BioWare’s latest release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, marks a significant moment for the Canadian developer, who enjoyed a golden era with titles like Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins. After years of mixed receptions, including disappointments like Mass Effect: Andromeda and the failure of Anthem, the studio aims for redemption with this action RPG that has taken almost a decade to develop.
Having completed Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 60 hours, I find that the game excels in combat mechanics, level design, character progression, and companion dynamics, presenting a polished action RPG experience. However, its inconsistent tone detracts from its overall impact within BioWare’s storied portfolio.
Players hoping for a return to the franchise’s roots may feel let down. Nonetheless, those seeking an entertaining, streamlined gaming experience will likely enjoy what Veilguard has to offer.
The game shines brightest with its action gameplay, which encourages players to master combat and party dynamics. I started on normal difficulty and initially struggled with my rogue assassin build. However, after recalibrating my character into an archery-focused build and fine-tuning my companions’ skills, I faced the game on hard mode with ease. This speaks to BioWare’s success in creating gameplay that fosters a sense of mastery, making Veilguard a highlight for action-focused combat.
The level design improves significantly upon Dragon Age: Inquisition, taking cues from 2018’s God of War. Side quests do not simply recycle old formats; they reward exploration with meaningful loot and engaging narratives. The depth of the missions surprised me, especially those that delved into the intricacies of factions and the lore of the game.
However, Veilguard’s tonal inconsistencies can be jarring. While it features mature themes like blood mages and horrifying blights, there are also moments that feel cartoonish, reminiscent of a family movie. The stark contrasts between dark themes and light-hearted moments can detract from the game’s overarching narrative.
That said, character interactions are engaging, with a home base in the Fade that offers rewarding character development and romance options. Relationships play a more central role than political and religious themes, reminiscent of Mass Effect’s character-driven stories. The game also embraces diverse representation, featuring a non-binary character and allowing players to create a trans character.
Player choice continues to be a cornerstone of the gameplay, with impactful decisions culminating in a satisfying finale. Yet, fans hoping for continuity from previous titles may be disappointed, as only a limited number of choices from Dragon Age: Inquisition carry over. While I understand the challenges of integrating all past decisions, it feels like a missed opportunity for long-time players.
The troubled production process, which included key staff departures and a shift from live-service components to a single-player format, likely contributed to these inconsistencies. Despite not fully achieving its potential in this installment, there is hope that BioWare can leverage its innovative ideas to deliver a more consistent narrative in its forthcoming Mass Effect 5.
BioWare’s golden age may be in the past, but there is a chance for a resurgence.