What Everyone Missed About Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Review

[@asherking159]

She got that “I can’t speak louder than this or my neighbors will bust down my door” whisper voice

[@asherking159]

Oh she is an asmr KZbinr that’s why

[@julianjames2899]

@@asherking159I think one is the reason for the other. When she’s outside she isn’t whispering.

[@Krukmeister]

@@asherking159 But she's doing a review not an ASMR video

[@benkai9921]

​@@Krukmeisterngl she's doing both.

[@dragonmummy1]

Yeh, I can almost stand it.

[@JimJimson729]

The "representation first, character second" line concisely captures something that has bugged me for a long time. I like how emotionally balanced this review is, even when you're roasting the game

[@Isaygoodday5]

I can't stand it. This idea that what a character is is so much more important than who a character is. It always works out poorly.

[@markedone494]

@@Isaygoodday5 Which is hillariously conservative thinking aswell XD

[@ikaemos]

People are being a bit reductive about Taash, I think. I felt like their actual character arc is more about parenthood and being a second-generation immigrant than with their gender. They figure out the nonbinary thing pretty much as soon as Neve introduces them to her friends; the issue is more that Shathaan raised Taash to adhere strictly to the Qun (probably to compensate for what she felt was her own transgression - stealing her child away from her culture), but Taash has trouble marrying the Qun's demands with the environment they grew up in. They're ethnically Rivaini in almost every way, so it's hard for them to adhere to rigorous Qunari cultural norms without any peers to reinforce that. They associate the Qun with their mother's overbearing nature. And Shathaan is hampered by her own background - as a scholar-caste, she is trained to dispassionately correct mistakes, which doesn't transfer well to being a mother. Her instinct is to scold. So, when Taash finds their identity, and the Qun has no equivalent (it can accept transgender people, since the castes are gendered, and being fit for a caste of a gender other than your birth one makes perfect sense under the Qun, but it doesn't account for nonbinary people), Shathaan has trouble relating to them, and her attempt ("Perhaps you are Aqun-Athlok") _feels_ like misgendering to Taash. It's a surprisingly tangled mess of cultural issues, way more than gender-related ones, and I don't envy the writer who had to lay this out; it's a difficult task to do in what's ostensibly an action game. However, people seem to laser-focus on the "wokeness," which IMO tells us more about them than about the game.

[@ismichi]

@@ikaemos idk, that scene in particular screamed "This is exactly how Woke(TM) Culture encourages victimhood", which in part is hormones and natural rebellion to one's guardians. And the hope it's part of a child's true maturity into adulthood. So that's far from bad 'cause c'est la vie, life ain't easy. The issue instead is how it's a real-world scene you could substitute with any other "Woke(TM)" buzzword for whichever show you can think of, and thus breaks immersion; similar to the OOC "Gotta prove I'm an Ally(TM)!!" pushups. Character-wise, the family dinner didn't raise a flag and I agree it was largely akin to an Immigrant v First Gen discrepancy. The scene flowed pretty well. Basic and played safe, sure, but it was decent writing with nary to nitpick. That's where the issue turns from that and towards its break from immersion. It didn't feel like it reflected the world's setting. A few not-English phrases or terms? Okay, cool. The reference to Qun culture etc was also cool. And no one who played this could think it was absurd or groundbreaking to do so, as we see that with similar multilingual families dilemmas any chance the writer gets (eg LatinX which can be considered an insult to some and illogical outside the US). Yet all that doesn't render it immersive 'cause it was relying on how the real-world (at least in some parts of it) interacts with such subjects rather than what people in that fictional world -- one full of creatures *far* more diverse than a handful of physical features -- should logically interact.

[@mcgclock]

@@markedone494 Is it conservative to think a character's personality matters more than their gender?

[@KellyKMc]

Dragon Age II was developed in 18 months and the characters, story, and dialogue run circles around Veilguard.

[@KiazaKadaj]

and both games had me back tracking through the same section of a map several times.

[@GlowBerri]

I'm still baffled that my fave game of the franchise is 2, because logically it should be the worst of the games and YET

[@RandomWandrer]

​@GlowBerri I'm not baffled at all. DA2 has (by far) the best companions and writing.

[@GlowBerri]

@RandomWandrer yes but I mean it shouldn't have because of the insane limitations it was developed under. Basically I'm fascinated by the fact the game made in a rush with no time for refining things or brainstorming more ideas turned out so well

[@LaylaSpellwind]

2 definitely had it's problems. (Only human? What?!) But it was a very good game. Easy to play, easy to become very OP, which had the side effect of putting the biggest focus on the story. Which really paid off with that game. Maybe they should've made Veilguard really really hard.

[@Arthur_Deadeye_Morgan]

Is this a ramble channel? I'm here for it!

[@RenardoSilvao]

we are here

[@tfwnoyandere]

congrats to amy for 1k subs within like 7 hours of the chanenl existing 🤯

[@StoneJenk]

Well THAT just happened

[@DJKuroh]

21:06 The amount of times i accidentally chose a romance response because it just seemed like a reasonable answer...

[@iwantmykidssusan4941]

baldur's gate 3 sex% speedrun in 1:58 (world record)

[@vroeundscap]

yess

[@deschain1910]

I never actually chose it because I always checked the symbol when highlighting first, but I know what you mean. A lot of them don't seem romance-coded or flirty at all when reading the text and just seem like a response I would have otherwise wanted to choose... So then I'm just like, "Well, what's my second-favorite option..."

[@ginjaedgy49]

me playing Baldurs gate 3

[@snazzydrew]

@@ginjaedgy49 i was annoyed that gale was getting a big crush on me because I was slightly nice to him.

[@shaterlemming2549]

Damn my only complaint is that this seems to be your first review lol. Immediately went to watch more after the video. All just to say really enjoyed your review and am looking forward to more

[@_Hyphema_]

We demand more!!!!

[@UncleSkiBum]

Agreed and then found other channel which is all ASMR which I find both fascinating and weird in equal measures.

