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CRITIK

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Item: Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Open World, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableOct 31, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperBioWare

Overview

The world of Dragon Age needs a new hero – someone who can take on the evil forces threatening Thedas. The forthcoming installment in Bioware's fantasy role-playing series.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its rich storytelling, impactful choices, and engaging character interactions. XboxEra described it as thrilling, with tough choices and relationships dictating the ending, adding unexpected depth to the lore. Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the lasting consequences of choices and the compelling narrative that leads to an epic conclusion. COGconnected commended the game for offering a substantial and engaging story with complex relationships and emotional depth, exploring timely themes with impactful narrative choices. Eurogamer also noted the ambitious and engaging story with hard decisions and deep lore exploration, culminating in an exceptional ending that ties everything together as a role-playing game. These positive aspects of the story were further supported by critics like Noisy Pixel, who found the narrative compelling with a focus on the aftermath of the previous installment, and RPG Fan, who praised the intriguing plot exploring new regions of Thedas with deep lore and well-developed factions. However, some critics had reservations about certain aspects of the story in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. GameSpot criticized the protagonist Rook's role for feeling out of place and lacking depth, which could potentially impact the overall immersion in the narrative. Gaming Age described the story as straightforward and formulaic, with linear progression and a lack of impactful decisions and character development. RPGamer also mentioned disjointedness and shallow antagonists as drawbacks, although they acknowledged the success of individual character stories and bonds among the main cast. These criticisms point towards areas where the storytelling may have faltered in terms of character depth, progression, and antagonist development. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The majority of reviewers found the narrative to be engaging, with impactful choices, well-developed characters, and a compelling exploration of lore and themes. While there were some criticisms about specific elements such as character depth and progression, the overall sentiment leans towards a highly favorable reception of the story. Critics like VGC and PlayStation Universe appreciated the quest to stop the Elven Gods unleashed by Solas, emphasizing significant consequences for decisions made and a focus on character development and past lore. The blend of likable characters, emotional beats tied to previous games, and the overarching narrative of stopping gods and preventing a blight resonated positively with the reviewers, making Dragon Age: The Veilguard a standout title in terms of storytelling within the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics raved about Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its rich storytelling, impactful choices, and engaging character interactions, praising its compelling narrative and exploration of deep lore. While some critics voiced concerns about character depth and antagonist development, the overwhelming consensus is highly positive. The game's focus on tough decisions, relationships, and lore exploration culminates in an exceptional RPG experience that stands out for its storytelling prowess.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Dragon Age: The Veilguard has received significant praise from multiple critics for its combat system, character abilities, and variety of playstyles. XboxEra and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the depth and customization options available, with diverse abilities and skill trees for both the player character and companions. Dexerto also commends the engaging combat mechanics and character-driven narrative, emphasizing the game's action RPG style of combat. Eurogamer appreciates the challenging combat and freeform character building system, providing plenty of depth and engaging mechanics. RPG Fan further adds that the combat system is sharp and fine-tuned, with fluid mechanics, special moves, and a versatile skill tree, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. On the downside, some critics, such as Forbes and GameSpot, mention issues with combat becoming repetitive over time, especially for mage players who may find the mechanics less enjoyable. Forbes notes a reliance on a few combos towards the end, leading to repetitive gameplay. VGC and Worth Playing also highlight concerns about a lack of enemy variety, frustrating slogs, and enemies having too much health, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, RPGamer points out that while combat is action-packed, it lacks variation and strategic depth, with encounters becoming monotonous, and companions having limited customization options. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a compelling gameplay experience with a strong emphasis on combat mechanics, character abilities, and customization options. While there are some concerns about repetitive gameplay, lack of enemy variety, and limited companion customization, the majority of reviewers appreciate the depth and engagement provided by the combat system and character progression. Critics like Eurogamer and RPG Fan highlight the game's strengths in offering challenging combat, diverse abilities, and meaningful choices that impact the story and relationships realistically. Despite some drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception for the gameplay of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Dragon Age: The Veilguard's gameplay for its combat system depth, character abilities, and variety of playstyles. However, some highlight issues like combat repetitiveness, lack of enemy variety, and limited companion customization. Overall, the game offers engaging combat mechanics, but may fall short on variety and depth for some players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, highlighting various positive aspects. XboxEra commended the game for its visuals, set-piece moments, and colorful design. Checkpoint Gaming found the visuals breathtaking with distinct and immersive environments, clever puzzles, and attention to detail in world-building and character design. COGconnected appreciated the stylized, cartoony art style, expressive characters, detailed environments, and spectacular level design. Forbes mentioned that the art style is well-liked, especially the character customizer, and the landscape design grows on the player over time. PlayStation Universe also noted stunning visuals with top-notch character models and vistas, making the world immersive and visually appealing. On the other hand, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. GameSpot criticized the character designs for looking too uniform and lacking distinct features. Gaming Age raised concerns about odd image quality issues on PS5. RPGamer mentioned that locations are forgettable and lack standout elements. Worth Playing noted that while the visuals attempted a mix of comic book art style and realistic visuals, some character models appeared awkward, suggesting room for improvement in this area. