This isn't something lost on Corinne Busche, game director of The Veilguard, who said that despite all those considerations, the team has been laser-focused on making the most authentic, exciting, and honest Dragon Age game it can. And that's exactly what it felt like to me after playing for several hours.

There's a feeling of confidence in everything The Veilguard seems to do. You could argue that comes from the lengthy development time, a significant portion of which was no doubt dedicated to refining and polishing, but to me it was also indicative of a BioWare that feels anchored and in control again; that has a firm grasp on what it is and what its games should be.

That confidence is evident from the very outset, where Varric recounts his relationship and history with former companion turned antagonist Solas, the Dread Wolf--an ancient elven god of lies or a heroic rebel, depending on who you ask. Inquisition's iconic tarot card-inspired artstyle returns to illustrate Varric's tale, and the sharp but personable nature of the intro's writing made for an elegant recap of the events leading to this point.