Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved action RPG franchise is finally here. Dragon's Dogma 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, Dragon's Dogma. The game is taking all the great things from the first game and notching it a step higher. This includes; immersive gameplay, heart-pounding action, and a world that's full of danger and mystery.

In this epic adventure, you take on the role of Arisen who is a legendary hero chosen by fate. Now, your mission is to navigate dangerous environments, battle fearsome monsters, and uncover the secrets of the game’s open world. 

The game is filled with excitement and action adventure. But it's not just about the action; it's about the entire experience. With its richly detailed environments and immersive gameplay, Dragon's Dogma 2 pulls you in and puts you right into the adventure. 

You can explore hidden caverns, face off the monsters, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Ultimately, the game offers an adventure of a lifetime. Now, let us explore everything Dragon's Dogma 2 has to offer.

Missions and Quests

In Dragon's Dogma 2, missions and quests form the backbone of the gameplay experience. They offer diverse challenges and adventures for players to undertake. The missions range from the epic main story quests that drive the narrative forward to engaging side missions. 

The variety of quests ensures that players have enough opportunities to engage with different gameplay mechanics. Similarly, it's all about battling fearsome monsters, solving puzzles, or unravelling mysteries hidden within the game’s vast landscapes.

On the other hand, missions in Dragon's Dogma 2 provide exciting gameplay and serve as avenues for character development. Through interactions with NPCs and their choices during quests, players shape the fate of their characters and the world around them. Whether forging alliances, making moral decisions, or confronting powerful adversaries, each quest allows players to experience a truly immersive role-playing adventure.

Sprawling Open-World

Games that feature large environments appeal to gamers worldwide. Similarly, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers players a captivating journey through an expansive world filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery. From the moment players step into the game, they are thrust into an adventure like no other.

Exploration is the real deal in the game. From towering mountains to dense forests, there's no shortage of landscapes to explore. To stir things up, each area is carefully crafted, with hidden treasures, ancient ruins, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. 

However, exploration isn't just about finding cool stuff; it's also about immersing yourself in the world and uncovering its mysteries. As players journey through the game, they'll encounter cryptic clues and fascinating characters. 

Ultimately, Dragon's Dogma 2 excels at creating a sense of adventure and discovery with its expansive world and captivating exploration mechanics. However, it somewhat brings a sense of unpredictability. But that ain't much of an issue. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newbie to the genre, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this epic adventure.

The Thrill of Exploration

In Dragon's Dogma 2, you'll find yourself leaping and dodging through challenges, trying to avoid all sorts of dangerous traps and obstacles. There's this thrill of discovering hidden rooms behind secret doors or piles of crates. Also, let's not forget about the treasure chests scattered all over the place; they are a little reward for your curiosity.

Exploring the game world isn't just about getting from point A to point B. You must uncover all kinds of cool stuff along the way. You'll stumble upon loot, gather resources, and stumble upon all sorts of exciting collectables. And you know what? There is a whole bunch of them hidden throughout the game, just waiting to be found. And the best part? You can trade them in for some good rewards at any guild hall.

Furthermore, keep an eye out for those banner icons on the map. They mark major points of interest. Whether it's an old ruin or a hidden campsite, there's always something cool waiting for you to discover. Plus, you never know when you might stumble upon an NPC with a quest or some other interesting story to tell. So yeah, take your time exploring; you never know what you might find.

The Pawn System

Pawns are the faithful companions that journey alongside players in the expansive world of Dragon's Dogma. These AI-controlled allies serve as more than combat support, enhancing gameplay mechanics and narrative immersion. In battle, Pawns demonstrate their prowess by employing diverse skills and tactics. Similarly, they complement the player's abilities and enhance the strategic gameplay.

Beyond combat, Pawns contribute to the exploration and discovery of the game world. They provide guidance on quests, pointing out points of interest and offering insights into the history of the land.

Customization is a key aspect of the Pawn system. It allows players to personalize their companions to suit their playstyle and preferences better. One cool thing about the pawn system is that you can alter their appearance and select their abilities. Ultimately, players have the freedom to shape their Pawns into allies tailored to their needs.

Additionally, customization of the Pawns extends to the hiring of additional Pawns from the Rift, where players can recruit characters created by other players. Similarly, by assembling a diverse party of Pawns with complementary skills and strengths, players can tackle challenges with greater flexibility and efficiency. 

Player and Pawn is central to the game's narrative and gameplay. Through collaboration and customization, players can cultivate a team of trusted allies to accompany them on their journey through the fantastical world of Dragon's Dogma. 

Creepy Monsters

Dragon's Dogma 2 is packed with all sorts of monsters that'll keep you on your toes. There's always something lurking around, from the little guys like goblins and bandits to scarier ones like zombies and skeletons. And if you thought you had seen it all, boom! You meet trolls and ogres that will really make your heart race. And guess what? Taking down these guys is quite some work, considering how huge they are. 

Fighting these monsters isn't just a matter of swinging your sword wildly. You've got to be smart, finding their weak points and strategizing your attacks. Remember, each encounter with a monster in the game is an intense experience filled with moments of excitement and danger. So, whether you emerge victorious or fall in battle, the thrill of the fight keeps you coming back for more. 

Every encounter with a monster in Dragon's Dogma 2 is a pulse-pounding thrill. But that's what makes the game so much fun. Notably, every battle is a big adventure that'll have you holding your breath and cheering when you finally win.

The Elephant in the House

Now, Let’s talk about the elephant in the house, the microtransactions. Players were a little concerned about the impact of the microtransactions in the game. So, here is the point: some of the microtransactions seem unnecessary. For instance, The makeshift jail key or the harpy snare smoke beacons appear to have limited utility in the game, yet they're still being sold. 

So, this raises questions about the motivations behind these microtransactions. Players wonder if they are genuinely there to enhance the player experience or if they are just there to extract additional revenue. 

Moreover, the presence of microtransactions in a fully-priced, single-player game like Dragon's Dogma 2 also reflects broader trends in the gaming industry. It's part of a larger conversation about the monetization of games and the balance between profitability and player satisfaction. 

While some players may not mind microtransactions, others see them as a potential threat to the integrity of the gaming experience. Ultimately, the impact of these microtransactions on Dragon's Dogma 2 will depend on how they're implemented and how players choose to engage with them.

Verdict 

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a captivating sequel, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor while introducing fresh elements to stir up the experience. The game offers unmatched immersive world design and engaging combat mechanics, which offer a deep and rewarding gameplay experience. 

The game's open world is filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome, inviting players to engage in thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Similarly, whether you are immersed in the main story or embarking on side quests, players will find themselves hooked in the fantastic world.

However, despite its many merits, Dragon's Dogma 2 is not without its flaws. Technical issues such as inconsistent AI behavior and occasional framerate drops can affect the overall enjoyment. Additionally, some aspects of the game, such as limited fast travel options and clunky climbing mechanics, may hinder the exploration experience.  

While these issues may throw cold water on the experience for some players, they are ultimately outweighed by the game's strengths and the depth of its gameplay mechanics.

In conclusion, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a worthy successor to its predecessor, offering an engaging action RPG experience. Despite its technical shortcomings, the game excels in delivering a richly detailed world to explore and satisfying combat encounters. Notably, Dragon's Dogma 2 is sure to captivate both fans of the series and newcomers alike, providing countless hours of adventure and excitement in a vibrant fantasy world.