8Bit/Digi

A New Journey for the Arisen

Welcome to another story of how I was introduced to an awesome game during a convention. During FanimeCon 2019, my friend and I returned to our hotel room for a little rest. While I intended to catch some sleep, my friend opted to unwind with his Nintendo Switch, immersing himself in a session of Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. After observing his play for a mere 20 minutes, I found myself compelled to want to play this game. Without hesitation, I retrieved my laptop, logged into Steam, and promptly purchased the game for myself. From that moment, I became a fan of the game.

So you can imagine how excited I was when the sequel was announced. I’m happy to say that Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes everything that was great about its predecessor and improves upon it. 

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the long awaited follow up to one of the best action RPGs and it was worth the wait. Every aspect that characterized the original game, from the expansive world to the intricate combat mechanics and narrative depth, has been not only retained but also enhanced, elevating the overall gaming experience. It’s also an experience welcoming to all, even gamers who never played the first one. 

Wish Upon the Rift

Players assume the role of the protagonist, awakening in a slave camp devoid of memory regarding their identity or arrival at the site. Amidst an attack by a Gorgon, a mysterious force compels them to flee, ultimately leading them to a military encampment. Here, they discover their true nature as the Arisen, a chosen hero tasked with confronting the Dragon after their heart has been devoured by the beast. The Arisen now embarks on a journey to uncover their past while readying themselves to vanquish the Dragon and prevent the end of times.

Firstly, it’s not necessary to have played Dragon’s Dogma to grasp the unfolding narrative. Nevertheless, familiarity with the first installment would enhance the experience for several reasons. Although the story stands on its own, players may miss subtle nods or callbacks to the original game. Additionally, having played the predecessor allows one to better appreciate the extent of changes and improvements made in the sequel.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 isn’t a mere rehash of its predecessor’s story. While avoiding spoilers, the game delves into Machiavellian politics, challenging the Arisen to navigate intricate political schemes within the world. Players shape the overall narrative through their unique adventures, ensuring a personalized journey. This comes with the choices they make and the paths they walk. Moreover, it’s not a one-off experience; its replay value beckons players to return for a different experience. The soundtrack plays a pivotal role in setting the tone, not just for the world but for each moment within it. Much like its predecessor, the music adeptly guides players’ emotions, effortlessly transitioning between creating a sense of warmth and hospitality to instilling a heightened state of alertness and preparedness.

Jack of all Trades

As with its predecessor, the gameplay for Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an action RPG. Players form a party with their pawns to undertake quests or advance the main story. The party comprises the player, their primary pawn, and two additional pawns. Each pawn wields a distinct weapon and possesses special attacks and skills. As the party journeys, they accumulate experience points (XP) for leveling up. Players also discover various spells that can enhance themselves or their primary pawn. Players should find a balance within their party while also finding the right pawn for the moment. 

Combat mechanics revolves around the weapon a character wields and their vocation. Players can choose from a variety of bladed weapons, bows, and magic-based weapons, depending on their vocation. Additionally, characters demonstrate proficiency with specific skills, providing them with strategic advantages against certain foes. Vocations are not permanent, allowing players to change them during their adventure. Weapons can also be upgraded provided players have the necessary materials and funds. Combat entails executing either a fast light attack or a slow heavy attack, depending on the situation. The game boasts a plethora of classic fantasy foes, such as goblins, skeletons, and more. However, its true excellence lies in the diverse array of mythical creatures that serve as either bosses or mini-bosses.

Learning the gameplay poses no significant challenge. Players can seamlessly pick up on the gameplay mechanics and find themselves comfortably situated, especially if they’re familiar with other modern action RPGs. This accessibility benefits both series enthusiasts and newcomers, enabling them to dive into the action promptly without any unnecessary stumbling.

Pawn of Many Talents

Even before you have played the game, you have to respect the level of detail put into the character creation. On par with Cyberpunk 2077 and Code Vein, players are given the freedom to create their characters however they want. Many have also gone out of their way to model their character after others from movies and anime’s. An overall testament to the freedom players are given. 

Compared to Dragon’s Dogma, players will immediately notice numerous improvements. The accessibility to maps, character details, and items has been better organized. This allows for easy accessibility and caters to players who prefer swift decision-making. Understanding the gameplay mechanics remains straightforward yet offers depth, requiring time to fully grasp and master. The pawns now demonstrate heightened responsiveness to their surroundings, adapting more effectively to the circumstances, whether it’s during moments of tranquility or amidst the chaos of battle.

One also can’t overlook the dynamic world. It’s one that can be used to a player’s advantage while evolving based on their actions. It presents numerous pathways, responsive to the player’s decisions. Each path harbors distinct challenges, risks, and rewards. These challenges encompass not only adversaries but also terrain obstacles that may impede or aid the journey. Moreover, players can leverage the environment as a strategic asset, employing it to vanquish or weaken enemies. It’s imperative to be aware that opponents may also exploit the surroundings.

Before Dawn Breaks 

Throughout my playthrough, the only hiccup I encountered revolved around unclear quest explanations. Occasionally, I found myself grappling with tasks due to inadequate guidance or the information was poorly explained. While these instances were infrequent, they did pose a minor annoyance at times. Nevertheless, they were forgivable shortcomings that didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. Thankfully, players will not be bothered by this thanks to the many playthrough guides and tutorial videos that will be available.

Taste of Freedom

The original Dragon’s Dogma left an indelible mark on players, and its sequel has adeptly applied the lessons gleaned from its predecessor to enhance the overall experience. This refinement yields a game that presents a familiar narrative imbued with uniqueness, evolving dynamically with the player’s choices while complemented with a responsive soundtrack. Moreover, the gameplay seamlessly balances accessibility with depth, making it easy for both newcomers and seasoned fans to enjoy. Overall; Dragon’s Dogma 2 was worth the wait.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a masterpiece that elevates every defining aspect of its predecessor, enhancing the experience in numerous ways. The outcome is an unforgettable and ever-evolving journey shaped by the player’s actions and insatiable sense of curiosity.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dragon's Dogma 2 (PC)

10

Masterpiece

10.0/10

Pros

• A familiar story that is unique and evolving based on the player's actions.
• Gameplay is easy to learn while welcoming to all, newcomers and fans alike.
• One of the best and most detailed character creations.
• Soundtrack plays a pivotal role in setting the tone.
• An ever-evolving world that dynamically responds to your actions.

Cons

• Some quests or tasks are not properly explained.