Info about Dragon Age™: The Veilguard:

Official game description:
Dragon Age™: The Veilguard Deluxe Edition
=========================================
Obtain a variety of weapons and armor, including curiosities from a forgotten era, with the Deluxe Edition. You’ll receive cosmetic weapon and armor sets for the Warrior, Mage, and Rogue classes as well as cosmetic armor sets and weapons for each of your 7 companions. That’s 3 armor sets for Rook, 6 weapons for Rook, 7 companion armor sets, and 7 companion weapons — saving Thedas never looked so good.
*   6 Weapon Appearances for Rook. Cosmetic only.
*   1 Warrior Armor Set Appearance for Rook. Cosmetic only.
*   1 Mage Armor Set Appearance for Rook. Cosmetic only.
*   1 Rogue Armor Set Appearance for Rook. Cosmetic only.
*   7 Weapon & 7 Armor Set Appearances for Companions. Cosmetic only.
About the Game
==============
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.  
Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.  
Unite the Veilguard and defy the gods in Dragon Age™: The Veilguard, an immersive single-player RPG.  
**SAVE A BATTERED WORLD**  
Enter Thedas, a vibrant world of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities. The world is teetering on a knife’s edge while corrupt gods unleash havoc across the continent. Nations war, and factions splinter. Who will you trust? From the Arlathan Forest to the back alleys of Minrathous, this is a broken world. Your actions will affect the fate of Thedas forever.  
*   **Dramatic Single-Player Campaign** — When corrupt Elven Gods threaten Thedas, lead the charge to save it. Rook isn’t afraid of a fight, no matter the odds. No matter the cost.  
*   **Vibrant & Diverse Environments** — Enter a vivid fantasy world, and experience imaginative new locations as well as some you’ve heard of but never seen.  
*   **Larger-than-life Foes** — Battle darkspawn, demons from beyond the Veil, dragons that rule the skies, and unique enemies as you advance your quest and fight for Thedas’s future.
**UNITE THE VEILGUARD**  
Unite a team of 7 companions, each with rich lives and deep backstories. These are characters to befriend and even fall in love with. Among them, an assassin, a necromancer, a detective, each and all bringing their own expertise and unique abilities to the fight. You are never alone — decide who to take into battle, and together face down demons, dragons, and corrupt gods.  
*   **Recruit Distinct Companions** — Your team is full of individuals with grim and wondrous histories, their own personal struggles and motivations, and rare skills that’ll help you survive. You’ll fight alongside Harding: The Scout, Neve: The Detective, Emmrich: The Necromancer, Taash: The Dragon Hunter, Davrin: The Warden, Bellara: The Veil Jumper, and Lucanis: The Mage Killer.  
*   **Rich Companion Stories** — Deepen relationships with each companion and learn more about them on your adventures in Thedas. Your choices in these stories will impact how they develop, and completing them might unlock powerful abilities. Create memories with your team that will deepen your experiences in Thedas and give you more to fight for.
**BECOME THE LEADER OTHERS BELIEVE IN**  
Select from different races and combat classes, customize your appearance, choose your character’s backstory, and begin your journey as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. The choice is yours. On your adventures, you’ll gain new abilities and discover unique, powerful artifacts to enhance your own combat style. Brace yourself: there are tough decisions to be made, allies to inspire, and a fight that needs every sword, staff, and bow you can muster.  
*   **Be Who You Want To Be** — Craft your personalized Rook with a robust character creator. Choose from a diverse set of appearance options for Human, Qunari, Dwarf, and Elf lineages.  
*   **Choose Your Way To Play** — Select from 3 classes (Warrior, Mage, and Rogue), each with 2 distinct weapon types and unique abilities you can select between. Experience new strategic depth as you combine fast-paced attacks, parries, and dodges with the companion ability wheel to exploit enemy weaknesses and seize victory with devastating combat combos. Customize a combat style that works for you.  
*   **Deep RPG Progression** — Level up your Rook and companions with their own skill trees. Choose perks and combat abilities as you climb towards more powerful specializations.