[@vroeundscap]

ikr

[@lcicada]

Just something that annoys me a bit, because a lot of people get it wrong: The Inquisitor never killed an archdemon. Corypheus' dragon is not an archdemon. It's just a red lyrium dragon.

[@hodgepodgesyntaxia2112]

Given what we now know archdemons are, doesn’t Corphyeus’s dragon qualify to be one? The big difference is that he’s bound to it instead of one of the Evanuris. Other than who the owner is, what’s the substantive difference?

[@themisfitjester7034]

​@@hodgepodgesyntaxia2112difference is corpihysnuff isn't an evanuris or even close to the same power scaling, yes he imbued it with part of his "soul", horcrux style, but archdemons are part gods essentially. While Mr stripey socks is powerful, he is only a blighted magister, not a god. His dragon also isn't blighted the same way, he uses red lyrium to bind it to his will just like his soldiers, but the gods and their archdemons are blighted by the original strain of blight. But if it helps you could see it as a demi archdemon if it helps. As to why it didn't kill the inquisitor it's the same reason why Davring didn't die when he killed an archdemon, and its cuz the god who the fragmented soul belongs to is in the physical realm so it can return to sender so to speak. the only reason wardens die is cuz they take on the horcrux themselfs since the fragment has nowhere else to go, it's the same reason they keep respawning unless a warden kills them, and since mortals generally can't handle that kind of power even if they are wardens, it kills them. Hope this helps, tried to keep it short and to the point. 😂👍🏻

[@Pax_ire]

​@@hodgepodgesyntaxia2112yeah, I would like an answer as well, cause with the new lore Corypheus' dragon is definitely an archdemon. Maybe a weaker one, since Cory isn't a god, but still an archdemon

[@Billpro25]

@@Pax_ire Same here. On the other side, let's not gloss over the fact that the Grey Wardens have killed 5 out of the 7 Evanuris. It is really impressive when think about it... wait a spell. It just occured to me that, if, let's say Solas never showed up and the Wardens just curried on their duties till Lusacan rose... WOULDN'T THAT HAD COLLAPSED THE VEIL?!!!

[@Pax_ire]

@@Billpro25 I thought killing their arcdemons just made them mortal, but didn't kill them?

[@kseniavoinova]

Well... In DA2 I could sell Fenris to his master, or give Isabella to qunari. Not because they killed 100 people. But because I just dont like them. ( Not me as a person). You could be mean to them, disagree and so on. This is what ment by those comments "i cant be evil" Here, you usually cant even disagree with a character. Lucanis kills people for work? Cant say its immoral. Taash thinks they doesn't feel comfortable with their identity? Cant say that I dont even care/ or worse.( Nothing wrong with taash, but ... They were just scared someone in a game could possibly just think about choosing that indifferent option)

[@Kaytetra]

Augh, so true!! This!!

[@RockoEstalon]

I don't think you need to include and option to be an ass to Taash about their gender identity, but the fact that 90% of their dialogue is being abrasive towards Rook or the other companions and you can't ever say anything about their attitude is crazy. If you take out the fact Taash is non-binary, it feels like the Hollywood girlboss journey where the main female character is an asshole through the whole movie and the "twist" is that they were right all along. Morrigan in DAO and Sera in DAI could be really abrassive pricks but the option to call them out was there (Morrigan could be called a bitch umprompted even). Taash gets a full pass even by companions.

[@tlaloqq]

@@RockoEstalonI romanced taash, I’m non binary my self. The dialogue options I had with them and story was so different from what a cis player character received it makes me feel like you have to go that route with them to get the good story

[@chromesucks5299]

Dao goes even harder in things you can do with your companions(Sten/zevran etc) or in some quests , there is a literal quests where you can kill a child or do the effort of getting rid of the demon, theyy are just so many bits where you can make the choice of going over 'that line' But since this game (dav) target audience is 14 year olds, all of that is removed from the game.

[@Iam_Stu]

@@RockoEstalon I didn't feel like Taash was abrasive towards Rook, it seems more like you're reading a tone wrong because you probably hated the character before you even played. You also do get to pull Taash up about their attitude later in the scene with Emmrich. Where Taash apologises for it because they're not good at expressing themselves.

[@findyourcenterbbc8483]

My b problem with scout harding is that her storyline about the titans and her new magic was literally perfect for Dagna. Just imagine if dagna came back and that she glt those powers.the young girl who dreamed of magic and felt as tall as a mountain and felt connected to her people when working on a rune getting magic and discovering why they didnt dream. It would have been amazing heart wrenching amd adrobable at times.

[@ByronAndOnAndOn]

I forget, is there an explanation for how Dagna becomes a magic expert in Inquisition if you crush her dreams in Origins?

[@findyourcenterbbc8483]

@ByronAndOnAndOn yeah essentially she ran away from home and just stole books and got into magic circles.

[@deschain1910]

Yeah, that would have been interesting... I wonder what they would have made Harding's "thing" in that case (I mean, how all the companions have a thing). Or do you mean replace Harding with Dagna?

[@findyourcenterbbc8483]

@deschain1910 I would say just straight up replace would be my thought.

[@deschain1910]

@@findyourcenterbbc8483 Yeah, that would be extra interesting because there would have to be an arc (or implied arc) of Dagna learning to actually be a fighter instead of just a scholar and crafter/tinkerer.

[@r-mz9yo]

The modern lingo is such a good call out, it's almost my singular issue. I don't feel immersed in a fantasy world separate from my own. And the cheesy lighthearted irreverence for its own subject matter makes it hard to take things seriously. Thanks for your comedic and fair review!

[@cuauhtez]

Yeah but some times this criticism annoys me because people don’t realize this need to “replicate” antiquated English is incredibly arbitrary. It reminds me of how people disliked that fact that characters in God of War 2 didn’t sound like English Victorians. As psuedo-Victorian locution was somehow more authentic to the Ancient Nordic world. The worse thing about this necessity for non-contemporary English in fantasy is that it flattens the writing because most writers are skilled in characterizing and differentiating the tone in the locution they actually speak (and same for us receiving the meaning). So instead we get shoddy sounding prose full of modern slang or psuedo-19th century english somehow also full of misplaced (not to mention misused) thous and other nonsense.

