Many fans of the Dragon Age series have expressed disappointment with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, citing several key issues that detract from the experience they expected from a new installment in this beloved franchise.
Diminished Player Agency: Players have noted a significant reduction in meaningful choices, which has historically been a hallmark of the series. Many feel that the game is more linear, offering fewer opportunities to impact the story or world meaningfully. This has led to a sense of frustration among long-time fans who cherished the impactful decision-making of previous titles12.
Handling of Characters: There are complaints regarding the sidelining of beloved characters from earlier games. Fans expected these characters to play a significant role in The Veilguard, but many felt that their contributions were minimal or overlooked entirely, which was seen as a missed opportunity to honor their legacy12.
Romance Options: The romantic relationships in The Veilguard have been described as lackluster, with players feeling that they lack depth and emotional engagement. Many fans anticipated steamy and dramatic interactions but found the romances to be underdeveloped and unfulfilling, lacking the intensity seen in previous entries34.
Tonal Inconsistency: Critics have pointed out that the game suffers from tonal inconsistencies, oscillating between dark themes and lighter, almost whimsical moments. This disjointed approach undermines the immersive experience that fans expect from a Dragon Age title, leading to confusion about the overall narrative tone5.
Combat and Gameplay Mechanics: While some players praised the visual aspects and smooth performance, others criticized the combat system as feeling more akin to an MMO than a traditional RPG. The mechanics have been described as clunky, with repetitive boss battles contributing to a sense of monotony throughout the gameplay24.
Overall, while there are elements of The Veilguard that some players appreciate, such as its graphics and certain gameplay features, many fans feel it falls short of the high standards set by earlier games in the series. The combination of reduced player agency, disappointing character arcs, lackluster romances, tonal inconsistencies, and unsatisfactory combat mechanics has left many feeling let down by this latest entry in the Dragon Age saga.