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The game is praised for its stunning and immersive environments, attention to detail in world-building, character design, and vibrant colors. Despite some minor criticisms about character designs and image quality, the majority of reviewers found the visuals to be visually appealing, detailed, and artistically crafted. The stylized art style, expressive characters, and gorgeous vistas were highlighted as standout features that contributed to the overall positive reception of the game's Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dragon Age: The Veilguard's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its immersive environments, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. XboxEra, Checkpoint Gaming, COGconnected, Forbes, and PlayStation Universe all laud the game for its beautiful art style and character design. While some critics mention minor flaws like uniform character designs and image quality issues, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, with the majority commending the game's visually appealing and artistically crafted world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it is evident that the majority of reviewers were highly impressed with the audio aspects of the game. Positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the exceptional orchestral score, sweeping soundtrack, and high-quality voice acting. Critics such as COGconnected, RPGamer, and PlayStation Universe praised the game for its outstanding musical score by renowned composers Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, which effectively complemented the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Fan lauded the voice acting performances, noting that they enhanced the overall immersive experience and added to the epic atmosphere of the game. On the other hand, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. GameSpot mentioned that the music was hit-or-miss, sometimes being drowned out by combat or lacking emotional impact. XboxEra also criticized the voice acting of some side characters, indicating that there were inconsistencies in the performances. God is a Geek highlighted issues with the sound design, suggesting that there were areas that could have been improved upon to enhance the overall audio experience. Overall, despite some minor criticisms, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The exceptional orchestral soundtrack, high-quality voice acting, and effective sound design were widely praised, contributing significantly to the immersive and epic nature of the game. Critics such as Worth Playing emphasized the standout effort in the music department, while Metro GameCentral highlighted the first-rate voice acting and excellent sound design as key strengths of the game. The majority of critics found the audio aspects of the game to be very good, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for players and solidifying Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a standout title in terms of its audio presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the exceptional Sound Design and Music in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, praising the outstanding orchestral score, top-notch voice acting, and immersive atmosphere. While some critics noted minor issues like inconsistent voice acting and occasional lackluster music moments, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The audio elements significantly enhance the game's epic nature, making it a standout title in terms of its audio presentation.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dragon Age: The Veilguard has received predominantly positive feedback from the critics. Checkpoint Gaming and Noisy Pixel both highlight the strong voice acting performances that bring the characters to life and make them relatable, enhancing the overall immersive experience. PlayStation Universe specifically praises Brian Bloom's portrayal of Varric as great and a significant contributor to the game's overall experience. RPG Fan notes that while voice acting performances vary, they ultimately grow on the player, with standout performances from characters like Rook, Taash, and Solas. This positive feedback indicates that the voice acting successfully adds depth to the characters and dialogue, making them more engaging for players. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain negatives regarding the voice acting in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. XboxEra mentions that some villainous side characters' voice acting is considered cheap, which could potentially detract from the overall immersion and quality of the game. Gaming Age also notes that the voice acting can be somewhat off at times, with characters coming across differently than intended. These criticisms suggest that while the majority of the voice acting is well-done, there are instances where it may fall short or not fully meet expectations, impacting the player's experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a strong aspect of the game. COGconnected praises the vocal performances for being consistent and of high quality, contributing to well-written and fully realized characters. Eurogamer appreciates the deep character development and mature handling of complex topics, which is enhanced by the voice acting. VGC highlights the strong cast of companions and well-written dialogue, showcasing the diverse personalities and reactions to player actions. While there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the voice acting, the overall sentiment is positive, with the performances effectively bringing the characters to life and enriching the player's experience in the world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Dragon Age: The Veilguard's voice acting for bringing characters to life and enhancing immersion, with standout performances from Brian Bloom as Varric. However, some criticize certain villainous side characters' voice acting as cheap. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting adds depth and engagement to the game, though it may fall short in some instances.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, XboxEra highlights that Dragon Age: The Veilguard runs smoothly with a consistent 60fps in performance mode, showcasing a positive experience for players on this platform. However, XboxEra also mentions some reconstruction artifacts, indicating a minor issue that could potentially affect the visual quality for some players. Moving on to the technical performance on the PS5 platform, critics like COGconnected, Dexerto, and Gaming Age emphasize the smooth and polished gameplay experience with minimal technical issues. COGconnected specifically notes the game being bug-free, while Dexerto highlights a playthrough free of noticeable performance issues or framerate drops. Despite these positive reviews, some critics like God is a Geek mention occasional visual glitches and camera issues, which could detract from the overall experience for players on PS5. Overall, the consensus among critics for Dragon Age: The Veilguard's technical performance across platforms leans towards the positive side. The majority of reviewers commend the game for its smooth performance, lack of game-breaking bugs, and solid overall experience. Push Square praises the near-perfect performance on PS5 with locked 60 frames-per-second and quick load times, while RPG Fan's sixty-five-hour playthrough reveals minimal graphical hiccups. However, there are mentions of minor issues such as German subtitle errors, occasional visual glitches, and fragmented world design, as noted by GIGA and God is a Geek. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment suggests that the technical performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is commendable, offering an enjoyable gaming experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon Age: The Veilguard impresses with smooth 60fps on Xbox Series X and polished gameplay on PS5. While some minor issues like reconstruction artifacts and visual glitches exist, overall, critics agree on its commendable technical performance. Push Square lauds the flawless PS5 experience, despite occasional hiccups noted by some reviewers. Despite minor setbacks, the game delivers an enjoyable gaming experience for players on various platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

