Dragon's Dogma 2 (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): March 21, 2024
- Release Date (EU): March 21, 2024
- Publisher: Capcom
- Developer: Capcom
- Genres: JRPG, action-adventure
- Also For: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
“Arisen” is the title given to the individual marked by the Dragon to face itself in combat; and in Dragon’s Dogma 2, you are bestowed this title. As the chosen one, you have to fulfil this world’s dogma: defeat the Dragon to save the people from its menace and claim your rightful throne. However, your quest will not be a simple one as there seems to be several geopolitical forces at play that are preventing your fateful encounter and rightful claim. Do you have what it takes to quell the politicking, conquer the Dragon and live up to being the Arisen?
Dragon’s Dogma 2: more soft-reboot than sequel?
Those who played the first Dragon’s Dogma from 2012 will find similarities in the premise of the sequel. The introductory segment is very much similar in both cases; and they very much are, except that Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes place in a parallel world to the first instalment. To me, this makes the sequel feel more like a soft-reboot rather than a sequel, with more polished mechanics and presenation than radical changes; even the title screen displays “Dragon’s Dogma”, rather than “Dragon’s Dogma 2”.
While this distinction has not been clarified by Capcom, it does make the game more welcoming to newcomers. Veterans will find recognisable elements of the universe while newcomers will be able to discover and learn them without having to play the first game.
Despite bearing similarities in setting to the first entry of this franchise, Dragon’s Dogma 2 packs its own additions. Most prominently, there are two main sprawling regions in this parallel universe: the human kingdom of Vermund and the beastren nation of Battahl. These teem with life and activity that vary in appearance, culture and even threat. As an open world game, the huge map is available for you to explore at your leisure, enabling you to immerse in this mediaeval fantasy world where anthropomorphic inhabitants live alongside mythical creatures. Developed on RE Engine, the varied landscapes and diverse characters are richly detailed, making for a vibrant visual experience.
The world also feels lived-in with NPCs going about their own tasks in towns as well as the over world; some of whom will start a conversation and even offer unique side quests. This execution breathes life to the game which, together with the professional voice acting (in some form of Old English), really packs an immersive presentation.
While the overarching, “Chosen One” plot might sound generic, the subtle political machinations and original side quests of NPCs with their own unique stories, kept me hooked to the game. It helps that the side quests are engaging, with their own storylines, as some even intertwine with the main plot while completing others reward you with valuable items.
Taking up the mantle of the Arisen
Being a AAA open world action-RPG title, Dragon’s Dogma 2 bears the titular features of such a game. You are free to explore its universe’s open world, visit towns and tackle quests and side quests in any order. Based on your character’s chosen Vocation class, you have a set of skills and abilities that you can use in real-time combat with your party of up to 3 other Pawns. You can equip your party members with upgradeable weapons and armour, as well as use a range of consumables. So far, these check the boxes of the AAA title gameplay; and Dragon’s Dogma 2 does not disappoint with the fluid and satisfying gameplay.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s unique feature is the Pawn mechanic. As the Arisen, you will have a following of Pawns, or NPCs, who will request to join your party as you work towards your quest to confront the Dragon. Among the three other members is your main Pawn who will always accompany you, while the other two Pawns can be recruited from other players online or in-game and swapped based on your preference.
Each Pawn has a different Vocation that can complement your party’s skills, and this adds a layer of strategy to combat. For example, you might have chosen the Fighter class for your own character and the Archer class for your main Pawn. But having a Mage to heal your party would be handy during intense combat sessions, so you’ll want to recruit a Pawn with such a vocation. During combat, you can further issue basic commands to your Pawns. This will guide their combat approach, whether it’s to take matters in their own hands or assist you.
This adds some diversity to how combats unfold. With the option to recruit other Pawns with different abilities, you can test the most appropriate configuration based on your playstyle and needs. On top of the Pawns’ assistance, combats are typically fast-paced and dynamic. You’ll have your own arsenal at your disposal, as well as throwable/grabbable environmental elements, including enemies. Such a feature allows you to improvise in the heat of the moment, enabling more freedom of playstyles.
Pawns also provide assistance outside of combat. You can issue orders while out exploring and some will even indicate potential points of interest that you might otherwise miss. Some Pawns can have special abilities to assist you in your adventure. Some can guide you to your next destination based on the quest you are following, while others can translate foreign languages for you.
During exploration, Pawns will also strike conversations; and it is a commendable attempt at making the travelling experience less dull. However, some talking points, as well as whole conversations, are reused and these are noticeable over the 30h+ length of the game. That said, the unique Pawn mechanic really makes for an immersive experience and is a highlight of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
An immersive JRPG tainted by unnecessary microtransactions
Despite the generic-sounding overarching narrative and some repetitive Pawn conversations, Dragon’s Dogma 2 stands out as an immersive JRPG. The side quests are gripping, bringing the NPCs and universe to life. The unique Pawn mechanic makes for interesting combat strategies; while combat itself is dynamic and engaging. All of this is gorgeously depicted in the RE Engine-rendered visuals in an open world fashion that adds to the overall immersiveness of the title. Having played it post-launch, the game performs well on PC, with no discernible issues.
However, the presentation is tainted by the inclusion of microtransactions, which weren’t made totally clear prior to launch in the first place. This has understandably caused controversy since the game’s release. While the majority of the microtransaction elements are unnecessary, involving items that are easily found in the game, some rarer items could entice purchases and feel like a low-effort cash-grab move. Overall though, the microtransactions seem unnecessary, and likely stem from the publisher for financial reasons, rather than from the developers.
You’d be justified to be put off by the inclusion of microtransactions in a full-priced, AAA game; especially when these weren’t exactly made clear. But in reality, the purchases aren’t needed to enjoy the game. If you can overlook this, you’ll find that these extra purchase options do not hinder Dragon’s Dogma 2 from being a compelling single-player JRPG experience.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 - Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Engaging and dynamic combat
- Original Pawn mechanic
- Immersive open world universe
- Richly detailed environment
- Generic-sounding overarching plot
- Repetitive Pawn conversations
- Microtransactions
