For those who experienced the Dragon Age universe deeply, from Origins to the novels that expand its narrative, it’s impossible to approach The Veilguard without a profound sense of disappointment. It’s not just a game; it’s a world that taught us to feel the weight of choices, the pain of sacrifices, and the complexity of moral dilemmas. The novels, such as The Stolen Throne, The Calling, Asunder, and The Masked Empire, presented us with gripping stories filled with depth. The relationship between Maric and Loghain in The Stolen Throne showed us loyalty and betrayal in visceral ways. The Calling delved into the despair of the Grey Wardens, confronting us with sacrifice as an inevitable aspect of heroism. Asunder brought moral dilemmas, emotional fragility, and the tense coexistence of mages and templars. The Masked Empire explored power, love, and betrayal with a complexity that left a mark on readers.
These stories are more than entertainment: they are the soul of Dragon Age. They showed us that choices matter, that every action has weight, and that the world is anything but simple. The Veilguard, however, disregards all of this.
Negative Aspects: Not an RPG, Nor a Dragon Age Game
If it were an independent game, The Veilguard could be considered a mediocre adventure title. However, by carrying the Dragon Age name, it automatically bears a legacy and responsibility it cannot uphold.
Item Acquisition Mechanics: Tedious and Frustrating
Acquiring items in The Veilguard is a tiresome experience that shatters any immersion. The game relies on outdated and frustrating mechanics, such as breaking barrels, vases, and scenery elements. This isn’t just repetitive. It completely contradicts the idea of a heroic protagonist or a group of noble figures who should be solving problems and saving the world, not looting like uncontrolled vandals.
In previous games, item collection was an organic extension of the world, enhancing the sense of exploration and discovery. In The Veilguard, it boils down to mechanical and purposeless labor, reminiscent of mobile games or destruction simulators.
Graphics: Beautiful but Out of Place
It’s undeniable that The Veilguard features detailed and beautiful landscapes. The issue, however, isn’t the technical quality of the graphics. It’s their disconnect from the game’s tone. The artistic direction is too vibrant and “cute” for a universe that has always stood out for its dark, mature aesthetic.
In Dragon Age, the setting always reflected the emotional and narrative content. It was dark, cruel, and laden with tension, even in its moments of beauty. Here, the visuals feel out of place, as if trying to appeal to an audience too young to grasp the dilemmas that should be at the core of the experience. The vibrant palette and almost cartoonish style create a barrier between the player and the gravity of the themes.
Narrative and Dialogues: Lacking Depth
The dialogues in The Veilguard are weak, generic, and lack impact. Where we once had choices that shaped the fate of kingdoms and friendships, we now face diluted, predictable options that avoid any form of conflict or emotional depth.
Even choices that promise a more authoritarian or bold stance result in polished, inoffensive responses. This safe approach not only eliminates any sense of agency. It also underestimates the player’s intelligence, who expects a universe as complex as the one experienced in Origins and Inquisition.
A Progression System with No Real Impact
At the core of a good RPG lies the sense of evolution and impact. This is something The Veilguard fails to deliver. Leveling up or upgrading equipment feels lifeless. The interactions with companions—meant to be the heart of the game—are shallow and devoid of meaningful emotional development.
Puzzles: Insultingly Simple
The puzzles in The Veilguard represent a low point. Imagine a puzzle whose solution is drawn directly above it. There’s no challenge, no creativity. It’s just banal tasks that seem to insult the player at every turn.These moments offer no intellectual engagement. They only reinforce the idea that the game avoids any form of mental effort. This approach starkly contrasts with the challenging and satisfying moments of previous games.
What The Veilguard Represents
The biggest issue with The Veilguard isn’t just its individual flaws. It’s what it represents for the franchise. It’s a game that trades depth for simplicity, mature storytelling for infantilized aesthetics, and meaningful choices for convenience.Fans waited ten years to learn how Solas’ arc would conclude. Instead, we received a game that seems afraid to take risks, to challenge, or to commit to the complexity that defined Dragon Age.
If The Veilguard represents the future of the franchise, then we’re witnessing a painful departure from everything that made Dragon Age iconic. This isn’t because fans resist change, but because the changes presented betray the essence of what made the series beloved.
Conclusion: The Legacy Deserves Better
Dragon Age has always been more than battles or beautiful graphics. It was an experience that challenged players to make difficult choices, face sacrifices, and immerse themselves in a complex world. The Veilguard not only fails to capture this. It seems to misunderstand what makes Dragon Age special.
For those who have lived this universe intensely, The Veilguard is a painful reminder that carrying the weight of an iconic name demands much more than beautiful graphics and functional combat. It demands respect for a legacy that transformed the RPG genre and defined a generation of players. And respect is precisely what this game failed to deliver.
