The Never-Ending Character Creator & First Impressions
When I got Dragon Age: The Veilguard, I expected something… brainier. Dragon Age games have always had a tactical element, where you pause mid-battle to strategize and reflect. This time, I found myself thrown into a never-ending character creator, so vast and detailed that I had to speed through it just to start playing. And I’m not one of those players who spend four hours fine-tuning every detail—yet, somehow, I still spent over an hour adjusting sliders. You can tweak your character à la The Sims, and the facial details really do resemble something out of The Sims 4, but high fantasy edition.
And the hair physics? Absolutely stunning. Imagine long, frizzy curls moving naturally—the way they flow and react to movement is mesmerizing. I caught myself watching the strands sway several times. However, honestly? This shouldn’t have been a top priority for the developers. No one plays Dragon Age for hair physics.
Story & Structure – What’s the Plot?
You play as Rook, recruited to save the world after two rogue gods, Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain, break free from their prison and decide that Thedas needs a new divine hierarchy—with them in charge (coincidence?). Naturally, that doesn’t sit well with most people, so you and your companions set out to stop them.
The game takes a mission-based approach, with The Lighthouse acting as your hub. Unlike previous Dragon Age titles that encouraged deep exploration, The Veilguard is built for faster progression. It feels like a streamlined RPG—no endless fetch quests or sprawling landscapes filled with distractions. For players like me, who enjoy searching for hidden chests and rewards in drawers and corners, it can feel like it’s missing those little details that make a world feel truly alive. It’s not empty, but it’s definitely fast-tracked—kind of like fast fashion gaming in comparison to the endless customization and organic exploration of BG3.
Combat – Dark Souls Lite?
Combat is more action-oriented, reminiscent of Dark Souls, but without the controller-breaking frustration. You don’t control your companions directly, but you can issue commands via a tactical wheel, keeping some of that Dragon Age DNA alive. At no point did I feel the urge to throw my controller, which is a solid plus.
I haven’t finished the game yet (I’ll post an update if my opinion changes), but for now? It’s engaging without being exhausting. And as someone who is 35, a lifelong gamer, and balancing adult responsibilities, I appreciate the pick-up-and-play pacing. I don’t always have the energy for a 100-hour RPG packed with endless side quests, so something more structured is honestly a breath of fresh air.
Soundtrack – Did You Expect Anything Less?
The music? Phenomenal. Of course, it is—it’s by Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Interstellar) and Lorne Balfe (Assassin’s Creed III, His Dark Materials). If you’re the type to vibe to orchestral scores even when you’re not playing, it’s an excellent addition to your playlists. I found myself almost hypnotized just listening to the opening menu music and let it play a little longer each time I opened the game.
Is It the Best RPG Out There?
Here’s the thing: I really enjoyed what I played, but it’s not a game that made me drop everything to keep playing. If I had played more of the previous Dragon Age games extensively, I’d probably be more affected by the departure from past mechanics. But coming from a broader RPG background, it feels like a good middle-ground between open-world fatigue and classic storytelling.
Who will love this game?
If you’re a fan of Skyrim, Baldur’s Gate 3, or The Witcher 3, you’ll probably find a lot to love here.
If you live for deep, endless exploration, this might feel a bit too structured.
If you’re a returning Dragon Age fan, you might be thrown off by how different it is, but you’ll still find familiar elements.
It’s visually stunning, has a good story, and doesn’t demand 100+ hours of your life. But is it the best RPG I’ve played? Not quite.
I’ll keep playing—and who knows, maybe it’ll surprise me later. And if you’re curious, I might even stream it on Twitch/TikTok/YouTube, so follow me there!
Final Verdict – Is Dragon Age: The Veilguard Worth Playing?
✔ Gorgeous character creator (even if you rush through it).
✔ Fluid, fast-paced combat with just enough tactics.
✔ Mission-based structure = faster gameplay, no endless open-world distractions.
✔ Incredible soundtrack (Hans Zimmer delivers).
❌ Might feel too streamlined if you love deep world-building.
❌ Lacks small details that make worlds feel alive.
Final Score: 84 (Very good, but not groundbreaking.)
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you want a great RPG without feeling trapped in side-quest purgatory.
Note: In partnership with MoshBit Gaming.
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