This is Why they Changed Companions in The Veilguard

[@Lemurion287]

While I understand the goal of player engagement, the combat description sounds like more of a recipe for frustration than anything else. I'm getting on in years and I want combat that doesn't rely on reflexes.

[@jenniferhanses]

I'm a mage. I don't parry. Ideally, I should never even be near the actual fight. That's the warrior's job to keep them off me while I turn them to ice and then shatter them.

[@Chouninatte]

Luckily you'll have the option to make the battles easier so it won't matter if you take some hits!

[@nickrubin7312]

@@jenniferhanses Yeah. Same with support. But if companions don't have HP bars and are kind of combo-participants in YOUR battles (which they look like they are), just chipping some damage while you are actually the one who does all the killing, that's where the problem is in difference between the game being party-based RPG and aRPG combat not allowing for full control of the battlefield. Enemies will always focus on the player-character, so you always should be dps and max mobility build, because it is only you who does the fighting.

[@RandomWandrer]

I think you'll be ok. Apparently you can micromanage difficulty, down to extending dodge/parry windows. I'm also not the quickest on buttons...

[@Kiok04578]

I've rarely controlled the Companiens myself, so I'm less bothered by the fact that full control is no longer available

[@Pikaru-c4u]

None of us controlled the characters but u know gamers now, let’s rage about features we don’t use

[@QwkDrw84]

The more I find out about this game, the less I want to play it and that really sucks because Dragon Age is one of my favorite franchises of all time.

[@RandomWandrer]

😂 probably why bioware are staying so quiet 😂 What specifically put you off it? Presumably if the story and companions are well written, it won't matter too much if the combat is a bit "meh". DA2 had pretty annoying combat, but the story carried it.

[@QwkDrw84]

@@RandomWandrer several things have put me off. Only 2 companions traveling with you instead of 3. You can't take control of your companions to get a better feel for the other classes. Companions are player sexual so complex and personal stories like Dorians arent possible. In general these companions just don't seem like people I want to get to know, unlike the previous entries. They eliminated the open world for a more linear approach. They changed the tone to make it more comical and light hearted instead of dark and gritty. But my biggest complaint is that David Gaider didn't write it.

[@cracmar03]

@@QwkDrw84 Open world in Inquisition was basically big empty map with fetchquests. BioWare is horrible with open world aspect. And I don't know why Gaider should carry it. I thought Inquisition was only good when it was doing story missions. If Gaider was person who decided to do fetch quests and more interesting plot lines were for war table .... beyond that Inquisition was till end carried on promise of Dread Wolf story and that was Weeks job. And I don't understand 'complex personal story' claim issue. You mean "My parents didn't accepted me so they tried to change me" ? You don't have to be homosexual for that to be the case. You can in 5 minutes pull out such thing. "My parents didn't want a daughter, they wanted a son, so they tried to change me ! Trusting an Magister to do it, no less ! I escaped and never returned to them. They can stuck their legacy somewhere else for all I care." see. Less then 5 minutes and you already have premise akin to Dorian without limitation "Oh I only romance males you know" that you think to lump problems on. Besides I found DA 2 characters one of most complex in the series, and there all romance options were player sexual. Player sexuality takes 0 off realism, as for any romantic interest beyond initial attraction, you need trust. Even if you don't find someone attractive at first, you might start to see them as such due to trust and reliablity. I just genuielly disagree, as someone who is deep into writing, for dismissing 'player sexual' characters in video game as shallow and lacking any debt or realism. This is far from truth, as in player sexual, writer HAS TO think of WHY this character would be into protagonist beyond checklist of gender + race. And limiting romances is horrendous idea. Try playing Qunari (woman in particular) in DA Inquisition where half of romance options are not written to explain why they aren't available, they just aren't because you're Vashoth. I am all for ditching these horrendous limitations.

[@coldsteelblue7275]

Personally the more I hear, the less I want to play the game, with this, the unavoidable recruiting of companions, not having them leave for long, romancing each other & not being able to use your faves all the time as they'll go off & do their own thing...it all feels off to me. One thing I've said for years is that BW tend to chase trends instead of making their own thing & this really shows it with the soulslike combat. Hopefully some good news will come out soon, but not holding my breath Just my opinion

[@jenniferhanses]

God, I hope it's not Souls-like. I have no interest in that kind of thing. I know they're very good, but that's not a style I'm interested in.

[@odst123451]

I’m not interested in this game anymore but this isn’t souls like combat. The difficulty system has a built in god mode too.

