A heartbreak for a long-time fan (Review after 4 runs)
l've been playing Dragon Age since the begining and l've loved it deeply. But "The Veilguard" has left me bitterly disappointed. It feels more like a linearjump-and-run than a true RPG. The world feels restricted-where are the secrets and the real exploration?
The dialogues are the biggest letdown. Dragon Age was about consequences, Dut here, feels like Coesn't matter what I lick it all leads to the same outcome. The "kick" is gone. And the omances? They feel rushed and shallow with way too little interaction.
Returning characters like Morrigan are shockingly "nice" and have lost their edge. Seeing Varric die and Dorian only as a cameo feels like a slap in #h2 face for veterans. We waited so long for this? The new characters like Taash and Lucanis have so much potential, but the game doesn't let them shine because everything is "fast- paced" and simplified.
The graphics and controls are great, but the soul of Dragon Age-the dark lore and the tough choices--is missing. I hope the next game returns to the roots of the Chantry, Cassandra, and the grit that made this series legendary.
Constructive Criticism and Story Potential for Dragon Age: The Veilguard
As a long-time fan of the series, I see a lot of untapped potential in the storytelling and the handling of established characters. Here are my suggestions on how the depth and "grit" of the predecessors could have been preserved:
1. Blackwall and the Grey Wardens:
Blackwall is a character who never truly "fell" but simply went into hiding. He could have been brilliantly reintroduced as the "true" First Warden. A thrilling plot twist would have been to expose the current First Warden in The Veilguard as an impostor and a liar who is keeping the real Blackwall imprisoned somewhere. This would have massively strengthened the moral complexity of the Warden lore.
2. Dorian Pavus and the Leadership of Minrathous:
Dorian is one of the strongest characters in the series, but unfortunately, he is wasted here as a mere supporting character (cameo). In Inquisition, it was hinted that he wanted to reform Tevinter. He should have acted as a shadow regent, leading Minrathous in secret. Using him only as a "placeholder" does not do justice to his potential.
3. Morrigan and the "Old Edge":
Morrigan seems far too friendly and "softened" in this installment. Fans expect a certain level of aloofness and sharpness from her. It would have been narratively much more satisfying if the player had to win her over again through hard persuasion, rather than having her be so accommodating from the start.
4. Leliana and Harding's Development:
The question arises: Where is the master spy Leliana? She could have been shown in "retirement," from which she must first be laboriously recruited. This would have provided a wonderful bridge to Harding: Instead of simply presenting Harding as an active member, a questline could have shown her being commissioned by Leliana. Through contact with a lyrium dagger, Harding could have undergone her own outstanding character development that leaves a lasting impact on her.
5. Cassandra and the Traces of the Chantry:
Cassandra could have been reintegrated through the lore—perhaps via a questline where the player follows her trail while she investigates the history of the Chantry or the Seekers. This would have deepened the sense of world-building.
6. Varric: Fate After Death:
Varric is the face of the series. His death in The Veilguard carries great weight. A fascinating possibility would have been to include him as a spirit (similar to Cole). Trapped between life and final death in the Fade, he could have continued to accompany us as a melancholic mentor.
Conclusion:
The graphics and controls are successful, but the soul of Dragon Age lies in hard consequences and edgy characters. I hope that future content returns more to these roots.
