REVIEW: Dragon's Dogma 2 shines amid technical problems

After 12 years of waiting, fans of the medieval RPG series from CAPCOM can finally enjoy their journeys in Dragon's Dogma 2. The saga that captured the imagination of many returns not only to claim its place in players' hearts, but to expand it with new stories, challenges and mysteries.

However, was the wait worth it and in the midst of so many tumultuous launches in the gaming industry, did the game manage to stand out or was it another title with wasted potential? Check out the main points of this journey in our review!

It is worth remembering that despite our efforts to avoid, can There are some spoilers for the game below.

History

Em Dragon's Dogma 2, players are faced with a narrative that, although it has its own complexity and mythology, is not the main attraction of the game. The plot goes deeper than its predecessor, bringing in a new Nascen, a soldier who was killed by a dragon and resurrected even though he had no heart. This eternal cycle, where the emergence of a dragon implies the creation of a new hero, both destined for an inevitable confrontation, is just the beginning.

This time, the story takes on even more dramatic contours with the insertion of a political conspiracy where another character claims the title of Nascen, aspiring to the throne of Sovran de Vermund, adding an extra layer of intrigue and battles against gigantic monstrosities. However, it is important to highlight that, despite the creativity used in developing this plot, the story tends to be overshadowed by the game mechanics and its adventures. The characters presented, even though they are part of a rich narrative tapestry, end up not being so captivating, with dialogues that are often artificial and an attempt at romance and friendship that does not reach its full potential.

However, the pawns, summoned creatures that help the player on their journey, stand out significantly, providing not only support in combat, but also guidance towards objectives, highlighting the evolution in the usefulness of these companions in relation to the previous game. Dragon's Dogma 2 maintains the essence of freedom, allowing players to explore the vast map at will, with the novelty of being able to count on more assertive guidance for missions through pedestrians or by consulting local fortune tellers. Furthermore, the sequel improves aspects previously criticized in the original game, such as stealth missions and exploration dynamics, presenting adjustments and additions that enrich the gaming experience.

Although the plot of Dragon's Dogma 2 is more immersive and well-constructed than the first title, and ensuring that even those who have not played the predecessor can dive into this universe without hindrance, it presents itself more as a backdrop for the real attraction. The thrill of exploring unknown lands, facing gigantic creatures and overcoming challenges with the help of your pawns. This sequence confirms that, although the story has its value, the heart of the series lies in the action and adventure provided by its immersive gameplay and the dynamism of its battles.

Gameplay

Exploring the vast and mysterious world of the game is an experience that immerses players in an unprecedented adventure, full of challenges and surprises. It's worth playing Dragon's Dogma 2, especially for those looking for rich and dynamic gameplay, which puts both strategy and combat skill to the test. The inclusion of Pawns elevates the experience, providing a constant companion that more than just assists in battles: it offers deep and strategic interaction that enriches every moment of the game.

When creating my main pawn, I took inspiration from Lae'Zel from Baldur's Gate 3, which initially surprised me. Unlike the stubborn and individualistic warrior we are used to, the pawn in Dragon's Dogma 2 He proved to be extremely helpful, always willing to help everyone around him. So, sometimes, whenever she commented on how we should go out of our way to help someone in danger, I always laughed to myself. After all, the character I was inspired by would certainly want to kill me in Larian's game if I decided to do that.

Map exploration is another strong point of Dragon's Dogma 2. The game encourages curiosity and adventure, pushing players to explore every corner of its vast world. There's always something happening, whether it's an unexpected encounter with gigantic creatures or the discovery of hidden locations filled with treasure. However, this freedom comes with its challenges. For those who prefer to follow the main story without too many detours, the lack of clear directions and scarcity of fast travel points can present obstacles, requiring patience and a truly exploratory spirit to overcome them. Despite this, the reward for exploring is always rewarding, offering more than just rare items: a true sense of discovery.

The combat

the fight in Dragon's Dogma 2 is, arguably, one of the most vibrant and immersive experiences gaming has to offer. Taking inspiration from renowned titles such as Monster Hunter e Shadow of the Colossus, this fighting system challenges players to face and climb giant enemies to discover and attack their weak points. This approach not only increases the strategy involved in each battle, but also raises the adrenaline, making each confrontation a unique and memorable experience. The possibility of customizing and adapting Pawns to complement the main character's fighting style also adds a strategic layer, allowing for a varied range of tactics and approaches.

