Exploring the fantasy world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a fantasy epic that showcases some of the best voice acting and polish in any game I've played this year.

The story follows a group of remarkable warriors as they overcome personal obstacles and learn about themselves. Developed by BioWare and published by EA, this title has left me thoroughly impressed as my first foray into the Dragon Age series.

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This game is incredibly accessible — not just in its mechanics and narrative, but also in its inclusive settings.

You're able to customise "Rook", the main character in the game, in impressive detail, allowing for a truly personal experience. From gender to skin colour, hair, tattoos and character back story.

In a year filled with RPGs like Final Fantasy Rebirth and Metaphor ReFantazio, The Veilguard stands apart, offering freedom of choice and stunning visuals.

A Story to Behold

From the opening sequence, the game's visual finesse and professional voice acting shine through. I was captivated throughout, as if watching a Hollywood blockbuster.

Following this strong start, the storyline quickly immerses you in both the physical world of Thedas and the Fade — a realm of dreams and magic where strange creatures roam, including spirits and demons.

Choices in The Veilguard are powerful; they impact the world and the Fade, creating shifts in loyalties, unexpected sacrifices, and tough decisions.

The Veilguard is a direct sequel to Dragon Age: Inquisition, but as a newcomer, I never felt lost in the narrative. Now that I've completed The Veilguard, I'm eager to experience Inquisition.

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World and Exploration

As you journey through The Veilguard, the world invites exploration, rewarding those who look beyond the obvious. The exploration mechanics remind me of God of War, especially when finding and opening chests.

The layout of areas, health pickups, and ultimate potions offer a familiar feel, making discovery more intuitive.

Rook is joined by powerful companions, each with distinct personalities and abilities. Engaging with companions between quests can strengthen or damage relationships, depending on your choices.

Their personal quests deepen the connections you form.

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Combat: Fighting the Blight

Rook and their companions face various enemies, from the blighted Darkspawn to powerful Venatori cultists. Combining abilities is key in tougher battles—like executing a meteor blast alongside an entangling spell.

There are plenty of tricks up a mage's sleeve, especially with the Spellblade specialisation. Beyond basic attacks, special moves can be executed with a combination of buttons or through strategic pauses in battle, allowing for tactical planning.

Graphics and Art Direction

The battles and visuals in The Veilguard are spectacular. The cinematography and effects keep players at the heart of the action. Each new area offers something fresh — be it a flaming crypt or a towering monument. The lighting is impeccable, making exploration through photo mode hard to resist.

While the art style blends realism with fantasy aesthetics, some players might find that the character designs and world details lack the true-to-life realism seen in other modern titles.

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Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an adventure that knows how to keep you engaged. With intricate storytelling, morally complex choices, vibrant companions, and rich world-building, BioWare has poured love and detail into this game. It's not just the sweeping battles or breathtaking landscapes that make it special; it's the thoughtful interactions and evolving relationships.

After over 60 hours exploring Thedas, making tough decisions, and forming bonds that mattered, I can honestly say Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a game I won't soon forget. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this journey is well worth taking.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, EA App, and Epic Game Store on November 1, it retails for around $89.95.

A copy of Dragon Age: The Veilguard on PlayStation 5 was supplied to 9news.com.au for the purpose of this review.



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