If you had told me that 'Dragon's Dogma 2' was a remaster or remake of the first game from 2012, I'd believe you. When playing the game, memories of the original flooded back, with its unique side quests and real-time action combat. The game follows the Arisen, a hero destined to rule over the kingdom of Vermund and bring peace. The simple story allows side quests to shine, adding depth to the RPG.
One of the game's strengths is the organic unfolding of side quests, enhancing world-building and keeping players engaged. However, backtracking between locations can be tedious due to limited fast travel options like oxtail carts and expensive ferrystones.
Traveling on foot is hindered by the Arisen's quickly depleting stamina meter, making it frustrating. Combat remains engaging, with diverse character classes to choose from, each offering unique abilities and playstyles.
The Pawn system, where AI teammates fight alongside the Arisen, works well, allowing for customization and recruitment of other players' Pawns. The game features a seamless world with minimal loading screens, thanks to the power of next-gen consoles.
While the game's graphics sometimes appear dated compared to recent releases, the soundtrack stands out with a mix of western-inspired and Japanese-influenced music. Despite some technical issues and stagnant mechanics, the side quests and combat hold up well.
'Dragon's Dogma 2' retains the strengths of its predecessor but falls short in addressing its weaknesses. The game is set to launch on March 22 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering an immersive RPG experience with room for improvement.
Overall, the game scores a 7/10, reflecting its solid gameplay mechanics and engaging quests, despite some areas needing refinement. Fans of the original and newcomers alike can look forward to exploring the kingdom of Vermund and uncovering the Arisen's destiny in this latest installment of the series.