Release date: Oct 31, 2024

Categories: Action RPG, Single-player, Character Customization, Companion-based Combat, Exploration, Character Progression, Story-driven Gameplay

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair / Pure; summary: All user feedback indicates the game lacks any real-money microtransaction shop, gacha, or pay-to-win elements. The only potential monetization is traditional DLC expansions, which are not considered in-game purchases. No evidence of predatory monetization exists.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: The Student; summary: The primary Wiki Tax in this game is the need for external data to learn systems (quest structure, hidden secrets, character creation). It is not driven by grinding, inventory management, or navigation issues. Most complaints center on the game's poor communication of story progress and hidden content, forcing players to check wikis for confirmation and location guidance.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The limited Linux-specific feedback for Dragon Age: Veilguard consistently reports a positive experience, with the game running well on Proton without any notable issues. There are no mentions of required tweaks, anti-cheat blockers, or drivers needing workarounds.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Dragon Age: The Veilguard shows significant friction on Steam Deck due to poor base performance and the need for manual tinkering. While playable after adjustments, visual quality suffers, and the user experience is inconsistent.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: The game runs well on higher VRAM systems but shows mixed stability and optimization issues on mid-range hardware, while lower VRAM cards struggle with memory leaks and stuttering.
  - Sample size: 146 (3% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (mixed, 67 reports): Players report a mix of polished performance with frame gen and DLSS, but also cite crashes, GPU hangs, memory leaks, and poor optimization.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 34 reports): Players on less than 8GB VRAM frequently report memory leaks, stuttering, and poor framerates, with only a few finding it playable.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 23 reports): Players report mostly smooth performance with minimal stuttering and very stable gameplay, even at high settings.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (positive, 18 reports): One player reports occasional crashes and frame drops near the end but still finds the game playable and recommends it.
  - Caveats: 146 of 4235 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $20.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews explicitly state that $30 is a reasonable price for the game if not considered part of the Dragon Age series, and that the game is worth it when purchased on sale for around $20-30. A common sentiment is that the game should be bought at a 50% discount, i.e., $30. The lower boundary of $20 is supported by frequent mentions of sale prices around that amount, while $30 reflects the highest price that still garners positive endorsement. Reviewers who paid full price ($60) consistently report disappointment, reinforcing that the community considers $20-30 to be the fair base-game range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 80.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple player reports indicate typical total playtime to complete the game (including side content) ranges from 70 to 100 hours. The average across these reports is around 80 hours, serving as a reasonable estimate for game completion. No clear separate metric for main story-only completion is reported, as most players combine main and side content. Session length is not consistently described; individual sessions vary. Endgame is absent because the game does not allow post-final exploration, with reviews noting 'no endgame' or 'cannot continue after final mission'.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts slowly with a tedious first few hours, but becomes genuinely fun once players push through that initial friction and get into the combat, story, and exploration.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After the first few hours / after the first quarter
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: Tedious and boring early story; Off-putting first few hours with little intrigue; Slow and repetitive early quests; Lack of immediate engagement with characters and world
  - Unlock drivers: Combat system becomes smooth and engaging; Story and exploration pick up in pace and interest; Character customization and skill progression open up more options
  - Conditions: Player must persist through the initial quarter of the game; Allowing oneself to become immersed in the story and world; Increasing difficulty for more challenge if combat feels repetitive
- Player Archetypes:
  - Franchise Lore Completionist (sale)
    - Motivation: To see the conclusion of the Dragon Age narrative and explore the lore of Thedas
    - Playstyle: Completionist who focuses on main story and side content, reads all codex entries, and values narrative depth over gameplay innovation
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: DA lore nerd; longtime fan; veteran of the series
    - Reference games: Dragon Age: Inquisition; Dragon Age 2; Dragon Age: Origins
  - Casual Action-Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyable combat and exploration with minimal investment in complex roleplaying or franchise continuity
    - Playstyle: Adjusts difficulty to preference, focuses on fast-paced combat and visual spectacle, avoids heavy story analysis
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual gamer; action RPG fan; newcomer to the series
    - Reference games: God of War; Uncharted 4; Fable
  - Disillusioned Purist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Hoping for a return to the dark fantasy, tactical combat, and deep roleplaying of the earlier Dragon Age games
    - Playstyle: Prefers strategic combat with companion management, values branching choices and replayability, avoids action-oriented or simplified design
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: old-school DA fan; veteran of Origins; purist
    - Reference games: Dragon Age: Origins; Dragon Age 2; Baldur's Gate 3
  - Open-Minded Neutral (sale)
    - Motivation: Curiosity about the new direction of the series or desire for a polished, low-commitment action RPG
    - Playstyle: Flexible, enjoys exploration and main story without heavy roleplay, willing to overlook narrative inconsistencies for fun gameplay
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: non-judgmental; open-minded; curious player
    - Reference games: Dragon Age: Inquisition; Mass Effect; other modern action RPGs


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Visuals are stunning and beautiful (weight 0.42): The game's graphics and visual design receive high praise, with words like 'stunning,' 'beautiful,' and 'gorgeous' used frequently. This includes environments, scenery, and overall visual presentation.