[@coldsteelblue7275]

Miscommunicated guys, I didn't mean soulslike in terms of difficulty losing everything on death & having to reclaim it, but more like the constant dodge rolls & parrying, I'm also remembering the leak from a few years back that showed the sword & shield combat & it looked very dark souls in the moveset. Sorry for the miscommunication, it was midnight here when I typed that

[@vamphunterd12]

I'm having a hard time seeing how 3 spells is going to be satisfying game play.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I believe that's where the other parts of combat come in: 6 more spells/skills from your companions + action combat + an ultimate ability.

[@jenniferhanses]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne That's not really satisfying either. Compared to the over 40 you had before?

[@OccultEclipse]

There’s 6 abilities baked into the mage class in addition to the 3 slottable, an ultimate, a rune, the ability to swap between staff and daggers, light and heavy attacks, animation canceling, and armor effects. So not a ton, but saying it’s only 3 is overly reductive.

[@vamphunterd12]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Right, so my character still has 3 spells. Until I can see the skill tree's or extended higher level game play I will fail to see how this will be satisfying. I want to be optimistic but all I see is a gutted magic system.

[@vamphunterd12]

@@OccultEclipse Yes, I KNOW all that.

[@i_grok_u2902]

Made for a modern audience. The more I see the less hope I have 😢

[@Samurai_Stoner]

@@John-qy9nw what do you mean?

[@grege5074]

@@Samurai_Stoner i think they mean it looks like a copycat version of the cartoon-y flashy animation (right down to the saturation of the colour purple for some reason) based game play. Relying on button mashing or dodge rolling rather than tactically setting your party in motion and watching them execute commands.

[@tracyboyall2631]

Suggest you all watch the release date trailer. Makes me feel much better about the game.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

1000%.

[@Jules_Diplopia]

Thanks, and thanks to Bioware, that tells me that this game is absolutely NOT for me. I want LESS actions and MORE control. So this will not be for me. Thanks for letting me look for another game.

[@jamskinner]

I’m afraid it will play like andromeda where your companions are useless.

[@RandomWandrer]

The combat in Andromeda was wicked fun though!

[@DannyRayqu]

Extremely fun and the companions did help, perhaps the problem was something else...

[@moonwitch616]

Lmao! THEY cant handle it... ive played games like Bayonetta and DMC... Veilguard wont even come close to how difficult those games are.

[@wyacheslawkodanev2107]

This combat system feels absolutely not interesting to me. It doesn't feel too hard or too easy, too complex or too simple. It's just not interesting. If I wanted to dodge and parry, I would play Elden Ring (and if I didn't want to do it, I would play Elden Ring, but as a mage). The basics of DA was unchanged since the beginning: you have your pause, you sometimes have a kind of tactics system and ability to change your companions' reactions to a type of situation, you can change the character you're playing as if you want to. In DA2 half of the time I'm playing as Anders, because playing as a mage seems more interesting to me in combat situations, but outside of combats rogue/warriors are more fun to me, so I play as Hawke. In DAO and DAI I switch characters when one playstyle becomes boring to me. They didn't strip us from 'controlling the companions' (at least I never really cared about it). But they stripped us from the ability to change playstyles during the same playthrough. 'Just start a new playthrough and a new character!!!' Based on previous three DA games we know that Dragon Age prologues are frustratingly long. DAO doesn't really start until you leave Lothering, in DAI you don't get full player freedom until you get to Skyhold. And, you know, people usually have jobs and stuff. I don't want to control every member of my party in Dragon Age game, I never did so. But I'd like the ability to switch characters in Dragon Age games. And that's what frustrates me the most in this change. P. S. Who even were those people in focus groups who 'became more engaged when not able to control other characters'? Did they ever played Dragon Age before?

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

The ability to change playstyles (my swapping to a different companion like from a mage to a tank) is an important part of the convo of what's changed I agree. In the end I think the real time with pause wheel combat will be fine if not an improvement but there are some things that won't be there like that roll swapping and having one less active companion that are gonna be a big adjustment at minimum. I'm still excited to try it though. The story looks great.

[@scanix100]

What you've said about DA:I is true and true, it began at DA2, but that's another point instead they would have returned to DA:O they have shifted from it beyond any measure. It is completely different game which has nothing in common with DA:O sadly except some lore maybe.

[@moisesfreire6408]

As long as companion's AI is not absolutely dogshit like it was in Inquisition, this don't bothers me that much.

[@HyouVizer]

DAI default party AI settings were really bad yes. But you could change it for each party member that they'll actually be extremely OP with it, no longer needing to micro-mange them.

