Dragon’s Dogma was launched in 2012 by Capcom with the innovative mix of action RPG combat, pawn companions and a big open world to explore.
Dragon’s Dogma II is released in March this year to recreate the magic of the original with a lot more upgrade and advancements coming with it.
The question stands: Does this sequel succeed in this pursuit, or does it fall into the pitfalls of revisiting too familiar of a formula?
Welcoming the Unconventional
Welcoming the Unconventional
Probably the distinguishing feature of Dragon’s Dogma II is the way it has leaned unapologetically into the more unconventional design decisions of its predecessor. The developers have doubled down on this unique identity, rather than removing these rough edges in an effort to make the experience feel more contemporary and in line with open-world gaming conventions.
Where does the Story of the Game Revolve?
Dragon’s Dogma II: Where does the Story of the Game revolve?
The story of the game revolves around the Arisen, a character resurrected after being killed by a dragon and who must now make his way through a difficult and complex political conspiracy to kill the beast. Thus, setting up this great adventure with epic battles, intricate quests, and a really memorable party of companions known as “pawns.”
The Pawn System Shines
The Pawn System Shines
At the very center of its gameplay, Dragon’s Dogma II debuts with an even greater scale than in the first game: the pawn system. Beings from the Rift, these sentient creatures are companions and boon friends to the Arisen, possessing their unique personalities, abilities, and habits on their own.
The action is focused on the dynamic between the Arisen and their pawns, which requires players to strategize with and sometimes even fight with these allies. More than this, the pawns really show off their intelligence in how they can learn and adapt and the kind of valuable insights they give during a fight or exploring. These will give a sense of fellowship and interdependence seldom found in the genre.
Unforgiving Yet Rewarding Combat
Unforgiving Yet Rewarding Combat
Where the combat in Dragon’s Dogma II has truly remained second to none is through a refined, action-orientated system that flows fluidly between fight, ranged, and magical abilities. It has a physics-based mechanic that requires exploitation of enemy weakness to create depth and strategy. This is something that sets it well apart from contemporaries.
The combat is ruthless, too, with tough enemies and chaotic encounters that can quickly overwhelm the player who is not prepared. Much of this challenge, after all, works to enhance the sense of accomplishment in overcoming formidable foes and mastering the combat systems in this game.
A Vivid and Unpredictable World
A Vivid and Unpredictable World
The world of Dragon’s Dogma II is vast, immersive, and full of hidden pathways, secrets, and numerous creatures and different environs to explore. And without the conventional waypoints and map markers, players will lean more toward wandering off the beaten path—which, in turn, provides a feeling of discovery and exploration that seems to have been lost in many modern open-world games.
Adding to the sense of immersion, there is a cycle of day and night that completely changes the nature of the dangers and challenges the Arisen and their pawns must overcome. The risk of going out at night is very terrifying indeed, as it’s a time when the world gets extremely hostile, every creature poses a challenge to the player’s skill and ingenuity.
Poor Quality and Chaos
Poor Quality and Chaos
In many ways, Dragon’s Dogma II is a technical marvel, but it is also full of poor quality and unpredictability that made the first game so deeply loved among its cult following. Performance issues, camera problems, and the odd glitch or bug are all here as part of the game’s overall sense of chaotic charm.
These flaws in a way strengthen the identity of the game, thus evoking a feel of authenticity and a world full of life and unpredictability. Instead of trying to iron out every twist, the developers have decided to preserve that peculiar flavor of the original so as to let players embrace this sometimes frustrating experience.
Conclusion
Dragon’s Dogma II is, therefore, a triumphant return to the very fantasy world of 2012. Capcom seems to have done quite a nice job keeping the uniqueness in its unconventional design choices, with refinement given to the core systems for making an action RPG that is both technically proficient and unapologetically different.
Whether you’re a long-time series fan or someone who has been lured in by this very game with promises of epic battles and immersive exploration, Dragon’s Dogma II makes for an experience you won’t easily forget. Embrace chaos, bond with your pawns, and take a journey which breaks barriers across genres.
You can visit Dragon’s Dogma II on its official website.
