With the excitement building for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, fans of the franchise are looking for ways to get ready for the upcoming adventure. Fans eager to dive back into the fantasy world, there are some RPGs that should definitely be played before the new release.
There’s no better way to prepare for Veilguard than to replay some of BioWare’s best, including two other games from the franchise that would be crucial to revisit.
5. Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is the foundation of the entire series, being the first one in the franchise, and an absolute must-play. This game introduces you to the world of Thedas, where you get to experience the origin stories of different races and classes.
The deep moral choices you make throughout the game significantly affect the outcome, teaching you that every decision has weight and consequences. The tactical combat system will also prepare you for the strategic battles you’ll likely face in BioWare’s next, and a lore refresher would be necessary too, given the overlap in certain storylines with Veilguard.
4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic might not be set in the same universe as BioWare’s latest, but it’s still one of the best RPGs for learning about deep character development, especially for your squad mates, and branching storylines.
This game emphasizes the importance of choice in shaping the narrative and is easily one of the absolute best projects that takes place in the Star Wars universe. The story and characters are complex and emotionally engaging, and this was a great prelude to the Mass Effect series, with BioWare building upon the foundation laid with this game.
3. Jade Empire
Jade Empire is another BioWare classic that provides a unique RPG experience set in a world inspired by Chinese mythology. The game’s narrative is packed with moral ambiguity, requiring players to navigate tough choices that can lead to different outcomes.
The combat system, which blends martial arts with magic, offers a different but equally rewarding experience. While the setting is vastly different from Thedas, this game shares the same emphasis on choice and consequence with some really strong writing. Playing this game will help gamers appreciate the depth and variety in storytelling that BioWare was once known for.
2. Mass Effect 2
While Mass Effect 2 is a sci-fi RPG, it’s another BioWare masterpiece that shares a lot of DNA with BioWare’s medieval franchise. The game is known for its exceptional character development, intricate plotlines, and the impact of player choices, and is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made for good reason.
The loyalty missions, where you help your crew members with their personal problems, are some of the best examples of how player involvement can shape relationships and the story’s outcome. Since companions are going to be a massive focus of The Veilguard, revisiting this game could remind you of the peak of companion storytelling.
1. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Finally, Dragon Age: Inquisition was the most recent entry in the series before The Veilguard and a direct precursor to the new game. This installment expands on the open-world exploration, character customization, and strategic combat introduced in previous games.
The story, which involves closing rifts in the Veil, is deeply connected to the lore that will likely play a major role in the upcoming sequel.
Playing Inquisition will refresh your memory on key plot points and characters that will once again show up, and it will also give you a sense of what improvements and changes to expect in the upcoming game.
These five BioWare RPGs each offer something unique that will help you prepare for the epic adventure awaiting The Veilguard. Which of these games are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
