Dragon Age: The Veilguard-A GOTY Contender Many Gamers Overlooked

In-game conversation with Governor Ivenci mentioning the Butcher and Antaam.

2024 may go down as the year many gamers let an actual Game of the Year contender slip through their fingers. What game am I talking about? Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which launched on October 31, 2024. Not only is it my Game of the Year, but it has also secured a spot in my top 10 games.

I have yet to complete the game, but that’s not for a lack of trying. I’ve quickly put 20 to 30 hours into multiple characters; just the kind of RPG player I am. If a game lets me create my character, shape their build, and make meaningful story choices, I don’t settle for just one playthrough; I create multiple characters and experience the narrative from different angles. It’s my own version of a Dragon Age multiverse. In total, I’ve already spent over 100 hours in The Veilguard, and I’m nowhere near done.

Image Credit - Gamingbolt

One of the first things that struck me about this entry is its exceptional character creator. In recent years, we’ve seen a renaissance of in-depth customization systems (Dragon’s Dogma 2 being a prime example), and The Veilguard holds its own in this battle. Being able to craft the protagonist of your personal adventure adds an extra layer of immersion, and in my opinion, The Veilguard excels in both customization and art style. The vibrant, semi-stylized visuals, expressive character animations, and stellar voice acting make every character feel alive. My playthroughs include a towering elven warrior, a fiery redheaded dwarf, and a mysterious Qunari ranger, each distinct in both appearance and personality.

Character Customization in Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Beyond aesthetics, the game also offers incredible flexibility in gameplay. Respeccing your character is seamless, allowing you to reset ability points at will without penalties. While you can’t completely change your class mid-game, the ability to experiment with different builds keeps combat fresh and engaging. (I believe I read somewhere that there is a way to completely change your class but I have not discovered this as of this writing)

Of course, no Dragon Age game is complete without deep character interactions, and The Veilguard delivers in spades. Like past BioWare titles, the heart of the experience lies in building relationships with your companions. They don’t reveal everything upfront, but as you gain their trust and complete their Mass Effect-style loyalty quests, their stories unfold often with unexpected twists. The writing and voice performances make these moments compelling, reinforcing that the true strength of The Veilguard lies in its characters.

The characters in Dragon Age: The Veilguard are both endearing and multifaceted, striking a delicate balance between camaraderie and tension. The narrative is driven by the party, and after a recent mission failure, all members begin clashing with one another. This conflict steers the story into a refreshing detour, as you work to reunite the group and help them resolve past issues.

Fortune hunter Taash is portrayed as strong yet naive, with a stern maternal figure insisting that you protect her child at all costs. Harding, the returning Inquisition scout, is developed with nuanced writing and impactful moments. Lucanis, the coffee-loving assassin, was even recognized as 2024’s standout companion. Bellara stands out as one of the most charming characters in any BioWare game, and her evolving storyline promises to be both moving and intense. Emmrich channels the classic cinematic charm of a bygone era and adds a touch of refined elegance to the party dynamic. Finally, Davrin, the gray ward and monster hunter, is a steadfast guardian of his baby Griffin companion—a role that quickly endears him to players. As the story delves deeper into their backstories, the emotional stakes only grow higher. And Neve is the noir-style detective of the group always on the case.

On a technical level, this is one of the most impressive games ever built on the Frostbite engine (EA). The detailed environments, fluid animations, and expressive facial capture make for a visually stunning experience. BioWare made a smart decision in moving away from vast open-world maps, opting instead for dense, handcrafted locations packed with personality.

Unfortunately, The Veilguard’s launch was overshadowed by controversy. Some major review outlets didn’t receive early access to the game, leading to negative buzz before it even hit shelves. This undoubtedly impacted its reception, but for those who gave it a chance, it stands as the best Dragon Age game to date combining the best elements of its predecessors into a polished, engaging package.

If you’ve been a longtime fan of the series, The Veilguard is a must-play. And if you’re new to Dragon Age, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Don’t let this one pass you by.