Ok, I’m Officially Excited For Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Highlights

The Veilguard’s reveal trailer was lighthearted and humorous, marking a departure from the series’ usual tone.
Despite initial concerns, the gameplay reveal showed that The Veilguard maintains the essence of Dragon Age.
The game focuses on narrative and character development, offering a mission-based experience with a diverse cast of companions.

I, like others, was sceptical after watching Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s reveal trailer at the Xbox Showcase. The tone of the trailer wasn’t what I’d come to expect from the Dragon Age series. Yes, Dragon Age has always had sarcastic humour, but the dialogue between Harding and Varric was reminiscent of what you’d hear in a blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe release.

The trailer was lighthearted, a contrast to what we’ve seen from the extended universe since the end of Trespasser. I was worried they’d stripped the dark, gritty tone from Dragon Age in favour of something more easily digested. However, everyone on social media involved in testing The Veilguard said not to worry about the trailer, as the game was everything you’d expect from Dragon Age.

We Some Kind Of The Veilguard?

After watching the gameplay reveal from BioWare, I’m inclined to believe them. In the trailer, we see our new protagonist Rook, along with series mainstay Varric and the returning fan-favourite Lace Harding. The trio arrived in Minrathous on the trail of Solas, the ancient elven god the game used to be named after.

Immediately, I’m struck by how beautiful The Veilguard looks. The reveal trailer’s art style had me concerned Dragon Age had gone the way of Fortnite and Overwatch, but those worries were completely unfounded. The Veilguard looks exactly how I imagined a modern Dragon Age would look, and the splendour of Minrathous was an astute decision by BioWare to show off the game’s visuals.

The dialogue wheel from Dragon Age 2 has returned and the presence of purple/comedic dialogue choices has fans celebrating the reincarnation of sardonic Hawke. There was also evidence of background customisation as Harding and Varric repeatedly referred to Rook’s past as a Shadow Dragon, a treasure-hunting guild based in Rivain. BioWare has announced other choosable factions including the Grey Wardens, Antivan Crows and Veil Jumpers.

The approval/disapproval system has also returned, as companions react to your decisions. I hope we have a way of tracking it this time. It always bothered me in Inquisition how the approval numbers were hidden, especially after they were so visible in Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2.

I’m a massive Origins fan, and I enjoy the dialogue diversity offered by a voiceless protagonist. However, narrative and characters are a massive focus in Dragon Age: The Veilguard; BioWare is certainly following the path of Baldur’s Gate 3 in this regard. This is especially evident in the fact that game director Corinne Busch has revealed The Veilguard will be mission-based, as opposed to open-world.

I Wonder Which Origins Companions Will Return In Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Which beloved characters could make an appearance in The Veilguard?

Dragon Age The Veilguard Harding And Varric 2-1

To be honest, the open-world was one of the most tiresome aspects of Dragon Age: Inquisition. The entire thing felt like a half-baked MMO as you walked across vast, empty landscapes to reach the next bit of narrative. I think a more focused and curated experience isn’t a bad thing, and Busch has assured fans that there’s still plenty of scope for exploration and player agency (thanks, IGN).

The new combat is interesting, and not unexpected. Look, I enjoy the tactical flexibility of Dragon Age: Origins. It’s old-school, and some folks enjoy tweaking the behaviours of every companion. However, I don’t think the majority of Dragon Age fans engaged with this system, and having something more dynamic is a better move to pull in new fans. Our own Sam Woods has expressed interest, and he has terrible taste in video games.

I’m a bit disappointed with the reduction in companions from 3 to 2, and the fact that you don’t seem to be able to control them at all. Unless I missed something, Varric and Harding seemed to operate independently of Rook. It’s not something I’m going to moan about but fewer companions also means less party banter, which has always been one of the most fun aspects of Dragon Age.

Dragon Age The Veilguard Elven Rook And Two Companions

The role of Solas in The Veilguard seems to have been downplayed by the developer’s comments and the name change. I hope he’s still a major part of the narrative as the confrontation between Varric and Solas was a compelling watch. A villain that you’ve spent a significant amount of time with is generally more interesting than an obscure big bad.

We got our first look at Neve Gallus, one of the companions who will be joining us on our veil-guarding escapades. A self-confident ice mage, Gallus aids the party in their hunt for Solas who is up to no good in Minrathous. Being introduced to so many characters at once is a little overwhelming, but I’m excited to get to know every companion. I’m a little disappointed we’re not getting anyone returning from Origins, though.

I have a feeling Dragon Age: The Veilguard is going to be a fantastic next instalment in the series, a crucial success for BioWare who have misstepped over the past decade. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.