Dragon's Dogma 2 Review: Inconvenience as Adventure / ITech content

Contents:

• How to sell fantasy: a little about microtransactions
• Friction of bodies
• Circadian rhythms
• Incorrect design and the author's vision

The first Dragon's Dogma game, developed by Hideaki Itsuno, combined elements of Dungeons & Dragons and European fantasy with the dynamic mechanics of Devil May Cry. Many players at the time described it as "the Japanese Skyrim." Initially, the project's success seemed unlikely, especially considering that the game was created as a long-term development project and received only lukewarm reviews, eclipsed by the triumph of Todd Howard. However, Dragon's Dogma won over its audience, which allowed it to receive an expanded edition, an anime adaptation, a PC port, and, ultimately, a sequel. It became a landmark project that inspired countless players and developers.

More than a decade has passed since the release of both games, and the situation is only getting more complicated. At launch, many didn't quite understand the concept of Itsuno's project, and the number "2" is missing from the sequel's main menu. Trailers and promotional materials give the impression that this isn't a sequel, but rather a remake or reboot. We wonder: is this still "Japanese Skyrim" or not? Perhaps Capcom is trying to present an old product in a new format. Given that the original 2012 game failed to achieve widespread popularity, is it even worth investing in such a vision today? It will be interesting to see how Capcom plans to attract attention to its new project and satisfy the expectations of both old and new fans.

Both parts of Dragon's Dogma were created in response to prevailing trends in the gaming world, and over time, the gap between the series and most other RPGs has only widened. Like the first game, Dragon's Dogma 2 continues to subvert conventional notions and expectations, setting new standards for player interaction with virtual reality. This unique concept allows players to become more immersed in the game world, offering new mechanics and features that distinguish the series from other RPGs. While many lessons can be learned from the game's design and success, it's worth considering how willing modern gamers are to forgo the familiar conveniences and pace of play. Furthermore, selling a game's ideas through trailers and press releases alone is difficult, raising an important question about communication. Effective audience engagement is becoming a key aspect of successful game promotion, as it allows for a deep connection with players and sets their expectations.

How to Sell Fantasy: A Little About Microtransactions

The release of Dragon's Dogma 2 was accompanied by a scandal related to microtransactions. Despite the fact that none of the reviews published before the game's release mentioned this aspect, the game's Steam page offers players a whole list of possible purchases. This created a negative resonance among fans expecting a high-quality gaming experience without additional costs. It is important to note that transparency about microtransactions is important for building trust in developers and improving the user experience.

The list naturally caused discontent: the ability to fast travel and change appearance for money? Participants in online discussions could not come to a consensus - explanations from experienced players that none of the items on the Steam storefront are mandatory or exclusive were perceived as a direct justification for microtransactions used to extract profit from players.

I want to point out an important aspect of the game for two reasons. First, you will be able to see the list of additional purchases before you buy the game itself. Second, the widespread dissatisfaction caused by the monetization practices in Dragon's Dogma 2 allows us to look at the gaming industry from a business perspective. Why sell items that can be obtained in the game at no additional cost? Doesn't this lead to reputational losses for the developers?

Today, Capcom remains one of the few gaming companies that can be considered independent of large capital investments. Ubisoft once successfully resisted Vivendi, which was later wanted by Electronic Arts. In 2023, consolidation of the gaming industry was actively discussed, accompanied by mass layoffs caused by the Embracer shopping tour. It's worth noting that even part of Nintendo's assets, a company with its own platform, are in the hands of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.

Capcom, as a developer and publisher of its own games, is actively seeking ways to increase profits beyond traditional game sales. Perhaps the company should have announced this strategy earlier to avoid player discontent. An example of this backlash was the discussion during the development of Devil May Cry 5, when players expressed dissatisfaction even before its release. A similar situation is observed in other popular projects, such as Monster Hunter: World and Resident Evil Village, which include microtransactions, causing disappointment among fans.

Modular monetization of games is becoming an inevitable reality. Players often face the need to pay separately for various features, content, and cosmetics. The cost of game development continues to rise due to inflation, while the prices of the games themselves decrease over time. This creates the temptation to view game design as an applied discipline, turning it into a showcase for digital stores. Previously, similar strategies could be observed in mobile games and gachas, which profit from large players. However, the recent example of Diablo Immortal clearly demonstrates this trend. Although it is not much different from the more successful Diablo 4, all the game mechanics are designed with the goal of player retention and revenue maximization. Such changes in the industry require careful analysis and an understanding of how they affect the player experience and the market as a whole.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 faces the problem of excessive transparency. An in-game store might have been more appropriate after the initial free content, rather than offering players something vague and valueless. The game's core concept of exploration and self-expression conflicts with the idea of ​​"convenience for money," which could negatively impact player perception.

