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For fans who have been itching to get back to Thedas, the 10 year wait is over, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is finally here. At the Microsoft showcase, Bioware launched the new trailer for the upcoming Dragon Age game with a release date of Fall 2024 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series XS.
The trailer itself was met with mainly negative reviews as it made the game look like a hero shooter rather than the beloved dark fantasy fans had been waiting for. However, these worries were soon soothed after a 20 minute gameplay demo was broadcast. This demo showcased the opening moments of the game and didn’t reflect the trailer at all. Which was a relief! So, for those of you not up to speed, there is a lot to get excited about.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is set after the ending of the third game, Inquisition, and players will be in control of a new hero named Rook. Rook can be fully customised and players can pick their class, sub class and backstory. These selections will open up unique dialogue options and offer new perspectives when visiting places and factions.
The gameplay also highlighted the battle system. Combat looks fast paced and is more action packed than previous titles. Rook has access to combos, counters and special moves all in real time. Players can still slow things down with the tactical overlay and command their companion abilities, much akin to the studio’s other title, Mass Effect. This emphasis on real time combat looks fun and fluid, which is something that has always been inconsistent in the series.
Additionally, the demo showed the return of characters from Inquisition such as Varric, Solas and the cherished Scout Harding. During the opening scenes, characters are battling their way through the Tevinter capital with recurring bad guys the Venatori, standing in their way. As a Dragon Age fan, it was great to finally see Tevinter after it being mentioned in all 3 games. The level design did not disappoint with dark streets, neon lighting and an oppressive floating castle. However, the characters themselves have undergone a slight transformation as the game has adopted a different artstyle. Instead of its usual realistic approach, Veilguard’s look is more stylised but not unrecognisable.
If you have been waiting for the next Dragon Age game, like myself, there is a lot to love in the gameplay footage shown. Each game has offered players a glimpse into different areas of Thedas and this one appears to be exploring more than ever but in a narratively driven fashion. It’s heading back to its storytelling roots but altering battle systems to make it a more fluid and fun experience. For newcomers this is a good time to brush up on your Thedas history and join the action. Just whatever you do, don’t watch the trailer…
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