Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Does it Really Suck?
Hey, friends! Dan here. After about eight hours with the new Dragon Age: Veilguard, I’ve got some thoughts and first impressions that I wanted to share. First, this has definitely been one of the more controversial games this year. It has a huge amount of complaints that include (but are not limited to!):
The name change from Dreadwolf to Vale Guard
Cartoonish graphics style
Lighter, comedic tone
“Too woke” or “PC” for some fans
Dialogue that’s a bit too “HR-friendly”
Choices that don’t impact the story as much
And that’s just to name a few.
So, after my brief initial playtime are all the complaints valid? YES.
However, I’d also say I’m still having a great time with it.
What Keeps Dragon Age: The Veilguard Fun
Here’s the thing: even with its quirks, Vale Guard has some surprisingly enjoyable elements. The controls are tight and responsive, which makes it feel polished, even if you’re still getting used to the lighter vibe. And while the graphics are cartoonish, they’re undeniably vibrant and have an impressive level of detail in the characters, settings, and magical effects. It’s a new look for Dragon Age, but in the right lighting (or maybe with the right mindset), it works. And as long as it’s not the future of the game, I’m okay with it… this time.
Combat and Mechanics
The combat system is where the game really shines. Instead of an RPG game, think of it more as an action game with RPG elements – the parry and dodge mechanics are smooth and satisfying, especially when you pull off a perfect dodge and counter. Add to that a huge skill tree with a variety of abilities and upgrades, and you’ve got options to keep things interesting as you level up. The companions might be a little shallow in terms of development, but they bring unique skills to battles, making them feel worth having around even if they don’t have deep backstories.
Quality-of-Life Additions
There are also some quality-of-life features that make Veilguard more accessible, including fast travel and streamlined inventory management, which keeps the gameplay smooth. Also, you can name your saves, it can store 100 of them and it even save scums for me! Plus, the addition of a jump button might seem minor, but games without it annoy the shit out of me.
The Bottom Line
So, is Dragon Age: Veilguard the perfect new installment? Hell no. But does it suck? Also, no.
It has enough going for it to be enjoyable despite the valid complaints. It’s a different flavor of Dragon Age, sure, but if you’re willing to look past its softer tone, you’ll find a game that’s fun, accessible, and surprisingly engaging. Yes, it’s a bit vanilla. I know they are playing it safe and it’s not going to have edgy or cool moments such as having sex with a bear-man in Baldurs Gate 3, but the story makes a strong enough hook to make the main campaign playable.
For fans who can stomach a new spin on a beloved series, Veilguard might just be worth the ride.
Comment Below!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to give Veilguard a shot despite the quirks? Let me know in the comments below!