Body Friction

Dragon's Dogma is often compared to Skyrim, but the first time you use a gamepad, the differences become apparent. Continuing the analogy, the sequel could be positioned somewhere between Elden Ring, Death Stranding, and Capcom's classic beat 'em ups in the style of Dungeon & Dragons. This game offers a unique gaming experience, combining open-world elements, a deep combat system, and an intriguing storyline, making it a must-play for RPG fans.

Dragon's Dogma 2's gameplay combines exploration of the city with preparatory activities and ventures into the wild, where players can pursue their goals and experience exciting adventures. Despite its traditional fantasy setting, the game offers a unique experience that sets it apart from most other video games in this genre. The mechanics and elements used in Dragon's Dogma 2 create a deep gaming atmosphere and allow players to experience true freedom of choice and interaction with the world around them.

At the beginning of Dragon's Dogma, the player creates a character, including an avatar and a pawn. The concept of pawns as companions was developed by Itsuno even before his work on Devil May Cry 3. Importantly, a pawn acts as a tireless AI companion, and together with the avatar, they form half of the fighting quartet. The player can recruit two more pawns by encountering them in the game world or by selecting pawns with suitable characteristics from the Rift—a spatial gap between the players' worlds. This creates a unique dynamic in gameplay, allowing each player to shape their own strategy and tactics in battle, as well as interact with the world around them.

Other players can hire our pawn, and we won't lose access to it. It will essentially be copied in the same state it was in when we synced with the server. If we relax at home or in an inn, the pawn will share its adventures with other players. They might even give us gifts as a token of gratitude. Leveling up and upgrading only happens for our character and the pawn in another player's world.

One might wonder if it would have been worth removing the unnecessary layer and creating a full-fledged co-op game. However, that is precisely what Itsuno did not want to do. In the early 2000s, when many dreamed of instant online communication, Hideaki was already nostalgic for pre-internet BBS networks and forums where there was no room for idle chatter. Co-op games often feature one participant taking on primary responsibility—guild leaders or raid coordinators, perhaps with agility or knowledge of the game's intricacies. In this project, we have the opportunity not only to become a chosen hero in the story but also to assume the role of manager of our own group. This adds depth to the gameplay and makes it more engaging and multifaceted.

Dragon's Dogma 2 features various classes, called Callings, reminiscent of the systems from Dungeons & Dragons, but adapted to create more spectacular gameplay moments. Each Calling has unique strengths, allowing for a variety of strategies. To successfully overcome any challenge, players must assemble a balanced team capable of effectively responding to the unexpected in combat and adventure.

Dragon's Dogma 2 introduces interesting changes compared to the first game. Regardless of your chosen calling, you will be able to equip fewer abilities for adventures than was possible in the original. In the first game, players enjoyed greater freedom in combat thanks to the versatility of callings. Hybrid classes, for example, could use both bows and daggers and choose abilities for different situations. This innovation in Dragon's Dogma 2 can change the approach to combat strategy and require players to choose their skills more carefully, adding interest and variety to the gameplay.

This system significantly simplified battles with opponents, as the entire party always had magic or a combat skill appropriate for a given situation. However, now more careful planning is required, and the limited number of available options for each member increases the demands on the composition of the entire team. In this context, a formation consisting of two pawns with the same calling but different skills can be useful. This approach allows for more effective use of each participant’s strengths and adaptation to changing combat conditions.

Limiting the player’s freedom of choice may seem at first glance While this may seem odd, it reflects the fundamental philosophy of game design. One cannot simply hope to find the right skill among a multitude of abilities—for example, imbuing a weapon with the power of fire or summoning lightning. Thus, choice becomes critical for the player. A similar situation occurs with character development. The player can invest accumulated resources in recruiting pawns significantly higher in level. However, it is important to remember that the greater the level gap, the less experience the player will receive. In this case, by defeating strong opponents, they are effectively using weaker pawns to achieve success. This principle also works in reverse: if a player recruits pawns of a lower level, they will receive more experience for their victories. Thus, player choice in resource and skill management becomes a key element of strategy.

Negotiating with live players is more difficult, as synchronization time must be taken into account. When interacting with pawns, one can be unconcerned about the fate of their allies and one's role in the plot, as pawns have no will of their own—they are designed solely to carry out our instructions. At least that's what they tell us at the beginning of the game. This approach allows you to focus on strategy and tactics without being distracted by interactions with other players.

