Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an ambitious return for BioWare’s beloved RPG franchise, but while it delivers plenty of epic moments and character-driven storytelling, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. With a deep narrative, a well-developed world, and engaging party dynamics, it’s a solid entry in the series, but a handful of missteps keep it from being truly great. It’s still a game worth experiencing, but it falls short of being the grand comeback fans had hoped for.
The story remains the heart of the experience, and to BioWare’s credit, they’ve crafted another immersive world filled with rich lore, complex characters, and moral dilemmas that force players to make tough choices. The return to Thedas is as dramatic as ever, with new factions, political intrigue, and an ever-looming threat that shakes up the status quo. The new protagonist, a customisable hero, is given plenty of agency, and their relationships with companions form the emotional core of the journey. Dialogue remains sharp, and character interactions feel meaningful, giving a sense that your choices matter, even if some outcomes feel a bit predetermined.
Visually, the game is a mixed bag. Environments are stunning, boasting an impressive level of detail in cities, forests, and dungeons, but character animations sometimes feel a little stiff, particularly during conversations. Facial animations have seen some improvement since previous BioWare games, but they still don’t quite match the standard set by other modern RPGs. That said, the art direction is superb, and the game’s distinct visual style ensures it remains captivating, even when technical shortcomings occasionally break immersion.
Combat has seen some notable refinements, and while it’s more accessible than ever, it may not satisfy those who loved the tactical depth of earlier Dragon Age titles. The action-oriented approach makes fights feel fluid and dynamic, but the strategic elements that defined Origins and Inquisition have been pared back significantly. It’s fun, no doubt, but it sometimes feels like it lacks the complexity that long-time fans crave. On the plus side, companion AI is more responsive, and coordinating attacks with party members is rewarding, even if the overall combat system leans more towards spectacle than strategy.
One area where The Veilguard truly shines is in its character writing. BioWare has always excelled at crafting memorable companions, and this game is no exception. Each party member feels distinct, with their own personalities, motivations, and story arcs that unfold over the course of the adventure. Conversations feel natural, and the banter between characters adds a layer of charm that makes spending time with them genuinely enjoyable. Relationship-building is as compelling as ever, and romance options provide plenty of heartfelt (and occasionally hilarious) moments.
However, the pacing can be inconsistent, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary. Some quests feel padded with unnecessary objectives, slowing down the momentum of the story. There’s a fair amount of backtracking, and while the world is undeniably beautiful, it doesn’t always feel as interactive or alive as it should. Fast travel helps mitigate some of the tedium, but it doesn’t completely fix the issue.
Performance-wise, the game runs relatively smoothly on high-end systems, but there are occasional dips in frame rate, particularly in busy city hubs. Loading times are reasonable, but a few bugs and glitches can crop up, ranging from minor graphical hiccups to more frustrating quest-breaking issues. BioWare has a track record of post-launch patches, so it’s likely that many of these problems will be ironed out in time, but it’s something to be aware of for early adopters.
While Dragon Age: The Veilguard has a lot to offer, it ultimately doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its best entries. It’s an enjoyable RPG with strong storytelling, well-written characters, and a world that’s easy to get lost in, but some design choices hold it back from being truly outstanding. Long-time fans will find plenty to love, but they may also find themselves wishing for the deeper mechanics and tighter pacing of earlier titles. It’s a solid 7/10 – a game that’s worth playing, but one that leaves you hoping for just a little bit more from BioWare’s next outing