Dragon Age: The Veilguard: The Review

Dragon Age: The Veilguard: The Review

Score: 7 out of 10

Overview: "Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings players back to the beloved world of Thedas, introducing a new protagonist, Rook, alongside a fresh cast of companions. BioWare delivers another rich narrative filled with deep lore, branching choices, and high-stakes conflicts, but the game doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. While character writing and world-building remain strong, The Veilguard struggles with pacing issues, some inconsistent combat mechanics, and a world that feels more restricted than past entries. Fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, but it's a step that doesn't fully capitalize on its potential."

The Positives

• As expected from a Dragon Age title, the companions are a highlight. Each member of The Veilguard comes with distinct personalities, motivations, and intricate backstories, making party interactions some of the most engaging moments in the game. Their personal quests feel meaningful and reward players with deeper emotional investment;
• The Veilguard does not shy away from tough moral dilemmas, allowing players to make impactful choices that shape the story in meaningful ways. The writing remains top-tier, delivering a compelling journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and political tension;
• Thedas continues to impress, with visually stunning environments and detailed character designs. Whether exploring grand cities or eerie ruins, the world feels rich and alive, even if exploration itself feels more limited this time around;
• While not without its flaws, the combat has seen improvements from Dragon Age: Inquisition. Party synergy and tactical elements play a bigger role, making encounters feel more engaging, even if the balance between action and strategy isn't always perfect.

The Negatives

• The early sections of the game can feel sluggish, with a slow buildup before the real narrative momentum kicks in. Some quests overstay their welcome, making progression feel uneven at times;
• While improved, combat still has moments where it feels unpolished. Some encounters lack challenge, while others introduce frustrating difficulty spikes. The balance isn't always quite right, and certain mechanics feel underdeveloped;
• Compared to Dragon Age: Origins and even Inquisition, The Veilguard offers a more constrained world with fewer open-ended areas to discover. The world design leans more toward structured paths, making exploration feel less rewarding;
• Some visual glitches and performance issues can break immersion, with character models occasionally behaving awkwardly and minor bugs affecting gameplay. While not game-breaking, they add to a sense of inconsistency.

The Experience

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a solid entry in the franchise, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. The storytelling and character development remain BioWare’s strongest assets, keeping players invested in the fate of Thedas and its inhabitants. However, pacing issues, some combat inconsistencies, and a world that feels more limited than expected hold it back from true greatness. Fans of Dragon Age will still find plenty to love, but those hoping for a revolutionary leap forward might come away slightly underwhelmed. It’s a good game, just not quite the epic return some were hoping for.