This doesn't mean we'll be surrounded by silent characters. On the contrary, the pawns are never silent: at first, they comment on simple events, often repeating the same phrases. However, as the story progresses, their reflections become increasingly profound. They begin to comment on your actions and pay attention to details that are usually ignored in games. We've climbed to a significant height, and now a stunning view of the sea opens up. Finally, we've left the cave and can enjoy the dawn of a new day.

The game design of Dragon's Dogma 2 focuses on friction, which encourages players to explore the world more deeply and take it seriously. The fantasy aesthetic presented by Capcom may seem traditional or even clichéd, but it has parallels with the zombie horror genre and the legacy of Lovecraft. The use of common themes and plots serves to highlight the unique style of the authors, who bring their own perspective on the fear of the unknown and the concept of zombies. Dragon's Dogma 2 offers players not only familiar elements, but also a fresh take on familiar motifs, which makes the game attractive to fans of the genre.

In Dragon's Dogma 2, the fantasy atmosphere plays a significant role, creating a unique world that has occasionally drawn criticism. This applies not only to the discussion of the weak-willed pawns and the stereotypical image of elven archers, but also to Itsuno's understanding of the fantasy adventure. These aspects return us to the important theme of interaction and transactions in gameplay.

Many quests encourage us to explore the world beyond city walls and village boundaries. I've already mentioned the party structure, but the preparation process covers two main aspects. First, instead of traditional D&D classes, we get a unique set of "mini-Dantes," where each class already possesses impressive skills at the initial levels. Secondly, the combat mechanics in this system are focused on the use of inventory, which adds depth and strategy to the gameplay.

Every item we carry has its own weight, and it's important to distribute it wisely among our allies. Enemy remains, resources, healing potions, and equipment slow our movements, resulting in greater stamina consumption and reduced effectiveness. Traveling light would be ideal, but even a single backpack for setting up camp, necessary for recuperating and cooking for buffs, is significant. While it's possible to do without it, each encounter with enemies takes away not only your current health but also your maximum health. We can restore health with magic or healing items, but full healing is only possible after a full rest. Proper weight and resource management are key to successfully surviving in challenging conditions.

In Dragon's Dogma 2, players face limitations that can be uncomfortable. Instant travel between locations is only available in the capital, making it difficult to navigate the game world. Teleportation requires a one-time use magic stone, which is extremely rare and costs 10,000 gold. This amount seems steep at first glance, especially considering it's comparable to the price of starting weapons and armor. For travel to other settlements, a more economical option is to travel by cart, which costs only 200 gold. However, be aware that attacks are possible during the journey, and if the ox pulling the cart dies, you'll have to continue on foot. This adds an element of risk and unpredictability to the gameplay.

In most open-world games, the open world is often perceived as a mere empty space that can be ignored. The focus is on NPCs and quest locations, between which players quickly move, obscuring the essence of completing routine tasks. Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a different approach to gameplay, emphasizing the journey itself and interaction with the not always friendly environment. This creates a deeper immersion into the game world, where exploration and interaction with nature become an integral part of the adventure.

The game’s internal mechanisms play an important role in the story of the hero’s journey. and not just story decisions. Goblins, harpies, cyclopes, and other mythical creatures live their lives according to the physical capabilities of their bodies. A powerful blow can send a goblin flying off a cliff, but sometimes they manage to reach a heavier rock and hurl it at an enemy. Cyclopes, while possessing destructive power, remain clumsy—dexterous thieves can snag a limb with a rope at the right moment, allowing them to fall to the ground and become easy prey. This dynamic interaction between the hero and mythical creatures creates a unique gaming experience, where every action has consequences and opens up new possibilities for strategy.

Despite the limited enemy variety, even the initial enemies react differently to our abilities and can sometimes surprise. As a result, the joy lies not only in defeating another group of raiders, but also in achieving victory without a single scratch, maintaining your health. It can be said that the pawns really deserve recognition for their role in the game.

Interaction systems in this The world's events gradually overlap: harpies attack travelers, goblins aid ogres, and cyclopes engage in battle with dragons. All these events unfold against the backdrop of a complex landscape, where vast plains and deserts are replaced by winding roads running between mountains and hills. This terrain creates unique conditions for the clash of various creatures and the formation of alliances, adding depth and dynamism to the story.

During the game, you must constantly navigate slopes, jumping up or sliding down them. Your speed is affected by both your ability to quickly dispatch enemies and the weight of your equipment. This mechanic is reminiscent of elements from Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time and Death Stranding. It is important to reach a camp or city before dark to avoid unwanted encounters and ensure your safety.