[@ayashinightcore8282]

“Yo she kinda looks like Amykay…. WAIT WH-“

[@averongodoffire8098]

AYO WAI-

[@danitiwa]

I was gunna say she reminds me of Winona Ryder

[@danitiwa]

Wait also Keira Knightley, I can't unsee it..

[@mags0nline]

literally the same reaction

[@damobeck1]

Same!

[@PredatorAlienate]

The new rule of storytelling in the gaming industry and Hollywood seems to be, "Tell, don't show." This approach may be easier to write, but it is a lot harder to watch.

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

If someone doesn't show you anything, I'd say it is quite impossible to watch! (jk of course. You're quite right)

[@italianspiderman5012]

I think the problem is in the writers being simply high on their horses so to speak, there’s been a number of writers in both gaming industry and Hollywood stating that they are simplifying stories so audiences could follow, meaning that they think we are stupid, that’s the audience they are so desperate to capture, casual audiences that don’t pay attention and don’t get invested, because in the end it’s just about numbers. BioWare and EA doesn’t care if you like the game or the story, all they care about is you spending money, the American way of conducting business, short term profits over long term, pleasing investors over pleasing fans. There’s so much wrong with modern media that there’s no other option but for them to go down and start from scratch, and I can’t wait for it.

[@thefirstone4864]

The entire philosophy of star wars original trilogy is tell don't show. Don't come and regurgitate what KZbin comments saying without realizing you're dissing the entire style of writing.

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

@@thefirstone4864 Citation needed

[@laughter4380]

Hands down the best take on this game and actual constructive break down from someone who also loves this series thank you

[@vroeundscap]

agreed

[@route77productions]

Why they didn’t keep the Inquisitor as the main character is beyond me. Since it was the Inquisitor who said he/she would go after Solas to either stop or save him. I wouldn’t have minded if they did, the Inquisitor is out of the fight as they got injured and that made the Rook lead. Instead of Varric being the one to get hurt. And yet, The Inquisitor has barely anything to do with Solas as they spend the entire game in the south.

[@VictorDude98]

Imagine how good it would've been to be playing as the Inquisitor and when you enter the Fade you find Hawke still in there just still fighting for their life. And when you met Hawke you could customise them again and pick which personality type you chose for DA2

[@SophiHan02]

I remember hearing one of the initial ideas was that rook was recruited by the inquisitor as an inside man in tevinter and served as a mentor which would make a lot more sense. They almost did that, as we can see with Varric being the one to recruit rook, but obviously having inky be a real character rather than a glorified mannequin in the shape of your inquisitor would require world states so :/

[@VictorDude98]

@ They could’ve just let us import our Inq’s appearance and then customize them. Or all of our Inq. Or kept the Keep Or rebuilt the Keep to make it easier to integrate to future games. But we all know they abandoned the Keep just to kill off the original trilogy so they can make something of their own.

[@idiot_rat]

@@VictorDude98I wouldn’t be surprised if the shareholders pushed for the axing of world states… it’s just so obviously a money grab idea-a soulless (or should I say.. Solas..badum tssss) idea.

[@BradTheAmerican]

I personally don't like playing the same character from game to game. Inky had their time in the sun. That's one of the reasons why I lost interest in Mass Effect. I was tired of playing human Shepard for 3 alien-filled games when they had asari, salarians, turians, krogan, and a bunch of other fellows that I'd rather choose from. With that being said, Inky definitely should have been more involved, but BioWare really undermined the end of Trespasser with this game. The end of Trespasser teases us about stopping Solas in Tevinter, but we jump forward 10 years for whatever reason and now Solas is irrelevant for 99% of the game while you try to stop a super blight caused by other people entirely. The game should not have opened with stopping Solas' ritual, but rather the game should have been building up to that moment with stopping the ritual being the climactic scene at the end of the game. Solas should have been the main villain, then BioWare could have teased the Elven Gods for the next game.

[@chomskysfavefive]

Now I know why other devs didn't want Baldur's Gate 3 to be "the new standard." LOL

[@katb8061]

GOD the way just hearing ten seconds of Inquisition's music made me FEEL THINGS 😭 veilguard just straight up doesnt have a soul in comparison also on the one hand I would like to hear your spoiler thoughts, but on the other hand... I'm so exhausted with veilguard lol. I've gone past love or hate and straight to indifference. What a nothingburger of a game. It's like I never even played it. (meanwhile I spent like 3 full years obsessing over solavellan fic when I finished Inquisition lol. truly the bioware magic is GONE)

[@wootlesswocks]

Agree

[@zahierabaloch8118]

Didn't think of it before, but now that I have I definitely agree.

[@talus9663]

Not being able to ask Morrigan where the HoF is or where our son was really sucked. The lack of world states really took away a lot of what made this series special. The writing is also missing all that nuance the previous entries had too. This game felt more like a Saturday morning cartoon.

[@Iam_Stu]

Why would Rook ask Morrigan about the HoF?

[@talus9663]

@ That’s fair. I think my main issue is that I wanted the world states to feel more significant. The cast and Rook just didn’t resonate with me-I didn’t find them particularly compelling. Honestly, I kept wondering why this character was chosen as the protagonist. I never had that problem with the other main characters in the series.

[@darkbeach72]

Not so much a Saturday morning cartoon as an After School Special. In this episode, Rook learns an important lesson about feminism. Being a woman means wearing a dress. And if you aren't the type of woman who wears a dress, then you're not really a woman at all. Who wrote this? The gender plot in this game insults the people it tries to represent.

[@deschain1910]

@@talus9663 So, what you really wanted was just a direct sequel with the same character as Dragon Age: Origins. 😆 I think a lot of people would love that.

