After so long with nothing but vague teasers, it's a relief to finally see something substantial of long-awaited sequel Dragon Age: The Veilguard (formerly Dreadwolf), even if it is just a CG trailer. But I'm not sure that the vibes are quite right here. Revealed at the Xbox showcase, the trailer wisely puts the focus on the new characters, introducing all seven of the sequel's playable companions in a quickfire barrage.
We're off to a good start with the return of fan favourite Varric, looking fashionably grizzled and finally sporting the beginnings of a proper dwarven beard, though it seems he's an NPC this time rather than an active combatant, given the absence of his name on the official list of party members. Scout Harding, meanwhile, is making the move the other way, promoted from NPC in Inquisition to full-fledged companion. Though I can't say she made a huge impression on me in the last game, her chirpy personality certainly makes her likeable enough—I can see her working in the role.
From there, we're barraged with new heroes and their intriguing titles, from Neve the Detective to Bellara the Veil Jumper to Emmrich the Necromancer to Taash the Dragon Hunter. It seems like a nice mix of aesthetics and archetypes, all certainly with enough potential to be cool RPG pals. According to creative director John Epler, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard features some of the deepest companion storylines in Dragon Age history, navigating romance, tragic loss and complex choices tha.
