The reveal trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard was shown during yesterday’s Xbox Games Showcase, giving fans their first look at the title’s companions and world, including the Magister-ruled city of Minrathous. While longtime fans of the series were thrilled to see it return after a decade, once the initial excitement wore off, many were left disappointed by its tone and lackluster art style.
The Dragon Age games are known to many as dark fantasy titles, yet the first trailer for the upcoming fourth game felt more like a hero shooter made by the team at Pixar. Currently, the trailer has over 120,000 dislikes.
“It’s focusing on light-hearted comedy for a game that’s set up to be about an apocalyptic end to the world,” one Redditor commented. “The end of Dragon Age: Inquisition had a few core members of that organization talking sadly about what would have to be done to stop Solas. Then the trailer for the sequel comes out and it’s, ‘Oh hey look, we’re being funny with a brightly colored art style.'”
Many were also frustrated by the character’s Marvel-adjacent dialogue.
“Dragon Age has always had its quips, banter, and funny moments, but it always felt well-placed and appropriate, as an aside to a setting that’s been a bit grimdark and overall has taken itself relatively seriously,” another said. “This gives off completely opposite vibes.”
Tomorrow, Bioware will show 15 minutes of gameplay footage. Many are hoping that this will salvage the situation, and that this trailer may have just been a poor PR decision and a failed attempt at relatability.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard will be released on PC and Xbox Series X/S this fall.