Video Game Review: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard steps into the series with big expectations and a few solid wins, but it’s not quite up there with the best, like Dragon Age: Origins.

What’s Good

One thing The Veilguard nails is how it looks. The environments are absolutely gorgeous, packed with detail and begging to be explored. Whether it’s lush forests, crumbling ruins, or bustling towns, the world feels alive and immersive. The game’s attention to environmental detail is impressive, with dynamic lighting, and thoughtful touches that bring the fantasy world to life. Walking through dense woods where sunlight peeks through the canopy or exploring ancient temples shrouded in mist makes it easy to get lost in the world. The environment design is, without a doubt, one of the game’s strongest aspects.

On the downside, character models are a bit off. As in an uncanny valley type of way. While the world itself is gorgeous, the character animations and facial expressions suffer from Bioware’s usual post Mass Effect Andromeda days of being stiff and laughably bad at times. This can take you out of the moment during pivotal cutscenes or interactions. It’s a shame because, in a game where story and character interaction are key, you want to feel connected to the characters—but that’s harder when they look and move like mannequins at times.

Luckily, the game’s sound design comes to the rescue. The musical score is phenomenal, weaving epic and subtle melodies that match the tone of your adventures. Whether you’re in the heat of battle or quietly exploring a forgotten cavern, the music adapts and enhances the experience. Combat sounds, from the clash of swords to the crackle of fire spells, are also well-done and add to the immersive quality.

Speaking of combat, it’s another area where The Veilguard does well. The system is fast-paced and surprisingly tactical, offering more than just button-mashing. Different classes and abilities allow for a variety of combat styles, and there’s a strategic layer to setting up your team and coordinating attacks. This approach makes battles feel rewarding, especially when you pull off a well-executed plan. The combat mechanics are engaging enough that even grinding through hordes of enemies doesn’t feel like a chore, as you’re constantly thinking about positioning, ability cooldowns, and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

What’s Not So Good

Now, onto the weaker points. The writing is where The Veilguard stumbles, and it’s probably the most glaring issue in an otherwise decent game. The story often feels like it’s being spoon-fed to you, repeating plot points as if you might forget them in the next scene. This hand-holding approach can be frustrating, especially for players who appreciate more sophisticated storytelling. You’ll find yourself rolling your eyes when a major revelation is explained for the third or fourth time. The writing misses the mark when it comes to subtlety and depth, making interactions feel shallow and overly simple. My biggest gripe comes from this as there are several scenes that made me wince and yearn for a sarcastic or downright mean response. You can’t be a dick in this game! It gives you ample moments where a witty insult would be fantastic but it doesn’t. It’s like it was written by a comittee of blue haired progressives and it clearly shows. Its safe and frustrating as a result. No insults, no scathing banter. There’s one scene where you arrive in a town impacted by Blight. Our companion, Neve (who is supposed to be the world’s greatest detective) remarks, ‘Something happened here.’ Why can’t I respond with something akin to ‘No shit Sherlock’. In Dragon Age Origins you could be a complete bastard with hilarious results. In this you can’t and it sucks.

Character development suffers as a result. While there are a few standout personalities that manage to capture your attention, many others fall into predictable archetypes or don’t get enough screen time to truly shine. This lack of complex characters impacts your emotional investment in the story. It’s hard to feel deeply connected when some interactions are riddled with clichés and the dialogue lacks the wit or gravitas that would elevate it.

Then there’s the push for modern social themes, which, while not as overwhelming as some critics might suggest, are totally forced as though some woke activist just had to insert themselves into the game. There’s a delicate balance between reflecting modern values and maintaining the authenticity of a fantasy world, and The Veilguard doesn’t always strike it. For example in the codex that explains elements of the world it has a section on Sexuality in Thedas, and proceeds to go on about how being gay is acceptable. These moments can feel out of place and disrupt the escapist nature of the game. Fantasy settings thrive on their ability to transport players to another world—a place detached from the real-world issues we deal with daily. When those themes are handled clumsily, it becomes a distraction. One character in particular is walking self insert for the games trans game director and every scene with them is downright painful. I skipped all of them as none were to do with the game’s plot but rather some preachy bullshit about how people have to apologise to them in case you offend them. Get the fuck outta here!

Despite the flaws in the writing, the game isn’t without moments that shine. Some quest lines do manage to weave compelling stories that draw you in, and there are instances where the world-building feels robust and thoughtful. These glimpses of what could have been more consistent make the writing’s shortcomings all the more frustrating.

Combat and Gameplay

Returning to combat, it’s worth highlighting just how much depth there is beneath the surface. The skill trees are varied and allow for different playstyles. Want to be a stealthy rogue picking off enemies from the shadows? You can do that. Prefer to charge in as a tank, absorbing damage while your teammates chip away at the enemy? That’s an option too. The flexibility makes the game feel more personal, as you can tailor your approach to fit your preferences. Boss battles, in particular, are a standout, featuring mechanics that require more than just brute force. Understanding patterns, managing your team’s health, and timing your abilities right adds a satisfying challenge.

The game also includes some interesting side activities and exploration opportunities. While the main story may falter, side quests and hidden lore provide a reason to explore every nook and cranny. Discovering a hidden cave or completing a challenging side mission that rewards unique loot adds layers to the gameplay. These moments help break up the main storyline and offer a sense of adventure.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Age: The Veilguard has plenty going for it with its beautiful world, great sound, and enjoyable combat. But the so-so writing and unnecessary social commentary keep it from being a standout. It’s a decent addition to the series, just not one that hits the heights of Dragon Age: Origins. The game shines when you’re immersed in its environments or strategising in combat, but it’s held back by a narrative that doesn’t trust the player to keep up and social elements that feel a bit out of place.

If you’re a fan of the series or just looking for a solid RPG to sink your teeth into, The Veilguard is worth a playthrough. Just go in with tempered expectations. You’ll find beauty and fun within, but don’t expect a masterpiece.

It’s a solid 6/10—good, but not great.