In the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard game, players were surprised to learn that they won’t be able to control other party members like in previous games. This change has left many fans wondering why this decision was made. According to Edge magazine, the reason behind this shift is to make the gameplay more intense and action-packed this time around.
Throughout the Dragon Age series, the games have evolved from their Dungeons & Dragons-inspired roots. The first game felt like a traditional BioWare D&D game, where players could control any party member and pause battles to strategize. By the third game, Inquisition, the focus had shifted more towards the main character and action-oriented gameplay. This evolution has now culminated in The Veilguard.
BioWare’s Corianna Busch explained to Edge that the goal was to make players feel like they are Rook, the main character of Veilguard. Players are meant to be immersed in the world and focused on their own actions, while the companions are fully realized characters who make their own decisions. This change in gameplay was also influenced by the fact that Veilguard is a faster-paced game that requires more technical skill from players. Playtesting revealed that allowing players to control companions actually detracted from the overall experience.
From the early footage of The Veilguard, it’s evident that the game is shifting towards a third-person action style while still retaining its RPG elements. While this change may take some getting used to for fans who are accustomed to controlling companions, the hope is that the companion AI will be able to handle the new gameplay style effectively.
Overall, the decision to limit companion control in Dragon Age: The Veilguard was made to enhance the intensity and action of the game, as well as to provide a more immersive experience for players. As the series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this change affects the overall gameplay and player experience.