Larian Studios' Publishing Director, Michael Douse, heaps praise on BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. In a recent Twitter post, Douse lauded the game, revealing he'd been secretly playing it (even behind his backpack at the office!).
Douse's key takeaway? The Veilguard "truly knows what it wants to be." This focused vision, a refreshing change from previous entries, allows for a compelling narrative without sacrificing engaging gameplay. He likened the experience to a "well-crafted, character-driven Netflix series," a far cry from a "lengthy, drawn-out drama."
The combat system also earned high marks, described as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy. This innovative approach, a departure from the slower, tactical combat of earlier Dragon Age titles, introduces fast-paced action and impactful combo attacks reminiscent of BioWare's Mass Effect series.
Douse highlighted the game's pacing, praising its "propulsion and forward momentum," and its ability to balance epic narrative moments with opportunities for player experimentation. He even commended BioWare's continued industry presence, contrasting it with "moronic corporate greed."
While acknowledging his fondness for Dragon Age: Origins, Douse emphasized that The Veilguard carves its own unique path. He succinctly summarized his feelings: "In a word, it’s fun!"
Character Customization: True Player Agency
The Veilguard prioritizes deep character immersion through the Rook, a highly customizable protagonist. As detailed in an Xbox Wire feature, players enjoy extensive control over their Rook's backstory, skills, and alignment. The player's choices, from class selection (Mage, Rogue, Warrior, each with specializations like the Spellblade Mage) to personalizing their in-game home, the Lighthouse, significantly impact the narrative. A developer quoted in the Xbox Wire article emphasized the depth of character creation, highlighting how even seemingly minor details, like face tattoos, contribute to a truly personalized experience.
This focus on meaningful choices aligns with Douse's positive assessment, particularly the game's commitment to player agency. With its October 31st release date looming, BioWare hopes players will share Douse's enthusiasm. Our own review awarded The Veilguard a 90, praising its shift towards a more fluid and engaging action RPG experience. For a more in-depth look at our review, please see the link below. [Insert link here]
