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

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 Twitter post (now X), Douse revealed his clandestine playthrough, even jokingly admitting to playing the game hidden behind his backpack at the office.

Douse highlighted The Veilguard's clear sense of purpose, a refreshing change from previous Dragon Age titles. He described it as a game that "truly knows what it wants to be," unlike its predecessors which sometimes struggled to balance narrative and gameplay. He likened it to a compelling, character-driven Netflix series, concise and engaging rather than a sprawling, drawn-out epic.

The game's innovative combat system also earned high praise. Douse described it as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy, creating a fast-paced, action-oriented experience reminiscent of BioWare's Mass Effect series, a departure from the more tactical combat of earlier Dragon Age games.

Douse further commended The Veilguard's pacing and narrative structure, noting its ability to balance impactful story moments with opportunities for player experimentation and class-specific strategies. He even lauded BioWare's continued presence in the gaming industry, particularly amidst what he called "moronic corporate greed."

However, Douse's most significant observation centers on The Veilguard's distinct identity. He considers it "the first Dragon Age game that truly knows what it wants to be," a statement that, while potentially critical of past entries, is ultimately positive. Douse clarified that while The Veilguard differs from Dragon Age: Origins, its focused vision is deeply commendable. In his words: "In a word, it's fun!"

Deep Character Customization Offers "True Player Agency"

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's character creation system, centered around the custom protagonist, the Rook, aims for unparalleled player agency. An Xbox Wire feature details the extensive customization options available, impacting everything from background and skills to moral alignment. Players assemble a party to confront two ancient Elven gods threatening Thedas.

Every choice, from backstory to combat specialization (Mage, Rogue, Warrior, with specializations like Spellblade), significantly contributes to the player's personalized experience. Even the Rook's home, the Lighthouse, can be personalized, reflecting the character's journey. A developer stated, "As you do, Rook reminisces about their history before the events of the game...The result is a character who truly feels like mine."

This profound focus on character detail likely contributed to Douse's positive assessment. The Veilguard's release on October 31st will determine if players share his enthusiasm. Our review awarded the game a 90, praising its embrace of a faster-paced action RPG style and more engaging gameplay compared to its predecessors. Read our full review for more details!