The night in Dragon's Dogma 2 is full of horrors, and time is relentless. Players face dark forces and dangers that awaken with the onset of darkness. Every minute counts in this world, and the right strategy for surviving at night is the key to success. Explore gloomy corners, prepare for unexpected attacks, and use your skills to cope with the threats of the night. In Dragon's Dogma 2, time is of the essence, and only the bravest will survive in this harsh and exciting world.

Circadian Rhythms

Time is a key resource in this game, and it often serves as our enemy. Over time, caught fish lose their quality, meat begins to rot, berries become moldy, and herbs dry out and lose their beneficial properties. If you don't monitor your inventory, you could end up with a significant portion of it becoming useless junk, good only for producing lantern oil. Therefore, it's important to regularly check your supplies and dispose of spoiled resources to optimize your inventory and make the most of your time in the game. Crafting allows you to preserve the procs of your items, allowing you to create dried meat and forage pills with a long shelf life. However, it's important to remember that your character still needs time to sleep. It's during this time that your pawn returns from their employers not only with gifts but also with new knowledge. They can learn about upcoming quests, information unknown to us, and even learn the weaknesses of enemies they haven't yet encountered. Therefore, every time you start the game, it is worth spending at least one night in bed. This will help you get the most out of your character and improve your chances of success in the game.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t try to create the illusion that it’s In cities where "everyone lives their own life," as many other games promise, the game instead focuses on a multitude of seemingly simple, yet often interconnected, quests. These quests are reminiscent of typical D&D town interactions and the routine of running errands like fetch and deliver. However, it's the timing and interconnectedness between quests that sometimes transforms them from simple quests into genuine challenges. This adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing players to more deeply immerse themselves in the world of Dragon's Dogma 2.

At the beginning of the game, one of the characters, a young brat, asks us not to turn him in to the guard. Soon, he notices a box displayed on a street vendor's counter. Although he has no intention of stealing, he asks us to loan him 1,000 gold—a significant sum at the beginning of the adventure. I know this merchant: earlier in another village I helped his niece collect rare plants for medicine, and now I have a discount on all goods. I decide to buy the box for 800 coins, give it to the young man and watch how this plot twist unfolds.

A young man named Sven accepts my gift, but expresses a desire to purchase it himself. However, he does plan to thank me, and this will happen several times. As a result, I receive the necessary items to complete the third quest, although they can be obtained in alternative ways. In my opinion, if I had not helped Sven the first time, the plot could have developed completely differently.

Conflict often arises in simple quests. For example, two traveling merchants are looking for a jade sphere under different pretexts. You must decide which of them is more convincing. An alternative option is to make a counterfeit copy of the item, which will satisfy both merchants, but will lead to new consequences. This choice can significantly affect the further plot and interactions with characters.

My accomplice and one of the main quest givers in the capital asks me to return the key to the dungeon after freeing the necessary prisoner. However, first I will make a second key for myself, just in case. This will allow me to be confident in my safety and be able to act independently in the future.

Let's consider a simple scenario: the classic route from point A to Point B. I am directed to a remote village, but the map is inaccurate: the path is blocked, and I am forced to find alternate routes. I wander for some time until, in the evening, I reach a cliff. The sun sinks into the endless horizon, and I realize that a fall from this height would be dangerous.

In the ensuing darkness, I noticed a light between the rocks and hurried toward it, but it turned out to be only a traveler's lantern. On the hillock, magical seals that animated the golem sparkled in the night. After defeating the golem, I decided to set up camp by a nearby fire. The cozy warmth of the fire created an atmosphere of solitude, allowing me to consider my next steps in this mysterious world.

In the morning, a griffin awakened me. After eliminating it, I continued on my way and soon realized that I had returned to the blocked road. Nevertheless, I managed to find the necessary passage without much difficulty. I reached the village, met with a key NPC, discovered a hidden passage that wasn't marked on the map, and eventually came across a person crucial to my mission.

Dragon's Dogma 2 differs from most open-world games, offering a unique approach to navigation. Unlike traditional compasses and precise GPS locators, the game provides players with directions rather than specific points on the map, creating an atmosphere of exploration. This makes the gameplay more immersive, as, like in Elden Ring, players are forced to make decisions based on limited information. Markers often indicate only broad areas, leaving players to interpret their actions for themselves. In Dragon's Dogma 2, rational selfishness becomes as important as heroism, as completing quests depends not only on the given conditions but also on the decisions the player makes along the way. This freedom of choice and the lack of explicit instructions make the game atmosphere more intense and engaging.

This is a game where you can get lost, but there is no sense of wasted time. This is due to the peculiarities of the game world: many players note that the world is not as open as it appears at first glance. Travel often takes place through narrow passages between mountains, which is a deliberate design decision. This trick allows developers to focus players' attention on key moments by creating enemy encounters and transportation routes, such as caves with multiple entrances. For large-scale RPGs, there's nothing more boring than running across flat fields toward the horizon. In this game, the horizon and straight roads are quite rare, which adds variety and keeps the player's interest.