[@adamaccountname]

I found the whole game became spamming your attacks as the coolDowns ended. They could have just made it click on who you want to defeat and it will auto cycle through attacks and you just move around it was so shallow

[@PoDawg]

That's what I'm wondering as well is how the ai gonna perform.

[@cracmar03]

Both companion and mob AI was terrible. I can't tell how many times my brother cursed at mobs being all about running away for no reason during fights and he was on melee. There is no jump attack to my memory that is good enough.

[@adamjenkins7653]

My impression of DA:tV from the initial trailer is Insomniac-style hero combat, with a ME party control system bolted onto the side. I already suspected the non-direct party control method, just as I suspected the significantly limited ability set that felt dumb in DA:I alongside it's bland game play. The HUB + Missions system is essentially ME's approach to gameplay. My dislike for this game stems from the fact that almost every meaningful thing from the games mechanics that separated DA from other RPG's has been lost. I hope gameplay vids on youtube show me that I am wrong, but as it stands that's the only interaction I will have with the game. I want to know what happens, but have absolutely no urge to play.

[@RashidMBey]

DAMN IT. I enjoy watching smaller creators, and this alone got me to subscribe. The personality, the character, the gags and jokes, the clarity and diction, and the quality of coverage. Kudos! You've got me subscribed.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

This comment is so appreciated!! Thank you

[@mattstansbeary3068]

They are saying Don't look for your Companions in your Camp they do have lives.

[@HulkMode365days]

😂😂😂

[@B.B.Digital_Forest]

I'm replaying Origins now. I'm enjoying the companions even more as I learn how to properly level them up and program tactics. It helps me feel how they should react in combat and shape their special classes. It frustrated me how I couldn't get Sten's Reaver class unless I accepted Kolgrim's mission. Now I can use it and helps me make a more effective Sten. Deciding on whether to assign Wynne or Morrigan the Arcane Warrior class so I can dress them in armor determines if I want them to stop fighting at long range.

[@katsiraeh6959]

Good vibes are a great place to stand with concerns. Gameplay in Inquisition was clunky but story brought me through the game. It seemed like an overcorrection to DA2 concerns but a swing too far. Maybe pausing can balance it out. So hoping hard.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

It does seem like its been a bit of a pendulum swinging back and forth doesnt it? And a great story can overcome a lot in an RPG, DA has done that for me for ages, I'm invested! I want to know what happens!

[@katsiraeh6959]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne I agree was just talking to someone about importance of a good solid story keeping you invested. I worry a bit as they have promoted a non canon rook as a perk as strong main story is critical in my opinion.

[@andreasbutkowski1412]

@@katsiraeh6959 So I'm afraid that the main story is more about the companions than anything else about the change from Dreadwolf to The Veilguard

[@katsiraeh6959]

@@andreasbutkowski1412 I agree I hope it doesn't become another Hawke where I felt the character felt pulled along by events. They say different backgrounds will allow unique conversations but I really hope it is beyond that with a strong story.

[@andreasbutkowski1412]

@@katsiraeh6959 Then there are two of us 😁 especially when you consider what is at stake because if BioWare fails again it could mean the end of BioWare

[@Monochrome_11]

seeing what the modding community will do with the gameplay mechanics of this game will be very interesting

[@conorjames532]

The developers couldn’t handle the code more like. So many excuses from the devs. They butchered an amazing game. Fine if you like it but jeez what a let down.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

What'd they butcher?

[@marcogiordanella7795]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOneparty size, companion control, only 3 actionable abilities for your character and the enemy art is awful. Basically it’s Dragon Age in name only. All of the previous complaints were consistent over three games, they decided to butcher a winning formula for shallow trash

[@cracmar03]

@@marcogiordanella7795 winning formula. Have you played Inquisition. Do you remember AI ? Do you remember big empty maps with fetchquests to do ? I don't even remember using much control over my companions in that game, and their AI was far from perfect. Also I hated Origins combat, worst cRPG combat I have ever played and I played Arcanum of Steamworks and Magick Obscura with it's broken combat.

[@marcogiordanella7795]

@@cracmar03 So you didn’t like Origins or Inquisition, sounds like the series isn’t for you.

[@cestpasfaux24601]

I miss the combat in dao and even da2. Most games have fast-paced combat these days and it's just not for me. Thank god we still have studios like Larians for tactical combats

[@Anna-B]

I loved combat in the previous games. This new combat doesn’t seem fun to me. It feels too hard and too different from the other ones. I’m not a “gamer” so the Dragon Age franchise was a safe harbor from aiming and targeting and dodging. I DON’T want fast paced or something more “engaging”

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I think this is where the difficulty modes will come in. They are *very* customizable from the sound of it so I imagine you can slow it down. There's even a god mode setting where you're unkillable for just enjoying the story.

