Each new installment of the Dragon Age series from BioWare brings an evolution that builds upon its predecessors. Transitioning away from its CRPG roots, 2011’s Dragon Age 2 introduced a more engaging real-time action battle system. In 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition embraced the open-world trend and delivered a story full of political intrigue.
Fast forward to ten years later, Dragon Age: The Veilguard combines the best elements of Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition, creating what could possibly be the best game in the series yet. After spending four hours playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Digital Trends had a conversation with game director Corinne Busche about the game’s setting and what players can anticipate after a lengthy development cycle.
Introducing Minrathous
Dragon Age: The Veilguard kicks off in Minrathous, the capital of the Tevinter Imperium. The game’s prologue begins with the customizable main protagonist, Rook, embarking on a journey to prevent Solas from opening a portal to the Fade, a magical dimension brimming with dangerous creatures. It’s an explosive start designed to captivate players right from the get-go, as explained by Busche.
“The prologue of games is a contract we make with the player about what to expect, the promise of the game,” Busche tells Digital Trends. “I wanted players to be immersed right from the start and understand the stakes, depth, and emotion of the game in those opening moments.”
As the game progresses, the true enemies, Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain, ancient elven gods, come into play, overshadowing even Solas in terms of power. Their presence throughout the game creates a sense of constant threat.
The visual appeal of The Veilguard is striking early on. The vibrant hues of Minrathous contrast with the blighted lands affected by the gods, showcasing the game’s meticulous art direction. The dynamic between magic-infused ruins and dark, blighted areas contributes to the game’s overall aesthetic.
“Northern Thedas, a region that embraces magic, boasts vibrant magical energies that seep through ancient ruins akin to electricity lighting up city streets,” Busche explains. “These contrast with the dark blighted lands, creating truly horrific moments of struggle, a vital part of the game.”
One standout area is an underwater prison where the party attempts to rescue Lucanis, a vampiric assassin with black wings. The immersive visuals in this dungeon transport players to a realm reminiscent of Atlantis, highlighting BioWare’s commitment to diverse biomes and vibrant scenery.
Making Connections
Character relationships are a core aspect of the Dragon Age series, and The Veilguard introduces memorable companions early on. Lucanis, with a demon residing within him, emerges as a standout companion, lending a unique dynamic to interactions within the party.
The dialogue wheel makes a return in The Veilguard, allowing players to steer conversations with Rook through different tones. The game effectively visualizes the impact of player choices, providing feedback on character emotions based on decisions made.
While decision-making is emphasized, the long-term consequences of choices remain to be seen. Initial choices, such as selecting companions like Harding or Neve, showcase visible repercussions but may lack substantial impact in the grand scheme. The hope is for these decisions to play a more significant role as the game progresses.
Engaging Battles
The combat system in The Veilguard draws inspiration from Dragon Age 2, offering a more action-packed experience. Players must actively participate in battles, deviating from auto-attacks present in previous titles. While this change may disappoint some, it enhances engagement and intensity during gameplay.
Combat feels responsive and impactful across the three main classes: warrior, mage, and rogue. Each class offers unique abilities, with the warrior’s shield throw and the rogue’s precision being standout features. Companions play a critical role in boss battles, adding depth and strategy to encounters.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard presents an intriguing blend of updated gameplay mechanics and exceptional art direction. The game promises a rich RPG experience with modern aesthetics and immersive gameplay. As the journey unfolds, players can look forward to exploring new territories and engaging in impactful decision-making.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is set to launch on October 31 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
