# Dragon Age: The Veilguard – A Blend of Excitement and Frustration
Following years of hype, **Dragon Age: The Veilguard** has at last made its debut, and the initial group of gamers is already venturing into the expansive realm of Thedas. Since its launch yesterday at 5 p.m., more than 70,000 Steam users have plunged into the game, eager to engage with the latest chapter in BioWare’s cherished RPG series. Nevertheless, while some players are ecstatic about the game, others have raised considerable critiques.
## A Long-Expected Release
Even prior to its launch, **The Veilguard** was a buzzing topic. Devotees of the Dragon Age franchise have been impatiently anticipating this game, wishing for a revival of BioWare’s former glory following the mixed reviews of **Dragon Age: Inquisition**. With the review embargo lifted earlier this week, discussions about the game sparked anew: Would this mark BioWare’s comeback, or yet another error in judgment?
Initial reviews indicate a mostly favorable reception, with the game achieving an average **Metacritic score of 84**. On Steam, it has received a **79% “mostly positive” rating** based on over 3,000 user reviews. Still, the responses are far from unanimous, as gamers are split on what aspects the game excels in and where it falters.
## What Players Appreciate
In spite of some divergent views, numerous players are genuinely enjoying their experience with **The Veilguard**. The game’s vast world, rapid combat, and immersive environment have earned commendation from fans.
Steam user **ReliableEyeball**, who initially approached the game with doubts, was pleasantly surprised after just three hours of gameplay:
> “Maybe I’ll adjust this review since it’s still early, but I started this game as a skeptic. […] It’s ENTERTAINING, it captivates me, it’s visually stunning and performs flawlessly.”
Others, like **smoosie**, have commended the game for its advancements compared to earlier entries in the series, especially the combat mechanics:
> “I adore Dragon Age Origins and Dragon Age 2, and I’ve come to appreciate Inquisition too. The enhancements in The Veilguard are commendable. The modifications to the new combat system remind me somewhat of the transition from Origins to Dragon Age 2. It’s quicker, but it makes perfect sense because it grants a fresh feeling of control and opportunity.”
Even players who were initially skeptical about the game’s trailers, such as **Jadeah**, have ended up enjoying the game after a few hours:
> “I wasn’t keen on it. Gameplay, graphics – didn’t appreciate any of it… yet I still felt inclined to give the game a fair shot because I genuinely enjoy the DA series. So, what can I say? I’m having a great time! Gameplay is swift and fluid, the graphics are quite good overall, and the atmosphere has completely captivated me.”
A good number of players have echoed these thoughts, lauding the game’s **smooth operation**, **stunning landscapes**, and **dynamic combat system**. The narrative, while still unfolding for many, has also sparked interest.
## What Players Find Disappointing
However, not every player is content with **The Veilguard**. Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s storytelling, characters, and overall design.
**Sneez**, a dedicated BioWare enthusiast, felt frustrated after only two hours of gameplay:
> “I’m a passionate Dragon Age/BioWare fan, I’ve partaken in all their titles since Neverwinter Nights and Jade Empire. Dragon Age Origins was a masterpiece; the sequel excelled […] and I appreciated Inquisition. Yet here I am two hours in, and issues are already surfacing. The world feels non-existent, every character appears to originate from the same background, we’re just racing along Crash-Bandicoot pathways, everyone’s making jokes while the world crumbles.”
Similarly, **LORT** struggled to connect with the game after four hours:
> “I’ll modify this review if my impression shifts while playing. But after four hours, I still don’t feel as if the game has truly begun. I’ve never encountered such difficulty in immersing myself in a Dragon Age game as I have during these four hours. I can’t role-play effectively or develop my character. I’m unclear on who this individual is, I don’t feel integrated into the world, and the characters all merge into one insipid entity.”
One of the predominant critiques is that the game’s **characters come across as superficial** and lack the depth that fans anticipate from the Dragon Age franchise. **Ghostrat**, who has invested seven hours into the game, was particularly let down by the writing:
> “The writing leaves much to be desired. So