Dragon Age: The Veilguard is WEIRD...

[@Harry_S._Plinkett]

Glad to finally see a genuine critique of this game that isn’t just “woke bad.”

[@RandomWandrer]

Ah. The woke stuff was really 10 minutes in a 60 hour game. The problem of veilguard was the director decision to strip out all the grit and darkness and conflict, making everyone "nice"

[@nickpickxd2138]

@@RandomWandrerit wasn’t just 10 minutes but it’s just the easiest reason to center why the game went wrong vs what is actually wrong with the game.

[@dizetoot]

Great critique - you're the first critique vid I've seen that mentions how ridiculous it is that we can walk physically in the fade and there's no reaction. Really interesting points about the live action carry overs, I don't play those so wasn't as clear to me, it just felt that the game play mechanics felt off. I was so hyped when the reveal video that you appended first came out - sobering how many people involved in that left or were firing, really makes it clear that the drop off in experience led to questionable decisions and writing

[@katharinamarschall5662]

Your review puts into words what I felt while playing Veilguard. Veilguard does not take place in the same world as the other games. It’s a fever dream. What also irks me is that Solas said his people need him in Trespasser. He cared for his people most of all. In Veilguard, it’s more about Mythal is the reason for his actions. His whole purpose changed between the games?

[@iammostdefinitelynotyou]

I was bothered by how his "memories" were all him sacrificing spirits so casually. Seeing them as cannon fodder and never really grieving lost friends was so out of character from him in Inquisition.

[@elisecorr]

I'm glad to see someone not afraid to thoroughly criticize the companions, especially Neve. She's one of the most disappointing and boring characters for me and the line delivery is awful.

[@jbear3478]

Thank you for actually explaining what the Marvel criticism means

[@19cp1]

You hit every nail on the head! Especially music.. it’s so bad. It doesn’t evoke any emotion from me but when the inquisition music would slip in the game, it was like an instant flashback. I noticed that even the sound design with magic and stuff is reused from mass effect. The flame staff has the ‘meteor’ sound from ME1.. also yes to the dialogue! Everyone talks like you’re two, like we get it! It’s the GODS! lol They don’t care about the lore at all. They literally called it andraste temple when you first visit dock town and not chantry. It took me out of the game so fast

[@bhryaen3743]

As articulated from the perspective of the ancient wisdom of elven gods from the leader of the scholars of such wisdom: "Shit. If this game was delivered by the same nascent dev team which tried to supplant an RPG studio w a looter shooter live service, that explains a lot." This has become my favorite look into how V was a failure- watched it in entirety. The side-by-side lore and dialog contrasts of DA v V, or V v genuine RPGs, was exceptionally poignant w great surgically pinpointed examples from game footage. I knew they were playing fast and loose w the lore, but this went the full distance to disclose it. Once I saw the hostility in the new dev team toward the franchise and its fans, I could never play it on principle, so I'll never know just how bad the departures were. They've already put it on sale, but at 90% off I wouldn't dare touch it for the damage it does to canon. So many excellent insights I can't echo in entirety. For me the biggest "red flag" of V is the lore/gameworld-destroying stuff that sticks out like an elephant standing on the player's toe: the bitter breakup letters from our ex-protagonist telling how "the South" is being summarily wiped from the map and the epilogue reveal about EA "Execs" that wipes the previous games (and V) from relevance beyond the moves of pawns in a larger chess game. That damage to Thedas and its story is far too sweeping and arbitrary and completely unearned. From that every other slap in the face then appears to come from a similar source, particularly the removal of reference to previous games: a dev team that resents the work of the previous dev team and the players who enjoyed that team's work. I wouldn't doubt it if they were pissed at that team for largely abandoning ship- at Gaider more than the others (despite his ironic defense of the game)- and at the players for rejecting Anthem.

[@saktii2318]

Veilguard trivializes every aspect of the Dragon Age lore and world. It's such a shame. David Gaider must HATE what they did to the world he created.

[@alsaiduq4363]

Might be the best video on veilguard i seen so far.

