Dragon's Dogma 2
The Good Stuff
- Rewarding combat system
- Unique pawn system
- Open-world exploration
- Stunning environments
The Bad Stuff
- Technical issues
- Occasional glitches
- Repetitive enemies
- Unforgiving difficulty
- Limited fast travel options
(Image: Capcom)
Dragon’s Dogma 2
“Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a double-edged sword: a charming throwback brimming with nostalgia, but also burdened by some outdated flaws”
A decade after the original, Capcom unleashes Dragon’s Dogma 2. This sequel promises to recapture the magic of the first game’s dynamic world and innovative combat, but does it soar to new heights, or does it crash under the weight of its predecessor’s shadow? Buckle up, Arisen, because this Dragon’s Dogma 2 review dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of this long-awaited return. We’ll explore the world, dissect the combat, and see if this sequel can truly claim the title of Dragon’s Dogma 2. So, is it a triumphant return or a frustrating exercise in nostalgia? Let’s find out!
Overview
Dragon’s Dogma 2 stays true to the cult classic formula that made the original great. It boasts the same top-notch action combat and a vast, mysterious open world begging to be explored. However, this sequel isn’t afraid to show its age.
Just like the 2012 game, Dragon’s Dogma 2 throws you headfirst into the deep end. Expect brutal enemies and chaotic encounters right from the start.
The world itself feels cobbled together but somehow works in its favor. This “controlled chaos” creates a unique open-world experience, where unexpected events can turn into exciting adventures.
The world design encourages exploration. Unlike many open-world games, Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t hold your hand. Hidden secrets and unbeaten paths reward the curious adventurer.
Be warned, though, danger lurks around every corner. Early on, even simple travel is fraught with peril. Packs of enemies work together to overwhelm you, and night-time presents a whole new level of brutality.
(Image: Capcom)
Compared to the original, Dragon’s Dogma 2 avoids the frustrating difficulty spikes, but makes up for it with battles that can quickly snowball into epic, messy clashes. Learning to manage this chaos is a steep learning curve, but eventually mastering a once-daunting area feels incredibly rewarding.
Fast travel is limited in this world. Forget convenient waypoints; exploration is primarily done on foot. ‘Ferrystones’, your ticket to long-distance travel, come at a premium in the early game.
Oxcarts, a more local option, have limited schedules and can even be destroyed mid-journey by roaming monsters. This “inconvenience” creates a sense of vulnerability but can also be incredibly frustrating.
Despite the occasional setbacks, the world’s mysteries are so captivating that you’ll find yourself pushing forward. The lack of hand-holding makes you feel like a true explorer, not a pre-programmed quest machine.
Every corner holds the potential for discovery, and the environments are visually stunning. From breathtaking cliffside vistas to eerily charming caves, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a world worth getting lost in.
A Dragon’s Tale Mixed with Hidden Gems
(Image: Capcom)
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s story mirrors the open-world approach – it’s a mixed bag with some hidden gems. The main plot is familiar territory: you’re an immortal Arisen destined to fight a dragon. It throws in some Game of Thrones-inspired political intrigue, but it’s nothing groundbreaking.
However, the story throws in a couple of unexpected twists that shake things up. Additionally, the side characters shine brighter than the main narrative. You’ll find yourself drawn to a Hemingway-esque hermit and a noble’s son working to reform his government from within.
Quests are a similar mix. Townsfolk readily throw errands your way, ranging from typical fetch quests to monster slaying. Some introduce interesting twists, like time limits or ambiguous consequences.
Imagine juggling three quests – one involves rescuing a child from wolves with a ticking clock, another requires some detective work following a suspicious character. Just like exploring the wilderness, city streets offer adventure and reward curiosity.
Familiar Class Favorites and Exciting Newcomers
(Image: Capcom)
Next with Dragon’s Dogma 2 review are the vocations or classes. The game offers a robust selection of vocations or classes to choose from. Fans of the original will be happy to see the return of classics like Fighter and Mage, each with a distinct playstyle.
Advanced vocations like the Warrior specialize further, offering even more offensive power. These classes feel great to play, with responsive controls and a variety of skills to unlock.
