Veilguard fans are not convinced by Hans Zimmer's main theme

BioWare has released the main theme for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, produced by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. While fans had high hopes for the theme, especially given Zimmer's name, reactions on social media suggest the piece wasn't as well received as BioWare probably hoped.

“It has its moments, I like the four minute or so part with the frantic violins, but to be completely honest I find it disappointingly mediocre and generic,” reads a comment from gorogys in a Reddit thread about the newly released main theme . This comment reflects the popular opinion in the thread, which can be boiled down to: “It's not bad, but it's not very memorable.”

“I like it, but as a main theme compared to everything else before it? I feel like it still lacks memorability or whatever you want to call it to describe the ability to easily and instantly hum it on the first listen. My favorite is still the main theme of Inon Zur.” (Dragon Age: Origins),” writes WangJian221.

Dragon Age has a story of strong core themes

The Veil Keeper is intended to be a darker, more consequential story than the rest of the series, so expect a more brooding theme than we're used to. However, the lack of a memorable chorus has affected fans' perception of the song, especially considering how distinguishable the themes were from Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, and Dragon Age: Inquisition.

You can see what they mean – Inon Zur's Origins theme has the haunting operatic flourishes, and Trevor Morris's Inquisition theme has an instantly memorable build to an epic fantasy chorus – you can immediately feel what it's about. Still, Zimmer's chorus could ultimately resonate with fans, since not everyone likes a track when they hear it for the first time.

The reception isn't entirely bad either. The YouTube comments on the topic are largely positive. “Sounds like Thedas is in great danger! Strings cause absolute chaos, but there is hope and heroism in the brass instruments. I love it!” writes adamlgiroux. “It sounds like we are in big trouble and the world is in chaos. Oh, I love it,” reads a comment from wepepe7603.

It can also be difficult to judge the quality of the piece until we see the context in which it is used. Maybe the piece will fit perfectly with The Veilguard and everyone's opinion will change. To find out, we'll have to wait until October 31st, when Dragon Age: The Veilguard launches for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.