- Combat system is enjoyable and engaging (weight 0.32): Many players find the combat system fun, fluid, and engaging, with praise for its depth and dynamic nature. The combat is described as satisfying and easy to pick up.
- Gameplay is fun and polished (weight 0.25): Players consistently describe the gameplay as fun, smooth, and satisfying, with many praising its fluidity and polish. This is a very common sentiment across many reviews.
- Story is engaging and well-written (weight 0.16): The story is considered engaging, well-written, and compelling, with interesting characters. Some find it good overall, but it is generally appreciated.
- Characters are diverse and lovable (weight 0.12): Characters are described as diverse, compelling, and easy to get attached to, with distinct personalities and stories. They are a highlight for many players.
- Voice acting is top-notch (weight 0.12): Voice acting is frequently highlighted as superb, magnificent, and compelling, with actors bringing emotion to their roles. This is a standout feature for many reviewers.
- Character customization is top-notch (weight 0.09): Players love the extensive character customization, including options for pronouns and gender, making it a highly praised feature. It is considered among the best in the genre.
- Great RPG experience (weight 0.08): The game is highly enjoyable as an RPG, with engaging exploration, good writing, and a satisfying action-focused experience. It is considered one of the best modern RPGs by some.
- Game runs smoothly with no bugs (weight 0.06): A subset of players report a bug-free experience with smooth performance and no major crashes. This is positively noted but not as widely mentioned.

Common complaints:
- Not a true Dragon Age game (weight 0.2): Many players feel the game fails to capture the essence of the Dragon Age series, citing differences in tone, style, and gameplay compared to earlier entries. This disconnect undermines their expectations and legacy of the franchise.
- Lacks depth compared to past titles (weight 0.12): The game is often criticized for missing the complexity, dark fantasy tone, and epic scale of Origins and Inquisition. Players feel it falls short in narrative weight and role-playing depth, making it less engaging.
- Past choices have little impact (weight 0.11): Players report that decisions from previous Dragon Age games barely affect the current experience, reducing the sense of continuity and consequence. This breaks immersion for longtime fans who expected meaningful carryover.
- Dialogue choices are meaningless (weight 0.1): The dialogue system is described as lacking in meaningful options, with many choices leading to similar outcomes. This undermines player agency and makes interactions feel shallow and unfulfilling.
- Companions are immature (weight 0.09): Companions are seen as childish and requiring constant parenting, which detracts from their appeal and the gameplay experience. Players describe them as unlikable and lacking depth, similar to stock NPCs.
- Decisions lack real consequences (weight 0.09): There is a strong consensus that player choices have minimal to no impact on the story or world, with only one or a few decisions mattering. This reduces the sense of meaningful agency and replayability.
- Not the game promised (weight 0.09): Players express disappointment that the final product does not match the expectations set by the franchise or prior announcements. This leads to feelings of being let down and not getting the game they wanted.
- Writing doesn’t feel like Dragon Age (weight 0.07): The writing style and tone are often described as not fitting the Dragon Age series, leading to a disconnect from the franchise's established identity. This makes the game feel like a departure from what fans expect.
- Combat lacks depth and challenge (weight 0.06): Combat is criticized for being too simple and unchallenging, with limited options and depth. This makes the gameplay feel repetitive and less engaging over time, similar to complaints in other clusters.
- Taash's portrayal feels forced (weight 0.05): The non-binary character Taash is criticized for being poorly written, with some players finding the portrayal cringey and detracting from an otherwise good character. This feedback points to a specific character design issue.
- Game crashes frequently (weight 0.05): Technical instability is a major issue, with the game crashing regularly during play sessions. This technical problem hampers enjoyment and disrupts progress, affecting reliability.
- Comparisons to previous games are negative (weight 0.05): Players often find this game inferior to earlier titles, especially in writing and overall fun, leading to a sense of disappointment. This summary captures the pattern of unfavorable comparisons across clusters.

Gameplay feedback:
- Fast-paced action combat (weight 0.19): The combat is frequently described as fast-paced, fluid, and frenetic, with a focus on action and combos. This style is a core gameplay element that many players enjoy, often compared to souls-like action.
