tldr; I waited 10 years for this game and can say it was worth the wait. Don't listen to grifters telling you it's "woke", every DA game has had queerness, and this game is a MASTERPIECE.

Full review: Every game has flaws, so this certainly does, but generally speaking, this is one of the best games I have ever played. The story is phenomenal. The writers outdid themselves, as usual, although you need to read Tevinter Nights (a book) and play the previous games to FULLY appreciate the story and lore. We got answers to questions posed in games over a decade ago. As a long-time DA fan, this game was so incredibly rewarding. (almost) Everything makes sense now, and it is so gratifying. But even if this is your first DA game, you'll probably love it. I've played other RPGs and story-rich games, and I gotta say, no other game franchise has gotten me so attached to the world and characters. Veilguard and its prequel, Inquisition, are easily the most emotionally intense games I have ever played. Maybe that's just my autism, but I know of others who feel the same. Inquisition won GOTY for a reason, and I think Veilguard might too.

If you're worried about the game being too "woke" or "forcing" LGBTQIA+ onto you... My first instinct is to say, don't play the game, because DA has always been queer since the first game-- but I'll also say that you can literally just not make your character queer at all. You can avoid Taash's companion quests or skip the cutscenes if you hate it that much. Stories like Taash's are written by queer people for queer people, and the allies who support us. I do think there are a couple of rough spots in Taash's story, but that's with every companion. Just keep in mind that not everything is made to be relatable to you specifically, and try not to get angry about that.

Finally, if Trick Weekes ever sees this, I LOVE YOU. Thank you for giving Solavellan the ending they deserved (well, one of the endings, idk about the others) because I have been waiting and praying. You did a masterful job writing Solas and he is easily one of my favorite characters of all time, not because I like him as a person, but because of how well and thoughtfully he is written. I have loved watching his story unfold. Thank you.

anyway woo DAV for GOTY yeahhh!!!! :)

tldr; I waited 10 years for this game and can say it was worth the wait. Don't listen to grifters telling you it's "woke", every DA game has had queerness, and this game is a MASTERPIECE. Full review: Every game has flaws, so this certainly does, but generally speaking, this is one of the best games I have ever played. The story is phenomenal. The writers outdid themselves, as usual, although you need to read Tevinter Nights (a book) and play the previous games to FULLY appreciate the story and lore. We got answers to questions posed in games over a decade ago. As a long-time DA fan, this game was so incredibly rewarding. (almost) Everything makes sense now, and it is so gratifying. But even if this is your first DA game, you'll probably love it. I've played other RPGs and story-rich games, and I gotta say, no other game franchise has gotten me so attached to the world and characters. Veilguard and its prequel, Inquisition, are easily the most emotionally intense games I have ever played. Maybe that's just my autism, but I know of others who feel the same. Inquisition won GOTY for a reason, and I think Veilguard might too. If you're worried about the game being too "woke" or "forcing" LGBTQIA+ onto you... My first instinct is to say, don't play the game, because DA has always been queer since the first game-- but I'll also say that you can literally just not make your character queer at all. You can avoid Taash's companion quests or skip the cutscenes if you hate it that much. Stories like Taash's are written by queer people for queer people, and the allies who support us. I do think there are a couple of rough spots in Taash's story, but that's with every companion. Just keep in mind that not everything is made to be relatable to you specifically, and try not to get angry about that. Finally, if Trick Weekes ever sees this, I LOVE YOU. Thank you for giving Solavellan the ending they deserved (well, one of the endings, idk about the others) because I have been waiting and praying. You did a masterful job writing Solas and he is easily one of my favorite characters of all time, not because I like him as a person, but because of how well and thoughtfully he is written. I have loved watching his story unfold. Thank you. anyway woo DAV for GOTY yeahhh!!!! :)