Dragon’s Dogma 2: Is There Room for New Innovative Ideas?

Dragon’s Dogma 2: An Epic Adventure of 2024

Dragon’s Dogma 2 emerges as one of the highlights of 2024 so far, being a highly anticipated release after a long wait since the original game. With such a long interval, it is understandable that there is a certain level of excitement, especially among fans of the series and even those who have a devotion to the Monster Hunter franchise.

Capcom’s Unique Proposal for Dragon’s Dogma 2

Capcom’s proposal for Dragon’s Dogma 2 is unique, although it can be easily compared to other works of the genre. Still, its personal touch is clearly defined, standing out for its own adaptations to the action RPG genre. It is like an evolution of the previous title, refining established concepts and maturing independently. It has now become a large-scale project, setting aside its niche reputation to attract a broader audience, which implies a greater responsibility on the part of those who develop it.

Delving into the Depths of an Ancient Story

My journey in Dragon’s Dogma 2 began with the task of creating my character. From physical appearance to available vocations, every detail of customization requires careful consideration, as the choices made at the beginning of the adventure have a lasting impact. Although changing vocations during the journey is encouraged, aspects such as physiognomy are more permanent. The robustness of the customization options allows for the creation of unique and sometimes even hilarious characters, adding an extra dose of fun to the experience.

The narrative delves into the depths of an ancient story, where dragons, magic, and epic conflicts dominate the scenario of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Once again, we are presented with a journey marked by eternal conflicts and the relentless pursuit of power. As the Arisen, the protagonist, you embark on a mission to retrieve our heart, which once again has been taken by a dragon. In this odyssey, we are joined by the Pawns, beings controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), including our own Pawn, which is unique and remains faithful throughout the journey. Each player can be accompanied by a maximum of three Pawns, ours and two belonging to other players, with the possibility of sharing our Pawn with players from around the world, creating a unique and interconnected experience in the community.

The Satisfaction of Experiencing the Journey

What really impressed me was the fact that I didn’t mind taking long walks to a certain location, because Capcom managed to instill fun in each one of them. The journey on foot is an important element, as it allows us to experience Dragon’s Dogma authentically. And it’s not due to a lack of faster transportation options, as it is possible to hitch a ride on carriages to get there faster, or to teleport to unlocked areas, as long as you have the necessary resources, but I rarely felt the need to use them, due to the satisfaction of walking and discovering new things at every moment.

At the core of it all is exploration, which involves gathering resources, defeating enemies, discovering secrets, and making progress with these mechanisms. It’s an approach that constantly leads us to search for better weapons and equipment, encouraging continuous exploration. This concept is skillfully integrated and manages to captivate us throughout the journey. After all, that’s what a video game is for: to entertain the player.

Within villages, players can find shops to upgrade their equipment and buy and sell items. The interaction with NPCs is dynamic, with intriguing stories that intertwine, creating a cohesive and engaging game world. Side tasks can lead to fascinating discoveries, adding depth to the gaming experience. Unraveling all the nuances of this richly detailed world may require multiple plays.

The NPC system, particularly the Pawns, is truly fascinating. These beings travel between worlds through portals, and players can recruit them to accompany on their journey. By observing other players’ Pawns, choices can be made based on desired skills. The connection between the player’s character and the Pawns proves crucial, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

Gameplay and Learning Curve

The Pawns play a fundamental role in the game mechanics, serving as vital allies with solid artificial intelligence. The gameplay initially may feel overwhelming due to the complexity of movements and unique characteristics, but giving the game time reveals its full potential. Each Vocation offers specific skills that require exploration and adaptation by the player, emphasizing the importance of selecting complementary Pawns.

Additional gameplay elements, such as campsites, traveling merchants, wandering Pawns, and exploration of caves, enhance the overall experience. These details provide an extra layer of enjoyment, enriching the final product.

Doubtful Visual Quality and Worrying Performance

Despite its fascinating theme and well-developed mechanisms, Dragon’s Dogma 2 faces challenges with visual quality and performance issues, as highlighted in Digital Foundry’s analysis. The graphics may fall short of expectations, with overall performance being poor across all platforms. This lackluster performance, especially on consoles, detracts from the gaming experience.

Even on PlayStation 5, the performance of Dragon’s Dogma 2 remains a concern, with limited improvements post-update. The absence of a 60 fps mode on consoles is disappointing, hinting at hardware limitations. Future console generations or updates may be necessary to achieve the desired performance.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: A Technical Analysis

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a notable achievement by Capcom, despite its performance and visual setbacks. The game offers a compelling experience for series fans and newcomers alike. With a robust combat system, incentive to explore all Vocations, and hidden secrets throughout the game world, Dragon’s Dogma 2 presents an epic gaming experience.