Dragon's Dogma 2

Pro

• Expansive and immersive open world
• Deep combat system with meaningful choices
• Engaging story with consequential decisions

Con

• Frustrating inventory and no fast travel system
• Outdated elements persist from the first game
• Microtransactions can undermine gameplay experience

Review

Dragon's Dogma 2 is Capcom's ambitious return to its beloved fantasy action RPG series, and it mostly delivers. With an extensive, beautifully-crafted open world, the game invites players into its vast lore, filled with swords, sorcery, and enigmatic storytelling. The game's combat is among the best in its genre, offering a mix of cerebral and visceral action with genuine consequences tied to player choices. The narrative truly seems to evolve with the decisions made, giving each player a unique, definitive experience. However, for all its grandeur, Dragon's Dogma 2 retains some cumbersome elements from its predecessor, including a burdensome inventory system and lack of fast travel which can detract from the overall sense of adventure. Additionally, the inclusion of microtransactions can be seen as a contentious point, risking the immersion of players within this otherwise vibrant world. Despite these hindrances, Dragon's Dogma 2 stands tall as an exemplary action RPG, well worth the wait since its first iteration in 2012.

Background information

Critics generally applaud Dragon's Dogma 2 for its expansive world and deep combat mechanics. The weight of player decisions and the resulting consequences are highly praised, and the game has been recognized for its refreshing lack of modern hand-holding found in many RPGs, making it a standout experience. That said, there is criticism regarding its frustrating lack of quality-of-life features and an insistence on keeping some outdated mechanics. The approach to microtransactions is also a point of debate among reviewers. Nonetheless, the game finds recognition for its creativity and the robust challenge it offers to players seeking a complex and richly textured RPG experience.

Screenshots