Gaming News: Dragon Age Veilguard Snubs Origins and DA2 Lore—Fans React

As a seasoned Dragon Age veteran with over 1000 hours under my belt, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions when it comes to the latest installment, Veilguard. On one hand, I’m excited for a fresh start and the potential for new storylines, but on the other, I can’t shake off the feeling that we’re losing pieces of our beloved past.

The latest news about Dragon Age: Veilguard has sparked varying reactions among gamers, especially since it will disregard the lore from earlier games like Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II. This choice, made to simplify the storyline, has stirred a mix of emotions from dedicated fans. Some players feel let down by what seems like ignoring crucial past events and characters, worrying that this could lessen the series’ deep roots. However, others are tentatively excited, hoping that a new direction might reinvigorate the franchise. As we approach the release date in October 2024, the gaming community’s feelings about this decision continue to evolve.

Dragon Age Veilguard will ignore Origins and DA 2 lore and only recognizes your big Inquisition choices
byu/ControlCAD ingamingnews

Summary

The decision to exclude Origins and DA2 lore has polarized the community, with mixed feelings regarding its impact on future storytelling.
Frustrations arise from diminished player agency, as few choices from Inquisition will carry over.
Fans are debating whether this approach is a smart reboot or a retroactive dismissal of beloved narratives.
Insights from Bioware highlight their intent to avoid contradicting previous games while aiming for a clean slate.

Mixed Reactions from Longtime Fans

In the case of Dragon Age’s newest release, there has been a lot of ups and downs that have sparked quite a reaction from its dedicated fanbase. One such player, known as Foe-On-Fire, voiced a combined feeling of dismay and acceptance, stating, “I wasn’t shocked. I’m disappointed, but I wasn’t shocked.” This sentiment echoes the disappointment felt by many fans who hoped for more recognition of the franchise’s rich history. They have been let down before; many remember how the previous game, Inquisition, only made passing references to past events, with cameos that seemed too distant to fully satisfy. The upcoming six-month wait until Veilguard’s release has fans both eager and wary, as they ponder whether this approach will ultimately benefit or harm future installments in the series.

Player Choices: A Diminished Legacy

It appears that many fans are unhappy about the decision to narrow down the options for character decisions in Veilguard’s Inquisition, as only a small number of choices affect the storyline. As stated by John Epler, the game’s creative director at ControlCAD, the goal is to streamline the narrative by disregarding references to decisions made in Origins and DA2. Instead, the game will concentrate on choices made during the final moments of Inquisition. While the team aims to preserve consistency with prior choices without revisiting each decision explicitly, some players feel that their earlier actions no longer carry significant weight. This sentiment is shared by users like Proud_Inside819 who commented, “The only choice I remember making in Dragon Age Inquisition was to stop playing it halfway through.” If care isn’t taken, this approach could result in a shallow portrayal of a rich and complex world with deep narratives.

The Blight of Cameo Culture

Discussions about “brief appearances” of characters cause unease within the community, as they recall past games where their decisions seemed fleeting and insignificant in the grand scheme. AuxNimbus explains the reasoning behind the choices made in Veilguard, acknowledging the challenge of maintaining consistency among multiple diverse storylines and timelines. They suggest that, given the catastrophic events like the Blight, it makes sense for the new game to focus less on past decisions. Many users have noted that certain dialogue moments evoke nostalgia without contributing significantly to the plot. However, the exclusion of some cherished characters and storylines has sparked concerns that the Dragon Age lore, integral to its identity, might be diminished. The fact that favorite characters like Morrigan will appear while her child—connected to critical choices from earlier games—is absent, leaves some puzzled. This sentiment is echoed by BobNorth156, who finds it “incredibly surprising” not to incorporate such substantial background information.

The Future of Dragon Age: Hope or Dread?

At this juncture, fans are divided over Dragon Age’s future, expressing sentiments ranging from optimism to doubt. ControlCAD’s post mirrors the developer’s strategy for this installment, striving to attract newcomers without alienating long-time players. The diverse opinions reverberate through discussions, with players recalling that Inquisition received a mixed response initially – much like the current predicament. There’s a sense of cautious hope that a fresh start could bring opportunities for creative exploration and compelling storytelling to rekindle the enthusiasm of those disappointed by the series’ recent narrative directions. Yet, the delicate balance between upholding past traditions and forging new paths remains a concern for both fans and developers as we approach the game’s launch.

As the Dragon Age franchise stands at a crossroads, deciding between streamlined modernity or staying true to its origins, it teeters on the edge of a significant change. Leading up to October 31, 2024, anticipation, anxiety, disillusionment, and longing will all be crucial factors in how fans interact with this upcoming chapter in Dragon Age’s legendary saga. This is an age-old struggle between hope and nostalgia; the eventual victor remains to be seen.

2024-09-28 15:43