Dragon's Dogma 2 Review: A Mixed Bag of Highs and Lows

Introduction

Dragon's Dogma 2 has been one of the most awaited sequels, promising to build upon the cult classic's legacy. While the game introduces several improvements and retains the core elements that fans loved, it also presents a mix of areas that might leave players with mixed feelings. Let's dive into the details and dissect what makes Dragon's Dogma 2 a game of highs and lows.

Technical Performance and Issues

Performance: A major point of contention for Dragon's Dogma 2 has been its performance issues. Despite running on a high-end PC setup, players have reported significant FPS drops, especially in town hubs. This issue seems to stem from NPCs consuming more CPU usage than necessary. While Capcom has acknowledged these problems, they remain a prevalent concern affecting the gameplay experience.

Controls: For PC gamers, the keyboard and mouse controls are serviceable but not without their flaws. The inability to fully rebind keys can hinder customization and comfort for some players, suggesting a slight oversight in adapting the game for PC controls optimally.

Gameplay Experience

Difficulty and New Game Plus: The game doesn't offer adjustable difficulty levels, but character progression and leveling can affect the game's challenge. Entering New Game Plus allows players to retain their gear and experience, making subsequent playthroughs easier but also providing an opportunity to explore missed content.

Character Creation: Dragon's Dogma 2 offers an extensive character creation tool, allowing players to customize their character in great detail. However, the limitation of creating only one character per game save can be restrictive for those who enjoy experimenting with different builds.

The World and Its Inhabitants

Open World: The sequel boasts an open world that, while not massive, is significantly larger than its predecessor's. This world is divided into distinct regions, each with its unique environment and challenges. The dynamic elements, such as NPC interactions and the day-night cycle, add life to the world but are somewhat undermined by a lack of engaging side content.

Pawns System: The pawns system returns, allowing players to recruit and customize their companions. These pawns learn from experiences and can offer valuable insights and assistance during quests. The system is intriguing but could have been utilized more effectively to add depth to the gameplay.

Combat and Progression

Combat: Dragon's Dogma 2's combat remains one of its strongest aspects. The ability to grapple and climb larger enemies adds a unique dimension to battles. However, the game suffers from a lack of enemy variety, and many encounters feel recycled from the first game.

Progression: The game features a standard RPG progression system, with levels, vocations, and gear playing central roles. The customization and development of characters and pawns are satisfying, though the game could benefit from greater diversity in skills and equipment.

Storytelling and Narrative

Story: The narrative of Dragon's Dogma 2 starts with promise but quickly devolves into a less engaging experience. The initial setup introduces interesting concepts, but the execution and development of the story leave much to be desired. The game struggles to deliver a compelling narrative that matches the depth of its gameplay and world.

Microtransactions and Controversies

Microtransactions: The inclusion of microtransactions in a full-priced AAA title has been a point of contention. While not pay-to-win, these pay-for-convenience features have raised concerns about their impact on game design and player experience.

Conclusion

Dragon's Dogma 2 presents a complex picture. On one hand, it delivers thrilling combat, a fascinating pawn system, and an improved open world. On the other, it is marred by performance issues, a lackluster story, and controversial microtransactions. The game shines in moments but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to fully realize its potential. As such, waiting for patches and potential improvements before diving in might be the prudent choice for interested players.

For more detailed insights and a closer look at Dragon's Dogma 2, check out the original video here.