The general sentiment around Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a mix of nostalgia and disappointment with a dash of hope. Players praise the graphics and combat for creating an engaging experience, but feel let down by the shallow writing and inconsistent dialogue that fall short of the series' legacy. The shift towards a more action-oriented game is met with mixed feelings. Long-time fans of the franchise are particularly critical of the lack of meaningful choices and world-building depth, while new players or those who look past the Dragon Age name enjoy the game as a standalone fantasy RPG.
Positive Points
Graphics are highly praised for their beauty and optimization, with several players highlighting the excellent hair physics and vibrant environments.Combat is often described as fun and satisfying, with a balance of action and tactics, reminiscent of games like God of War.The lore and world-building are engaging, with interesting expansions on the Dragon Age universe's history, especially regarding the Elven gods and other mysteries.Some players found the companion characters and their personal stories to be compelling, particularly noting characters like Emmrich and Davrin.Negative Points
The writing and dialogue are frequently criticized for being shallow, with some claiming it lacks the depth expected from a Dragon Age game and comparing it to modern, clichéd styles.Many players are disappointed with the lack of meaningful choices, expressing that decisions feel inconsequential and the world state from previous games is largely ignored.The game's pacing and storytelling are noted to be inconsistent, with a slow start and an underwhelming story that feels disconnected from the epic narrative of the series.Some players criticize the game for being too 'safe' and 'sanitized,' claiming it lacks the darker, morally complex themes of earlier entries.Mixed Points
The action-oriented combat is seen as refreshing by some but too repetitive and simplified by others, lacking the strategic depth of previous games.Romance options and character interactions receive mixed feedback; some enjoy the companions' stories, while others find them lacking depth or memorability.Opinions on the lore integration are divided, with some appreciating the new insights and others feeling it missed opportunities for richer storytelling.Common Themes
The contrast between players expecting a traditional Dragon Age experience and those more receptive to a new direction is evident; those expecting a return to roots are most critical.There is a strong sentiment about the game's 'wokeness,' with diverse representation being both praised for inclusivity and criticized for feeling forced.Performance issues are noted, although some players mention having a smooth experience, suggesting inconsistencies based on hardware.Updated 5/2/2025, 7:09:53 PM UTC