- Visually stunning graphics (weight 0.09): Players consistently praise the game's visuals, describing them as beautiful, gorgeous, and magnificent. The graphics are noted to be colorful, sharp, and smooth, making a strong positive impression across multiple reviews.
- Integrated side quests (weight 0.09): Side quests are described as well-integrated into the main story, with companion quests that add storylines. This prevents them from feeling like padding and enhances the overall narrative.
- Hack and slash combat (weight 0.09): A subset of players emphasize the hack and slash nature of the combat, focusing on real-time action, combos, and parries. This supports the action-oriented combat description from other clusters.
- Skill tree and abilities (weight 0.09): The skill tree, with its branching nature and specializations, is noted as a key feature for character progression. Players find it navigable and integral to building characters with unique abilities.
- Good action-RPG gameplay (weight 0.09): Many reviews simply label the game as an action RPG with good gameplay and polished combat. This category encompasses a range of positive feedback about its core mechanics and strategic elements.
- Action RPG with party management (weight 0.07): The game combines action RPG mechanics with party management, companion abilities, and class specializations. Players appreciate the strategic elements like tactical pause, environmental puzzles, and skill systems that add depth to the action.
- Adjustable difficulty settings (weight 0.07): Players appreciate the ability to easily adjust difficulty, with varied settings that cater to different play styles. This makes the game accessible while still challenging for those who seek it.
- Fantasy RPG with exploration (weight 0.07): Categorized as a fantasy RPG, the game includes exploration and puzzles, echoing themes from God of War and Final Fantasy 16. This reinforces the genre identity and player expectations.
- High replayability and story (weight 0.06): The game is praised for its replayable features, including voice acting, a story, and overall high replay value. These elements contribute to sustained player engagement beyond the initial playthrough.
- Companion system for combos (weight 0.06): The companion system is designed for combos, with players calling upon them for standard attacks. However, it is noted for lacking real conflict or friction, focusing more on synergy.
- Character creation system (weight 0.06): Players highlight the character creation system with many options, allowing customization of appearance and diverse companions. This adds personalization to the gameplay experience.
- Combat with parry and block (weight 0.05): The combat system includes mechanics like parry, block, and unblockable attacks, alongside combos. These add depth and require player skill, enhancing the action-focused gameplay.
- Linear story with few choices (weight 0.05): Some players note that the game is linear with a story that has few impactful choices, contrasting with expectations of a more open experience. This is a notable criticism for those seeking more agency.
- Open world exploration (weight 0.05): The game features an open world with exploration and non-linear map progression. Players enjoy substantial areas to discover, aligning with the action RPG and fantasy themes.
- Map design with path markers (weight 0.03): Map design includes obvious path markers and smaller areas, which some players find helpful for navigation. This contributes to the action RPG with navigation assistance.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on many systems (weight 0.3): Feedback indicates the game runs smoothly and looks good on a variety of hardware, including mid-range machines. Many users report stable performance and no major issues.
- Poor optimization on low-end PCs (weight 0.11): The game performs poorly on lower-end hardware, requiring low settings for manageable performance. Users on standard specs experience freezes, stutters, and crashes.
- Bugs and glitches persist (weight 0.09): Several bugs remain even after patches, including save corruption, visual bugs, and quest areas being unplayable. Some updates have resolved launch issues.
- Crashes and DirectX errors (weight 0.09): Frequent crashes, including DirectX errors and GPU disconnection, are reported. Some crashes are replicable and occur every 1-2.5 hours, especially on Nvidia cards.
- Optimization and performance mixed (weight 0.08): Opinions on optimization vary: some find it top-level and well-optimized, while others see room for improvement or lack of optimization.
- Long loading times (weight 0.07): Loading times are noted as long and frequent, especially for environments and enemies, which frustrates players.
- Stuttering and lag issues (weight 0.06): Users experience stuttering, lag, and frame drops, which can sometimes be mitigated by capping FPS or adjusting settings. Initial stuttering is common.
- Audio glitches and bugs (weight 0.06): Various audio issues are mentioned, including crackling, tearing, missing combat audio, and other glitches that persist despite updates.
- Specific hardware issues (weight 0.06): Problems are noted with certain GPUs (e.g., RTX 2070) and OS versions (Windows 11). The game may require powerful hardware like RTX 3000+ to avoid crashes.
