The Pros and Cons of Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Impressions After 33 Hours

Contents:

• The game continues the general plot and does it interestingly
• The Veilguard is too positive and toothless
• The combat system is impressive and dynamic
• Visually, it is a "glamorous fantasy", which does not fit the universe
• The game is sparse, but has a lot of secrets and side quests
• The game has technical problems - at least on PC
• The companions are diverse and each has their own problems - in the best traditions of BioWare

After the unsuccessful releases of Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, many gamers became disillusioned with BioWare, a studio renowned for creating iconic role-playing games. Furthermore, Dragon Age: Inquisition, while acclaimed, failed to satisfy all fans of the series. As a result, BioWare's reputation was at risk, and many fans began to doubt the studio's ability to create high-quality and engaging projects in the future.

The Veilguard has the potential to restore BioWare's reputation, and despite some shortcomings, it is likely to succeed. The game is a large-scale, multifaceted role-playing adventure with vibrant characters, something the developers have always been praised for. A return to tradition, including deep storytelling and character development, could attract both old and new fans, which would be an important step for BioWare in restoring audience trust.

The text turned out to be uneven and controversial in places, so I decided to present it in a pros and cons format. Which one outweighs the other is up to you.

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The game continues the general plot and does it in an interesting way

The Veilguard continues the plot of "Inquisition", immersing players in a captivating fantasy world. The main character, who can be selected as a man, woman, or a non-binary person, named Rook, together with Varric sets out in search of Solas. This ancient elven god, who disguised himself as a mere mortal in the previous game, even became part of the Inquisition. During their investigation, they find Solas in Tevinter, where they interrupt his dangerous ritual aimed at destroying the Veil—the boundary between the real world and the spirit-inhabited Fade. The game offers players a unique experience with rich lore and engaging gameplay, where every decision impacts the story and character development.

The ritual can be interrupted, trapping Solas in the Fade. However, the situation escalates when two cruel elven gods, once imprisoned by Solas, known as the Dread Wolf, emerge from the Fade. The protagonist must confront these powerful foes, assembling a team of unique individuals, a hallmark of BioWare games. This epic fantasy forces the player to face the challenge of saving the entire world.

Rook settles into the Dread Wolf Keep, located in the Fade and connected to other locations via the mysterious Crossroads, which opens the way to anywhere. Nearby is Solas, with whom Rook periodically consults. It turns out that Solas is not a true villain—he has simply survived many years and is willing to sacrifice countless lives for his version of good. This good, though distorted by his understanding, plays a key role in his actions and motivations.

Solas, known as the god of trickery, raises questions about his true intentions. Is his concern for Rook and his crew genuine, or is it merely a ruse? Perhaps he plots to exploit Rook's trust to escape his prison at the first opportunity. This game of manipulation leaves many questions about the loyalties and true motives of the characters, highlighting the complexity of their interactions in a world full of intrigue.

The philosophical conversations with Solas are well-written, and the Dread Wolf himself proves to be an interesting and multi-layered character. This is also true for all the game's key characters, highlighting the unique style of classic BioWare. Each character possesses depth and character, making interactions with them engaging and meaningful to the gameplay.

The new game's plot sees the return of the Inquisitor from the previous game, who continues his work in the South of Thedas, while Rook and his team fight the gods in the North. Morrigan also appears in the story, ready to offer her assistance. This character interaction adds depth to the story and creates interesting developments.

Despite the might of the gods, the Hand faces more mundane threats—fanatical Venatori, Qunari invaders who have renounced the Qun, darkspawn, and other villains. All these creatures inevitably attract the attention of the fugitive elven gods, who seek to lure them to their side. As a result, the number of tasks mounts, and for every action, there's a counteraction to a greater evil. As in the best fantasy traditions, all the storylines intertwine, emphasizing the importance of every action, even the most insignificant, in the fight against darkness.

There isn't much variety in the gameplay. In 33 hours of play, I only had one meaningful choice, while the rest are simply dialogue options.

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An objective assessment of cons is important. This not only allows you to avoid disappointment but also better prepare for potential problems. By analyzing cons, you can find ways to minimize them or even turn them into advantages, which will help improve the overall experience.

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The Veilguard is too positive and toothless

The series has come a long way. A lot of time has passed since the release of Dragon Age: Origins, when the characters were constantly in a gloomy atmosphere. The Veilguard can be considered the pinnacle of this evolution, in which the emphasis shifts from darkness to lighter and more fun elements. In this context, the necromancer Emmrik has become an interesting character with an unusual companion - a small skeleton who brings tea. This adds a touch of humor and originality to a world that was once saturated with darkness.

The story is told through the narrator Varric, who this time gives the narrative even more fairy tale elements. This creates an atmosphere of light fantasy, in contrast to the gloomy mood that characterized the first part of Dragon Age. This approach allows you to delve into a world filled with magic and adventure, and brings a fresh perspective to a familiar universe.