Overall, the critics generally agree that Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers significant replay value through various gameplay elements. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the extensive companion quests and character arcs that provide essential storytelling experiences, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. COGconnected praises the substantial 40+ hour main campaign with multiple branching paths, relationships, and narrative choices that offer players a diverse gameplay experience. The game's significant customization options for the protagonist, as mentioned by GameSpot, also contribute to its replay value, allowing players to impact the story and unlock unique conversation options. Additionally, the interconnected quests, faction relationships, and character progression, as highlighted by Eurogamer, provide players with multiple reasons to explore and engage with the world, enhancing the overall replayability. On the negative side, some critics express concerns that the lack of impactful decisions and linear story progression may limit the game's replay value, as mentioned by Gaming Age. Inverse notes the limited impact of player choices on characters and the world state, which could potentially reduce the incentive for multiple playthroughs. Worth Playing also points out the departure from traditional Dragon Age gameplay and the lack of non-combat skills, which may impact the replayability for some players. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers various gameplay elements that contribute to replay value, certain aspects such as limited player choices and departure from traditional gameplay may hinder the overall experience for some players seeking extensive replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Age: The Veilguard provides a diverse and engaging gameplay experience with significant replay value. Positive aspects such as the game's extensive content, impactful decisions, and customization options are highlighted by multiple reviewers, including COGconnected, GameSpot, and PlayStation Universe. While some critics raise concerns about limited player choices and departure from traditional gameplay, the overall sentiment leans towards the game offering enough depth and variety to warrant multiple playthroughs. The combination of engaging storytelling, diverse character interactions, and meaningful decisions contributes to the game's overall replay value, making it a compelling experience for fans of the RPG genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its replay value with extensive companion quests, a 40+ hour campaign, and customization options. However, concerns arise about limited impactful decisions and departure from traditional gameplay. Overall, the game offers diverse gameplay experiences but may not fully satisfy players seeking extensive replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics unanimously praised Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its standout positives, with XboxEra commending its great visuals, gameplay, story, and sound design. Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the captivating RPG adventure, inclusive world, and deep combat systems, while Dexerto lauded it as a stellar achievement with memorable characters and expertly crafted combat. The game's strong narrative, improved visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics were also highlighted by GIGA, Noisy Pixel, and PlayStation Universe. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out a few shortcomings. Forbes mentioned the need for more editing, gameplay complexity, and sharper writing. Gaming Age noted the game falling short of BioWare's best in storytelling and character development. RPGamer expressed that while enjoyable, the game lacked a lasting impact and failed to establish its own identity. VGC felt that The Veilguard, while fine within the modern action RPG space, lacked evolution and felt somewhat out of date. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority considering Dragon Age: The Veilguard a very good game. Eurogamer praised it as the best Dragon Age game and a standout RPG experience, setting a high bar for the genre. PlayStation Universe deemed it a late Game of the Year contender, while RPG Fan hailed it as one of the best BioWare games, a must-play for RPG fans. The game's captivating narrative, engaging combat, polished presentation, and respect for the Dragon Age lore were highlighted as key strengths that contributed to its overall positive reception. Despite some minor issues raised by a few critics, the general sentiment is that The Veilguard marks a triumphant return to form for BioWare, delivering a compelling and immersive RPG experience that resonated well with fans and critics alike.