[@Keram-io8hv]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Is there also difficulty which allows me to control my companions?

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

@@Keram-io8hv ;) their actions in combat in every difficulty yes

[@virginiamurr3703]

I've played every DA game (many times) -- and I only ever switched to companion-control when I had no other choice (e.g., when they force you to have a mage destroy a barrier but you're playing as a rogue). Switching companions is an emersion killer, imho. So, I am quite happy with the decision. Besides, the gameplay style in The Veilguard emanates ME2 gameplay to me. That's a plus in my book.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

ME2 is one of the most beloved RPGs ever for good reason. I think it can be done well either way. BG3 did a fantastic job with their turn-based combat where you take control of companions every single round, but I'm excited to see how Veilguard works out with less direct control.

[@beccangavin]

This is what I’ve been saying too! I like the changes. I like that the monsters have strengths and weaknesses so you get to plan ahead for battles. I like that you can coordinate attacks with the companions without having to switch to their perspective. It keeps the combat moving but still gives you the ability to use tactics. It looks like a good method for handling combat in an ARPG which is what Dragon Age is and always has been. Besides, I think Larian has got the CRPG formula on lock. When I want tactical turn based combat, I’m not going to pick up a Dragon Age game to fill that.

[@OccultEclipse]

The “rebuttal” to that is usually people insisting that the playstyle is only viable on the easiest difficulties and people who play nightmare have to take control of party members. However I played all the games on nightmare and play the same way as you lol. I think it’s a good change, and most people will get used to it even if they don’t like it at first

[@odst123451]

How is switching characters in a team based game, immersion killing?

[@odst123451]

Monsters had strengths and weaknesses in each of the games.

[@Shelbzz]

I’m new to DA just like I was new to BG3/turn based games. I’m just excited to try a new franchise. 😊

[@xheroexskiller]

if you want the only real good game of the series then play origins and then you can leave the franchise.. after that its only getting worse and worse

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

[@katsiraeh6959]

@@Shelbzz Lots of nongame lore if you get hooked. I'm reading the novels but there is lots more.

[@AgX_28]

all you need to know is that Dragon Age was never a turn based game, its real time with pause game (some people don't know what that is).

[@samflood5631]

@@xheroexskiller What's wrong with Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age Inquisition?

[@BelieveIt1051]

Seems to me BioWare didn't have anyone in-house who told them "no". Not on the play-tester team. Not on the "fan council". Just a bunch of yes-men and women. If anything, BioWare should have allowed the option to switch to other companions IF the player turned that option on in the gameplay menu. The point of switching to party companions is not to play as them. It's just to get them into position and have them use a certain ability/spell at a specific time. That's it. Most players will be playing as their Rook 99% of the time, but the 1% used to place and command party members is crucial.

[@Keram-io8hv]

Did they literally said "You are too stupid to play with more than one character"?

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

No, they said playtesters were more engaged when you weren't directly controlling companions because there are more actions per minute than prior games.

[@Keram-io8hv]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Action per minute? What is that? I really wonder when they found their playtesters (maybe in armless sanatorium or pre-school)

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

​@@Keram-io8hv How many actions the game is asking you to complete per minute. For example Elden Ring would have a higher Action Per Minute than Stardew Valley. It's hard to comment on the difficulty of the game until we've actually played it ourselves.

[@Keram-io8hv]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Oh no, my poor mouse and space buttons will be completely broken after doing attack-attack-dodge-attack and my mind will be destroyed into tiny pieces

[@SoldierSpiderx]

whoever see right thought this bullshit, you could change to your companions since the first dragon age game and now they change it, I bet money that either EA was rush them to finish this game since it was first made into a live server back and forth and now it was to late and they don't have time to put in or since most of the original dev left, a news dev came in, they took it out cause they didn't see no point and the fact that you got 3 spell, if you can't do more, this game not going be good, don't matter how good the writes it

[@Seeker794]

It's to make development cheaper. They made it like mass effect because that requires less people on the team if the ones making combat only have one flavor to work with.

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@Seeker794 fact I bet it was less cheap to make this game that why the graphic look weird to and you only got 3 spell slots, if they made it like the old dragon age, it would cost more time and effort to make the game

[@sforzando]

I'm suspending judgement until I actually play the game - but I will miss tactical camera purely so I could enter it and direct my party with one hand while snacking with the other. Guess I'll have to figure out a different strategy for that haha

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Maybe the new pause wheel system can be used as a pause snack wheel system? pause, snack, input companion attack? Wait...what if we could have a pause wheel for SNACKS? Pause, choose which snack from 9 options...