- Shader compilation is slow (weight 0.05): Several players report that shader compilation takes excessively long, sometimes up to 30 minutes, which can push the game beyond refund windows.
- Visual issues: bloom and camera (weight 0.05): Excessive bloom, blown-out graphics, and a janky camera in enclosed spaces are reported. Camera shake settings may need adjustment.
- Graphics and animations praised (weight 0.05): Graphics are generally praised as good, with crisp animations and zero latency in movement, though some find them over-exaggerated.
- Achievement and save file bugs (weight 0.03): Bugs affect the achievement system and save files, with corrupted saves and loading issues reported.
- Auto-save helps but crashes occur (weight 0.03): Auto-save can mitigate crash impact, but crashes still happen, and some are replicable.
- Minor quirks but overall positive (weight 0.03): Some users report only minor quirks and find the game runs well with few bugs, indicating a positive experience overall.
- Input lag and response issues (weight 0.02): Some players experience lag between input and action, detracting from gameplay responsiveness.
- CPU usage and temperature problems (weight 0.02): High CPU usage leads to elevated temperatures, which can be mitigated by limiting FPS.
- Memory leak and performance decay (weight 0.02): A memory leak is reported, leading to performance degradation over time.
- Demanding and time-consuming (weight 0.02): The game is described as demanding on hardware and time, requiring powerful specs and patience for loading.
- Steam Deck adjustments needed (weight 0.01): Settings adjustments are required for Steam Deck to improve performance.

Recommendations:
- Not for Dragon Age fans (weight 0.26): A significant portion of feedback warns that the game does not feel like a traditional Dragon Age experience, lacking the dark tone and deep RPG elements expected by series veterans.
- Buy on sale (weight 0.22): Many players recommend purchasing the game at a discount rather than full price, often citing it as good value only when on sale.
- Recommended for series fans (weight 0.12): Some fans of the Dragon Age series recommend the game for those who want to see the story's conclusion or enjoy previous titles, though often with caveats.
- Worth playing overall (weight 0.11): A set of positive but generic reviews describe the game as solid, worth playing, and a good experience without strong reservations.
- Good for newcomers (weight 0.1): The game is frequently recommended for newcomers to the franchise, as they can jump right in without being held back by expectations from earlier titles.
- Strongly not recommended (weight 0.09): A small but vocal group gives the game a zero or outright negative recommendation due to disappointing aspects, bad design, or unplayability.
- Give it a chance (weight 0.07): A few reviews encourage players to try the game themselves and form their own opinion, dismissing external negativity.
- Mixed for series fans (weight 0.06): Some reviews suggest Dragon Age fans should buy only with lowered expectations, warning they may be let down or disappointed by lore changes.
- Tolerate flaws (weight 0.04): Some recommendations come with the condition that players must overlook flaws in writing, tone, or design to enjoy the game.
- Ignore the haters (weight 0.03): A small number of reviews advise disregarding negative buzz and haters, claiming the game is enjoyable despite criticism.
- Focus on gameplay (weight 0.03): A minor theme highlights the game's gameplay as a selling point, recommending it for those who prioritize action over story.
- Focus on narrative (weight 0.03): Conversely, some players recommend the game for its story and character development, appealing to narrative-focused fans.

Other player notes:
- EA hindered creative writing (weight 0.02): Reviews suggest that EA's interference may have prevented the writers from fully realizing their vision, leading to a weaker narrative.
- No DLC or post-launch content (weight 0.02): Reviews note that the game lacks any planned DLC or post-launch content, which may affect long-term engagement.
- Focus on next Mass Effect (weight 0.02): Feedback indicates a desire for the developers to prioritize the next Mass Effect game rather than this current project.
- Hope for future DLC (weight 0.02): Some reviews express a wish for DLC to be released, despite the lack of current post-launch plans.
- Sexuality conflicts noted (weight 0.01): Some reviews mention a character with sexuality conflicts, but this is not seen as a major issue or problem with the game.
- Steam Deck mentioned (weight 0.01): The game is referenced in context of the Steam Deck, indicating it may be playable or discussed on that platform.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.23): Players are deeply disappointed with the game for failing to live up to the legacy of previous Dragon Age titles. The writing is criticized as flat and superficial, lacking the moral complexity, player agency, and dark fantasy tone that defined the series. Key issues include weak character writing for Taash, unsatisfactory romances, and a story that feels disconnected and not true to the Dragon Age world.
