It’s been a long road for Dragon Age fans. From the politically charged landscapes of Inquisition to the high-stakes cliffhanger with Solas, the elven god and our former ally, the series has left us wondering if it could recapture the bold complexity that drew us into its world. With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare proves it still has the power to shape a narrative that is grand in scale yet intimate in its exploration of character relationships and moral dilemmas. Though it falters in places, this fourth entry in the Dragon Age saga pulls together a new cast, a refined combat system, and a sweeping story that reaffirms the essence of what made Thedas feel like a world we’ve been eagerly waiting to revisit.
A World Revisited, Yet Changed
From the first steps into The Veilguard, we’re reminded of the vastness of Thedas, but it’s a Thedas that feels different, as if time has worn down the boundaries of the known and the mythical. Years after Inquisition left the world hanging on the brink of destruction, Rook, the new protagonist, is recruited by familiar faces—Varric Tethras and Scout Harding—to stop Solas from tearing down the Veil, an act that could unravel reality as we know it. Yet, it’s not just the stakes that set The Veilguard apart but the choice to focus less on world-altering decisions and more on personal ones.
In this iteration, BioWare lets go of sprawling political consequences in favor of tighter, character-driven choices, allowing us to craft a narrative that feels more personal but no less impactful.
Each choice, however subtle, threads through the game’s main and side quests, shifting Rook’s relationships and alliances. As Rook navigates between factions like the Shadow Dragons and the Antivan Crows, decisions are tied closely to character arcs rather than overarching geopolitical changes. It’s a choice that adds depth to Rook’s journey, drawing players into dilemmas that feel both weighty and immediate.
Rook and Companions: A New Cast to Carry the Legacy
At the core of The Veilguard are its companions, whose personal stories bring the world of Thedas to life in ways that the main plot, centered on Solas and the fate of the Veil, doesn’t quite reach. BioWare, long praised for crafting memorable side characters, once again excels in creating a found family that’s both endearing and multifaceted. Each companion brings their own unique history, perspectives, and motivations that make every interaction feel authentic.
Harding steps forward from her NPC role in Inquisition to become a fully realized companion, displaying the charm and bravery that made her a fan favorite. Then there’s Neve, a Tevinter mage detective fighting for the oppressed in the slums of Dock Town, who provides a refreshing pragmatism to balance the more hopeful characters. And Bellara, a bubbly Elven Veil Jumper, injects optimism into a team otherwise seasoned by battle scars and personal loss.
Perhaps most notable is Emmrich, a polite, well-mannered necromancer whose story arc shifts from exploring life’s more macabre facets to deepening bonds with the team. As the companions grow closer, the game underscores these relationships with a natural ease, letting moments of camaraderie, rivalry, and romance evolve without feeling forced. For example, Davrin, the steadfast Grey Warden, bonds with Rook over shared battles but can clash over moral choices, creating a dynamic that builds naturally over the course of the game.
This thoughtful, layered approach to relationships is the heart of The Veilguard, offering a found family that is far more than a collection of backstories. The companions’ dialogues and side quests subtly reveal who they are and what they stand for, keeping players invested in their outcomes.
Combat: A Modern, Action-Oriented Twist on Classic RPG Mechanics
Combat in The Veilguard strays from Dragon Age’s tactical roots, instead embracing an action-oriented style that’s more fluid, emphasizing player agency and individual skill. Rook, whether mage, rogue, or warrior, can wield a range of weapons and specializations that bring a new depth to encounters. The combat feels like a hybrid between Mass Effect’s explosive synergy and God of War’s measured action, striking a balance between flashy spectacle and strategic play.
Each battle reinforces a new vision of Thedas, one that rewards coordination with companions rather than reliance on direct commands. While fans of the series’ tactical pause feature may miss the granular control, The Veilguard emphasizes adaptive play, where every decision counts, and companions’ abilities support the protagonist’s style rather than stealing the spotlight.
The game allows for customization and experimentation with unique builds. Rook’s role as a mage, for instance, can take on a distinct edge as a Spellblade, allowing for close combat attacks that pair well with ranged spells.
