Dragon Age: Veilguard Revels in its Ambitions, Praised by BG3 Lead

Larian Studios’ Publishing Director, Michael Douse, heaps praise on BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Douse, known as @Cromwelp on X (formerly Twitter), shared his overwhelmingly positive experience, revealing he played the game "in complete secrecy"—even behind his backpack at the office!

Douse lauded The Veilguard's focused direction, stating it "truly knows what it wants to be," a refreshing contrast to previous entries. He likened the game's narrative experience to a compelling Netflix series, a far cry from a drawn-out, less engaging television show. The combat system also received high praise, described as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy, creating a fast-paced, combo-driven system reminiscent of BioWare's Mass Effect series.

Douse highlighted the game's pacing and narrative structure, noting its ability to balance impactful story moments with opportunities for player experimentation. He even commended BioWare's continued industry presence, contrasting it with "moronic corporate greed." While acknowledging that The Veilguard differs significantly from Dragon Age: Origins, he emphasized its distinct identity and overall enjoyment: "In a word, it’s fun!"

The game's character creation system also shines. The Veilguard's custom protagonist, the Rook, offers significant player agency, allowing extensive personalization of background, skills, and alignment. Choices impact not only the narrative but also the Rook’s in-game home, the Lighthouse, allowing for personalized room décor.

A developer highlighted the depth of character creation, stating that even seemingly minor choices, like face tattoos, contribute to a deeply personal and immersive experience. This level of detail likely contributed to Douse's positive assessment, particularly the focus on meaningful player choices.

With its October 31st release date fast approaching, BioWare hopes players share Douse's enthusiasm for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, a game that embraces a faster, more engaging action RPG style.