Summary
BioWare has returned to theDragon Ageuniverse withDragon Age: The Veilguard, a release that promises to innovate and challenge expectations. Although the title has divided opinions among fans, it introduces new mechanics that enhance the gaming experience, highlighting the developer’s boldness in exploring new elements.
The innovations inThe Veilguardoffer improvements that many consider superior to previous BioWare titles. The game delves into concepts that captivate the audience, seeking to maintain a balance between action and narrative. With this, the studio presents aDragon Agethat differentiates itself and stands out, even amid discussions in the gaming community.
8Character Creator
Bioware Gave Players Excellent Character Customization
One of the best features inDragon Age: The Veilguardis the character creator, allowing players to craft a wide variety of unique Rooks with extensive options to customize even the smallest details. Inspired byThe Sims, this tool stands out as one of the game’s greatest strengths, offering something entirely fresh compared to BioWare’s previous titles.
Another highlight is that once a character is created, Rooks seamlessly blend into scenes, fitting naturally into environments and interacting smoothly with other NPCs during dialogue. The character creator encourages creativity, enabling players to personalize their appearance with intricate details. It’s an incredible tool for those who love to craft distinct protagonists.
7Action Combat Feels Incredible
It’s Not Like The First One, But Still Good
The firstDragon Age: Originsintroduced a more tactical style of combat where players could pause battles and control the entire party, directing each companion individually, much like other beloved CRPGs. However,Veilguardshifts the combat in a more action-oriented direction, with Rook as the only controllable character.
Although it departsfrom traditional CRPG mechanics, the action combat in this fourth installment feels satisfying and, if refined further in future BioWare titles, could become even more engaging. While this style may not be a perfect match for every medieval setting, franchises likeMass Effectcould greatly benefit from these new gameplay mechanics.
6Amazing Graphics
One Of Bioware’s Best Artistic Directions So Far
AlthoughDragon Age: The Veilguardhas more stylized graphics than other BioWare games, the developers nailed it and gave players a beautiful and sometimes colorful title. Even though this change might not please all fans of the franchise, the application of the artistic direction was well executed.
As they travel between the Fade and different regions of theDragon Ageworld, trying to save it from demons, players are treated to various incredible and well-detailed scenarios. It is one of the most beautiful games ever created by BioWare, considering the time when each of the developer’s titles was released.
5Smaller Maps Are A Good Thing
Increases Tension During Gameplay
Great maps and open-world games can be amazing when filled with content for players to explore. But sometimes, these vast environments can lack engagement if there’s little to do.Dragon Age: The Veilguardavoids this by not relying on a giant map, instead opting for smaller, mission-based areas to explore.
Fortunately, this approachworks in the game’s favor, as smaller maps give developers more opportunities to make every corner unique, filled with items, enemies, or other content to discover. Additionally, dungeon exploration feels less tiresome, creating a more enjoyable gameplay loop throughout the game’s length.
4Decisions Are Even More Important
Players Are Confronted With Choices That Don’t Have Good Outcomes
One of the best aspects of BioWare’s games is how certain decisions made throughout the story can drastically impact events, sometimes even altering the ending.Dragon Age: The Veilguardtakes this to a new level. Rook facespivotal choices during key momentsin the plot, intensifying the player’s influence on the story.
Most of the time, these decisions don’t offer a perfect solution with a favorable outcome for everyone. Players are often forced to prioritize one aspect at the expense of another, leading to consequences. This narrative approach perfectly aligns with the game’s setting, where the world is on the brink of ruin, and the best anyone can do is to minimize losses rather than save everything.
3Great Character Designs
Most Have A Striking Presence
The artistic direction the developers chose forDragon Age: The Veilguard, with more stylized graphics, also served to create some incredible character designs. The companions and other NPCs returning from past games received some alterations that made them even more appealing, such as Isabela, Morrigan, and Varric.
The new characters introduced into the story, especially those who join as Rook’s companions during his journey against the elven gods, also have unique visuals aligned with each one’s concept. Although this has always been a strong point for BioWare, in this fourth game of the franchise, the developer has further enhanced this aspect.
2The Game’s Companions Have Great Prominence
All Are Unique And Incredible
BioWare has some strong points that it tries to develop and evolve in all its games, such as well-crafted characters and settings. However, inDragon Age: The Veilguard, these concepts are even greater than in any other game released by the developer so far, delivering an incredible result for players.
Here, all characters have amoment to shine and develop in the story, whether through side missions or even in dialogue. BioWare managed to capture the importance of each one to the plot. Not that this was neglected in other games by the developer, but here they give equal importance to everyone.
1A Story For Both Veterans And Newcomers
Possible To Be Hooked In Different Ways
Direct game sequels have the problem of engaging much more with long-time players, who have a connection with the world and characters, than with newcomers to the franchise. However,The Veilguardmanages to do this in different ways, offering methods for both types of players to become interested in the plot.
The script is interesting and, despite having connections with previous games, it is not as complex as in other titles. This is good for those who do not have in-depth knowledge of the franchise. However, for veterans, BioWare included many old characters, which works to give greater emotional weight in different scenes of the narrative, enhancing the experience.