The new additions are truly inspired. The Mystic Spearhand, a melee/magic hybrid, focuses on aggressive close-quarters combat, a stark contrast to the defensive Mystic Knight from the previous game.
The Warfarer provides ultimate flexibility, wielding any weapon type and filling any party role, although not as expertly as dedicated specialists.
The Trickster, a master of deception, uses illusions to manipulate enemies – picture the “smoke too tough, swag too different” meme come to life, with enemies tripping over mind-altering incense.
Combat borrows heavily from Monster Hunter. Large and even some small enemies have weak points – a cyclops’ eye or a lizard’s tail. Targeting these vulnerabilities can deal more damage, inflict stuns, or even sever limbs, altering enemy attacks and potentially yielding better loot.
This strategic targeting adds depth and reward to battles, especially when facing large groups of foes.
Pawns: Your Invaluable Companions… Mostly
(Image: Capcom)
Dragon’s Dogma 2 ditches traditional multiplayer, but introduces Pawns – AI controlled companions who fight alongside you. Pawns aren’t just battle buddies; they can gather resources, point out hidden secrets, and even offer quest hints.
They’ve gotten a significant upgrade this time around, with specializations like resource highlighters and party inventory organizers.
Here’s where things get interesting: Pawns can travel through The Rift, a separate dimension, to join other players’ adventures. They learn from these experiences, bringing back items and knowledge to share with you.
While exploring with your Pawn team, you might discover secrets they learned on their travels with other Arisen. This asynchronous multiplayer system was innovative in 2012 and remains unique today.
However, Pawns aren’t perfect. Their AI can be unreliable, leading them into trouble and untimely deaths (often by falling off bridges during battles!). You can issue commands like “help” or “wait,” but these can be unresponsive in the heat of the moment.
(Image: Capcom)
Sometimes, you’ll be stuck waiting on your Pawn to revive you or free you from an enemy, which can be frustrating.
Despite their occasional shortcomings, Pawns are invaluable assets. Combat in Dragon’s Dogma 2 shines with its satisfying action. Every swing, shot, and chop feels impactful, thanks in part to the game’s physics system.
Bigger characters can grab and climb enemies, while smaller ones are faster and more agile. You can even pick up objects and enemies to use as projectiles, and team up with your Pawns to overpower massive foes.
The game throws a lot of these nuances at you, and while it encourages exploration and discovery, a little more guidance in the manual wouldn’t hurt.
Climbing Woes and Performance Hiccups
(Image: Capcom)
Moving on with the Dragon’s Dogma 2 review are the pros and cons. Dragon’s Dogma 2’s combat isn’t without its flaws. Climbing enemies in the heat of battle can be frustrating. The controls become unresponsive as the enemy moves, making it difficult to maintain your grip.
Additionally, the camera can become a real enemy in tight spaces, blocking your view and making it nearly impossible to see what’s happening.
Frame rate drops can also occur during large battles. While not unplayable, these slowdowns can make precise timing in combat more challenging, especially with all the chaos on screen.
Enemy variety is a mixed bag. You’ll encounter variations of a core set of creatures, but some regions have unique enemy traits. For example, desert lizards have tougher hides, and humanoids wield different weapons and armor.
The true standouts are the special monsters like Medusas, which are visually impressive and offer unique challenges. Discovering these encounters in the open world is a definite highlight.
Verdict
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a double-edged sword: a charming throwback brimming with nostalgia, but also burdened by some outdated flaws. It lovingly rehashes the 2012 cult classic’s magic – the vibrant, dynamic world and the genre-defining combat with its physics-based brilliance.
However, the experience is haunted by a few unwelcome guests: unreliable AI companions, awkward climbing mechanics, occasional frame rate drops, and a camera prone to tantrums at inopportune moments.
These quirks might test your patience, but if you can persevere, Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a unique and rewarding action-RPG experience.
It stands apart from its modern counterparts with its open-world freedom and unconventional quest design, making it a gem waiting to be unearthed by players seeking a captivating adventure.
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