Under the leadership of Hideaki Itsuno, known for his work on devil may cry, this is the point that shines the most and fills the eyes when discussing this game. After an introduction that puts the player directly into action against enemies in a mine invaded by Medusa, the world opens up, practically leaving the player to his own devices.

Unlike many modern action RPGs, which rely on dodges and counterattacks, in Dragon's dogma, each attack received is significant and can be devastating. Tactics trump reflexes in this ruthless system, which rewards adaptability, preparation and caution. Taking a lot of damage reduces maximum health, a lack of stamina paralyzes the character with fatigue, and debuffs are truly incapacitating.

The setting plays a crucial role, serving not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in battles. There are rocks to throw at enemies, dams and bridges that can be destroyed to serve as traps, and siege ballistae to face the most fearsome enemies. Combat has been improved to be more dynamic and “epic”, with more intuitive controls. Fights can be divided into two types: normal combats and confrontations with giant enemies. In the first option, we face a large group of enemies in a more hack-and-slash, which can evolve as reinforcements arrive on both sides organically.

Confrontations with giant enemies are distinctive, marked by large health bars visible at the top of the screen and theme songs that intensify the atmosphere. These battles function like boss encounters, focusing on a single major adversary. One of the most striking aspects of the series Dragon's dogma is the ability to climb these colossi to reach vital points, a strategy not recommended for all classes, but which, when executed well, significantly facilitates combat for everyone involved.

Fights against these creatures are epic in both scale and challenge, with the monsters unleashing devastating attacks and displaying unique abilities. The precision of detail in these creatures, thanks to the processing power and advanced graphical details of more modern engines, gives them a much richer “personality”.

However, although the combat is excellent, it is also worth mentioning that the lack of enemy variety can be a huge nuisance. In the first few hours of your adventure, it's fun to look for goblins in their camps or be ambushed by wolves and defeat them, but after a few dozen hours, you miss other challenges on the map, other than large enemies.

Therefore, although Dragon's Dogma 2 may not have the most engaging narrative when compared to other titles, it makes up for it with gameplay that is among the best of the year. The combination of intense combat, rewarding exploration, and dynamic Pawn interaction creates an experience that is both challenging and immensely satisfying. For adventure and action lovers, embarking on this world guarantees hours of entertainment and discovery.

Microtransactions?

Another controversy that shook the gaming community recently was the monetization strategy adopted by CAPCOM protocols for Dragon's Dogma 2. The company, looking for ways to increase profit from the title, chose to sell items that facilitate progress in the story. This approach is nothing new for the company, which has already applied similar strategies in other games, such as Devil May Cry 5, where items that help players advance faster were also on sale.

This form of commercialization, especially in single player and offline games, is something I personally do not agree with, although I recognize that it has become a common practice in the sector and makes me worried about the future of the industry. However, it is also important to highlight that this practice does not hinder our overall experience with the game.

The option to purchase these extra items is not aggressively imposed on the player; on the contrary, it is quite discreet, and while playing, it is possible to access these resources without having to pay real money.

So, if you were worried about the complaints cited by players on social media, understand that they are sometimes exaggerated. It is a practice to be criticized, but within the context of Dragon's Dogma 2, does not make it Pay To Win.

Soundtrack and dubbing

Through a quality composition that rivals the soundtracks of major cinematographic productions, the music constantly accompanies the player, creating a sound atmosphere that enhances the gaming experience. Battles against mythical creatures, such as griffins, trolls or chimeras, take on an extra dimension with the accompaniment of an epic orchestra and choirs that bring striking melodies, making these moments not only intense, but also memorable.

The artistic direction of the music in Dragon's Dogma 2 deserves recognition. The soundtrack presents itself as a dramatically immersive work, capturing our attention from the first notes and ensuring a deep immersion into the game's universe. Without going into specific details to avoid spoilers, the final moments of the game are accompanied by particularly moving musical pieces, which ensure that the climax of each adventure is felt intensely.

The evolution of battle music follows organic growth, increasing in intensity as challenges become more complex. This progression is not just a technical detail, but a design decision that enriches the gaming experience, increasingly engaging the player. The soundtrack, which includes remastered and remixed original tracks along with new compositions, offers a variety that ensures every moment of victory is unique and impactful.

Finally, the quality of the dubbing in Dragon's Dogma 2 stands out, especially when it comes to Western voices, which adopt a touch of archaic English in line with the game's European medieval setting. This choice not only complements the artistic and musical direction, but also adds a layer of authenticity and immersion, further enriching the player's experience. The synergy between an epic soundtrack and carefully chosen voice acting reflects CAPCOM's effort and attention to detail, which compensate for some of the problems the game presents.