[@sinisterwitch9230]

Well i mostly play as my character but i like to control companions to find out is playing other class cool so should i start another play through making totally different decisions as same class different specialisation or is any other class worth a try

[@sleeeplessmason]

I understand that everyone is skeptical about this game, but I'm one of the people who enjoyed Andromeda. Yeah it was a buggy mess but it still had the things that made me a fan of Bioware games, not at its peak, but it was there. The Veilgaurd is going to be amazing to me, especially the more action oriented combat.

[@lisdraconis2212]

I have heard many people compare the looks of DAV combat bring very close to DA2. Sad that you just compared DAO snd DAI. Anyhow I am here for the story. Combat gameplay is low priority for me.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

DA2 still had the companion control but I left it out mostly because my first-hand memory of it is more hazy and I didn't want to misspeak. The most favorable comparisons I've heard are Mass Effect specifically with companions. Whatever the case, I'm still excited for the game and cant wait to get my hands on it.

[@AgX_28]

Well it is what it looks more like DA2 thats why I'm excited and I wouldn't even mind getting the Origins style of combat... I just don't want a combat like Inquisition ugh (Greedfall for example is heading the opposite way concerning that aspect of the combat).

[@samflood5631]

I'm not that biased on the gameplay. I enjoy Dragon Age for the story and characters.

[@samflood5631]

@@AgX_28 Meaning that Greedfall has good gameplay or bad gameplay?

[@AgX_28]

@@samflood5631 I Like both ARPG or CRPG style - I'm playing both.

[@poddterapeuten]

So the game is a dei dating simulation with no skill needed whatsoever. Mindless simpletons making “inclusive” games for people that play candy crush on the toilet. Sad.

[@scanix100]

Simply it is not CRPG it is ARPG, press more buttons! R.I.P. Dragon Age spirit.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I wouldnt call Inquisition a CRPG either tbh. It definitely felt very much made for Consoles. In the series if pressed I'd really only call Origins a true CRPG.

[@scanix100]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Which is what I said in my second comment, it is a problem because they started to leave CRPG in DA2, it felt more like hack and slash console game at least you had action bar, they perfected that in DA:I and now they left completely all remnants of old DA vibes.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

@@scanix100 I think I might be in the minority with my thoughts on DA combat because for me it was always DA:O > DA2 > DA:I. I really have a strong distaste for DA:I's combat because it just felt so mashed together but other parts of the game overshadowed it for me, storytelling, companions, visuals...etc.

[@elissahe2377]

Personally for me, the combat doesn't matter, but I hated origins combat on console but loved it on PC. With inquisition it was reversed 😂

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I think that's where the "CRPG" part comes in! Some people consider it "classic RPG" but others refer to it as "Computer RPG" Origins definitely works better on a pc imo but I played it first on console when it released.

[@elissahe2377]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne Right, and someone got mad at me before because I prefer to play on console because it's what most people can afford. With origins, I don't look to it for the combat like someone on PC would

[@samflood5631]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne I'm more of a Console kind of guy. I enjoyed playing all 3 Dragon Age games on my Playstation.

[@prodtetch]

Honestly I'm very hopeful about the combat. A lot of people have been reading too far into the '3 abilities only' thing, and I think that's a misstep. Whether that be BioWare's marketing team's fault for not stressing how combat actually works, or fans faults for misunderstanding it is up to interpretation. What we do know is that there isn't only 3 abilities. There are 3 abilities, an ultimate ability, runes, and a lot of abilities that were previously activated abilities which have been integrated into the core kit of a certain class, i.e the rogue in the gameplay reveal performing twin daggers on a jump attack, performing a spinning attack on charge, and also no longer having to choose between bow and dual daggers, utilizing both. I've also heard that the mage's fade step will now be incorporated into the dodge, and the warrior's 'combat roll' will be in their dodge as well (and also I think shield bash is integrated in some way). So yeah, it's less of a removing spells/abilities, and more of a moving around. You now don't have to spec into multiple dps activated abilities to enjoy combat and can instead focus more on passive traits or sustained abilities which I think is a good thing. If the combat is engaging enough, and the companions have their own sense of agency, as shown by the whole 'you can bump into them when out adventuring bc they have their own lives', then I think that not being able to control them directly might be for the best.

[@johnnii]

No out of combat abilities.

[@reffa2858]

If you wanted to have more tactical combat in inquisition, I suggest you play on higher difficulty. It makes you think by using the environment, team composition, synergize abilities, and equipping gear with useful traits. Easier modes just make the combat brain dead.

