Larian Studios' Publishing Director Lauds Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Focused Identity

Michael Douse, publishing director at Larian Studios (creators of Baldur's Gate 3), recently heaped praise on BioWare's latest RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. In a tweet, Douse revealed his clandestine playthrough (admitting to playing behind his backpack at the office!), expressing his strong approval.

Douse highlighted The Veilguard's clear sense of self, a refreshing departure from previous Dragon Age installments. He described the game as "the first Dragon Age game that truly knows what it wants to be," contrasting it favorably with past entries that sometimes struggled to balance narrative and gameplay. He likened the experience to a compelling, character-driven Netflix series, avoiding the drawn-out feel of a lengthy television show.

The game's combat system also earned high marks. Douse described it as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy, a combination he called "giga-brain genius." This faster-paced, combo-driven combat system, reminiscent of Mass Effect, contrasts with the slower, tactical approach of earlier Dragon Age titles.

Douse praised The Veilguard's pacing and its ability to balance impactful narrative moments with opportunities for player experimentation and class exploitation. He even lauded BioWare's continued industry presence, considering it vital amidst "moronic corporate greed." While acknowledging his fondness for Dragon Age: Origins, Douse emphasized that The Veilguard carves its own unique path, ultimately declaring it "fun!"

Deep Character Customization: True Player Agency

Dragon Age: The Veilguard introduces the Rook, a customizable protagonist offering extensive player agency. According to Xbox Wire, players enjoy significant control over their Rook's background, skills, and alignment. The narrative tasks the Rook with assembling a party to confront two ancient Elven gods.

Character creation in The Veilguard ensures player choices—from backstory to combat specialization—resonate deeply. Players can select from Mage, Rogue, and Warrior classes, each with unique specializations (like the Spellblade Mage). Customization even extends to the Rook's home, the Lighthouse, allowing players to personalize their space to reflect their character's journey.

A BioWare developer, quoted by Xbox Wire, highlighted the impact of these choices, stating that even seemingly minor decisions, such as face tattoos, contribute to a uniquely personal character experience.

This focus on meaningful choices aligns with Douse's praise, emphasizing the game's authentic player experience. With The Veilguard's October 31st release approaching, BioWare hopes players share Douse's enthusiasm. Our review, awarding the game a 90, highlights its embrace of faster-paced action RPG gameplay, offering a more fluid and engaging experience than its predecessors.