Dragon Age: The Veilguard had a lot of pressure on its shoulders following the massive success of its predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition. After a long period of development challenges, BioWare released a game that both resembled the studio’s past successes and strayed from them in significant ways. One of the key differences in The Veilguard is the limited number of choices that players could import from previous games. Unlike Inquisition, which allowed for a wide range of choices to shape the world state, The Veilguard only allowed for three choices to be carried over.
This decision sparked a debate about the essence of the Dragon Age series. Should it be an anthology featuring different heroes in each game, or should it follow in the footsteps of Mass Effect by focusing on choice and consequence throughout the series? The Veilguard’s approach left many players unsatisfied, as it struggled to maintain continuity and acknowledge past decisions made by players. The appearance of the Inquisitor in the game, for example, felt disconnected from the character players had created in Inquisition.
Despite the limited import of choices, The Veilguard still maintained ties to the previous games through familiar characters like Morrigan, Varric, and Dorian. However, the game’s narrative felt more self-contained, with fewer choices that seemed to have long-term implications for the series as a whole. The game’s conclusion hinted at future developments, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.
With BioWare’s focus shifting to the fifth Mass Effect game, the future of the Dragon Age series remains uncertain. Many fans have expressed a desire for Rook, the protagonist of The Veilguard, to take center stage in the next game. Rook’s journey as a mercenary turned leader offers a fresh perspective that could revitalize the series. By placing Rook at the forefront of the narrative, BioWare has the opportunity to create a more cohesive and focused story that better reflects player choices and consequences.
In conclusion, The Veilguard marks a new beginning for the Dragon Age series. By embracing Rook as the protagonist of the next game, BioWare can address past continuity issues and deliver a more compelling and immersive experience for players. As the series moves forward, it’s essential to learn from the shortcomings of the past and take bold steps towards a brighter future for Dragon Age.
