Dragon’s Dogmais an absolute gem among RPGs that never garnered the same worldwide love and infatuation the likes ofSkyrimdid. Releasing originally in 2010 just 6 months before Bethesda’s most re-released RPG, it sold over a million copies, and then a 2017 re-release sold about one million more. It’s fair to say Dragon’s Dogma certainly deserved better than cult classic status, but thankfully it has the chance to shock the world once more with its deep combat and exciting exploration.
In June 2022, after countless leaks and speculation,we got the long-awaited announcement of a sequel. If you’re like me, you may have wondered if a game like Dragon’s Dogma could survive the modern market with the refinements a sequel brings, or even another re-release. Despite a rough start, I’m hopeful that, if the developers stay true to the original’s unique approach to action-RPG gameplay and customizable NPC pawn companions, they’ll have another gem on their hands. While you might not have had much say far as the story, the sheer breadth of customization for you and your dedicated companion is near-peerless, paired with fantastic game feel regardless of your chosen character class.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 should expand the already challenging combat to make it explode with variety. Though extremely fun in its own right with you grappling giant enemies and dealing out cathartic, weighty hits on smaller foes, it did get repetitive, sometimes feeling like a button-mashing brawler rather than the thoughtful combat when Dogma is at its best. Just look atElden Ring- it’s plain to see that the genre has evolved heavily thanks to From Software’s influence.
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Dragon’s Dogma 2 could take the weapon skills and make them go more in-depth, making it possible to combo your moves with your NPC pawn’s attacks. For example, you use an uppercut from your shield to launch a smaller foe into the air, then a pawn with a bow shoots a volley of arrows into the airborne target. It’d not only feel awesome, but also make the pawns feel that much more useful. As with Platinum Game’s remake of the original Nier, a tune-up to the already great combat has the potential to change the entire reception of the game.
The larger-than-life monsters you fight in Dragon’s Dogmais going to change what we expect from fantasy gamebeasts. Your average fantasy game has your typical skeletons, bandits, and maybe a cave troll. Dragon’s Dogma on the other hand takes from across the whole fantasy genre. Griffins, Liches, and various types of Dragons roam Gransys, all just waiting to be slain in creative ways. Capcom clearly took inspiration fromMonster Hunterwhen creating these huge beasts to fight.
For certain monsters like the Cyclops, it’s imperative you climb up and attack their eye to deal major damage, rewarding players who understand each beast’s weakpoints. It’s like a Monster Hunter gamethat has way more to do than just hunting. If the sequel adds even more monsters to fight, it’ll be a dream come true, offering a veritable zoo of foes to fight, big and small. Let’s not forget, the Dark Arisen expansion went so far as to even throw the Grim Reaper at players.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has all the right inspirations to change future fantasy games for the better. Its originality and innovation is a welcome break from an oversaturated genre of same-y grinds. The sequel can give the series its turn to shine like its predecessor truly deserved. I don’t know about you, but I’m desperate for a new epic fantasy RPG to sink a few hundred hours into that finally brings something new to the table.
