.svg)
Review of Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review
“Creating a world is easy; bringing it to life is the challenge.”
This RPG masterpiece returns after 10 years, promising a bigger and more interactive open world, four times larger than the original. Capcom, fresh off its success with Resident Evil 4 Remake, has set high expectations. Let’s dive into our review of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and see if it meets the hype.
Story (No Spoilers)
The game begins with a prisoner who awakens to a mysterious voice saying, “Awaken, Enlightened One, and face me.” This voice belongs to a powerful dragon, and the prisoner is our protagonist, suffering from amnesia. The unique character customization process is woven into the story as you choose your appearance while still in the prison setting.
Capcom has introduced one of the most detailed character customization systems ever. From physical traits to gameplay-affecting attributes, every detail matters. Larger characters can carry more but move slower, while smaller characters are faster but less durable. Managing stamina and weight is a critical mechanic that impacts your experience throughout the game.
The story takes you on a dangerous journey with your pawns to recover your memories and confront the dragon. While not revolutionary, the narrative is engaging, featuring political intrigue in two main cities: Vermund, a human city with a false ruler, and Battal, a city of monsters hostile toward humans and pawns.
With over 50 hours of diverse quests, the game draws comparisons to The Witcher series. However, missions often rely on exploration and intuition rather than clear directions, making the experience immersive but demanding for players unfamiliar with such systems.
The Pawns System
Despite lacking a co-op mode, Capcom introduced the pawn system to enhance the solo experience. Pawns are AI companions designed to assist in your journey. You can create a primary pawn and hire two additional ones from the Rift or encounter them during your travels.
The pawns feel alive, each with distinct personalities and behaviors, such as strategists or protectors. What’s fascinating is that pawns you hire are other players’ creations, carrying knowledge from their original game. For instance, if a pawn has faced a specific monster or terrain before, they can guide you effectively.
Capcom’s innovative system encourages players to constantly adapt their team, leveling up and swapping pawns for better expertise. They’ll assist in quests, provide hints, and even point out hidden treasures, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Gameplay
The gameplay features four main classes: Warrior, Mage, Ranger, and Thief, each with unique strengths and abilities. Hybrid classes unlock as you progress, offering advanced combat styles. The flexibility to switch classes anytime allows you to experiment and adapt to different challenges.
Boss battles are a highlight, combining adrenaline-pumping music and strategic combat. Each boss has unique weaknesses, requiring careful planning and coordination with your pawns. Battles can last in-game days, emphasizing preparation and perseverance.
However, the fast travel system is limited to rare stones, forcing players to traverse the world on foot or via ox-drawn carts, which have specific routes and timings. While immersive, this can frustrate players who prefer faster exploration.
Open World Design
The world is vast and lively, with stunning landscapes, varied biomes, and dynamic events like monsters battling each other. Exploration is rewarding, whether you’re uncovering loot, helping NPCs, or simply enjoying the view. The day-night cycle not only affects monster strength and quest availability but also impacts loot conditions, such as food spoiling over time.
Unfortunately, the game runs at 30 FPS on consoles, with frequent dips, which detracts from the otherwise immersive experience. A consistent 60 FPS would have elevated this game to legendary status.
Arabic Localization
The game features full Arabic localization, including menus and subtitles, with high-quality translations ensuring accessibility for all players. Capcom deserves praise for this effort, especially given the complexity of RPG narratives.
Pros
- Unmatched character customization system.
- Pawn system adds depth and compensates for the lack of co-op.
- Beautifully crafted open world full of activities and discoveries.
- Exhilarating boss battles with strategic depth.
- Variety of classes and the ability to switch and upgrade easily.
- Impactful day-night cycle that enhances realism.
Cons
- 30 FPS on consoles with frequent drops.
- Heavy RPG mechanics might not appeal to all players.
- Lack of co-op mode reduces multiplayer appeal.
