I never likedDragon’s Dogma. Or rather, Iwantedto like it, but for some reason never quite managed to click with the strange, ambitious 2012 RPG.
I’m as surprised as anyone, then, thatDragon’s Dogma 2is currently my clear frontrunner for 2024’s game of the year. It’s easily the best RPG I’ve played sinceBaldur’s Gate 3. It manages to make me feel a sense of freedom I haven’t felt sinceThe Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, and a genuine wanderlust no video game has managed to capture for me sinceThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
I am obsessed with it, reader. When I close my eyes at night I think about the paths I’ve yet explore, the strategies I’ve yet to attempt, and the monsters I’ve yet to slay. It’s a sweeping, epic triumph of a game filled to the brim with moments of discovery, joy, and terror, all wrapped up in maybe one of the best real-time combat systems I have ever experienced.
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Dragon’s Dogma 2kicks off in classic fantasy RPG fashion: you are a lowly prisoner destined for greatness. After building your character in what I truly believe is the most detailed and robust character creation tool ever made (more on this later), you choose your class and begin a life of adventure and exploration.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s class system is one that encourages experimentation, and it’s easy to build out multiple play-styles that work for you. In the beginning you can choose between a traditional sword-and-shield fighter, a rogue, an archer, or a mage. Each has their own unique sets of skills, abilities, and perks - as well as their own weaknesses.
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As the game goes on, new classes eventually open up, and you have the option to switch it up whenever you feel the need to try something new. Naturally, the more you play as any one class the more you’ll rank up and earn powerful new skills, so you’re encouraged to play around with all of them to find what works for you.Dragon’s Dogma 2also gives you the option to simply auto equip the most efficient gear and weapons for your current build, so you’re not always farting around in menus.
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Perhaps my favourite thing aboutDragon’s Dogma 2is that it’s really, properly funny. This isn’t so much to do with the writing or story, which is primarily a standard dark fantasy with lots of very serious chat and political machinations, but the character creation system and pawns.
Not long intoDragon’s Dogma 2you’ll get to use the character creation tool once more to build your very own pawn. This is your main companion throughout the game. You choose a class for them, equip them with gear, and assign their abilities. You can also change their class whenever you fancy it, meaning you can keep yourself and your pawn ready for any challenge.
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It’s here thatDragon’s Dogma 2brings its multiplayer features to the fore. See, your pawn can actually travel between worlds, meaning other player-created pawns can join up with you on your quest. You can travel with a party of four, so you can have two player-created pawns join you and your own companion at any time.
BecauseDragon’s Dogma 2’s character creation system is so brilliantly complex, you could encounter pretty muchanyoneduring your travels. You can specifically search for pawns at certain locations, but I found it much more entertaining to simply stumble across them while exploring the world.
Aside from being hilarious, there’s real value in joining up with other players’ pawns. If you’re exploring an area a pawn has already been to with their own master, they’re able to guide you towards treasure chests and other secrets, should you be inclined to follow them. You can also set custom quests for your own pawn, and get special rewards for completing them.
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The sheer amount of things to see and do inDragon’s Dogma 2is absolutely staggering. While I’m not sure everyone will be fans of the limitations on fast travel and cryptic nature of the game’s side quests, those who properly embrace it will understand these seemingly frustrating systems have all been designed to give you a genuinely unique, one of a kind experience. No two playthroughs ofDragon’s Dogma 2will ever be the same, and I think that’s incredible.
Itmay have some rougher edges and potentially obtuse systems that could put some players off, but if you can stick with it and settle into its unique groove you stand to experience a genuine all-timer. Capcom has created a cinematic, epic adventure that is somehow also completely unique to every player.Dragon’s Dogma 2is a surprising, maddening, glorious masterpiece.
Pros: Stunning open world, huge number of quests and secrets, inspired combat system
Cons: Pawns can be a little irritating, some rough edges that make it less accessible for more casual gamers
For fans of: Elden Ring, The Legend Of Zelda, Skyrim
10/10: Perfect
Topics:Dragon’s Dogma,Capcom
