Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare's highly anticipated fantasy RPG, is set to launch on a rather unconventional date – Halloween. While most major video game releases typically happen on Fridays, this sequel's arrival on a Thursday seems like a deliberate nod to the holiday, as the "veil" between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest during this time. However, as players delve into the game, they'll find that the spooky vibes go far beyond just the release date.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Veil

Emmrich Volkarin: A Necromancer with a Heart of Gold

One of the new companions in The Veilguard, Emmrich Volkarin, is poised to become a fan favorite. Despite his role as a necromancer, a profession often associated with darkness and fear, Emmrich is surprisingly warm and endearing. His chatter about death as a cultural touchstone of the Dragon Age universe, delivered with Nick Boraine's flamboyant and charming performance, adds a unique depth to the character. Emmrich's enchantments on the dead, performed with incantations about the boundaries of life and death, give him a witch-like quality that sets him apart from mages seen in previous games.

The Grand Necropolis: A Realm of the Undead

The Grand Necropolis, a region explored in The Veilguard, is a prime example of the game's spooky atmosphere. This area is occupied by the Mourn Watch, a group of fantasy morticians who specialize in necromancy and the care of the dead. Unlike the bustling cities of Minrathous and Treviso, the Grand Necropolis is a more isolated and eerie location, filled with undead and the people whose job it is to maintain them, even going so far as to reanimate their bodies to assist with daily tasks. Emmrich's personal assistant, a skeleton named Manfred, further exemplifies the marriage of spooky aesthetics and whimsical charm that permeates this part of the game.

Embracing the Halloween Spirit

For those who choose to forgo Halloween festivities in favor of diving into The Veilguard on its release date, the game's spooky atmosphere and Emmrich's captivating story may just provide the perfect alternative. The necromancer's tale, with its Tim Burton-esque vibes, offers a heartwarming exploration of death and the boundaries between the living and the spiritual realm. By immersing themselves in this world, players may find themselves unexpectedly embracing the Halloween spirit, even if they're not out trick-or-treating.

A Unique Blend of Horror and Heart

The Veilguard's release on Halloween is more than just a clever marketing ploy – it's a reflection of the game's ability to seamlessly blend horror and heart. While the setting and some of the characters may initially seem dark and foreboding, the game ultimately delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant experience that transcends the typical spooky tropes. By delving into the complexities of death and the spiritual realm, The Veilguard offers a unique and compelling narrative that is sure to captivate players, whether they're seasoned Dragon Age fans or newcomers to the franchise.