[@Can_O_Crayola]

@@deschain1910 I mean, I don't think that's what they're saying. They just want the big choices of previous games to still be treated like they mattered, because they did. Even years later, the HoF's decisions politically changed Ferelden in ways that shouldn't be just ignored.

[@alwaysslightlysleepy]

I'M SO HYPE FOR THIS CHANNEL

[@Kaytetra]

Ahhhhh tysm!! I appreciate you checking it out (: 💖

[@BTLGRLno9]

That "Mondstadt puzzles, not Inazuma puzzles" was SO clear to me so the comparison hit for at least one person XD

[@vroeundscap]

lmao

[@SleepTightWicket]

Preach queen! ❤ I never thought playing a dragon age game would make me feel like a side character in my own story. Needless to say I quickly went back to inquisition and Commander Cullen as soon as I could!

[@TheLeonardoPontes]

Omg the queen of ASMR RP hiiiiii 😊😊😊

[@jbear3478]

This game made me want to play Inquisition because it’s so intricate and meaningful.

[@Gangerworld]

A side character? None of the companions could wipe their asses without Rook holding their hands. Rook was the center of the universe.

[@yo_who_asked]

im not really into asmr and didnt even know who u were prior to watching this but this video is really good. like solid points, funny jokes, good edits. idk if im gonna listen to ur asmr stuff but im eager to see what else comes of this channel.

[@Kaytetra]

Haha this isn't to get people into my asmr, this is a separate channel not asmr related

[@vroeundscap]

nice

[@inkpendude]

Really like the editing and humor so far

[@RenardoSilvao]

same xD

[@wfox4418]

I want to hear you rant about spoiler stuff!

[@vroeundscap]

why

[@jimbob1862]

Im glad you pointed out how jarring Taash's main conflict is with how quickly it comes to the forefront when they move to the Lighthouse. Im admittedly pretty ignorant on the subject being explored, but to me it felt really weird to go from Taash's intro quest where theyre incredibly blunt and aloof, almost coming across like an asshole at points to the first major convo you have in the lighthouse exploring a very intimate subject. And it sucks because when they handle Taash well, theyre actually a decent character! Its just that they mamage to get that balance nailed for maybe a line or two per actual dedicated quest. Something that stuck out to me is that Taash feels like they're written to be a teenager, as a main companion, in a DA game. It makes it very clear where the focus in audience moved to but it kind of sucks to have grown up on the other games where mature topics were generally handled very well and were illuminating because they were written maturely to being treated like an ignorant toddler in the one game Im playing as an adult.

[@RockoEstalon]

Taash is in the early 20's according to the writers, in their words: "Taash is the closest to Sera at early twenties...". Alistar is also 20 in DAO, both of Hawke's siblins are 19 at the beginning of DA2. Main issue with Taash is that whoever wrote them cranked up the Linkin Park albums up to 11.

[@ravens_bite]

they’re 20 and at least implied to be autistic i think

[@autumnlotus6250]

It's also written by a transwoman who just comes off like a narcesisst online. Not because they are trans, but because they are an asshole

[@simon-vh7pk]

@@RockoEstalon wait, what linkin park to do with that? to taash: if i remember correctly, dorian as well tells you some intimate stuff about his sexuality without being to explicitely AFTER you gain his trust and WHEN you want to know more about him. and i did. but the way they did it with taash is just annoying

[@RockoEstalon]

@@simon-vh7pk Linkin Park = Angsty music for angsty teenagers. Taash technically isn't a teenager but acts like somebody who hates homework.

[@jennakins98]

You pointing out that Varric might not have much to say without world states was so funny I almost spat out my drink. I already watch your ASMR channel, but the reason I found you in the first place was because once upon a time you were the only ASMRtist with Dragon Age videos. This makes me so happy, and I already knew you were funny but you're absolutely hilarious.

[@seasonedmind914]

Your mural is pretty nice, especially those sun triangles. And I like the video too, wouldn't mind seeing more ramble/rants about more video games, or what not. Take care!

[@lovechafes]

Finally, I’m not the only one who thought lace Harding was a nothing character and doesn’t understand why she was wanted as a full companion so bad

[@themisfitjester7034]

She was never a nothing character, she was the lead scout for the inquisition, played a big behind the scenes role in it's success. As for why she became a companion is hard to say since none of us have been a part of the process of the writing or creation of the game, but I'd say it's probably cuz it kind of makes sense. The inquisition either disbanded or became a part of the chantry, and in either case the inquisitor started their search for Solas, to do this they needed good people to track him, harding is an excellent scout and so she was tasked with tracking him, that's how she's introduced in DAv, she's the one that tracked him to tevinter, then got dragged into the chaos that starts of the game. 🤷‍♂️ Its not really that hard to understand why she's there, she wants to help stop the end of the world, cuz she is a part of the world and cares about it.

[@Gabranicus]

@@themisfitjester7034 This. Also it's nice to finally have a dwarf character to romance.

[@mikanchan322]

She had personality, but nothing that really invoked the "wow, I need to know more about her!" for me

[@Goblinio168]

@@themisfitjester7034see but that’s the issue for me personally. You said a lot about why she’s in the game but not about her personality or character traits. As someone who didn’t flirt with her in Inquisition I thought she was a mostly forgettable side character, with less personality than someone like Krem or Calpernia (who was initially meant to return also). Veilguard feels like it gave her the whole Titans subplot because she has almost nothing else going on. Even as the token “normal person” character she leaves a lot to be desired.

[@themisfitjester7034]

@Goblinio168 that's cuz the subject wasn't who she was as character but why she was in the game and that she was a "nothing" character, so I mentioned the relevant information. And you and others not caring about her in inquisition and even DAv is largely irrelevant, I've seen alot of people who like and loved her since the release of DAi, and wanted to see more about her, those people where probably really happy to see her come back. Personally I liked her, maybe not as much as the inner circle characters, (except Vivienne, fakk Dat bish) but she was cute and funny, I liked the little reports she gave when entering a new zone and i found her to be an important side character. I did flirt with her a bit, but mainly on my "hoe" character, but that dude flirted with everyone.. 😂 But yeh, i think she has a personality, she might be a bit more bland compare to the rest of the crew in terms of not having a big trauma thing in her background. however she didn't have anything for a personal mission, no nemesis from the past coming back to haunt her or anything like that like the rest of the crew, so that's probably why the titans thing, and also, the titans are cool and I'm happy that side stuff is in the game as it fills in sooo much of the lore, and harding was the only logical choice since she's a dwarf. Buuut, I think she would have been better utilized if there was proper world states, removal of that kinda cut off most of the cool things she could have to talk about..

