As Dragon Age: Veilguard hits the shelves, it’s time to revisit the legacy of Thedas – the world that has captivated RPG fans for over a decade.
From the darkspawn-plagued lands of Ferelden in Dragon Age: Origins, to the horrors of Kirkwall in Dragon Age II, and giant rifts in Inquisition, the journey has been nothing short of epic. Players have battled through blights, contended with civil war, and witnessed the breaking of the veil itself.
At the heart of every Dragon Age game lies choice.
At the core of every Dragon Age game lies choice. Your past decisions, the alliances you’ve built or broken (we’re looking at you, Anders ?), and the friendships and rivalries you’ve nurtured all make your Dragon Age experience uniquely yours. As we step into Veilguard, the weight of these choices returns—along with old friends and foes ready to protect or endanger Thedas.
Let’s revisit the epic journey so far and dive into what’s awaiting us in Veilguard.
Dragon Age: Origins
In Dragon Age: Origins, players were introduced to Thedas, a land plagued by darkspawn and on the brink of destruction. You played as the last Grey Warden, tasked with uniting warring factions to defeat an impending Blight led by the monstrous Archdemon. Origins set the stage for a complex world where decisions have long-lasting consequences, with rich lore, memorable characters, and of course, let’s not forget the romance scenes that have… let’s say, been burned into the memory of a generation.
Dragon Age II
The story then shifted in Dragon Age II, placing players in the role of Hawke, a refugee who rises to power in the city of Kirkwall. This instalment offered a more personal story, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and conflict, particularly between the Templars and mages. It introduced an action-oriented combat style, focused on quicker, reactive gameplay, and a narrative structure that covered a decade of Hawke’s life.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition expanded the game’s scale to unprecedented heights, blending the tactical and action combat of previous games. As the Inquisitor, you led a new order with the mission of closing the mysterious Breach—a tear in the sky unleashing demons into the world. You navigated alliances, built your base, and forged relationships with complex companions. Inquisition emphasized player choice on a grand scale, with decisions impacting the political landscape of Thedas itself. And who could forget that devastating finale—losing our best mage gear (and an arm) to a certain egg.
Now, if you’re looking to walk into the newest instalment blind, then close the window now, there will be spoilers and teasers ahead.
From the teaser trailer, we know that our latest protagonist has a dramatic face off against everyone’s favourite (or least favourite) egg, accompanied by Varric, Bianca, and a new host of companions, including; a certain familiar scout turned reluctant mage, a feathered assassin (written by the same genius who wrote Garrus Vakarian’s romance… just saying) and a fierce Qunari dragon hunter with dual axes.
Now, if you’re like us and have been chomping at the bit to know everything you can about the new host of characters, you’ll probably have seen the official Veilguard podcast: Vows and Vengeance.
If you haven’t, it’s a recommended listen – with appearances from some familiar voices…
Trailer for Podcast
Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dragon-age-vows-vengeance/id1752014282
The Pros and Cons So Far
Pros
- Deep Lore and World-Building: Dragon Age has created one of the richest, most immersive fantasy worlds in gaming. The lore spans ages, cultures, and complex histories, making Thedas feel truly alive. From the Chantry’s religious doctrines to the intricate politics of Tevinter, the depth of Dragon Age lore keeps fans engaged between releases and makes each new instalment feel like a homecoming.
- Memorable Companions and Choice-Driven Storytelling: Over the years, Dragon Age has introduced us to some unforgettable companions—Alistair, Morrigan, Varric, and Cassandra, to name a few—who have shaped player experiences in profound ways. These characters evolve as players make choices, creating a sense of genuine camaraderie and investment that’s hard to find in other RPGs.
- Expanding Gameplay Innovations: From the tactical pause in Origins to the expanded open-world exploration in Inquisition, each game has introduced innovative elements that add new layers to combat, exploration, and story immersion. With Veilguard, fans can expect even more refinements, including revamped combat mechanics and complex companion dynamics.
- Emphasis on Player Choice: While the limited carry-over of choices from the trilogy has sparked concern, the series has historically been a trailblazer in meaningful player choice. Each title weaves individual decisions into the broader narrative, allowing players to influence outcomes in powerful ways. This commitment to choice is something fans are eager to see continue in Veilguard.
Cons
- Long Gaps Between Games: The decade-long waits have left fans feeling disconnected at times, especially as gaming technology and player expectations evolve. This time gap also puts BioWare under pressure to meet fans’ high expectations, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
- Frequent Staff Changes at BioWare: Staff turnover has left some fans concerned about continuity and quality. With key writers and developers no longer part of the team, there’s always the question of whether new entries will hold the same magic or risk losing the essence of Dragon Age.
- Limited Carry-Over Choices: The decision to carry over only three key choices from the original trilogy has disappointed some long-time fans who value continuity. For a series built on the weight of past decisions, it’s a significant change that raises the stakes for Veilguard to deliver a story that feels rooted in the past.
- High Expectations After Past BioWare Missteps: With the legacy of games like Mass Effect: Andromeda, which didn’t quite meet expectations, there’s apprehension that Veilguard could face similar struggles. This leaves fans both hopeful and cautious, eager to see BioWare reclaim its storytelling prowess.
Will Veilguard Meet Expectations?
BioWare seems set on making Veilguard a return to form, promising fresh combat systems, deeply layered companions, and a narrative steeped in the lore we love. But with such a rich legacy to honour and fans who have been through years of delays, the stakes are high. Can Veilguard deliver an experience worthy of Thedas, or will it struggle to live up to the legacy of Origins and Inquisition? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: this release will be a defining moment for BioWare and the future of Dragon Age.
Either way, one thing’s for sure: we’re all in, ready to see what BioWare has in store.