Dragon Age: The long-awaited Veilguard gameplay demo is finally here, and yes, Solas is back
Dragon Age: The VeilkeeperThe extended gameplay reveal is finally here, giving fans a first look at their next big adventure. BioWare released the long-awaited gameplay demo today (June 11), in which we were treated to a 20-minute presentation that takes place at the start of the game. We begin in a vast city, filled with […]
Dragon Age: The VeilkeeperThe extended gameplay reveal is finally here, giving fans a first look at their next big adventure.
BioWare released the long-awaited gameplay demo today (June 11), in which we were treated to a 20-minute presentation that takes place at the start of the game.
We begin in a vast city, filled with NPCs, as playable character Rook alongside returning character Varric Tethras, searching for one of many new companions, Neve Gallus – an ice mage.
In this demo, Rook is a level one Rogue, equipped with twin blades and a bow. It is worth noting that during the combat sequence, the HUD is very sleek and minimal and also features an auto-loot mechanic when enemies are killed.
There’s also a lock on the ability, and attacks feel quick and fluid, with no apparent cooldown feature on basic attacks.
Throughout the demo, we also got to see the ability wheel, which allows the player to pause the action and choose from Rook’s abilities, including one called Static Strike.
As you progress and level up, more skills will be accessible on the ability wheel. The feature will also allow you to control your companions’ attacks and unleash powerful abilities. Companions will seemingly act independently during battles as well, except when you choose to use the ability wheel.
Naturally, the choice system returns, with several dialogue options that can modify your game. We don’t necessarily see the consequences happening, but like others Dragon Age titles, the player can choose what type of personality Rook will have.
There are a number of enemy types throughout the demo, including a group of different demons, as well as a boss, called the Pride Demon, who has a range of area-of-effect attacks ( AOE).
When not in active combat, the game is stunning. Environments look lush and expansive, and companions look incredibly detailed during cutscenes and gameplay.
By the end of the demo, fans were – finally! – given their first in-game glimpse of the game‘s main antagonist, Solas.
During this encounter, Rook is invited, through the dialogue system, to choose which companion to take with him on a short quest aimed at disrupting Solas’ ritual. In this case, it doesn’t seem like this feature will have major story consequences, but other decisions throughout the game will likely have more impact.
Dragon Age: The Veilkeeper doesn’t have a release date yet, but we can expect the game to launch on PS5, Xbox series X, Xbox series S, and PC “late 2024.”