[@coreymckee4844]

The fact that Harding (my favorite ginger dwarf!😍🥰) is FINALLY romancable, makes it the canon romance for me. I dont mind the action combat either. Just hope theres some nice post game content or NG+ etc. I just pre ordered the "rooks coffer edition" with the physical copy on ps5 from gamestop Canada. This game is my main focus and game of the rest of 2024. October 31st cant come soon enough!!! 😭🙏

[@ccw139]

I dont understand why everyone has such low standards for bioware games these days. They take the slop that EA feeds them and they are happy about it. All these "non-gamers" in the comments talking about dumbing down the combat just want the game to be a walking sim or a telltale style experience... Do these people even like Dragon Age or do they want it to be something else completely? I understand DAO's combat is a bit jank, but a modernized CRPG style system would be amazing. Just looks at what BG3 did! I love all turn based RPGs so It was nothing new for me, but so many people who would never have touched the genre before, enjoyed it immensely. Youre gonna be fighting and killing shit for over half of the game anyways, may as well make it fun and engaging!

[@almostfaceman]

Different strokes for different folks, I've found the combat in all three games to have their own unique fun aspects and drawbacks. So far, the next game sounds like a step in the wrong direction, I guess we'll see when it comes out.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

It definitely feels like one of those things we've got to experience to see if it's good or bad. I can still see it going either way but remaining optimistic.

[@TwoHandedChargedBonk]

The Veilguard tries so hard to be a game for everyone that it will be a game for no one. Why would I play this action combat with parries and dodges instead of Elden Ring or Lies of P? Why would I romance the companions here instead of BG3? This game has no own identity whatsoever and it's surely not DA the fans wanted.

[@nicolem3951]

Personally I hated DAOs combat. And I love Bg3 combat. It just feels clunky, slow, the enemy hit me with a sword even if I try to move away from range. Theres even a mod to just skip DAOs combat completely. And I want to download it. But combat in DA games were never the best, for me was always the story

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Story is where its at for da

[@andreasbutkowski1412]

I think that having control over the other companions is an integral part of the Dragon Age series and removing that now I think is risky and I think that this part will be a failure because they tried it in Dragon Age 2 with this combat system and failed and now it is supposed to be a success I doubt that very much and I think that Dragon Age will suffer the same fate as Saint Row 2022

[@FergieTheTaurus]

As long as the AI isn't absolute garbage, I think it will be fine.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I agree. Since you can't take direct control it's more important that they don't become liabilities getting stuck running into combat etc. It sounds like in combat you'll still have plenty of control with the wheel so it's out that makes me wonder

[@FergieTheTaurus]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne the wheel is definitely what I'm most curious about, for sure. As long as that has a good flow, I think combat is actually going to be fun.

[@nickd6303]

So don't switch to a party member if your controlled character falls in battle. It's sounding like it'll be a fantasy washed mass effect.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Oh it very much sounds like mass effect. I'm sure that's where a lot of the ideas are coming from.

[@Chouninatte]

I'm not interested in dodging and parrying but since we can change the battle settings it probably won't even matter. I've never been one to switch to my companions to play either, I prefer sticking to my mage MC unless they're doing something really weird (like getting stuck or attacking the wrong thing etc).

[@RandomWandrer]

Like any of us ever loved Bioware games for their combat! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Ok, I loved combat in Inquisition. KE was indestructible. I enjoyed breaking the Rogue ❤

[@serenityknightwolf956]

If it could happen I would love a dragon age like baldurs gate 3 I would love the combat and stuff from that game in dragon age. It would be so much fun

[@DannyRayqu]

I love ME games and the 2 companions have never bothered me, the gameplay seems like they are trying to set up and identity or a seal for bioware, which I think is kind of cool For everyone complaining and crying about DAO, the saga hasn't been DAO for more than 10 years, you dont want more DAO games you just want to have the same feeling you did back then, most of you will never feel that again, I bet if bioware released a legendary edition or a remake of origins, you will still complain and cry all the way.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I think its a bit of both. The old nostalgia feeling but also the CRPG of DA:O with that incredible storytelling. But that's been gone from DA since DA2 launched (gameplay wise) the series is defined for me by story first and foremost and everything else second. Greedfall 2 might be a good new CRPG for people who enjoy RTWP combat, I'm looking forward to it and looking forward to Veilguard.

[@DannyRayqu]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne they probably would complain about evading and real time fighting with no tactical camera, Greedfall is amazing, but we have to see how the 2nd game changes the gameplay, no company can remain stagnate, and people seem to think a company can survive by giving like 1000 people what they want over and over again Ugh there are so many good games coming one after another, DA Veilguard, then kingdome come 2 and then in 2025 I think they mention Greedfall 2? Did they say 2025?

