Dragon's Dogma 2 - Before You Buy

Summary

In this video, Falcon reviews *Dragon's Dogma 2*, a unique and enthralling action RPG that builds on its predecessor’s eccentricities. Despite its oddities, such as obtuse quests and a lack of handholding, the game stands out for its open-ended exploration, unconventional combat, and deep systems. The game allows players to forge their own path, resolve quests in various ways, and enjoy rewarding exploration. While it lacks traditional multiplayer and high-end graphical performance on consoles, its charm, character customization, and freedom make it a standout in the open-world RPG genre, appealing especially to fans of the original game.

Takeaways

• 😀 The game 'Dragon's Dogma 2' is a faithful follow-up to the original, which was a 'weird and janky' experience that fans have been waiting for, even after 12 years.
• 😀 Despite some rough edges, 'Dragon's Dogma 2' is an enthralling action RPG with unique combat and exploration elements that set it apart from other AAA games.
• 😀 The game offers a high level of freedom, allowing players to explore the world, skip parts of quests, and resolve challenges in various ways.
• 😀 Unlike many RPGs, 'Dragon's Dogma 2' doesn't hold the player's hand with tutorials or quest markers, encouraging players to experiment and solve problems on their own.
• 😀 The combat system features dynamic interactions with monsters, including the ability to climb on giant enemies and target weak points, making it unique and engaging.
• 😀 The 'pawn' system, where AI-controlled allies are recruited to fight alongside the player, is a key gameplay element and works well despite some repetitive dialogue.
• 😀 The game's world is expansive and full of hidden secrets, rewarding curiosity and exploration without relying on the typical checklist approach used in many open-world games.
• 😀 'Dragon's Dogma 2' has an interesting mix of traditional RPG mechanics, such as character creation and class-based combat, with its own quirks that make it stand out.
• 😀 The game lacks traditional multiplayer, but the pawn system offers a unique way to interact with AI companions that are influenced by other players' creations.
• 😀 Despite some performance issues (such as a low frame rate in some areas), the game is surprisingly stable with minimal bugs, and its visuals are stunning overall.

Q & A

What makes 'Dragon's Dogma 2' different from other RPGs?

'Dragon's Dogma 2' stands out due to its unique blend of action RPG mechanics, an emphasis on exploration, freedom in quest resolution, and a combat system that feels different from more typical RPGs. The game trusts players to experiment and figure things out without holding their hand too much, which creates a more open-ended experience compared to many other open-world RPGs.

What role do pawns play in the game?

Pawns are AI-controlled allies that accompany the player during battles and exploration. They have their own behaviors and can be customized or swapped out through a system involving rift stones. Pawns add a unique dynamic to the combat, as they assist the player in ways that vary depending on their experience and class.

What kind of quests does 'Dragon's Dogma 2' offer?

The game offers open-ended quests where players have a lot of freedom in how to approach and resolve them. Main quests can be simple but don't usually push you into fights. Side quests often have multiple possible outcomes based on player choices, which adds a layer of complexity and freedom not always seen in RPGs.

How does the game handle combat?

Combat in 'Dragon's Dogma 2' is dynamic and influenced by physics. Players can climb on monsters to attack weak points or push them over. The system allows for flashy, over-the-top abilities and a lot of variety depending on the player's chosen class, making combat exciting and varied. The lack of a dodge button or lock-on system distinguishes it from other RPGs like 'Dark Souls.'

What issues with the game’s frame rate were mentioned in the review?

While the game generally runs well, the frame rate drops in certain areas, especially in the main city, where it can dip below 30 fps. The reviewer notes that while the frame rate isn't ideal, it doesn't detract significantly from the experience. A performance mode to achieve 60 fps would have been preferable, but it's suggested that a PC version is the way to go for better performance.

What is the significance of cooking in the game?

Cooking in 'Dragon's Dogma 2' is a charming inclusion that provides more than just a health benefit. Players can cook real meat, and the game presents these moments in full-motion video, making it a quirky and fun part of the experience. It's a small but memorable detail that adds flavor to the overall world-building.

What kind of world does 'Dragon's Dogma 2' feature?

'Dragon's Dogma 2' features a vast, detailed world that encourages exploration. The environment is full of hidden secrets and cool discoveries. Unlike many modern RPGs that clutter the map with markers, this game allows players to stumble upon secrets naturally, rewarding curiosity without handholding.

How is the game's difficulty perceived in the review?

The game is described as being challenging and requiring players to experiment and figure things out on their own. The lack of tutorials and vague quest markers can be frustrating for some, but the reviewer appreciates this as it enhances the sense of accomplishment when players solve problems independently.

What are the game's strengths in terms of its open-world design?

The open-world design in 'Dragon's Dogma 2' is praised for its freedom and depth. There are multiple ways to approach quests, and players can choose to explore areas in any order. The game doesn’t lock off parts of the world with plot progression, and it encourages exploration by making the world feel alive and rewarding.

How does 'Dragon's Dogma 2' compare to the original game?

'Dragon's Dogma 2' improves upon the original by addressing technical issues and expanding on gameplay features. The game’s frame rate is more stable compared to the original, and the pawns are smarter and less repetitive. It also offers a more fluid and polished open-world experience while keeping the essence of the first game intact.