Dragon Age The Joyguard (formerly Hype Train) [Spoilers]

I suppose, there are the obvious homophobic/transphobic/racist trolls and the players who had the idea of their perfect DA game, which The Veilguard could not possibly compete with (e.g. I wanted an isometric CRPG with pixel art or a Souls-like). Dragon Age is remarkable series, so the emotional attachment is understandable, though one does not have to be so rude about it.

I think, DA:I and DA:TV have been largely following the AAA trends, rather than trying something unique to them (could argue that Bioware had set the action-RPG trend with ME and the other AAA followed, so it is just coming back now), but I have less issues with it (the ridiculous amounts of padding and the system requirements aside - both are the staples of AAA), as it is the most approachable option for most people who mostly play the AAA games, while something as complex as, for example, Pathfinder is more niche (Larian's D&D game is an outlier here, but it also exploited a known IP and used the simplest D&D ruleset).

The story is still great, even if it is more linear, the companions are competent and empathetic people, the factions are interesting and cooperative ("We agree with the importance of your quest and we need your help to help you"), the settings allow some customisation of the experience (glittering is most welcome, the waypoints not so much). Additionally, the game is complete (no waiting for months or paying extra to get the epilogue) and I have not encountered any significant bugs in my playthrough. The combat is a bit wonky, but serviceable (the amount of it is unpleasant, though).

Still, I hope that the next DA will have DA Keep supported and will be an immersive sim, like Dishonored or Prey (I am only half joking).

I dunno about you guys, but Varric managed to cheer me up so many times, I'm always baffled people online still mercilessly put them through IS THIS CHARACTER GUILTY OF BADNESS grinder with all the others. At this point, Varric is like Super Mario or fucking Mickey Mouse. I'm like, screw it, bring him back in the next game to say some Varric things, idk. Always happy to see that guy.

Varric is perfect in every way, and any arguments to the contrary are slander