[@bartolomeus441]

ASMR idea: POV you are listening to a great analysis of Dragon Age: Veilguard. Amazing, give me more of your projects

[@klarityfisher8993]

I strongly approve of every statement in this video, except I did not miss the semi-open maps in inquisition. I was able to endure them better than some, but I was blind to many of Veilguard's faults for most of my first playthrough solely because I was stoked to be playing a new dragon age that was more streamlined like 1 & 2. Also I think some of the dock town side quests did help with some world building, but I will not die on that hill because they needed to do way more with how much we have heard about Tevinter in the past 3 games.

[@readyforlol]

Exactly. I nodded the whole way through this video because it was all spot on, but recoiled in near-disgust when I heard the phrase "I'll miss the hinterlands from Inquisition". Inquisition is the only DA game I haven't replayed, because I still shudder at the thought of having to spend 40 more hours trudging through that place before I can get to the good parts again.

[@klarityfisher8993]

@@readyforlol I was a semi-defender of that stuff because I could get a tad more enjoyment out of it then most people. But that’s only when I don’t think about the more narrative focused experience we missed because of it. Origins and 2 had more of their own character because they didn’t have all that semi-mmo style open world stuff. So when I started veilguard and it didn’t have the open world stuff I was like well it’s automatically better than inquisition so idk why everyone’s so mad. But now because of everything else I’m starting to doubt my thoughts on that.

[@marlow21]

its those shards man. a whole lot of shards

[@klarityfisher8993]

@@marlow21 oh yeah, I definitely didn’t bother with the shards. That would have actually driven me insane lol

[@jaded-harper]

@@klarityfisher8993 yah without mods I couldnt replay inquistion, it makes it 40x better as u dont needa worry about tedious mmo shit. I play a lot of mmos so doing it once was ok but everytime after? hell nah. ardent blossom shop ftw

[@ScarletSky155]

finally, someone points out how fun it is to just ignore whatever's happening and go launch yourself into a pillar of boxes and vases. my personal favorite is being a mage and laser beaming the high shelves in places.

[@starlancer2386]

Amy ranting about Dragon Age for three quarters of an hour is just what I needed. Now I want a rant about which Zelda is the most criminally underrated and why it is Wind Waker.

[@analogicparadox]

BASED RAMBLES! YES! Honestly I couldn't be happier to hear you talk about this kind of topic. I was wishing for more since last time you mentioned veilguard

[@RenardoSilvao]

same, we eating good

[@RenardoSilvao]

yep

[@BruceWayne-fj9bm]

Seems like in game development nowadays if the players push back or express frustrations with elements in games then companies throw the baby out with the bath water and completely change everything. Ubisoft with Assassins Creed going from stealth adventure to RPGs with Assassins Creed and all the Watchdogs being so different from each other are perfect examples, but I think that’s true for the Dragon Age series as well.

[@adamaccountname]

Yeah, there was nothing wrong with the mechanics in DA Origins, just they kept listening to people sooking "I won't play this unless it's an action game", despite them having no intention of ever playing the fantasy genre

[@RockoEstalon]

​@@adamaccountname Some changes seem to be to an issue with fan pressure but most is an EA mandate, the people who left Bioware have not been exactly secretive about it. Electronic Arts wanted two things mainly: Make it MMO and drop the darkness.

[@adamaccountname]

@RockoEstalon so EA effectively wanted to make it WoW.

[@chailatte1234]

I would say its less due to player push back and more due to the fact that EA loves to follow 'trends' in gaming, mainly forcing DA to be what is trending at the time. That's why DA2 was forced to made in 15 months (to follow up quickly on DA origins hype), DAI was an MMO because MMOs were at peak popularity, and DAV was a multiplayer, and then live service, because those are the two biggest categories in gaming when DAV started development. Only reason DAV went back to singleplayer was because the project got restarted twice and a bunch of DA devs left. TLDR, im praying for the day that DA games have a normal development cycle again lol

[@RockoEstalon]

​@@adamaccountname Basically it's as follows: - EA wanted to make DA an MMO with Inquisition. - The only reason why it wasn't was because some employee leaked it and the fan outrage was quite big. - The first plan for a DA4 (Project Joplin) was scrapped after a year because EA wanted full hands on that Anthem crap. Joplin was helmed by all the people who wrote DAI so at least we know it would have had the same standard of quality, story wise. - DA4 was revived as "Project Morris", which was, again, an MMO, but EA attempts at making Live service games tanked so hard and Star Wars Fallen Order was such a hit that they told Bioware to make it single player.

[@loveranger101]

You have amazing humor, loved this video. It was clear, concise, funny, and very level headed. I laughed at many moments, thank you. I hope you get more subscribers you definitely deserve them, you put a lot of effort into this video. The rolling around smashing shit was the cherry on top lmfao.

[@BecauseYNotYT]

Ok I love watching videos like this as I work so I'm totally here for it! (also parts of it feel ASMR coded, and I wonder if that's on purpose or she's just relaxing by accident at this point 😂)

[@vroeundscap]

dunno

[@tfwnoyandere]

6 year habit gotta be hard to break

[@Tube_Chaser]

38:11 is a great point about the dialogue. No one talks about how corny the games have been even since Origins, but that's because it was a contrast to the game's otherwise rather serious and grim tone.