This specialization, along with others, lets players tailor their approach to combat, whether through long-range tactics or up-close attacks. And while the higher levels of difficulty keep combat engaging, the mechanics feel balanced enough to be accessible for players who prefer a less challenging experience.
Choices and Consequences: Emphasizing the Personal Over the Political
One of Dragon Age’s defining traits has always been the gravity of choice, and The Veilguard handles this with a personal touch that makes the game feel more intimate than its predecessors.
The choices players make don’t lead to massive shifts in the world’s politics; instead, they echo in the lives of the companions and factions that surround Rook. This is a game where choices matter less for the world at large and more for the characters we travel alongside.
The game’s emphasis on “Allied Strength” with various factions further underscores this, as players can decide how they engage with groups like the Veil Jumpers, whose goals align with freeing Tevinter from its rigid hierarchy. The faction system adds a layer of realism to The Veilguard, grounding decisions in a way that lets Rook shape alliances without reducing entire factions to black-and-white morality.
While some players may miss the grander political stakes of previous entries, The Veilguard finds a way to make even small decisions feel consequential. Rook’s choices are often layered with moral ambiguity, forcing players to weigh personal loyalties against broader ethical considerations. It’s a testament to BioWare’s storytelling finesse, providing an RPG experience that speaks to the more human side of heroism.
Visuals and Aesthetic: An Impressive, If Uneven, World Design
The Veilguard is undoubtedly beautiful, with environments that transport players from the dusty streets of Rivain to the eerie, purple-lit halls of the Lighthouse. Each setting feels distinct, filled with intricate details that build the immersive, ancient world of Thedas. The architecture, costumes, and artifacts in particular reflect the culture and history of the regions, weaving together visual storytelling that enhances the game’s fantasy roots.
However, the character models occasionally fall short of the rugged realism expected in such a dark fantasy world. While the environments boast a gritty, lived-in quality, the characters themselves often appear too polished, their expressions restrained by design choices that prioritize aesthetics over authenticity.
It’s a strange contrast in a world that otherwise emphasizes hardship and battle-worn realism, yet it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience.
The artistic flourishes are especially apparent in the game’s collectible tarot-like artwork, which adds a layer of stylization to the lore, highlighting BioWare’s dedication to crafting a visual world that extends beyond the confines of the screen.
Sound and Voice Acting: A Symphony of Nuanced Performances
The sound design of The Veilguard is immersive, enhancing the fantasy experience with an orchestral score that shifts effortlessly from tense battle music to serene ambient tracks. Voice acting in The Veilguard is equally outstanding, with each character voiced to capture their unique personality and depth. Solas, the Dread Wolf, delivers a performance that remains a highlight, blending menace and wisdom that keeps players questioning his motives.
Erika Ishii’s performance as Rook brings both vulnerability and strength to the protagonist, grounding the game in a character who feels real. Neve’s portrayal, with her calm intellect and fierce determination, stands out, as does Davrin’s powerful, commanding presence.
Every conversation is given weight by these voices, which bring life to Thedas’s lore and characters in a way that few RPGs achieve.
Final Thoughts: A Heartfelt Return to BioWare’s Roots
While Dragon Age: The Veilguard may not deliver the grand political shifts that some fans hoped for, it succeeds in grounding the narrative within deeply personal choices, forging an adventure that feels fresh yet familiar.
BioWare captures the heart of Dragon Age by focusing on the relationships and moral quandaries that make Thedas feel like a world worth fighting for. With a cast of well-crafted characters, a story that takes its time to unravel, and a combat system that rewards player adaptation, The Veilguard may just be the most emotionally resonant entry in the series.
For fans willing to embrace the game’s more intimate approach to storytelling, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a good excercise in blending RPG mechanics with meaningful character arcs. It reminds us why Dragon Age has remained a staple of fantasy RPGs, capturing the thrill of exploring new lands and making choices that define not just a hero’s journey, but the lives of those they love and fight beside.
