Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review – A Deep Dive Into BioWare’s Latest RPG
Dragon Age fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of The Veilguard, the latest installment in BioWare’s beloved fantasy RPG franchise. After years of waiting and multiple revamps, the game is finally set to launch on October 31st. With a renewed focus on narrative and well-developed companions, The Veilguard promises to bring players back to the core principles that made the series so popular in the first place.
A Strategic Shift Back to Core Principles
Kenneth Shepard, a staff writer for Kotaku, has been following the development of The Veilguard closely. He notes that the game marks a strategic shift back to BioWare’s core principles after the mixed reception of their previous title, Anthem. With an emphasis on storytelling and character development, The Veilguard seems poised to capture the magic that made the Dragon Age series so beloved by fans.
Choices Matter
BioWare has made a name for itself as the “choices matter” studio, allowing players to shape the game world through their decisions. In The Veilguard, players will have the opportunity to import key decisions from previous entries, reflecting choices made in Inquisition. While the studio’s track record with maintaining the impact of player choices has been somewhat inconsistent, The Veilguard aims to give players a sense of agency and control over the narrative.
Faction Relationships
One of the intriguing new features in The Veilguard is the concept of Factions and how they affect relationships within the game. Players will choose their protagonist’s Faction at the start of the game, with each Faction corresponding to a party member. While relationships won’t be locked behind Factions, choosing a Faction that aligns with a specific character may deepen the bond between them, adding new layers to the story and character dynamics.
Exploring the Extended Universe
For fans who want to dive deeper into the world of Thedas before diving into The Veilguard, BioWare recommends checking out the various extended universe projects that have been released over the years. From novels and comics to anime and audio dramas, there are plenty of stories to explore that will enrich the player’s experience of the game.
Impressions from Hands-On Experience
At a recent preview event, Kenneth Shepard and other content creators got the chance to go hands-on with The Veilguard. Shepard came away from his seven hours with the game impressed, noting that it feels like the most cohesive game BioWare has developed in years. The character creator, in particular, stood out as a highlight, offering players full freedom to customize their protagonist to their liking.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is shaping up to be a return to form for BioWare, with a renewed focus on storytelling, character development, and player choice. Fans of the series can look forward to immersing themselves in the rich world of Thedas once again when the game launches on October 31st. With its emphasis on narrative depth, well-developed companions, and player agency, The Veilguard promises to deliver an unforgettable RPG experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.