Disclaimer: This review will focus on the core gameplay, world design, story, and combat of Dragon’s Dogma 2. It will not delve into the implemented anti-cheat system or the presence of microtransactions within the game.
Dragon’s Dogma 2, the long-awaited sequel to Capcom’s 2012 cult classic, has arrived, and it boldly builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. Players once again assume the mantle of the Arisen, an individual defied by death and granted the ability to challenge a malevolent entity known as the Dragon. This sprawling action RPG throws you into a richly detailed fantasy world, Gransys, where exploration, experimentation, and a touch of madness reign supreme.
A World of Breathtaking Scope and Hidden Depths
Gransys is a land teeming with life, from its sprawling meadows and treacherous mountain ranges to its dense, monster-infested forests and bustling port cities. Capcom’s RE Engine flexes its graphical muscles, bringing these environments to life with stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail. Weather patterns dynamically shift, casting dramatic shadows across towering castles and whipping sand across sunbaked deserts. Bioluminescent flora illuminates caves, while the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore provides a constant, calming presence during exploration.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 6
Controls: 8
Story: 7
Engaging: 7
Overall: 7
However, Gransys is more than just a pretty face. It’s a world steeped in lore and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Scattered ruins whisper of forgotten civilizations, while cryptic messages etched into ancient stones offer clues to the world’s tumultuous past. Players with a keen eye will stumble upon hidden grottoes harboring valuable treasures or stumble upon unmarked side quests that flesh out the lives of the game’s inhabitants. This sense of discovery is a constant motivator, pushing you to stray from the beaten path and delve deeper into the world’s mysteries.
A Tapestry of Storytelling: Woefully Linear Yet Strangely Captivating
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s narrative is a curious beast. On the surface, the main story feels somewhat conventional. There’s a chosen one prophecy, a looming apocalypse, and a cast of characters with predictable archetypes – the wise mentor, the stoic warrior, the enigmatic love interest. However, the execution is surprisingly engaging. The voice acting is superb, breathing life into even the most clichéd characters. The story unfolds at a steady pace, punctuated by genuinely thrilling set pieces and boss encounters.
Where Dragon’s Dogma 2 truly shines is in its world-building. Environmental details and incidental dialogue paint a vivid picture of Gransys’ various cultures and the political machinations at play. The true emotional weight of the narrative comes from witnessing how the Dragon’s malevolent influence twists the lives of ordinary people. A once-bustling village reduced to a smoldering ruin, a noble house fractured by paranoia – these smaller tragedies resonate far more than the overarching fight against the big bad.
A Symphony of Carnage: Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Combat is a Revelation
Combat in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is where the game truly comes alive. It’s a frenetic dance of calculated strikes, tactical positioning, and a healthy dose of improvisation. Players can choose from a variety of vocations, each offering unique playstyles and skill sets. The nimble Strider darts around foes, delivering swift strikes, while the magical Mystic Knight unleashes devastating elemental attacks. Experimentation is highly encouraged, with players free to switch vocations at any point, allowing them to tailor their character to the situation at hand.
The combat system itself is deceptively deep. Attacks can be chained together into fluid combos, and mastering these sequences is key to maximizing damage output. Enemies exhibit distinct behaviors and vulnerabilities, requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly. A hulking ogre might be impervious to frontal assaults but vulnerable to attacks from behind, while a nimble goblin might necessitate ranged attacks or well-timed dodges.
The Pawn System, a core feature returning from the original, adds another layer of depth and strategy to combat. Pawns are AI-controlled companions that accompany the Arisen on their journey. Players can create their own Pawns, customizing their appearance, vocations, and skills. Pawns can also be borrowed from other players online, creating a vibrant community-driven ecosystem. A well-built Pawn can be the difference between a smooth victory and a crushing defeat, offering strategic support and reviving the Arisen when they fall in battle.
A Feast for the Senses: Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Technical Prowess
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a technical marvel. The RE Engine delivers stunning visuals, with expansive draw distances and meticulously detailed environments. Character models are well-animated, and combat animations are suitably impactful. The soundtrack is a soaring orchestral masterpiece that perfectly complements the game’s epic scope and dramatic moments. However, some technical hiccups do mar the experience. Occasional frame rate dips can occur during intense battles, and the open-world nature can lead to some pop-in textures. While these issues don’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment, they are worth noting.
