# Dragon Age: The Veilguard – 22 Minutes of Fresh Gameplay Revealed, But Everyone’s Buzzing About the Odd Qunari
The anticipation for the launch of *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* has surged as 22 minutes of new gameplay footage was released. This video highlights a quest focused on saving griffins, providing an enticing look at the game’s mechanics, such as dialogue interactions, exploration of the player stronghold named the Lighthouse, and exciting combat scenarios. Nonetheless, amidst the rich content presented, discussions among fans are predominantly centered on one specific design aspect: the look of the Qunari.
## New Design Faces Backlash
The Qunari, a species recognized for their unique and often imposing features, have seen considerable design shifts throughout the *Dragon Age* franchise. Yet, the most recent version displayed in *The Veilguard* has ignited a wave of backlash from the community. The Qunari character’s visage depicted in the gameplay has been characterized by many as “too gentle” and “too human,” with some fans expressing dissatisfaction regarding the lack of the race’s signature skin textures and rugged attributes.
A particularly outspoken fan, known as “The Archivist” on social media platform X (previously Twitter), posted a screenshot of the Qunari with the stark caption, “I’M SORRY BUT WHAT IS THIS.” This post quickly gained momentum, with a multitude of fans joining in to share their opinions.
In the discussions, users like “Unrepentant Solas-Kisser” expressed their regrets about the new design, saying, “I’m relieved I’m not intending to play a Qunari because I couldn’t overlook the overly human face. He and Iron Bull don’t even seem like the same species; I can’t put it into words, but it’s incredibly distracting.” Iron Bull, a Qunari ally from *Dragon Age: Inquisition*, is frequently referenced as a standard for the race’s appearance, with his formidable build and distinctive facial traits.
On YouTube, the feedback became even more critical. A user, ruandeswardt6106, remarked, “The Qunari looks like someone had plans for a Qunari cosplay and then switched to Megamind at the last second,” making a comparison to the animated character known for his exaggerated, rounded head.
## Is the Excitement Warranted?
The controversy over the Qunari’s new look prompts a vital inquiry: Is the enthusiasm, or rather the dissatisfaction, warranted? In terms of artistic expression, personal taste is inherently different, and while one individual may find something off-putting, another may embrace it. Nevertheless, the *Dragon Age* franchise has a rich history of evolving character designs, particularly regarding the Qunari.
In the original *Dragon Age: Origins*, the Qunari were illustrated without horns, a design decision altered in *Dragon Age II*, where they received a more alien and contoured look. By the time of *Inquisition*, the Qunari had been redefined once more, this time with a somewhat more human-like appearance, although still possessing their distinctive horns and athletic build. Iron Bull, in particular, became a beloved character, despite some critiques regarding his exaggerated dimensions that occasionally obstructed doorways.
Given this history of transformation, it’s not wholly unexpected that *The Veilguard* would unveil yet another version of the Qunari. However, the sleek, almost human-like faces presented in the latest footage have evidently resonated negatively with fans who anticipated a continuation of the more rugged, alien style.
## A Peek into the Future
It’s important to highlight that *The Veilguard* is slated to provide the most comprehensive character customization system in the series thus far. This suggests that players might have the ability to tailor their Qunari characters to better reflect the designs from previous installments. Nevertheless, the faces presented in the gameplay video have left some fans anxious that the standard options might tilt too much toward a more human appearance.
As the October 31, 2024, release date draws near, it’s likely that additional details regarding the game’s character customization features will emerge. Until then, fans must wait and see if the final version of the Qunari will meet their expectations.
In the meantime, the debates around the Qunari’s new design highlight the fervor and commitment that *Dragon Age* enthusiasts have for the series. While the 22 minutes of gameplay footage presented a trove of new content to explore and dissect, it’s apparent that the Qunari’s design has taken center stage in the dialogue – for better or worse.
For those looking to avoid potential spoilers, it may be prudent to steer clear of the gameplay footage and concentrate on gearing up for the complete release of *