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Dark fantasy and grimdark: origin, features, and key representatives

Dark fantasy and grimdark are subgenres of fantasy that draw attention to their dark, often hopeless worlds. These genres differ from traditional fantasy by featuring violent plots, complex characters, and moral ambiguity.

Dark fantasy can trace its origins to the works of authors such as H. P. Lovecraft and Michael Moorcock. Their works explore themes of madness, inner struggle, and destructive forces. Grimdark, in turn, arose as a response to traditional notions of fantasy, emphasizing the realism and harshness of life in fictional worlds.

The main characteristics of dark fantasy include a gloomy atmosphere, elements of horror, and an often pessimistic view of human nature. Grimdark emphasizes realistic and often brutal consequences of characters' actions, making it more relatable to the realities of our world, even within a fictional universe.

Key representatives of dark fantasy include authors such as George R.R. Martin, whose "A Song of Ice and Fire" is full of political intrigue and moral ambiguity. The grimdark genre includes works such as Joe Abercrombie's "The First Law," where characters face brutal consequences of their choices and operate in an environment where good and evil have no clear boundaries.

Thus, dark fantasy and grimdark continue to evolve, attracting readers with their unique characteristics and deep plots that make them think about the nature of humanity and morality.

The fairytale quality and lack of violence in the game can be perceived as a subjective drawback. For some players, this may be an attractive aspect. However, the Dragon Age series originally immersed us in a dark and complex world, where the main themes were the suffering of poor and sick elves, betrayals, cruel killers, and bloodthirsty creatures born of darkness. These elements added depth and emotional depth to the game, highlighting serious social and ethical issues.

The game takes place in northern Thedas, a region with unique traditions and mores, as hinted at in previous games. For example, in Tevinter, an endless power struggle continues, and slavery is commonplace. The game's plot is expected to be rich in political intrigue and brutal conflict, but The Veilguard offers something different. It's a light story about the clash of two villainous elven gods, lacking depth and seriousness. The authors seem to avoid pressing themes and conflicts, which makes the game less engaging and impactful. This decision leads to a feeling that the plot is lacking in intensity and seriousness, which may leave players with a feeling of incompleteness.

Characters in previous games described terrible things that actually turn out to be not so terrible. For example, the House of Ravens, whose assassins inspired fear in entire cities and states, is actually a small group of ideological defenders of their homeland. These unscrupulous killers actually turn out to be quite nice and kind people.

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The combat system is impressive and dynamic

Let's agree that a truly high-quality tactical combat system was present only in the first part of Dragon Age. In subsequent games, it was only a semblance. The new version completely eliminates turn-based combat. Now, the hero can dodge and parry attacks by actively moving around the arena and quickly using abilities. The player has three classes available, but to survive in combat, constant movement is essential, otherwise the character will quickly die. Although the game only has three healing potions, like in the Souls series, they can be upgraded to get more healing options.

The Veilguard offers players a full and immersive action RPG experience that far exceeds the parodic tactics elements featured in games like Inquisition. While the game lacks traditional tactical gameplay, the active pause mechanic allows players to issue commands to their allies, choosing targets and attack strategies. This adds depth to the combat system and creates opportunities for synergies between characters' skills, which is especially important when fighting large enemies. While each ally is capable of healing, the number of active skill slots is limited to three, forcing players to carefully select the most important abilities for each battle. This approach to combat design makes The Veilguard an engaging game that combines elements of strategy and dynamic action.

Active pause may not be necessary, as hotkeys allow for quick reactions in the game. However, you will certainly appreciate the ability to use active pause for a short rest, especially when opponents leave you no chance to catch your breath. This will allow you to better plan your actions and adapt to the situation on the battlefield.

The game's enemies are varied, but their numerical superiority invariably requires the player to utilize ranged attacks and effectively control the battlefield. This allows for successful management of threats and the maintenance of a strategic advantage.

Mini-bosses stand out from the main bosses with their exceptional power and aggressiveness. They are capable of long-range attacks, dealing area-of-effect damage, and can also jump or teleport around the arena, making them particularly dangerous. These opponents can destroy a hero in just a few hits, showing complete disregard for their health. However, their defeat is necessary to unlock access to the superbosses at the Crossroads, where battles become even more exciting and challenging. Overcoming these challenges requires not only skill but also strategic thinking, which makes the gameplay even more exciting.

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Visually, it's a "glamorous fantasy" that doesn't fit the universe.

Some may consider this a positive, but remember Origins. The series was originally a dark fantasy. Are bright, feathered outfits like those at pop shows appropriate here? It also reflects the long road BioWare has come, gradually moving away from the dark atmosphere of its recent games.

All the current youth trends are represented here, as interpreted by the producers. Among the current elements, purple and gold colors, hats, feathers, and stylization in the spirit of popular CG animated series stand out. These fashion trends create images that reflect current trends among young people.