[@ralsky1339]

Great critique, it's feel so refreshing and thought out compared to all the countless "taash bad and woke agenda killed dragon age" that I saw all over YT I honestly didn't even noticed that we went in the Fade in my playthrough and I wouldn't have known if I hadn't watch your critique, I'm truly baffled by what the end product of DA4 was compared to what the early project (Joplin) looked like and so sad of what could have been

[@RandomWandrer]

Agree on all points. I dont mind a few retcons if they allow for some epic story moments that are otherwise impossible to pull off. But it really bothered me that there were no slaves anywhere, no extreme racism against elves (which should have been exacerbated by the ELVEN GODS massacring Thedas). The pirates were not pirates. The assassins (who train slave kids, half of whom die) were all warm hearted defenders of their home. The Dalish should have been divided in turmoil at the revelations of who their gods were, with many flocking to E+G. It also bothered me that all characters (companions and factions) were "nice", supportive, with zero darkness and no conflict with Rook or Eachother. They are all "GoTeam" all the time. And the game never really established why Rook was leading at all. Solas clearly knew who he was. So it wasnt because he was unknown. I can only assume Rook takes the lead because he is the most competent fighter? I wish there was some kind of prologue where we see Rook bond with Verric, and show some quality that makes Rook best to lead. I still really enjoyed Veilguard. For what it was. Itnwas beautifully made, with some nice lore tying together dwarves and elves. The cinematics were great, and the main story better than most games. I just wish it felt like Thedas. You know? Thedas? A place so grim that it's dangerous and heartbreaking on a good day.

[@Kenshin6321]

I hear you, the game wasn't a "bad" game, but it wasn't a Dragon Age game. I feel that's why everyone hates it. Not because the game is completely incompetent, but because we were sold a Dragon Age game, but what we got was Guardian's of the Galaxy Veilguard.

[@hotgyoutube]

Finally an in-depth analysis on the Veilguard without all the anti-woke nonsense

[@verymelonman12]

Thanks for the reminder of why Baldur's Gate 3 laps circles around The Vielguard

[@tardeify]

The reason why dragon age origins was a success coz it was kept a secret until it was dropped in the market silently. It was a pleasant surprise. Nobody knew what they were cooking. It didn't suffer from overmarketing. Dragon age 2 was saved by the talent of the original developers despite the greedy intentions of EA. So, they tried to improvise on their mistakes through the Inquisition but the greed was still there lying dormant. It was going good for the next Dragon Age in the developing phase until the Left came into power and the damage was done now regardless of Right back in power. People destroy good things. Especially never let your enemies know your moves. Just move silently. Dragon Age has such a massive fan base that even a surprise release two months before would have done wonders for them provided they managed to preserve and protect the magic it had. No wonder most of the original developers left the studio. Sadly, the IP is dead I guess...Dragon age had a really very special place in my heart...Its true when they say that all good things come to an end...

[@nyxian_grid]

I agree with you for the most part. The only thing I would note is regarding the blood magic comment. I think that was a purposeful misdirection by Solas.

[@carmenwillow7991]

Excellent analysis as to the flaws in this game. Thanks! Well Done!

[@erikirgens4260]

Biggest disappointment of the decade. I hope someone writes a competent retelling of what we would have had. Even if it's a fucking fanfic.

[@MarwolfAeducan]

They had 10 years man .that's all I'm gonna say

[@Kenshin6321]

@@MarwolfAeducan 10 whole years, although this game wasn't in development for 10 years. What makes it worse, is for some reason, they didn't understand that if we waited for 10 years, what is a few more years to give us something we'd truly enjoy? Honestly though, even if they had 2 more years, it's clear the devs who worked on it didn't respect or even understand the lore, so I doubt anymore time would have given us a better product if it was made by the same people.

[@Sheechiibii]

This video perfectly sums up my feelings about Veilguard. Goodbye to Dragon Age indeed. I will always love DA1-3, but it's unlikely I'll play another Dragon age game unless user reviews point to a return to form. Mass Effect 5 is being worked on by a different team than veilguard was, so I still have some small hope for it, but I'll be hesitant to buy it before seeing long time fan reviews.

