As a seasoned RPG enthusiast and long-time BioWare devotee, I’ve traversed galaxies far, far away and fought Sith Lords, Reapers, and Illusive Man alike. My heart has always resonated with the rich narratives and deep character interactions that BioWare games have masterfully crafted in their storied past. So, when Dragon Age: The Veilguard was unveiled, I eagerly anticipated a return to the captivating world of Thedas and its intricate tapestry of lore.
After being initially known as “Dreadwolf” and debuting a full decade following the release of the acclaimed Dragon Age: Inquisition in 2014, we’ve eagerly awaited its sequel – Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This is BioWare’s first standalone RPG since the debated Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2017, and it marks their return to creating original titles following the unsuccessful multiplayer game Anthem.
So far, The Veilguard has shown great success. It surpassed Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in sales on Steam’s Top Sellers chart and attracted over 70,000 players into its world of Thedas shortly after release (console data is still unavailable, but I anticipate it to be equally positive). I’ve delved into a playthrough for review purposes, and while I concur with the common opinion that it’s a decent game overall (particularly the combat), I’ve been let down in one area: the narrative.
Initially, I entered the gaming realm as a devoted fan of BioWare, with a history of appreciating their masterpieces such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect series. What truly captivated me about these games was their immersive and intricate narratives. Interactions with and among companions and NPCs could extend for over half an hour, offering numerous dialogue choices that significantly influenced not just the overall plot but also individual character reactions towards you. The worlds they created seemed vibrant, responsive, and incredibly real – more tactile and authentic than many RPG settings that followed, despite their visuals being deemed outdated by today’s perspectives.
In a different phrasing: Unlike Dragon Age: The Veilguard, other scripts might come across as rough or edgy. However, this one is remarkably “sleek,” free from friction, and boasting an intriguing feel. It reminds me of an average Marvel film in terms of the lively dialogue, thrilling action sequences, and breathtaking high fantasy backdrops it offers. Yet, beneath its captivating exterior, there seems to be minimal narrative complexity.
The Veilguard companions, but because they never challenge or conflict with each other or their environment, they are dull and static, and I haven’t formed a deep bond with any of them.
It’s an issue made glaringly apparent by the Baldur’s Gate 3 replay I’m 60 hours into right now. In that game, characters like Astarion, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart aren’t afraid to question decisions and often react to events that occur around them, leading to worldview debates and insightful discussions about their beliefs and pasts. Those dialogues kickstart lengthy character arcs that culminate in instances of significant change or growth, and that’s the kind of richness I crave in RPGs; playing through The Veilguard just made me hungry to get back to Faerûn, as a result.
In addition to Rook, the character you control during the game, encounters challenges too. Every dialogue option offers multiple responses, ranging from optimistic, emotional, clever, confrontational, and gruff. However, throughout all your conversations, there’s an overall heroic undertone, which can make it difficult to truly embody different characters in this role-playing game if you aim for anything other than the typical Good Guy™ persona.
From my perspective as an analyst, I want to clarify that The Veilguard’s writing isn’t necessarily poor; it’s undeniably a significant improvement over the overly dramatic style of Andromeda. This narrative effectively communicates that numerous choices you make, whether they are major or minor, significantly influence the storyline. However, despite this competence, it doesn’t quite meet the high standards many, including myself, have come to expect from BioWare.
It’s possible that my feelings towards Dragon Age: The Veilguard might be influenced by being new to the series, as I don’t have any personal connections with its recurring characters. However, I’ve noticed some similar criticisms from long-time fans, but I believe these concerns are unrelated to having prior knowledge of the series’ history.
Eventually, there isn’t much substance in the writing that allows one to delve deeply, which is disappointing given this is BioWare we’re discussing. I’ve given up trying for a richer experience and now just appreciate it for the action-packed cinematic experience akin to a popcorn movie. Here’s hoping future releases like the next Mass Effect will offer a more substantial narrative.
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2024-11-02 01:39