[@ianemory5800]

It'll all come down to the AI. Replaying DA2 and watching my charcters stand in blood mage magic and die is infuriating. If I can't control the charcters and they stand in aoe damage I'll lose my shit

[@dtuitt79]

This rollout of Veilguard makes me believe one of two things either: the people in charge of promoting this game have no Idea what they're doing or there is nothing good about the game to promote. I hope it's the former, but my gut tells me it's the latter. They could put all of the bad press to rest with a mid to late game, demonstration, showing high level combat, how the characters interact in the hub area, crafting etc. But for some reason they refuse. This kind of press kills a game before launch! EVERYONE knows this! Are they new?

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

I do think they've had a lot of marketing flubs with this so far. Dd2 did a pretty good marketing campaign with showing classes and releasing the character creator. Most of what they've done so far is a lot of text only interviews versus some sizzle.

[@UnitedWeStandFreedom]

You should at least be able to chage your party members before a fight then not let you switch at all .

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

You can swap companions but not before each fight afaik. No da has ever allowed that. Closest is probably Dai with the camps out in the world every now and then.

[@EldenJim2210]

The few KZbinrs who got to recently play it say combat feels good as far as what they played

[@bonzwah1]

This is the game they’ve been trying to make since dragon age 2. Idk how everyone is so surprised. There were freaking blocking and parry mechanics in DAI for goodness sake. Controlling multiple characters in DAI was already a huge pain. Just let the devs make the game they want. Not a single game in the franchise has been anything like dragon age origins. These are all sequels to dragon age 2, not origins. Origins is a stand alone spin off at this point. The fact that it was first makes no difference.

[@Bladezeromus]

Yeah, here's the problem with that. They made the game everyone wanted, then kept regressing with each entry. We don't want the game they want to make. We want Origins.

[@mismismism]

I'm so tired of every RPG going more and more action until there is no RPG in the series anymore. Who told them anyone wanted backflipping hack and slash gameplay at the expense of core mechanics like controlling allies and having more than 3 abilities to choose from? These companies think everyone wants every game in existence to be like Genshin Impact, it's so tired now because so many companies keep doing this. If you built a fan base off an RPG series, you would think it would be obvious the fan base likes RPGs.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

If you're looking for something more crpg, you might want to check out greedfall 2 going into early access next month. They're inspired by da:o and did the opposite, swapping from action combat in the first game to rtwp for the second

[@mismismism]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne I'll definitely look into it. At this point, I'm just trying my best to support games that aren't hopping on this action=better trend, thanks for the recommendation.

[@b003]

Need a demo.

[@Simppu1410]

As someone who hasn't played any Dragon Age games before, and has been spoiled by BG3, I saw and heard nothing that made me even a bit interested in The Veilguard. And these news certainly didn't help. Bioware hasn't shown anything cool or awesome regarding the gameplay and based on what I've heard The Veilguard has seemingly been extremely dumbed down as an RPG compared to its predecessors. Watching about 20 minutes of lvl 1 rogue gameplay from the start of the game (on easy mode too if I recall) wasn't particularly exciting. They've shown very little over all thus far this close to the release (less than four months before the end of this year), which tells me they're not confident in their game. They better learn from what From Software did with Elden Ring's gameplay trailer and show something very good soon.

[@AleXavieR-l2t]

Yep, not playing this garbage.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Looks fun to me 😐

[@bohannon2692]

Companion control is what dragon age was all about

[@ladybeavanerdventures]

Hey I get it but I will say I do love the Mass Effect system its my fav game series of all time played that trilogy over any other game so I am hopeful they will get this system right in DA:VG

[@_Thaery]

soon. soon. soon. soon. soon. soon.

[@aspavazoura5523]

From what I've seen already, they're all talk and nothing to show.. After all they've taken out of the game, the companions, the abilities, the inventory, the black magic..I wonder what is there left as a game for people to play and enjoy?

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

We'll just have to wait and see once we get our hands on it. It still looks like it could be good to me. I kind of think people are underestimating rhe pause wheel for companion control. Would be nice if they did a little showcase of it since it wasn't shown in the gameplay reveal.

[@asanoiaz]

I was never too concerned about combat in any of the DAs because I was in it for the stories. But after BG3, I'm appreciating combat a lot more. Curious how this one will hold up since it's much more action oriented. And hoping I won't die too much since I'm not great at reflexively parrying and dodging stuff. 😅 That's going to be a bummer for sure.