A Journey of Choice and Consequence: Shaping Your Arisen’s Destiny
Dragon’s Dogma 2 goes beyond simply offering a wealth of content – it empowers players to forge their own path within the world. Choices made throughout the narrative, from seemingly minor dialogue options to siding with specific factions in ongoing conflicts, can have lasting consequences. A seemingly innocuous decision early on might have a ripple effect, influencing the fate of a character or even the outcome of a major quest. This element of player agency keeps the experience fresh on subsequent playthroughs, encouraging players to experiment and see how their choices alter the world around them.
Furthermore, character customization goes beyond mere aesthetics. Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a robust skill system that allows players to tailor their Arisen’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. Each vocation has its own unique skill tree, offering passive buffs, new combat maneuvers, and powerful special attacks. Players can further refine their builds by augmenting their equipment with enhancements and magical enchantments. This level of granular control over character development ensures that no two Arisens will ever be exactly alike.
A Testament to Iteration: Building Upon a Strong Foundation
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a clear evolution of its predecessor. It retains the core strengths of the original – the world’s open-ended exploration, the Pawn system’s strategic depth, and the combat system’s visceral thrill – while addressing some of its shortcomings. The narrative, while not particularly groundbreaking, is well-told and engaging, bolstered by the game’s excellent world-building. The technical aspects are impressive, showcasing the RE Engine’s power, though occasional performance hiccups can be a minor annoyance.
A World of Potential: A Look Towards the Future of Gransys
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sprawling adventure brimming with potential. The world of Gransys is rich with lore and begs to be further explored in future expansions or sequels. The Pawn system offers a unique online layer that fosters a sense of community and strategic collaboration. With continued refinement and the passionate backing of its player base, Dragon’s Dogma 2 has the potential to solidify its place as a modern action RPG classic.
Pawn System: A Double-Edged Sword
Pawns are undeniably valuable companions. A well-built Pawn can be a strategic asset, offering healing support, drawing enemy aggro, or even doling out devastating damage. However, the Pawn system isn’t without its drawbacks. Renting Pawns online can be a gamble – a poorly built Pawn can be more of a hindrance than a help. Additionally, the reliance on Pawns can sometimes overshadow the Arisen’s own capabilities.
Balancing Act: Difficulty and Challenge
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a challenging game. Enemies hit hard, and death comes swiftly for the unprepared. However, the challenge feels fair. Mastering the combat system and strategically utilizing Pawns are key to overcoming the game’s toughest obstacles. The sense of accomplishment upon conquering a difficult foe or emerging victorious from a harrowing boss battle is truly rewarding. Using your surroundings to your advantage can also turn seemingly impossible fights into a manageable challenge.
A Soundtrack that Soars: Setting the Mood for Adventure
The orchestral soundtrack of Dragon’s Dogma 2 deserves special mention. The sweeping compositions perfectly capture the game’s epic scope and emotional moments. The music seamlessly transitions from heart-pounding battle themes to melancholic exploration pieces, further immersing players in the world of Gransys.
A Game of Nuance and Hidden Depths
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a game that rewards patience and a willingness to experiment. While some aspects might seem daunting at first glance, the sense of discovery and the gradual mastery of the game’s systems is deeply satisfying. Whether it’s uncovering a hidden grotto brimming with loot, perfectly executing a complex combo to fell a monstrous foe, or witnessing the subtle consequences of a seemingly insignificant choice, Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a wealth of rewarding experiences for players willing to delve into its depths.
In Closing: A World Waiting to be Explored
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sprawling and ambitious action RPG that stands as a worthy successor to its predecessor. It’s a game that offers something for everyone – a rich world to explore, a combat system that rewards mastery, and a narrative that, while linear, is bolstered by excellent world-building. With its open-ended approach and emphasis on player agency, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an adventure that begs to be replayed and experienced from different angles. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Dragon’s Dogma 2 has the potential to become a world you’ll lose yourself in for countless hours.