After a DECADE since the release of Inquisition, Dragon Age: the Veilguard is finally here!
Is it good?
Well, the game’s Metascore sits at a “Generally Favorable” 83. The 13,000+ reviews on Steam add up to a “Mostly Positive”… but the User Score on Metacritic is an abysmal 3.8. What’s going on here??
Ohhhh — the first two scores are from people who actually played the game.
The Metascore is an aggregate of vetted gaming outlets. Steam requires customers to actually buy and play the game before leaving a review. Yet Metacritic does not require users to verify that they have played a game before leaving a User Score… got it.
Here’s what reviewers (who have actually played it) are saying about The Veilguard—and why it’s “a reinvigorating sequel for the series that leaves no doubt about its place in the RPG pantheon – (according to the author at IGN who put in over 100 hours of playtime.)
A Gripping and Emotional Story
Dragon Age games have always been known for their powerful storytelling, and The Veilguard is no different. Critics are raving about the narrative’s complexity and emotional impact, hailing it as one of the most engaging campaigns in the series.
- GamesRadar+ describes the plot as “surprisingly satisfying,” with “lovingly crafted narrative arcs” that explore a range of complex themes, including mortality, identity, and familial bonds.
- Polygon and others have praised the game’s accessibility to newcomers, highlighting its ability to provide appropriate context for the lore and worldbuilding of Dragon Age, making it an excellent entry point for new players
- Eurogamer went so far as to call it “a fantasy role-playing game of astonishing spectacle,” proclaiming it “the best Dragon Age, and perhaps BioWare, has ever been.”
An Unforgettable World Brought to Life
The game’s visuals and atmospheric design have left critics in awe as well. Veilguard takes players deeper into Thedas than ever before; introducing both familiar and entirely new locations with breathtaking detail.
- PC Gamer states that “the incredible visual design of each area is one of Veilguard’s best features.” The reviewer adds that they “can’t deny that the vistas are gorgeous.”
- Absolute Geeks says, “Each location is meticulously crafted, with breathtaking vistas and intricate details that bring the world to life.
- Eurogamer adds: “Even tiny little things like ladders or ledges placed at the end of environmental puzzles, in a way that takes you back to where you were at the beginning of them, are pleasing to see. There’s lots of thought and consideration, and experience, permeating through the game.”
Gameplay that Keeps You Hooked
The gameplay in Dragon Age: The Veilguard blends classic RPG elements with fresh action mechanics that make each encounter exciting and challenging. And the new Veil-based powers add layers of strategy and complexity that have been winning praise.
- IGN had a great time with the combat: “Dancing with a dagger through a lightning storm I summoned, darting out of danger and then back in for a lethal blow, is just a really good time that rewards precise timing and wise target prioritization”
- Kotaku was “pleased to see how much specializations could drastically alter playstyles, especially in an action game that could easily devolve into button mashing without nuances to make it strategic.”
- PC Gamer highlighted the Veilguard’s “streamlined RPG elements, such as the absence of inventory management and carry weight limits, making it more approachable for players new to the genre.”
A Cast of Characters You Won’t Forget
A Dragon Age game wouldn’t be complete without memorable companions, and The Veilguard doesn’t disappoint. With new characters joining the journey alongside fan favorites, the game offers a rich, emotionally complex cast that players have fallen in love with.
- Destructoid was excited to see “important characters from the series’ entire timeline – all the way from 2009’s Dragon Age: Origins through the most recent Dragon Age: Inquisition – make an appearance in Veilguard, including franchise favorites like Morrigan and Varric.
- Gamespot plainly states that “The Veilguard reminds you why BioWare is held as one of the undisputed kings of making party-focused RPGs. This is an incredible group of characters.”
- GameRant summed it up after 100+ hours of playtime: “Dragon Age has always been a franchise where players feel some degree of ownership – of their characters, their companions, and their choices. Dragon Age: The Veilguard takes that ownership to new heights, gamifying the very concept and giving players control based on how they choose to interact with the game.”
So What’s the Verdict? (From People Who Actually Played It):
“The best BioWare game I’ve ever played”
-Eurogamer
If you’re a fan of BioWare RPGs (Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic), or are simply looking for a beautiful and engrossing action RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is certainly worth checking out.
Buy Dragon Age: The Veilguard Now
Gripping story. Stunning visuals. Innovative gameplay. Unforgettable characters. This game is an essential experience for anyone who loves RPGs– especially those made by BioWare.
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