[@MetalHeadEnjoyer]

This was great! I love your overt way of presentation, in not taking the oversaturated chaotic loud approach to retain viewer attention. Really liked your style of video essay, please do more. :)

[@PaladinFeora]

This is the best review of Dragon Age: The Veilguard I have listened to so far. Thank you for making this video!

[@vannilaice6837]

I dunno, I'm so accustomed to her doing asmr that I just felt asleep after half of the video

[@davidsperoni3107]

about the dalish in tervinter, canonically there should be close to 0, as for things stated in DA 3.

[@Kaytetra]

I didn't catch this lore tidbit! Wish they'd addressed this & why in Veilguard

[@RenardoSilvao]

same

[@themisfitjester7034]

They have never said at any point that there are 0 Dalish in the north, most Dalish clans stay away from humans on principle, and in the north they keep to arlathan, a massive forest region. Tevinter itself didn't have show Dalish clans even in DAv, arlathan is technically not part of tevinter but is on its border if I remember correctly.

[@BC-iq8ks]

It is addressed in a conversation between Dorian and an Elven Inquisitor, where he, unclear what to call your people, asks if "Dalish" is the correct term. Later saying that " we don't have contact with many of your people in Tavinter, for obvious reasons" The Dalish are also born out of the fall of the Dales, hence the name, which happens quite a bit after the fall of the Imperium's influence. It stands to reason that they would roam closer to the original place the nation they had. Even Cassandra will express shock at Lavellan Clan roaming the Free marches. So yea, it's pretty established.

[@nikkorocksalot5254]

I was so surprised to see that this is the only video on the channel I'm definitely here for more

[@CountDantesEdmond]

It's incredibile that this is the only video on this channel, it really feels like it's the 100th of this kind. Really nice review, well argumented and showed, and you have an insane acting skill really. And humor. Instantly subscribed.

[@LuanaCremolini]

I absolutely loved how it seems like you instinctively whisper sometimes lmao anyways I barely even noticed the 45 min passing, awesome video ❤

[@Kaytetra]

I kept accidently whispering XD

[@vroeundscap]

yep

[@imbatmanhi3363]

You can't take the whispers out of the artist 😁😂

[@nialltealeaf275]

The Veilguard does the one thing I didn't want Dragon Age to do: take away the Black of the narratives, the ulterior motives. Loghain betraying Cailan is a political move, and making Elven Gods directly responsible removes the personal agency of Loghain's arc and further demeans both Alistair's journey to King, Warden, or nothing at all along with Duncan's death in Origins. Loghain being forced to face the remains of Ostagar means nothing if Elgar'nan and Gil'anein wove his betrayal in the first place. Further, taking one of the most harrowing arcs in Dragon Age 2 and going "the Elven Gods did it" ruins the emotional impact it has on a DA2 player who hasn't even started it completely, it robs Varric of the pain of loss by simply going "a God did it." Which is the modern equivalent of ye olde "a wizard did it." Lastly, making the outcomes of DA:O, A, and 2 meaningless in a gesture that uplifts Inquisition by both retconning their causes into Elven Gods, and retroactively burning the settings in both to the ground because Solas tore the Veil open, makes it impossible for newer players to assume that the choices made in both Inquisition *and* Veilguard would stick: in fact, in order to bring back the continuity system, they'd need to create a back-up cast of "failed Veiljumpers" to take the place of the Veilguard cast if the player chooses to import the "and rocks fell as Rook locked away Solas" save file.

[@J__Lucas]

Idk what I was expecting from this, but holy this so cool. I love the production and the jokes, and also the actual commentary you bring. The editing is great too, some people might say it looks like you already have years of experience editing or something

[@RenardoSilvao]

agreed

[@efrenyalung1348]

Thank you for this! I very much agree with your takes on the changing of the grimdark aspects and the dialogue.

[@abovewater6918]

Thanks for the nuanced review. To me it felt like everyone in the party was under a charm spell cast by every other party member (main character included). And during times there was disagreements it was like the charm spell wore off briefly, only to be invisibly cast again part way through the disagreement. Cause the disagreements were often stopped abruptly and everyone was getting along again with no logical reasoning as to why they stopped disagreeing so quickly

[@vroeundscap]

agreed

[@jasonzamora9599]

This was a great review! It is probably the most fair one that I have seen. Very detailed. I like how you brought up all the hate reviews going around for this game and gave your interpretation of those reactions. I had no idea you were such a big gamer but you clearly know what you're talking about! You did a really good job with the humor and video editing. Love your voice and facial expressions. Looking forward to more game review content.

[@oogabooga2694]

I'm obsessed with the cyberpunk 2077 universe and your asmr videos based around them are fantastic, I would love to see a review of Cyberpunk 2077 plz!!

[@CatswoldCottage]

Spot on about dream herpies -still can’t wrap my head around that reveal. Also felt my experience was very bittersweet. Would love to hear your thoughts on spoilers!

[@deanna1554]

This was such a breath of fresh air, every other reviewer I watched was slamming this game. There’s issues. Big issues but I enjoyed this game a lot and perception can very much change with time. My time playing Inquisition was the first two years it came out and then life became very busy. Before Veilguard came out I booted up DAI and my rose colored glasses flew off. Traversing the Hinterlands gave me a pounding headache and I had forgotten how awful looking at the map was. I love DAI but 10 years can change feelings. My feeling toward certain characters and plot points. I wasn’t even that fond of The Inquisitor for a while because they felt a little flat but now I adore mine so much. I couldn’t imagine having never made my canon Adaar. In the end…I’m just glad this game saw the light of day and that I was able to go on another adventure in Thedas and add more memories of Dragon Age into my life.

