I want to start by saying that I’m a long-time BioWare fan. I’ve played every game they’ve ever released, including the ill-fated Anthem (we don’t talk about that). But the Dragon Age series? That’s where my heart truly lies. Origins and Inquisition rank among my favorite games of all time, so you can imagine my excitement when Dragon Age: Veilguard was announced.
Unlike many review outlets that rush to push out opinions after a few hours of gameplay, I’ve taken my time with this one. I’ve explored every corner of Thedas, immersed myself in the story, and experienced as much as possible before forming an opinion. Now, after countless hours, here’s my full review of Dragon Age: Veilguard.
"BioWare storytelling at its finest, bringing the protagonist to life in a way that feels dynamic and authentic"
Let’s start with the basics: character customization. The new system initially caught me off guard. The facial aesthetics are different from Inquisition, and it took some adjustment. But after experimenting with the sliders, I quickly realized this was a graphical upgrade that still honours the series’ style. Your protagonist, Rook, isn’t just a blank slate—they’re a fully-voiced character who reacts naturally to the world around them.
What’s even more impressive is how Rook contributes to the story. They don’t just parrot the lines you select in dialogue choices; they make observations about the environment, crack jokes with companions, and offer heartfelt responses in emotional moments. This is Bioware storytelling at its finest, bringing the protagonist to life in a way that feels dynamic and authentic.
"Encounters feel weightier, with a real sense of momentum"
Combat in Veilguard builds upon the fast-paced action of Inquisition, refining it into something even more fluid and engaging. I’ll admit, I’m nostalgic for the tactical, turn-based CRPG mechanics of Origins. But what Bioware has done here is nothing short of exhilarating.
Encounters feel weightier, with a real sense of momentum. You’re constantly on your toes, dodging attacks, timing blocks, and unleashing devastating synergy combos. Speaking of combos, companion combat has undergone a significant change. Fans of Mass Effect will recognize the influence here: during combat, you can open a time-dilating ability HUD to assign specific powers to your companions. It’s intuitive, strategic, and downright fun.
I understand that purists who love old-school CRPG, character-switching combat may find this shift jarring. But trust me—once you get the hang of it, this system shines, offering the perfect balance of action and strategy.
"You even have personal quarters, where you can showcase mementos collected during your travels."
If you loved the keeps and war tables of Inquisition, you’re in for a treat. In Veilguard, your base of operations is more than just a hub. It grows alongside your journey, unlocking new rooms, puzzles, and lore as you progress, while your companions' rooms morph and change as they get more comfortable, getting filled with magical plants, chiseled wood statues, or ancient elven tech.
You even have personal quarters where you can showcase mementos collected during your travels. Whether it’s a trinket from a heartfelt side quest or a cool statue you bought, it’s a subtle but effective way to give you a little home pride and progress.
One of the biggest joys of Veilguard is reuniting with beloved characters. Varric is back, bringing his trademark wit and charm, while Scout Harding returns and this time as a companion to help you in your adventure. There are also memorable characters from previous games sprinkled throughout the story. These familiar faces feel like old friends, seamlessly integrated into the new narrative.
"Manfred, the lovable assistant, steals every scene he’s in"
BioWare’s signature companion banter is as sharp as ever. But this time, it goes deeper. Conversations evolve over time, revealing new layers to your companions’ personalities. Pair certain characters often enough, and you’ll unlock unique dialogues that expand on their relationships with one another. Scout Harding and Bellara, for example, share some fantastic moments if you keep them together.
And then there are the newcomers. Manfred, the lovable assistant, steals every scene he’s in. His master, Emmrich, is another standout—a necromancer with an unexpectedly touching story arc. BioWare excels at creating characters you care about, and Veilguard is no exception.
"The romance scenes feel more fleshed out than in previous games"
Romance has always been a cornerstone of Dragon Age, and Veilguard doesn’t disappoint. I chose Bellara as my love interest, and our interactions were a delightful mix of humour and heart. The romance scenes feel more fleshed out than in previous games, though I did wish there were more of them.
That said, the depth of these relationships surpasses anything we’ve seen in Origins or Dragon Age II. Every conversation feels meaningful, and the chemistry between characters is palpable. For me, Bellara’s story is a good one, though I’ll admit I still have a soft spot for Leliana and Merrill.
"Your decisions ripple across the world, changing not only your story but also the lives of your companions and the fate of entire regions"
As much as all the above is great, it's a BioWare game and the choices and consequences are where Veilguard truly shines. BioWare has always excelled at making choices matter, and this game takes that philosophy to new heights. Your decisions ripple across the world, changing not only your story but also the lives of your companions and the fate of entire regions. Some consequences are immediate; others unfold hours later, catching you by surprise.
What’s more, your choices affect how your companions view each other. Rivalries, friendships, and even inter-party romances develop organically based on your actions. Their attitudes and fates are reminiscent of the companion dynamics in Mass Effect 2, and it’s a welcome evolution for the Dragon Age series.
It’s refreshing to see a major studio embrace diversity
Finally, I want to touch on something that has sparked some controversy: the inclusion of non-binary characters and moments exploring identity. In a world filled with dragons, demons, and shapeshifters, embracing the diversity of human experience feels both natural and overdue. And those questioning whether non-binary representation “fits” are absurd. Bioware handles these moments with care and respect, integrating them naturally into the story. It is refreshing to see a major studio embrace diversity, and I applaud their efforts to normalize representation in gaming.
Final Verdict
Dragon Age: Veilguard is an enjoyable return to Thedas. It’s a celebration of everything that made BioWare great: compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful player choices. The combat is fast-paced and thrilling, the relationships are rich and rewarding, and the world of Thedas feels more alive than ever.
While there are minor quibbles—like wanting more romance and companion scenes—the overall experience is nothing short of great. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Veilguard offers an unforgettable journey through one of gaming’s most beloved worlds.