Dragon Age: The Veilguard Faces A Giant In Baldur’s Gate 3

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Salman Fareed

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Remember those unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the game? For me, that defining experience was Dragon Age: Origins. Released in 2009, this fantasy RPG was a game-changer, earning titles like “RPG of the Decade” and “Masterpiece.”

Its stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters like Morrigan, Alistair, and Leliana made it a pinnacle in my gaming journey. When BioWare announced Dragon Age: The Veilguard, I felt excited but also a bit nervous.

I am waiting for a new adventure in Thedas, but as we get new updates, I have some worries, especially considering the huge success of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Why it matters: BioWare’s recent struggles and development issues with The Veilguard concern me. Moreover, it’s up against Baldur’s Gate 3, a huge RPG that’s already snagged numerous awards.

The Baldur’s Gate 3 Behemoth

Since 2009, nothing quite matched Dragon Age: Origins’ greatness until Larian Studios dropped Baldur’s Gate 3. This masterpiece from 2023 took fantasy RPGs to new heights, reminiscent of Origins over a decade ago.

Being awarded Game of the Year at TGA 2023 speaks volumes about Baldur’s Gate 3’s quality and the dedication poured into its development. With its depth in storytelling, well-written characters, and immersive world, Baldur’s Gate 3 has grabbed the attention of players globally.

Plus, Larian Studios’ continuous support through patches and announcement of new features like modding tools and crossplay ensures that Baldur’s Gate 3 stays fresh and engaging for a long time.

While there were more Dragon Age games after Origins, none matched the original’s ambition or quality. Dragon Age 2 faced criticism for its recycled environments and rushed development, while Inquisition, despite its successes, had its share of issues with pacing and filler content.

Now, with a new entry on the way, I can’t shake this sense of dread. How will it stack up against the massive success of Baldur’s Gate 3, with its unprecedented scores and accolades?

The comparisons are inevitable, and as a devoted Dragon Age fan, I’m genuinely worried. The looming presence of a titanic RPG in Baldur’s Gate 3 creates a tough act to follow for any title, particularly one with as much to prove as The Veilguard.

It’s a huge challenge, and the pressure is on.

Development Hurdles at BioWare

BioWare’s recent track record doesn’t ease my worries. Games like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem fell short of expectations due to development problems and a lack of clear direction. These stumbles have tarnished BioWare’s once-strong reputation.

Now, The Veilguard needs to do more than just succeed—it has to restore BioWare’s place as a top developer of story-focused RPGs. But right now, things are not looking great at the studio.

The rocky journey of The Veilguard doesn’t give much assurance. Hearing about problems and layoffs, including key team members like the original Dragon Age writer Mary Kirby, adds to the uncertainty.

It seems like things haven’t been smooth sailing in Thedas, and it’s natural to wonder how it’ll all affect the game in the end. In recent years, there have been reports of big changes in leadership and development teams.

Change isn’t always bad, but it can cause disruptions and shifts that affect a game’s quality. Renaming Dreadwolf to The Veilguard hints at a possible change in creative direction, perhaps due to internal or external pressures.

This uncertainty raises concerns about whether the RPG will live up to expectations.

I’m Still Optimistic

The world of RPGs has changed a lot. Nowadays, players want deep branching stories, choices that matter, and flawless gameplay. Baldur’s Gate 3 nailed this with its vast world and choice-based gameplay.

For The Veilguard to impress, it needs to push boundaries like never before. It has to learn from past Dragon Age entries and the competition.

BioWare has a legacy of developing unforgettable games, and I’m optimistic about them. Despite the worrying signs, my love for Dragon Age stays strong. This series means a lot to me, and I’m not giving up on it.

There’s still hope for something special with The Veilguard. If Baldur’s Gate could make a comeback after a long hiatus, why not BioWare’s renowned IP? I’ll be waiting for the gameplay reveal that is expected this week, hoping it recaptures the magic of the original entry.

Salman Fareed

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