TL;DR

Critics raved about Dragon Age: The Veilguard for its stunning visuals, captivating story, and deep combat systems. While some mentioned minor flaws like the need for more editing and sharper writing, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game is praised as a standout RPG experience, with Eurogamer calling it the best Dragon Age game and a must-play for RPG fans. Despite some criticisms, The Veilguard marks a triumphant return to form for BioWare, delivering a compelling and immersive experience that resonates well with fans and critics.

CRITIK

Reviews

153 reviews found

100

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is highly recommended, with great visuals, gameplay, story, and sound design, despite minor issues with image quality and some voice acting.

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100

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return to form for BioWare, delivering a captivating and inclusive RPG adventure with a stunning world to explore, deep combat systems, and a shining testament to diversity and inclusivity.

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100

Eurogamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is praised as the best Dragon Age game and a standout RPG experience, showcasing BioWare's return to form with a spectacular and sophisticated game that sets a high bar for the genre.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a thoroughly solid and polished RPG adventure, cementing itself as one of the best BioWare games. Heartfelt story, emotional moments, and respect for DA lore make it a must-play for RPG fans.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a must-have for RPG fans, with fantastic combat, exploration, writing, and characters, making it a late Game of the Year contender.

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GIGA

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard successfully continues the series with a strong narrative, improved visuals, and new gameplay mechanics, despite some minor issues like repetitive quests and linearity.

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Metro GameCentral

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A triumphant return for BioWare, offering a vast, engaging, and fun fantasy role-playing experience.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard may not be the direct successor to Dragon Age: Origins, but it delivers a captivating experience with interesting characters, engaging combat, and a polished presentation, making it a return to form for the franchise.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a really good time with a great story, solid combat, and plenty of exploration.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is praised for delivering an innovative take on the series with engaging combat, a strong cast of characters, and a redesigned world for exploration, despite some shortcomings in enemy variety and faction depth.

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