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The game is clutter-free, but full of secrets and side quests

Remember the elements from mobile and browser games in "Inquisition", related to sending characters on expeditions and managing your organization. In The Veilguard, you can do without this. Fortunately, the game does not contain artificial add-ons that distract from the main gameplay. The only exception are the various resources that need to be collected to upgrade your gear. These resources are scattered throughout the game world, and collecting them is standard practice in modern games.

The game offers players the opportunity to explore compact corridor-like locations. Each space contains combat zones, merchants, and numerous side quests, as well as exploration areas with puzzles. Although the puzzles are simpler than in Genshin Impact, they still diversify the gameplay and add interesting elements to the adventure.

All locations are filled with secrets. Chests marked on the map attract attention, but reaching them is not an easy task. You will have to use your wits and, in some cases, force.

The Crossroads is full of secrets and mysteries. Some quests can only be completed by defeating minibosses in specific locations associated with various areas of the Crossroads. Successfully overcoming these challenges will unlock a superboss, which will present a true challenge for players. Be prepared for serious battles and carefully prepare to deal with this formidable opponent.

Side quests are engaging and varied tasks in the game. They can arrive in the mail, appear in notes, be dropped by companions, or be discovered on the streets of towns and villages. The quality of these quests varies, but I generally encountered interesting stories. For example, a quest about an echo from a well that drove an entire peasant family mad and captured it creates a unique atmosphere and immerses you in the game world. Such quests not only add variety to the gameplay but also allow you to delve deeper into the history and culture of the game world.

Sometimes there are inappropriate moments in the gameplay. For example, a merchant at the market might send the heroes down the wrong path and then leave a note on the counter indicating the true direction. While this can be explained by gameplay conventions, such absurdities are too numerous in the game. This reduces trust in the game world and its logic.

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The game is experiencing technical issues, at least on PC.

I encountered a serious issue in The Veilguard, which completely stopped working after 25 hours of gameplay on PC. Up until this point, the game had been functioning without any hiccups, and I had not made any changes that could have caused it to break. This situation raises questions about the stability and reliability of the game, as users expect a flawless gaming experience.

A character's hair suddenly disappeared, then textures began to load. Later, the same issue affected the game's geometry. Loading times increased by 50%, which led to lag even in the menu. In cutscenes, characters sometimes did not load, and dialogue began to sound delayed. Furthermore, the game suffered from sudden FPS drops for no apparent reason, and the only way to resolve this was to restart.

An interesting incident occurred in the game: the character model in the menu suddenly changed to a different, hairless one. Apparently, this was related to fast-traveling between locations across the map. However, using the mirror at the base to travel, the problem disappeared. In general, the game has many other bugs that also require the attention of the developers.

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Companions are diverse, each with their own problems - in the best traditions of BioWare

You can only take two with you, but each pair has a variety of dialogues that depend on the context. It is impressive how carefully these dialogues were planned and how many there are. These are not just conversations - every line has meaning and significance.

Companions are located in separate rooms, where you can observe the hobbies of their owners. For example, the assassin Lucanis carefully monitors the dishes his fellow soldiers prepare. He is a true gourmet who not only appreciates cooking but also carefully selects ingredients for his comrades.

The grey warden Davrin carves wood, creating unique pieces. The dwarf Harding tends a small garden, delighting the eye with a variety of plants. The elf Bellara restores mysterious ancient artifacts, giving them new life and revealing their secrets. These characters demonstrate skill and passion for their crafts, enriching the world around them.

Each companion has their own unique story and significant quest. In this case, their personal quests have a long completion time and are comparable in importance to the main quests. Even Solas emphasizes that the team must be united and cohesive to achieve victory over the Old Gods.

However, there is a downside: companions join Rook without compelling reasons and act as if they have known him for a long time. They unhesitatingly believe his stories of the returned gods and follow him without question. Some of them hope to complete a personal quest that is not comparable in importance to the challenges the team will face.

At the time of writing, I have not yet completed the game. Some say that Dragon Age: The Veilguard can take over 80 hours to fully complete. I am very eager to complete the game to 100%, especially given the superbosses at the Crossroads. In addition, the game features many interesting side quests that are engaging and add depth to the gameplay.

BioWare has really made a step towards a comeback, but, unfortunately, not in its best form. The tone of the game may not please many, as it does not correspond to the traditions of the Dragon Age series. It seems BioWare is wary of its universe and tries to avoid controversial topics. Political correctness in dark fantasy raises doubts about its true depth and darkness. This calls into question whether this project can truly be considered a representative of the grimdark genre.

We got an excellent game with engaging mechanics. Exploring numerous locations and fighting enemies is a truly immersive experience. Every corner of the world is full of secrets and adventures, which makes the game even more interesting and exciting.