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Frustration stems from numerous technical and design issues, including poor optimization, crashes, and repetitive combat that lacks strategic depth. Players are frustrated by poorly written characters like Taash, forced modern language and themes that break immersion, and a lack of meaningful player agency in both story and gameplay. The game's overall direction is seen as a waste of potential and a departure from what made the series great.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction comes from the game's strong technical performance, fluid combat, and engaging gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate the well-realized world, good graphics, and the satisfying combat system that feels impactful and fun. The story, characters, and quests provide a positive overall experience that meets or exceeds expectations for some players.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players find enjoyment in the game's engaging combat, visuals, and exploration, often after adjusting their expectations. The fast-paced combat, beautiful world, and compelling narratives, along with character interactions and customization, create a fun and positive experience. Aspects like soundtrack, graphics, and gameplay are highlighted as enjoyable.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement is generated by the game's fast and dynamic combat, outstanding technical presentation, and compelling story and world. The final act, combat systems, and character customization are highlighted as particularly engaging. Players find the game addictive and its world beautiful, with a strong sense of replayability.
- Sadness (weight 0.04): Sadness arises from witnessing the beloved Dragon Age series decline in quality, losing its tonal coherence and dark fantasy depth. Players feel a sense of loss for wasted classic characters and a franchise that has lost its soul. The emotional ending and nostalgia for what was are key causes of this sentiment.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is directed at the perceived destruction of the Dragon Age IP, driven by poor writing, forced agendas, and a lack of respect for the original vision. Players are angry about wasted potential, poorly written characters, and the game's sanitized, disrespectful approach to the series' legacy, including bad optimization and lore abandonment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by specific design and dialogue issues, such as corny dialogue, sluggish movement, a lack of player choice, and a forced narrative. The game's juvenile tone, excessive bloom, and limited options are frustrating. The overall experience feels chore-like and is marred by technical issues like slow shader compilation.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love is expressed for the Dragon Age franchise itself, despite its issues. Players love the characters, especially Morrigan, and the masterful narrative and graphics. The game's overall enjoyment and the feeling that companions are alive and well-crafted contribute to this positive sentiment.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is found in the game's fun and fluid combat, rewarding exploration, and emotional story moments. Players experience joy from the voice acting, characters like Solas, and the overall immersive RPG experience. Laugh-out-loud moments and a satisfying experience are key.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom stems from repetitive gameplay, a linear and predictable story, and tedious quests. The player's role feels forced without real choice, leading to a quick loss of interest. The generic and safe design, along with a lack of depth, makes the game feel boring.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is generated by the game turning out better than expected, especially its optimization and quality. The Varric reveal and the game's performance on low settings are surprising. Players are glad to see that Bioware can still deliver good stories despite negative early reviews.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation is for the game's beautiful locations, stable performance, and trans-friendly character options. Players appreciate the attention to detail, good graphics, and the game's respect for player time. The quality of the German voice acting and the overall design are highly regarded.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from specific quirks like the use of neopronouns and some absurd dialogue options. Players find humor in the writing, particularly with the character Taash, and the game's overpriced nature. The cranky reviewer perspective and writing issues also induce chuckles.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion is caused by the level of hate the game receives from others, as well as a disjointed story and character development. Players are confused by too many unfamiliar names and unexplained elements, like the griffon death plot. The romance handling and unclear version of the game also contribute.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is triggered by the game's resemblance to Mass Effect and nostalgic ties to earlier Dragon Age games. Players miss old systems and long for the complex relationships and choices of previous titles. Returning as a Grey Warden and remembering old Bioware evoke strong nostalgic feelings.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is for the future of the series, expressing a desire for DLC or deeper stories. Players hope to see more content and potential, and wish for the game to be more successful. The future potential of the Dragon Age series is a key source of this emotion.
- Desire (weight 0.01): Desire is for more content, including stable performance and better optimization. Players wish for more romance content, longer conversations, and more interaction. The desire to play the game if it worked and for more romantic options is strong.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from the game's inclusive representation and references to Easter eggs. Players are happy with the beautiful graphics and environments, and the story made them cry in a good way. The overall well-crafted and enjoyable game experience brings happiness.
- Betrayal (weight 0.01): Betrayal is felt due to the loss of player agency and the disrespect of the lore. The game feels like a sanitized parody that lost the soul of Dragon Age, with changed lore and manipulative writing regarding characters like Varric. The franchise's narrative is seen as betrayed.}