disappointed by this change, it encourages a more engaging and reactive style of combat, demanding greater player involvement in the moment-to-moment action. The game features three distinct classes: warrior, mage, and rogue, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. The warrior’s shield-throwing prowess felt particularly satisfying, evoking the feeling of wielding Kratos’ Leviathan Axe in God of War. The rogue, meanwhile, offers versatility, seamlessly switching between dual swords and a bow and arrow, capable of both swift strikes and precise ranged attacks. The mage, while still promising, feels less impactful in the early stages, but its potential for devastating multi-target spells holds great promise.
Companions play a crucial role in combat, particularly against formidable bosses. Bellara, with her magic bow and healing spells, proves invaluable in challenging battles, while Neve’s ice-based abilities slow down time and enemies, providing vital breathing room during intense encounters. The ability to mix and match companions allows for diverse strategies and adds a layer of depth to the combat system. However, the game only allows players to bring two companions along, a puzzling limitation that feels like a small step backward compared to previous games.
Despite a few minor missteps, Dragon Age: The Veilguard shows immense promise. The game’s captivating world, intricate character development, and engaging combat system offer a compelling preview of what awaits players. The Veilguard is poised to deliver a truly immersive and engaging experience, leaving players eager to delve deeper into the secrets and mysteries of Northern Thedas.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard launches on October 31 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
