Why Asmongold Thinks Dragon Age: The Veil Guard Is Doomed

In the highly anticipated YouTube video titled "Modern Audience Will Love This One", renowned content creator Asmongold dives deep into his reaction and analysis of the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veil Guard. Asmongold is known for his blunt, unsparing commentary, and this time is no different as he addresses the upcoming game’s Character Creator, its gameplay mechanics, and broader social implications. Let's break down his take on the trailer, the game, and why his critique has resonated with so many.

A Decade of Anticipation

The video begins with Asmongold expressing excitement for the return of Dragon Age after ten years since the last mainline release. Like many fans, Asmongold reflects on the long wait and how high expectations have been set for The Veil Guard. However, it doesn't take long for the hype to be met with cautious skepticism as he scrutinizes aspects of the game, starting with its graphics.

Graphics: "Below Standard" in 2024?

One of the standout moments of the video is Asmongold’s reaction to the graphics showcased in the trailer. Despite being a fan of the Dragon Age series, he quickly points out that the visuals of The Veil Guard appear outdated, comparing them unfavorably to “average Unreal Engine slop” or “NFT games.” He’s especially critical of the characters' facial designs, likening some to “scuffed Klingons” and finding the overall appearance lacking.

In an era where photorealism and high-fidelity design are becoming standard, Asmongold’s disappointment is significant. His critique here is not just a nitpick; it’s a broader comment on the state of AAA gaming, where delayed development cycles don’t always equate to graphical innovation. For someone like Asmongold, who has seen and played countless games, the lack of evolution in visual quality feels like a missed opportunity for BioWare.

Character Creation: "Is That It?"

Asmongold shifts focus to one of The Veil Guard's key features, its character creation system. While he acknowledges the improvements over past entries, particularly the range of hairstyles and customization options, he doesn't hold back on the shortcomings. "There's bald, short fade, and long hair," he jokes, highlighting the lack of variety in male hairstyles compared to female options.

He’s also particularly unimpressed with the body sliders, especially the "glute slider," which he mocks for being “painfully conservative.” His critique centers around the failure to fully embrace diverse body types, a theme that’s become increasingly important in gaming today. Asmongold's disappointment reflects a common sentiment among gamers who expect modern character creators to go beyond surface-level customization and offer more nuanced and inclusive options.

Social Commentary: When Fantasy Meets Reality

The video takes an interesting turn as Asmongold dives into the social aspects of The Veil Guard, particularly the inclusion of pronouns and “melanin sliders.” While he admits that pronouns in games aren’t a big deal to him, he views the use of terms like “melanin” in a fantasy setting as a sign of BioWare trying to push real-world social issues into a genre that traditionally focuses on escapism.

He doesn’t mince words when he describes these inclusions as “lazy” and “devoid of creativity,” arguing that a world filled with magic, dragons, and shapeshifters shouldn't be constrained by the same social constructs as reality. This section of his reaction taps into a broader debate about the role of identity politics in video games. For Asmongold, a fantasy world should remain just that—fantasy. He believes that by inserting modern social issues too overtly, the game risks alienating players who come to Dragon Age for the escapism it offers.

The Soft Modern Story: Predictable and Safe?

Asmongold's strongest prediction comes when he talks about the story of The Veil Guard. He believes that the narrative will be a "masterclass in how to write a soft modern story"—a veiled jab at what he sees as the current trend of "safe" and socially conscious storytelling in games. He criticizes the creative direction, stating that the game feels more like a hyper-reality based on the present day, rather than a fully fleshed-out fantasy world.

His views here are sharp but reflect a growing sentiment among certain gaming audiences who feel that modern storytelling in games has become too predictable and risk-averse. Asmongold fears that The Veil Guard will be more concerned with ticking the right boxes in terms of inclusivity and representation, rather than crafting a deep, engaging narrative that challenges players.

Combat: Where's the Innovation?

Combat is another point of contention for Asmongold. Despite Dragon Age traditionally being more about its story and character interactions than fast-paced action, Asmongold still holds the game’s combat to high standards. He criticizes the fighting mechanics showcased in the trailer as “dated,” going as far as to say it looks like a game from 2016, rather than one set to release in 2024. For a game that’s been in development for years, he finds the lack of innovation here particularly troubling.

His view on combat reflects a broader expectation among gamers that even story-driven RPGs need to have dynamic and engaging combat systems. He points to other games, like Final Fantasy XIV, as examples of how to effectively balance narrative and combat design, making it clear that The Veil Guard has a lot to live up to.

Closing Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?

By the end of the video, Asmongold’s reaction to Dragon Age: The Veil Guard is clear—he’s cautiously optimistic, but the signs point to disappointment. His main takeaway is that the game seems to be trying to appeal to modern sensibilities without delivering the depth and risk-taking that made earlier Dragon Age games memorable. From the character creator to the story and combat, he feels the game is playing it too safe, and that this might ultimately harm its reception.

However, Asmongold doesn’t dismiss the game entirely. He plans to play it and encourages his viewers to keep an open mind. But his video serves as a stark reminder that, in the age of social media and instantaneous feedback, developers have a lot to live up to—especially when it comes to beloved franchises like Dragon Age.

In sum, Asmongold's reaction video is more than just a critique of The Veil Guard. It’s a broader commentary on the state of modern gaming, where graphics, inclusivity, and narrative depth are all held to increasing scrutiny. For fans of Dragon Age, this video serves as both a warning and a challenge—can The Veil Guard rise above its flaws, or will it be another casualty of the ever-changing gaming landscape? Only time will tell.