[@BigCMiner]

It’s always scary when people make second channels that they wont be as good, but this was actually really great

[@MagnusKraken]

And then the developers realized "Dreadwolf" wasn't fitting but before they settled on "the Veilguard" many titles were proposed, such as "Dragon Age: the Codex" as in "read it, noob" or "Dragon Age: tell, don't show" for its narrative phylosophy. "Dragon Age: the Bold and the Beautiful" for its soap-opera feeling or "Dragon Age: the Veilbros" for its modern lingo. But the Maker wept, and so Andraste stood against the magisters yelling "At least give us a catchy title" and the Black city turned to a prison In which the the Old Gods died one by one. - Canticle of Development 4:2016-4:2024

[@carole5648]

This was a great analysis. I think the thing that bugs me the most is so many obvious points if missed potential. And i definitely blame EA. It seems like they said it had to come out before the 10yr anniversary, 'what do you mean its not ready you had 10 years, even if we did keep throwing out your ideas.'

[@sagemyth7858]

I know this has been said before but I felt like a side character in my own game. If they were already going to stray so much from the DA formula I wish instead of a new character they just kept the inquisitor as the player character. At least then I'd have been playing as someone who had some reason to care about Solas.

[@girl_plays_]

I loved this. It is so refreshing to see something that feels authentic and genuine when so much on KZbin is the same algorithm appeasing content. Or whatever. I would love to hear more.

[@xxassadoxx]

The only point I disagree with is about the skip button in Taash's story. This only applies when you're playing for the second time onwards. Because those who really like RPG want to go through all the points in the story, not miss any event if possible.

[@Matthew-ij3zm]

Some of us only like good rpg and sometimes we respect our time way too much not to skip story/scenes once we realize we really, really don't like it. But it's not like we're talking about completely skipping a whole scene with the press of a button, anyway. I just quickly read the subtitles and skip it. When it comes to my first playthrough in Taash's story, I mean.

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

@@Matthew-ij3zm I balked at this argument too. I don't think the relevant point is one of time or missing out on plot points, rather that the player has paid good money for this game, and to say you should just skip the scenes you don't like is rather missing the point. I'm angry that I'm even tempted to skip these cutscenes because we could have got something so much better

[@Ohmygarters]

this is a perfect review. you took every thought out of my head and articulated it with wit and charm and understanding. can’t wait to see more review content from you!

[@danelyman]

I love that your review manages to be pretty critical, but still complementary where it can. Love a good nuanced take

[@kllrkngs0]

I finished the game last night. I did really miss being in this world, and I couldn't capture why I wasn't satisfied at the end. This video illuminated it for me. I hope there is more Dragon Age in the future. I hope the game can get back to Origins and Inquisition.

[@SaltyK28]

So exciting!! I’ve always been curious what you think about the media you spend so much time cosplaying!!

[@vroeundscap]

samee

[@ViewtifulGene]

Opposite experience for me- it got worse as it went on, despite a decent first impression. I liked the combat and easy navigation at first. But then I saw every type of enemy and quest 10 hours into a 50-hour campaign. When every mission involves fighting the same 2 cults, they better have more than 3 enemy types each. The companion questlines could've dropped half the Walking Simulator parts, which would've helped with the game feeling longer than it has to. 5.5/10 is a fair score. There's some good, but it's not enough to carry the whole playthrough.

[@TheMeanMongoose]

I'd love more content like this. Also, your background mural is amazing.

[@RonOnyx]

Bro you are absolutely lovely! i really enjoyed hearing your opinions and personality

[@danielmorales-jp8lt]

Agreed with your opinions 100% The content in alot of media isn't so much the issue as the way it is presented. lackluster writing etc. It's great to hear your opinions on things as someone that has only seen your asmr videos for a long time. Even though it may not be often the way you created this video was amazing and I hope you feel encouraged that you can do more stuff like this in the future and your audience will enjoy it. Sorry hopefully that made sense I don't comment on videos really ever haha

[@feralgoober]

I'm so here for Amy talking about her interests!!

[@andraspapp1284]

Okay I couldn't not watch it immediately in the end 😂 First of all, why is noone talking about the mural?! It's amazing! One thing nobody mentions in reviews is the music of the game: love Hans and Lorne but my god not rehiring Trevor Morris just to have bigger names (for a lot more money probably) was the BIGGEST fumble they could make. The music seemed to be such an afterthought throughout the entire game, huge letdown compared to Inwuisition

[@Kaytetra]

I cut a lot of stuff but in my initial 3 hr rant I mentioned this!! As much as I love Hans he did not cook with this music. They should have brought back Trevor Morris for sure

[@tfwnoyandere]

post the 3hr directors cut 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥

[@RenardoSilvao]

ikr

[@RockoEstalon]

There is a rumor that Trevor Morris wasn't rehired because he's under "allegations", if you catch my meaning.

[@papagraub122]

I enjoyed this review. As someone who has well over 1000 hours across all the games because I have to check every corner every time, I wanted to like this game. I have played about 20-30 hours of a simple synopsis is that it weirdly feels like a game in the Dragon Age universe without being a Dragon Age game. The world is BEAUTIFUL and I like the combat system. Then the writing shows itself and boy, I don't mind cringe and cheese but that is 90% of dialogue it seems and is overwhelming. It also feels very "on the rails" for a DA game. Your synopsis of the environments was great, they look big and beautiful but feel weirdly claustrophobic.

[@Awesomesauce213]

This game was fun as a fantasy rpg but it is NOT a Dragon Age game. Which is sad. I've played since Dragon Age Origins came out (wow I'm old) and while I liked certain parts of DAV, I cannot call it a Dragon Age game. Also, this was fun! I like your new channel Amy! I hope you continue it with more funny and cool edits and reviews!

[@vroeundscap]

omg

[@jbear3478]

It’s not an RPG either honestly

[@tedarcher9120]

Characters in Dragon Age be like "This bad dragon is real sus, no cap bro, okay?"

[@Tube_Chaser]

frfr, on the Maker

[@Grimskull4744]

If you had lead with the fact you haven't played origins I would have clicked off, glad I didn't but you really should play origins. Also it'd be really cool to see you do a video about a good game, maybe inquisition or baldurs gate, i'd watch. : ).

[@LycaenionV13]

Clicked on this because I thought, “is that AmyKay?!” And LOVED EVERY MINUTE. Yes! Can’t wait to see more.

