Larian Studios' Publishing Director, Michael Douse, recently lauded Dragon Age: The Veilguard, offering high praise for BioWare's latest action RPG. This article delves into his assessment and explores the game's innovative features.
Larian Studios' Publishing Director Hails Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Focused Identity
Michael Douse (@Cromwelp on X), Baldur's Gate 3's publishing director, expressed enthusiastic approval for The Veilguard, revealing he played it secretly (even behind his backpack at the office!). He highlighted the game's clear sense of self, a refreshing contrast to previous Dragon Age titles that sometimes struggled to balance narrative and gameplay. He likened the experience to a compelling, character-driven Netflix series, a concise and engaging narrative compared to a sprawling, lengthy one.
Douse praised the innovative combat system, describing it as a brilliant blend of Xenoblade Chronicles and Hogwarts Legacy, creating a fast-paced, combo-driven experience reminiscent of Mass Effect, a departure from the slower, tactical combat of earlier Dragon Age games. He noted the game's excellent pacing, its ability to balance impactful narrative moments with opportunities for player experimentation and class exploitation. He even commended BioWare's continued industry presence amidst "moronic corporate greed."
The most significant praise centered on The Veilguard's newfound identity. Douse called it "the first Dragon Age game that truly knows what it wants to be," acknowledging that while this might be a subtle critique of past entries, it's not a dismissal of the series' legacy. He clarified his admiration, stating, "I'll always be a [Dragon Age: Origins] guy, and this isn't that," emphasizing that The Veilguard's distinct vision is what makes it exceptional. In short, Douse declared it "fun!"
Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Rook Character Offers "True Player Agency"
Dragon Age: The Veilguard's custom protagonist, the Rook, offers players unprecedented agency in shaping their character's background, skills, and alignment. As detailed by Xbox Wire, players have extensive creative control, choosing from classes like Mage, Rogue, and Warrior, each with unique specializations (e.g., Spellblade for mages). Personalization extends even to the Rook's home, the Lighthouse, allowing players to decorate it to reflect their character's journey.
A developer quoted by Xbox Wire emphasized the immersive character creation process, stating that even seemingly minor choices, such as face tattoos, contribute to a deeply personal and authentic character experience. This level of detail likely contributed to Douse's positive assessment, particularly the focus on meaningful player choices.
With its October 31st release, BioWare hopes players will share Douse's enthusiasm. Our review highlighted The Veilguard's embrace of a faster-paced action RPG style, resulting in a more fluid and engaging experience than its predecessors. For a full review and our 90-score rating, please see our linked article.