[@AndDrewastaken]

I'd like to think there is a argument to made that it depends on the developer on how important they make combat. My case is being made on basis that I'm a heavy lore guy. I know the lore of this universe and I think combat could easily learn a lot about a character by the way they approach battle doesn't always have to be said. Mage uses staffs, warrior shields and swords or bigger sword ect. So let me give a example the way specializations are introduced in dao to us is through conversation or the upgrade page depends. You unlock these by exploring the world with your character seeing how they fight along side you. Especially for me seeing morrigian mage abilities first time. Then opening her upgrade tree to see all her abilities she can unlock I spent time reading everyone. Then engage in convo and you get to ask them more about it getting little nuggets of lore ever time. Then there would be Da2 where your companies power are adjusted or act different depending on there story which I will admit Datv did implement but was executed to my expectations. But giving you different abilities but less lore and more of a fancy title with increased stats. DAI also added a lot to the capabilities of combat. While still giving you lore giving almost a good blance. You get a teacher, you get a custom mission for the specialization you get companions comments on your specialization plus cool new abilities open up.

[@garroshhellscream594]

The worst offender about lore and combat is still how as a warrior, you can summon reaping scythe or fierce fire spears from the skies like it's normal. C'mon, I'm supposed to play a warrior.

[@serpentenya]

Great review! Refreshing to have critiques that aren’t following the “woke whambulance.” Inquisition was also my favourite in the series, Origins definitely has the best writing but I can easily replay Inquisition again and again vs the clunkiness of Origins lol The biggest problem in DAYV imo is the lack of world state. You nailed it with your example of your Inky’s choices. It’s insulting and no longer feels like “our” DA worlds.

[@Tito_michi]

Yeah, it's a good characteristic. Not a bad game, but not a Dragon Age game. Made me appreciate previous games more.

[@Kenshin6321]

I would love to see how Veilguard was developed. But I suppose we only get that with good games. Repurposing a live service game to be a single player RPG was just a bad idea. The foundation for this game is bad, and it should have just been scrapped. I don't think this game does any service to the franchise. It has done more harm than good. The few good things that we did get are completely overshadowed by how bland and boring the game is. With that said, even if we got a full fledged game, I doubt the current devs care enough about the lore and the game's history to create a product of service. This game felt nothing like Dragon Age, and more about "this is how we want to do things now." To save on money, they could have gotten rid of Rook's voice actor, and just have your choices be what characters react to (like in Origins and BG3). I think what's most telling is how we as gamers are willing to put up with a "bad" game if the story, characters, and music can carry the game. Combat in Origins was mad clunky, Dragon Age 2 felt unfinished, and Inquisition was WAY WAY TOO grindy, with way too many side quests, and yet, we have fond memories of those games because the characters, the story, and the music carried us through the bad parts of the game. Objectively speaking, Veilguard is a competent game. But the characters, the story, the music, the dialogue, everything about this game is just not good enough to carry the Dragon Age name. This doesn't feel like a Dragon Age game. This game should have been it's own separate story, with nothing to do with Dragon Age characters. I personally believe if this game didn't carry the Dragon Age moniker, it would have done. But EA Bioware got greedy, and wanted to use the fan's loyalty to sell a rebranded product. As a result, Dragon Age might actually be finished, and it went out with a wimper.

[@Avocado_san]

amazing critique, every word I agree with. I feel betrayed and disappointed by this game and for believing it could be good

[@YodaOnABender]

Nah it’s definitely bad. I feel like this game is the epitome of what’s wrong with so many AAA games at the moment. It feels like they’re so worried about HR breathing down their necks that they don’t get the chance to actually focus on making the game good

[@mattphoenix4702]