[@benabenathar2228]

I can’t believe there is an actual reasonable review of this game (with finest yapping) in this site, congrats on the first banger!! Also you said everything that was in my head when you talked about the sanitization of the story demolished the world building from this game and also the previous games…

[@claysmith8648]

This is one of the better video game reviews I’ve seen, and I think the best analysis of Veilguard.

[@samirabdel-aziz478]

This is one of the best reviews i've listened to. You kind of expressed my feelings about this game and the conflict I feel. I loved veilguard, but it is far from perfect. And i've listened to other reviews say the same tired stuff about HR in the room or fixating on Taash and pretending that's all the game is about. This review makes me feel sane, like I am not the only person who enjoyed this, despite the flaws. And i hope you talk about spoilers. I'd loge to hear your thoughts on the origin of the Blight, the elven people, the Old Gods, and other stuff

[@nickl6373]

Amy honestly as someone's whos considered you top 3 asmr channels for like half a decade it's hella cool to see this way more detailed side of your personality

[@Chaseudown]

I absolutely LOVE it! I cant wait for more. Your sense of humor is amazing!

[@ulyssescolmstock]

I like how even this isn't the ASMR channel, Amy still speaks softly. It's a nice change of pace from other gaming channels

[@joshuagorski9452]

38:35 Nice Bane impression, Amy!!!

[@quixtangle]

Ooh, I didn't know you had this channel! I was so waiting for a Veilguard video.

[@Jabberwalcky]

Probably one of the best reviews I have seen. It's not rage bait, not clickbait, just even-handed analysis. I have enjoyed my time with the game. Is it the best Dragon Age game? No. Is it the worst? No. My biggest criticism would be that they played it too safe, too sanitized. Bring back some good old-fashioned renegade options. I know that's Mass Effect but sometimes the best answer to a situation is to punch a guy in the face or shoot the hostage in the leg. Great job.

[@jasonluvisi]

THE INTERNET would like to battle... lol loved that

[@ec6565]

I agree about Taash. Their gender identity journey is very low-stakes compared to other companions. Even Harding, whose personal quest is identity based, has an apparent tie-in to the main plot (although that was admittedly pretty flimsy). One of the main reasons why I always encourage Taash to embrace Rivaini culture is because of the Qun’s rigid gender roles, and what that implies for the progress they’ve made with their gender identity. I would have loved to see more of Qunari culture explored in DA4 so Taash’s arc had a more definite connection to the main plot. I have so many comments to make, but I’d end up typing a novel, so I’m stopping here. I would be VERY interested in hearing a spoilery review - especially if you’ve played through “the good ending” :)

[@MarieCurtis92]

This was a very well balanced review. I loved your editing... aaaaand I'm totally subscribing! Plus, Bioware put Solas in a fade corner. Nobody puts baby in a corner.

[@Alpha_Gamer0123]

this is where the fun begins

[@RenardoSilvao]

why

[@vroeundscap]

i understood that

[@jakubzlesak4088]

We need more game reviews from you. Keep up doing a good work 🍀

[@SevenHalcyon]

Serious main character energy. Looking forward to more reviews.

[@hamsters7760]

Pretty sure that baby griff makes this a solid 10/10 perfect title.

[@bethanytaylor6642]

loved this!!! lovely change from asmr while still being so relaxing and entertaining! Loved seeing the influence asmr has had on your video editing and sound effects! Love this ❤

[@vroeundscap]

ikr

[@blxrrytxylxr]

I am SOOO excited for this channel! Your speaking voice is absolutely lovely and honestly I might accidentally fall asleep to your videos on here bc it's you! I'm looking forward to this channel and what you do with it!

[@AtomPunk]

With an opening like that, this channel is going to go far. 👏👏 Congrats on the new channel and a great first video!

[@vroeundscap]

yay

[@KuningannaSansa]

"i wanted to love this game and when the initial bad reviews rolled in i thought 'well they arent the same type of gamer as i am' or 'they only hate this because of the representation' but" - yeah THIS was my experience exactly and i spent the first half of my playtime actively trying to gaslight myself into loving this game only to have to admit by the end that the haters were right. great review!

[@johnwalsh9839]

This was a random yt algorithm recommendation for me and i hit subscribe immediately at the Zoolander. Great video great channel

[@vroeundscap]

nice

[@Catcatboo1]

I love this video and all of your thoughts, i 10000% agree with all your takes; most importantly, that it all really came down to watering down worlduilding context and shoving what remained into environments and codex logs (which are very fun to read, and provide a lot of what we're missing.) and the DIALOGUE, i want it to feel fancy and fantastical!! wheres the whimsy!!! more reviews and hot takes please, its so so so refreshing to hear someone critically thinking in good faith. fantastic video and a really fun game!

[@sash4770]

Thank you, it's very refreshing to watch something positive about the game, even if sarcastic. Very pleasant sense of humor.

[@DriedMoss]

KAYTETRA, please try out Dragon Age ORIGINS and make a full, comprehensive video on the entire series. Your work is excellent.

[@Chucklgeist]

I've watched alot of reviews and still played it once. It was okay I had a okish time with the game. In a way I felt after the credits rolled like I just watched a modern marvel movie, or ate Mc Donald's. It's okay but not really rememberable and in a few weeks I will completely forget about, while I still cherish the time I had with origins (15 years later). Anyway I just stumbled on this channel by accident and I really liked your style of humor :) love to see more :)

[@droppathan]

As a longtime fan of your ASMR videos, I very much enjoyed hearing your opinions on Veilguard. I do hope you'll come back to this when the inspiration strikes.

[@ZeSgtSchultz]

3:10 I find that i almost always make my first character human in any fantasy setting. I like the idea of the "normal" guy overcoming and being the hero. The human race is kinda like hawkeye, no powers but he tries.

[@TheLazySavior]

I like the tempo of this video. Felt a bit odd compared to a normal video game essay which usually speed quickly from point to point. When I saw you had an ASMR channel it made a lot of sense that the script had a little more room to breathe. I think it’s a refreshing style. :D