Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review – Bigger, Bolder and Better

OUR RATING: 9.5/10

Dragon’s Dogma 2 stands out with its unique blend of captivating storyline, engaging gameplay, and rich character customization, pushing the boundaries of RPG gaming. The original Dragon’s Dogma set a high standard for RPG games with its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive world-building. The sequel promises to build on these foundations, offering an even more expansive and engaging experience.

Just like its predecessor, Dragon’s Dogma 2 places you in the role of the “Arisen” – a protagonist with a forgotten past and a destiny intertwined with a dragon. The game starts in a gaol, as RPGs often do, but quickly moves beyond clichés as you escape and discover your fate as the Arisen. The story is compelling and filled with intrigue, but it’s the intricate gameplay mechanics and expansive world that truly make this game shine.

Character creation in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an immersive process, with an extensive array of customization options. You can modify virtually every aspect of your character, ranging from height and weight to more personal features. The game also gives you the ability to create a secondary character or “main pawn.” These pawns, which can be of human or Beastren race, play a crucial role in the gameplay and contribute to the depth of character creation.

The world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is filled with diverse landscapes, bustling towns, and hidden treasures. Each city and village have unique characteristics and are buzzing with life and activity. The passage of time impacts the world significantly, affecting the state of towns, the behavior of NPCs, and the unfolding of events. This dynamic environment enhances the sense of realism and immerses the player further into the game.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a wide range of classes or “vocations” for the player and their pawns. Each vocation has its unique abilities and combat style, catering to different playstyles. The game encourages experimentation with different vocations, allowing players to switch between them without any penalties. This flexible class system enriches the gameplay, providing a variety of tactical options for each encounter.

One of the standout features of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the Pawn system. These AI-controlled companions play a critical role in combat and exploration. You can hire additional pawns, each with unique abilities and characteristics, to form a party. The interactions with pawns go beyond combat, as they can provide valuable information about quests and areas. The system adds a layer of strategy to the game and enhances the overall gameplay experience.

The combat in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is dynamic and engaging. Depending on your vocation, you can opt for melee, ranged, or magical attacks. The game rewards tactical thinking and encourages players to exploit enemy weaknesses. The presence of the pawn companions adds an additional layer of strategy to the combat, making each encounter a thrilling experience.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers an array of quests, each contributing to the overall narrative. The quests are interconnected, often leading to new storylines and characters. The game provides freedom in how you approach these quests, allowing you to shape your journey. The attention to detail in the quest design is commendable, with multiple ways to solve problems and achieve objectives.

Exploring the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a rewarding experience. The game discourages fast travel, urging players to wander through its expansive landscapes. Random encounters, hidden treasures, and environmental puzzles keep the exploration exciting. Furthermore, your pawn companions can help you discover hidden locations and items, adding to the thrill of exploration.

Your decisions in Dragon’s Dogma 2 carry significant consequences. The game’s narrative dynamically responds to your actions, leading to different outcomes. Whether it’s deciding the fate of an NPC or choosing a quest, your choices shape the world around you. This sense of consequence adds a layer of realism to the game and makes each decision meaningful.

The game also boasts of impressive visuals, with detailed character models and vibrant environments. The game runs smoothly on various platforms, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. However, some technical issues like frame rate drops and pop-ins can occasionally hamper the experience.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an epic fantasy RPG that excels in nearly every aspect. Its expansive world, engaging gameplay mechanics, and rich character customization make it a must-play for any RPG fan. Despite minor technical issues, the game delivers a mesmerizing gaming experience that keeps you invested from start to finish. It is a testament to the evolution of RPG gaming that seamlessly blends traditional RPG elements with innovative gameplay mechanics to deliver a game that’s as captivating as it is challenging. Whether you’re an old fan of the series or a newcomer to the genre, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a journey worth embarking on.