I am so tired of hearing the same “everything is woke” idiocy. There are a number of REAL reasons Veilguard ended up the way it is. Spewing that political sludge muddies the water and makes it hard for ACTUAL criticism to be taken seriously and acted upon. If you had taken 2 minutes to do some research, you would have found the ACTUAL story behind what went wrong. It all comes down to BioWare trying to chase the fad of “live service” games that became really popular for a while there in the 2010’s. Work on this “live” Dragon Age game was apparently far enough along to have a barebone but functional alpha. Of course, the “live” game bubble burst. BioWare had to choose to either continue on with the current iteration of the game, or scrap it and start over. They scrapped it. The next issue came a few years later and was entirely self-inflicted. There was a conflict between the direction BioWare wanted the game to go and the direction the writers wanted to keep going because they had 3 previous games worth of lore and story to stay faithful to. BioWare fired EVERY writer than had been a part of the teams working on the previous games. They were replaced with writers new to to the Dragon Age lore who would be more compliant with the demands of the money men. If you picked up on the fact that Veilguard lacks any internal consistency, this was the reason why. The WHOLE story wasn’t just thrown out. In fact, the beginning and the end of the game are leftovers from the original script, and you can see the difference in quality with what happened between them. Veilguard isn’t a horrible game. It has some bright spots. But I will NEVER be able to forgive the fact that the solution BioWare came up with to make writing Veilguard easier was to just destroy half of Thedas. Off screen. In dialogue. They resolved the “problem” of player choice influencing the narrative by literally destroying the people and places that were the heart of the previous games. I almost don’t want a Dragon Age 5. I don’t think BioWare will respect the history and characters any more than they did in Veilguard

[@LizzzardWizzzard]

Even though you use "she" every time you mention Taash, I do appreciate what you have to say about the character. As a nonbinary person, I hate the inclusion of the *word* instead of just the concept. Instead of having a deep conversation with their mom about how their identity is different from the canon established term for trans, we get them just having an absolutely juvenile fit over their moms reaction. Some of us can only fantasize about a parent who is so open to the concept, and Taash's mom gets absolutely shit on for the way she reacts. So yeah, I kinda hate the way they handled Taash, and I feel like that character is emblematic of the writing issues with the game in a lot of ways.

[@BossAttack]

@@LizzzardWizzzard Yeah, that was a big oversight on my part. But was too tired to re-record before publishing.

[@serpentenya]

@@BossAttackAt most you could add a pinned comment or something in your description apologizing for misgendering at times. That’s pretty low effort. It happens!

[@LizzzardWizzzard]

@@BossAttack no biggie, I'm not a person who cares about misgendering in person, and I don't care about it here, just pointing it out. I actually do agree with you on the Taash issue anyways :p

[@Jaco._.]

Even if it wasn’t a dragon age game it would be still trash! 🚮

[@Miscellaneon]

very well put Thank you!

[@UsaKou02]

This is a solid review

[@GreyWardenArlethaVakarian]

Everything is WRONG about the Veilguard, they changed the lore, made a game for teens and peeps who need to be reminded every five minutes about whats been said five minutes ago, the game is BORING, the characters aren't interesting,they are annoying. Harding lost her confidence and cannot even tell Lucanis that she doesn't like coffee on the other hand she is annoyed at Emmrich fighting over books,they even failed in keeping the new Harding personality consistent. One minute the people pleaser the next she is able to talk about things she doesn't agree with when talking to Emmrich. The factions are all good in The Veilguard ignoring the history behind old familiar factions like the killer crows for example. You aren't allowed to put Taash in her place telling her that she can't expect others to respect her if she doesn't treat others with respect. She calls Emmrich names like a spoiled brat who never experienced good parenting. Taash also comments on Neves clothing..damn those who like Taash are weird she's personified selfishness.

[@ttubebaby]

To say that you liked Inquisition best and then go into a critique of Veilguard just means you don't know what you're criticizing and have only seen that the tide of public opinion has turned against it and decided it's time to turn your cloak. If you liked Inquisition best you should like the Veilguard since it is just Inquisition with the volume turned up. There is no flaw, or excess or overindulgence or writing faux-pas in Veilguard that was not tried out in Inquisition first. Maybe it's just that they finally managed to make the sex boring because that's all Inquisition fans were ever here for.

[@garroshhellscream594]

There's so much wrong in your statement bro.

[@Sheechiibii]

Over half of his criticisms are direct comparisons between Veilguard and Inquisition with the footage to back up why they are totally different. Did you even watch the video past where he said Inquisition was his favourite? I've loved every DA game before this, Inquisition is my favourite too and yet Veilguard was such a huge disappointment to the point I don't have any interest in the series going forward. It is completely different to Inquition. No roleplay, choices, consistent lore, nor any depth to characters, factions, moral dillemas, nothing that Inquisition, DA2, or Origins had.