Summary
While BioWare is a studio with a long reputation for intricate character relationships and the compelling stories of love that come with these, the upcomingDragon Age: The Veilguardis set to potentially be the most romantic game by the developer yet. With its nuanced approach to the bonds shared between the player and their companions having been outlined as one of the title’s core focuses, the Relationship Level system ofDragon Age: The Veilguardcould go on to inform the next entry in BioWare’s other flagship franchise.
From the isometric offerings ofBaldur’s Gateto the current effort inVeilguard, the developer has frequently excelled in creating meaningful character interactions punctuated by emotional narratives. Now that the latestDragon Ageis taking this focus on romance to what may be its furthest extent yet, the studio’supcomingMass Effectprojectmay have an excellent reference for structuring its own character dynamics.
The Veilguard’s Relationship Levels Have a Direct Impact on Gameplay
Unlocking Abilities Through Both Romantic and Platonic Development
Each companion has aRelationship Level inDragon Age: The Veilguardbased on the status of their bond with the protagonist, Rook. Minor choices and dialogue affect these metrics alongside actions within the game’s world, and upgrading these levels will grant access to new abilities within a limited set of options. The concept of a relationship is not restricted to romantic interest in this case, as platonic friendships can also seemingly be progressed to earn similar benefits.
Reflecting Identity in Romance Arcs
Through the design approach to companion romances inTheVeilguard, the party is able to maintain a sense of diversity which goes against the homogeneity of anyone being able to date every one of them, regardless of any traits. Advancing the Relationship Level of one companion might prove tougher than another depending on how the player’s Rook behaves, motivating the party to bond with one another instead. In an interview withGame Informer, game director Corrine Busche explained:
“We wanted to lean into not just the relationships the characters have with you but the relationships they have with each other…each romance has a very different flavor…You learn who these characters are in how their romances unfold,”
How the Next Mass Effect Can Use Relationship Levels to Its Advantage
Aligning with the Previous Loyalty System and ME’s Streamlined Combat
The likes ofMass Effect 2’s loyalty missions and the way they tied character development to abilities in gameplay served as one of the series' strongest progression systems, andDA’s Relationship Level feels like a natural evolution of this concept. Instead of merely triggering a binary flag for loyalty, however, theprotagonist of the nextMass Effectmay be able to earn the respect and hearts of their squad through a more complex series of quantified interactions that actually require a deeper understanding of these characters instead of the completion of a single mission.
Combat has been simplified to what might be the furthest point yet withVeilguard, and this has brought it closer than ever toMass Effect’s action-heavy RPG style. Considering that squadmates in theMEtitles have always only had access to a few abilities, the switch to this system forDAcould make it a blueprint for progression being tied to more than just battle. As BioWare continues to blur the lines between gameplay and storytelling with its takes on romance, incorporatingThe Veilguard’s Relationship Levels intoMass Effectwould open the door for even more of an interplay between emotional depth and strategic planning which could even set a new standard for RPG narrative presentation.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
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 may’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.