The whole world, like our group of saviors, lives in at its own pace, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 is especially captivating when we interact with its unique gameplay mechanics. For example, when we use a rope to pull a goblin toward us, and our pawn, with accurate aim, sends him into the abyss. A cyclops reacts to the noise and clumsily falls into the river, collapsing a wooden bridge. We also wait several days for the craftsman to complete another job, visiting a not-so-friendly mage along the way and robbing him. Eventually, we realize that we’ve spent all our money and now have no place to spend the night. These moments make the game exciting and immerse us in an atmosphere of adventure and strategy.

Wrong design and the author’s vision

The Dragon’s Dogma series represents a unique approach to fantasy RPGs, distinguished not only by the details but also by the conceptual perception of adventure in video games. Following the logic of sequels, one might expect Dragon's Dogma 2 to simplify its gameplay, but the developers chose a different path. This game offers players more challenges, increasing the difficulty and requiring constant small decisions. This approach creates a deeper and richer experience that departs from traditional fantasy RPGs.

Such approaches are often perceived as a result of poor design, which can be attributed to a lack of familiarity with such decisions and a perceived expertise built on short but engaging YouTube videos with titles like "How to Achieve Flow in Your Game in Three Easy Steps." Ultimately, Dragon's Dogma 2 may not engage you. The reasons could range from a dislike of traditional fantasy to dissatisfaction with a convoluted plot with a multitude of eccentric characters.

Dragon Corruption is a mechanic that significantly deviates from traditional game design. After encountering the dragons, there's a chance your pawn will become infected with this corruption, which you'll be warned about beforehand. Interestingly, corruption can also be transmitted between pawns. Players may skip this tutorial and not notice the change in their pawns' behavior until they wreak havoc on an entire city while you're idle. Of course, you can resurrect the necessary characters with rare magic stones, but it's worth remembering that this will waste a valuable resource. Therefore, it is important to be careful and consider the risks associated with dragon corruption to avoid unwanted consequences in the game.

In video games, you are often the master of the characters’ destinies, deciding who lives and who dies. However, the madness of the game world, like that found in FromSoftware games, reminds us that there are forces beyond your control. Even in the studio’s latest projects, characters are protected from the casual cruelty of players. This harks back to the mechanics of Demon’s Souls, where, upon returning to the hub, you can see the corpses of previously rescued NPCs. This approach emphasizes the fragility of life in the game world and adds depth to the story by forcing players to understand the consequences of their actions.

In Demon’s Souls, every mistake you make becomes part of the gameplay – there is no option to save at a critical moment. Missed a shot that could have eliminated even the most powerful enemy? That’s a lesson worth learning. Each miss highlights the importance of precision and strategy, making each attempt unique and memorable.

I don't like to use the language of psychology, but many modern video games turn to The game's core narcissism appeals to players by introducing vibrant characters with their own problems that typically have little impact on gameplay. In contrast, Dragon's Dogma constantly evokes a sense of paranoia. In this world, there is a genuine threat of exploitation; you and your status are trapped in a constant state of flux, constantly under pressure from the environment. This theme plays a key role in the first game and continues to be expressed in the sequel. However, despite its formal role-playing genre, BioWare fans may find themselves lacking memorable characters to talk about and discuss within the fandom. Instead of vivid confessions and theatrical drama, players are immersed in everyday situations that gradually build an atmosphere of distrust. Dragon's Dogma 2 has more in common with the archaeological narrative of Elden Ring and the seeming simplicity of the Delicious in Dungeon manga. This game offers not just spectacle with frequent events, but the opportunity to carefully examine the familiar, including interactions with your companions. By discovering their individuality, players can gain a deeper understanding of the world and its nuances, making the gameplay more engaging and rich.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 has the potential to be as much of a safe haven for its players as the first game. The attention the new game is attracting is largely due to the success of Capcom, which successfully transformed the niche Monster Hunter series into a mainstream hit with the release of Monster Hunter: World. Expectations for Dragon’s Dogma 2 are high, with many fans hoping for a continuation of the unique story and engaging gameplay that became the hallmark of the first game.

The situation will likely be different, especially if a significant expansion like Dark Arisen for the original game doesn’t change things. In a world where the gaming industry is increasingly wary of creative risks, Dragon’s Dogma 2 could become an example of how video game development can be approached in a new way. This project demonstrates that innovation and fresh ideas still matter in today's gaming world.