Performance and Graphics

Through the use of RE Engine, CAPCOM presents in Dragon's Dogma 2 expansive and detailed environments that mark a step forward in visual terms for the series, especially when we remember that its original iteration dates back two generations. The richness of the vegetation, the intricate design of the monsters, and the dynamic climate changes and day-night cycle, position the title as a visual reference among action RPGs, although without placing it on an unreachable pedestal.

The performance analysis of Dragon's Dogma 2, focusing on the Xbox Series X version evaluated by showmetech, reveals both the potential and challenges faced by the current generation of hardware. Despite an impressive visual presentation and a well-realized open-world scale, the game faces technical setbacks that cannot be ignored. Experience, mostly positive, shows that even titles with vast graphic and technical potential can stumble in terms of performance, especially on different platforms.

The issue of performance on different devices highlights a point of attention for CAPCOM, where the inconsistency in maintaining fluid gameplay under different circumstances marks a contrast with the technical potential of modern PCs and consoles. It is regrettable that Dragon's Dogma 2, even supported by advanced resources, proves to be challenged in achieving stable performance, reflecting a clear need for optimizations to make the most of the capacity of these platforms.

Significant variations in framerate, particularly in busy urban areas, and aspects such as lip syncing and facial animations that leave something to be desired in certain scenes, are indicative of areas that would benefit from adjustments. These are challenges faced by many recent titles, reflecting a broader problem in the industry that transcends a single developer or game.

Despite these specific problems, it is fair to recognize that Dragon's Dogma 2 remains a solid gaming experience and mostly free of significant bugs, highlighting the RE Engine's ability to provide an immersive and cohesive gaming experience, even in intense action scenes.

Criticisms about performance, although justified, do not detract from the fact that the game is an impressive work in its own right. With focused adjustments and an ongoing commitment to post-launch improvements, there is potential for Capcom to further refine the game. The community's expectation is that future updates can address these issues, allowing a more fluid and engaging experience in this expansive universe, in line with what players and current technology itself can offer.

Hardware Requirements

For the PC version, these are CAPCOM's requirements for the game:

Components	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
Operational system	Windows 10 (64 bit) / Windows 11 (64 bit)	Windows 10 (64 bit) / Windows 11 (64 bit)
Processor	Intel Core i5 10600 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600	Intel Core i7-10700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
Memory	16 GB of RAM	16 GB of RAM
Video card	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (8GB)	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 / AMD Radeon RX 6700
DirectX	12 Version	12 Version
speech	Broadband internet connection	Broadband internet connection
Other remarks	1080p/30fps. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6800 required for ray tracing.	2160i/30fps. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6800 required for ray tracing.

Price and availability

Exclusive to the new generation, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available for Xbox Series S|X, where it can be purchased for R$ 336,00 on Xbox Store. Since the same price is charged on the PlayStation 5, which can be purchased at Sony official store.

Finally, PC players pay a little cheaper for the game, as Steam priced it at R$299,00 for the title.

Is Dragon's Dogma 2 worth playing?

Dragon's Dogma 2 stands out as an unmissable experience in the current generation of gaming, reflecting a balance between innovation and the essence of what made its predecessor memorable. The controversy surrounding CAPCOM's microtransactions, although noteworthy, does not impact the essence of the gameplay, which remains captivating and deeply engaging.

For new players and veterans of the universe, It's crucial to approach this title with an open mind, recognizing its unique identity. Although it may share elements with giants of the genre such as Dark Souls, The Witcher 3 e Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 Forge your own path, immersing players in a world that challenges and rewards exploration with dynamic combat and unparalleled freedom.

The combat system is a gem, offering hours of entertainment, whether in epic battles or meticulous character creation through a robust creator, allowing players to reimagine their favorite heroes within this world. The gameplay, enriched by interaction with Pawns, the exploration of vast and mysterious territories, and memorable confrontations against giant creatures, constitutes the beating heart of the experience.

So, if you're looking for a title that not only deserves attention, but is also highly recommended for those looking for a rich and multi-faceted gaming experience, Dragon's Dogma 2 is one of the best titles you can try this year. Its qualities offset any potential technical challenges, ensuring that the journey into this world is as rewarding as it is challenging. For fans of adventure, action and a competent story, the new release of CAPCOM This year it confirms itself as a valuable addition to any gamer's library.

LEARN MORE

If you still have questions, find out what you need to know before playing Dragon's Dogma 2!

What do you need to know before playing Dragons Dogma 2?

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim