Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review for PlayStation 5

From the developers over at BioWare, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” comes from a studio I’ve loved mostly for their Mass Effect series. However, BioWare has struggled in the past decade to release another true hit, with titles like “Anthem” and “Mass Effect: Andromeda” failing to capture that old magic. There hasn’t been a new Dragon Age title since “Inquisition” which was their last big hit back in 2014. With this release, there’s a lot on the line, as BioWare aims to prove it can still deliver an unforgettable experience worthy of the Dragon Age name.

While I didn’t play too much of the Dragon Age games back in the day, there are things that I still love about it and still remember. The world of Thedas remains as enchanting and dangerous as ever. It’s a land brimming with both beauty and chaos, where lush forests and ancient cities sit side-by-side with dark, forbidden magic and labyrinthine paths. As always, Thedas feels alive, and The Veilguard delivers a journey through this world that captures a real sense of adventure. I stepped into the role of Rook, the game’s newest protagonist, a warrior with a mission to stop two malevolent gods from spreading ruin. The stakes are high, and there’s an urgency woven into every quest, every choice, and every battle, making it feel like the fate of Thedas truly rests on my shoulders.

Right off the bat, it’s worth talking about the character creator and how much I loved it. The customization options are impressively detailed, allowing me to choose Rook’s race, class, and backstory, down to facial features and armor styles. I spent far longer than I care to admit in the character creator, perfecting every aspect of my hero’s look and imagining the backstory that would inform their journey. Once I’d created Rook, I dove into the game’s storyline, which, while engaging, doesn’t quite reach the storytelling depth seen in “Dragon Age: Origins” as memory serves. It’s a solid, if not groundbreaking, narrative that is more than serviceable, even if it sometimes feels a bit restrained compared to past installments. In a post-Baldur’s Gate III era, The Veilguard lacks the same genre-pushing complexity. BioWare crafted a solid RPG that feels like a return to form, but it doesn’t quite capture the innovation we saw in that recent hit. That said, it’s far from a failure. It is still a visually impressive return to the series, offering enjoyable combat, a memorable cast, and a familiar, if slightly safer, story that builds on the Dragon Age legacy.

Combat is where The Veilguard stands out, especially for fans who appreciate real-time action. Battles are intense and satisfying, and although I didn’t need to micromanage my companions’ every move, I had a blast picking targets and unleashing abilities at the right moments. The game doesn’t demand intricate tactical planning, but it does reward creativity in skill use and team synergy. There’s a straightforward thrill in wielding a powerful skill to vanquish a foe or discovering a rare artifact that enhances my abilities. These items and upgrades helped me fine-tune Rook’s combat style and offered some truly memorable moments, especially during larger, epic encounters with gods and dragons.

As I journeyed through Thedas, each choice felt heavy with consequence. From choosing which faction to back to deciding the fate of allies and foes, every decision left a mark on the story. The world feels fragile and unpredictable, with war brewing between nations and tensions running high among factions. BioWare captures that sense of unease and tension well, making me question who I could trust and pushing me to consider the implications of my choices. My decisions shaped the story, even if some consequences felt more cosmetic than deeply impactful. There’s a spark of hope that BioWare might finally be finding its way back, reestablishing itself as a powerful force in RPG storytelling.

“Dragon Age: The Veilguard” is a reminder of why BioWare has a devoted fanbase, and even with its flaws, I left feeling optimistic about where the studio might go from here. This is both a nod to the past and a step forward. While it’s not quite the groundbreaking experience I’d hoped for, it’s a promising reminder of BioWare’s strengths. For anyone craving an immersive RPG with a compelling world and engaging combat, The Veilguard is a worthwhile return to Thedas.

8.5/10

For more information, visit the official website.

Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro

Nick Navarro

+ posts

Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87

• Metal Slug Tactics Review for PlayStation 5
• Empire of the Ants Review for PlayStation 5
• SLITTERHEAD Review for PlayStation 5
• Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut Review for PlayStation 5