The recent trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard brought the game’s art style back into the spotlight, once again leading to debates in the community regarding whether it’s better or worse. When the game was first revealed, many fans were quick to criticize its more stylized, almost cartoonish look.
These comparisons were based on the game’s vibrant colors, exaggerated character designs, and smooth, almost too perfect skin textures. However, with the release of the new trailer, opinions seem to be slightly shifting, even if not everyone is fully on board.
A Shift in Perception For Dragon Age: The Veilguard
When the first trailer dropped, there was a lot of criticism about the art direction. Many fans felt it strayed too far from the darker, grittier tones of the first two Dragon Age games.
The new look was described as being too similar to Fortnite and other ‘kid-friendly‘ games which for many, felt like a departure from what they loved about the series.
Opinions on the art style?
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With the release of the new trailer, some fans are beginning to soften their stance, or at least get used to it. A user on the Dragon Age subreddit started a discussion by asking if opinions had changed after seeing the latest footage.
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Interestingly, a few fans responded positively, saying the new trailer showcased the art style in a better light, and that they’re easing up on it. The scenery, in particular, received praise, with some stating that the environments look stunning, and the art direction looks amazing, even if they’re not as realistic as some might prefer.
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Still, not everyone is convinced. Some fans remain critical of the character models, pointing out the smooth skin and slightly exaggerated features as off-putting.
There’s a concern that the overly stylized look might make the game feel less immersive, especially for those who prefer a more realistic approach and want the older, mature style of Dragon Age: Origins.
While the art style may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s clear that many fans are willing to overlook it if the gameplay and story deliver, and live up to or even exceed their expectations.
Comparing The Veilguard to Past Entries
When comparing The Veilguard to its predecessors, it’s clear that the art direction has taken a different route. Dragon Age: Inquisition, though criticized for not being as dark and gritty as the first two games, still maintained a more realistic style compared to BioWare’s latest.
Fans have long wanted a return to the darker, more mature tones of Origins, and many hoped that this game would fulfill that wish. The move towards a more stylized and vibrant art style seems to have left some fans disappointed.
There’s definitely an overall lack of dark, gritty, and mature AAA games, and series that were exactly that once upon a time, are now either out of commission, or have gone in a different direction.
But still, this shift is a small change from the initial backlash, suggesting that the new trailer may have done enough to sway some of the more skeptical voices in the community and that fans are willing to give it a fair chance. After all, it’s not like anything can be done about it at this point.
How do you feel about The Veilguard‘s art style debate? Let us know in the comments.