Shane
The Dragon Age series has spanned many gens of consoles and with Bioware still at the development helm and EA Games (Electronic Arts) publishing, it has retained its deep lore and RPG gameplay consistently.
The newest instalment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is no exception to the Dragon Age rule, it engrosses you into a deep narrative where two Elven Gods that were once imprisoned are released.
Set ten years after Dragon Age: Inquisition, Fen’Harel takes it upon himself to bring down the veil, a magical boundary between the metaphysical world and the Fade, a world of demons and spirits.
This releases Elven Gods who had previously misused their powers for no good deeds. Now free the Elven deities are on a rampage and all manner of beasts and monstrosities are loose.
You play as Rook, a character you customise at the start of the game and is a part of a party of six guardians.
Without giving too much away here, some of your party meet with ill fates and it is generally up to you and a couple of members of the gang to seek the Elven Gods and bring them down.
As with any good RPG, you will gain experience levels throughout play and this scores you points which can be cashed in to upgrade your skills.
Items can be purchased or found within the game, and equipping better weapons and armour of course aids you in your quest.
The world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is full of hidden items and side path puzzles which will net you gold or items you can either use or sell at a merchant.
You will control the allies of your party in combat, while they will always assist in taking down a baddie, if you want them to do a specific spell or pack a punch, it’s as simple as using a hotkey on your gamepad, and selecting the character’s ability.
You can also swap out your allies weapons to something a bit more fiercer, or magical.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard may be party play, but it is a single player title.
There is an old school feel to it too. There are moments in gameplay that I felt myself reminiscing to the glory RPG days of PS3 and Xbox 360. Graphically Dragon Age: The Veilguard is okay. The world’s you’ll find yourself are well detailed, character renders could do with a bit more love though.
Nonetheless, just like prior Dragon Age titles, the lore, lineage and engaging narrative is there and solid.
As a fan of the series I have loved my time with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and if you’re also a Dragon Age player, then it’s time to jump back in from where things left off and save the world once again.
Released: October 2024
Rating: M15+
Platform reviewed: Xbox Series X|S
Genre: RPG
Developer: Bioware
Publisher: EA Games