Summary
BioWarehas released the main theme forDragon Age: The Veilguard, produced by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. While fans had high hopes for the theme, especially with Zimmer’s name attached, reactions on social media suggest the piece hasn’t been as well-received as BioWare probably hoped.
“It has its moments, I like the part around 4 minutes with the hectic violins, but to be fully honest I think it’s disappointingly mediocre and generic,” readsa comment by gorogys on a Reddit threadabout the newly-released main theme. This comment echoes the popular sentiment in the thread, which can be distilled down to ‘It’s not bad, but it isn’t very memorable.’
“I like it but as a main theme compared to anything else before? I feel like it’s still lacking the memorability or whatever the term is to describe the ability to hum it easily and immediately upon first listen. My favourite is still Inon Zur’s main theme [Dragon Age: Origins],” writesWangJian221.
Dragon Age Has A History Of Strong Main Themes
The Veilguard is supposed to be a darker, more consequential story than the rest of the series, so a more brooding theme than what we’re used to is to be expected. However, the lack of a memorable chorus has hurt fan’s perception of the song, especially considering how distinguishable Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition’s themes were.
you may see what they mean - Inon Zur’s Origins theme has the haunting operatic flourishes, and Trevor Morris' Inquisition theme has an instantly memorable build-up to an epic fantasy chorus - you can instantly feel the stakes. Still, Zimmer’s chorus may end up growing on fans, not everyone likes a track the first time they listen to it.
The reception isn’t all bad, either. TheYouTube commentson the theme are broadly positive. “Sounds like Thedas is in grave danger! Strings are bringing absolute chaos, yet there is hope and heroism in the brass instruments. I love it!” writes adamlgiroux. “This sounds like we’re in deep trouble and the world is chaos. Oh, I love it,” reads a comment from wepepe7603.
It can also be difficult to gauge the quality of the piece until we see the context in which it is used. Perhaps the piece will fit The Veilguard perfectly and everyone’s opinions will change. We’ll have to wait until October 31 when Dragon Age: The Veilguard releases for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC to find out.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the long-awaited fourth game in the fantasy RPG series from BioWare formerly known as Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. A direct sequel to Inquisition, it focuses on red lyrium and Solas, the aforementioned Dread Wolf.