[@odst123451]

The game difficulty system has a built in god mode.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

From what we've seen there will be a *lot* of customization when it comes to combat difficulty from very difficult to extremely easy so you can play at your pace.

[@asanoiaz]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne sure hope so. I really want to enjoy this game instead of dying while I'm trying to figure out which direction to go. 🥲If ppl are complaining about "god mode", I'm not.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

@@asanoiaz

[@TwoHandedChargedBonk]

Mate, when you are giving your opinion and then immediately apologise for it you come across as a weak soyboy. Never do that.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Nope, I feel my opinion is my own and others opinions are valid, especially when it comes to a video game. I'll gladly be a "soyboy" if that entails respecting the opinions of others and not elevating my own over theirs. Cheers.

[@nicholasasbury8711]

Nah inquisition was amazing. Glad you made it to level 5 and used auto attack to form your opinion on combat.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

:) I played Inquisition at launch start to finish and loved the story and companions. Hated the combat. But if you liked the combat that's awesome and I'm glad you liked it so much.

[@cracmar03]

Inquisition was balance mess. AI for mobs made melee combat downright frustrating. One of main points why I didn't had melee characters in it. I can't be bothered chasing mobs with AI akin to first Mass Effect - blasted asari mercenaries who constantly run between two containers in cargo halls ... I loved DA 2 combat most. And I hated Origins. It is the worst cRPG combat (and in general the worst cRPG) that I played. It was tedious, it was boring, and I thought I might puke seeing same attack animation over and over again. Finishers were annoying as hell too, taking control away from you just to do animation and it wasn't even that impressive. Fallout critics or hell Wasteland 2 critics they were not.

[@andrewmiller6868]

So it's another button masher like da 2? That sucks!

[@SquekretGenius420]

Mass effect

[@Dan-vo7vc]

The combat looks a lot more like Hogwarts Legacy, which i honestly really enjoyed, despite being someone who usually prefers turn- based.

[@JeannieLove]

I'm looking forward to some Dragon May Cry, let's go!

[@mellowthm566]

Honestly Inquisition had alright combat, especially with characters builds and combo interactions. What it did terribly was companion and enemy AI and the deeper layers of the combat were not needed to play and weren't introduced well at all. It was more fun to make character builds than to actually fight. Plus a lot of the depth was based on gear and thr crafting sucked ass as a collectathon. Crit fishing fire CC mage is a cool build, grinding out the right materials for a bland armor for the build was not... Also a lot of build tax like barrier being important to most mage builds Or passive barrier accumulation so you'd have to essentially invest in those skills no matter what. I'm okay with them trying something new.... Well more mass effect really but that combat was fun even if it wasn't CRPG. Bg3 filled my tank on that combat I don't demand more.

[@Brian13-nz4pv]

Trany lead up the dev team. Too many red flags, not wasting money on this crap.

[@NobodyNothing-f5c]

Because they think we're all as incompetent as a game journalist.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Whats wrong with game journalism? 😐

[@NobodyNothing-f5c]

They lack skill in video games, and are potatoes. Even before you get into the hietory of taking money for good reviews.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

@@NobodyNothing-f5c well dang thats a broad! Every single gaming journalist violates terms and takes money for reviews and doesnt disclose it AND they're all bad at games? Sounds scandalous. Although I'm *also* bad at games.

[@NobodyNothing-f5c]

Yep every single one. 🙂

[@captply4468]

I never finished origins I 100 percent hated the combat and wanted to feel the story but the game play to me sucked so bad I skipped the game watched videos and read passages through the codex

[@thunderboltvintage2084]

The cast looks uninteresting.

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

Really? I think they look very compelling top to bottom. There's some great motivations there.

[@alexbiehn978]

HARD PASS on this "RPG"

[@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne]

If you're looking for something more crpg, you might want to check out greedfall 2 going into early access next month. They're inspired by da:o and did the opposite, swapping from action combat in the first game to rtwp for the second

[@alexbiehn978]

@@RedbeardflynnRollsAOne thxxx i did not know they already made it, i finished the first one year ago

[@Lord_Hybris]

Its like mass effect so i dont car not controling companions

[@HyouVizer]

I never played as my party members in DA but devs reason for removing character swap is bs. Look at another action RPG, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, tons of fast pace action combat (honest best of its franchise) and you can switch between your 3 active party members all the time, as they each have such a fleshed out kit adding weight to your party synergy as a whole. But Veilguard, the other 2 party members will be similar to another final fantasy game, FF16. Just being chip damage, but unlike FF16 you can at least issue them an attack command....that's something eh.

[@Bladezeromus]

This game really does look disappointing.