Dragon Age: Origins holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite game, and the Dragon Age franchise stands as my ultimate go-to. Over the past decade, I've witnessed countless online debates where people claim that Dragon Age: Inquisition won the Game of the Year merely due to a weak year for video games. However, I firmly believe that Inquisition truly deserves the acclaim. Even Dragon Age 2, often regarded as the black sheep, has its own charm despite its flaws and short development time. It was this internal struggle that led me to write this review for Seasoned Gaming.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Combat: A Shift in Paradigm

Dragon Age: The Veilguard presents a unique blend of action and light RPG elements, which poses a significant challenge. Origins was a tactical cRPG, 2 an action-RPG, and Inquisition a tactical action-RPG. While the combat in The Veilguard is fast-paced and dodge-and-block-focused, it doesn't quite capture the essence of a true RPG. The combat system works well, allowing players to strategize and make the most of its mechanics on harder difficulties. However, it feels detached from the Dragon Age identity. BioWare's expertise in combat systems is evident, but it's a different beast compared to their previous works. 1: The combat in The Veilguard often leaves players shooting magic blasts and waiting for cool-downs. The occasional spells feel disconnected from the franchise's lore. It's a chaotic yet somewhat frantic experience that may be fun, but it lacks the depth and strategic elements we expect from a Dragon Age game. 2: The limited control over companions and the shared cooldowns add to the complexity. Players find themselves mainly focused on Rook's abilities and resources, rather than a well-coordinated team. This departure from the traditional companion control in previous entries is a notable change.

Character Customization and Gear System

Rook, the customizable player character, has one of the most intricate character creators. With six backgrounds and three classes, each with three specializations, players can truly make their character unique. However, the skill tree and ability slots pose a challenge. With only three ability slots and abilities spaced far apart, players are better off focusing on a few favorite abilities and buffing them. The gear system is more RPG-like compared to other aspects, with each piece buffing specific attributes. Enhancing and upgrading gear at the workshop adds an extra layer of depth. 1: The gear system allows for some customization, but it's not as extensive as in Inquisition. The limited number of slots for companions' gear also sets it apart from the previous games. Despite these limitations, the attention to detail in the gear's effects makes it an interesting aspect. 2: The style of clothing changing based on gear adds a visual element to the game. The wardrobe system provides options to change a character's look, but it's a small touch compared to the full customizability of previous games.

Companions: A Missed Opportunity

The Veilguard features seven companions, six of which are new. Each companion has a quest that helps them focus on the mission, but outside of these scripted moments, there's limited interaction. Players often find themselves longing to know more about the companions, such as Neve's reasons for becoming a detective or Taash's tales about dragons. The lack of in-depth conversations makes it difficult to form a strong connection with the companions. 1: The companion quests themselves are interesting, but they don't provide enough opportunities for meaningful interactions. It's a missed chance to delve deeper into the characters' lives and personalities. 2: Compared to previous Dragon Age games, the companion interaction in The Veilguard is significantly reduced. This leaves players feeling disconnected from the companions, even though they may be well-written.

Story: A Tale of Emotions

The story of The Veilguard is wonderful, captivating players during cut-scenes and story moments. As a dedicated fan who has explored the novels, comics, and audio podcast, I was deeply invested. However, there are some critiques. Until the final act, the companions often felt tangential, and the lack of integration with previous choices was a disappointment. 1: The heart-wrenching moments in the story, such as Davrin's situation, highlight the potential of the narrative. But the missed opportunities to connect the companions more closely to the player's choices dampen the overall experience. 2: Despite these flaws, the story's conclusion is satisfying, even if it feels a bit rushed. The side quests and companion quests provide a good balance and add to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Conclusion

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a remarkable game with a great story and charming companions. While it may not be the Dragon Age game we initially expected, it has its own charm and appeal. It's a testament to BioWare's ability to create a unique gaming experience. As we review the game in front of us, we can't help but appreciate its qualities and the world it presents.