Dragon’s Dogma was a strange old game. An action-RPG brimming with unconventional ideas, a wide open, challenging world and the pawn NPC system filled with potential. It was a great game, albeit one with an obtuse opening that put off more casual players. Stick with it though, and there was a very little else that could match its ambition and sense of wonder.
The fact that Dragon’s Dogma 2 exists at all is a wonderful feat. Even better, there’s not very long to wait, as the game will be launching March 22nd. Just a mere three months away, early 2024 is already looking pretty stacked. We’ll just have to find a bit more time in the tank for another big RPG, hard times. To celebrate the announcement of the launch date, there’s a massive 14-minute gameplay showcase to feast upon.
Following on from yesterday’s showcase, Capcom have also provided a wealth of new details to dive into. From the new adventure of the Arisen to the decision-making you’ll be agonising over, there’s a lot to wrap our heads round and get excited for.
Adventure in Two Nations
In Dragon’s Dogma 2, players experience the tale of the Arisen, a champion whose heart is stolen by the Dragon. While the sequel’s setting mirrors the lush rolling hills of the cult classic Dragon’s Dogma™ and its Dark Arisen expansion, this original adventure takes place in a parallel world containing two nations with distinct approaches to the Dragon threat. Queen Regent Disa has installed a false Arisen to maintain control of the kingdom of Vermund for her son. Meanwhile, the beastren nation of Battahl considers the otherworldly Pawns to be a source of misfortune and have turned to worship of the Lambent Flame and their empress Nadinia to ward off calamity. The showcase provided a look at some of the destinations that quests can lead players to, such as the reclusive elven enclave of Sacred Arbor. The elves there communicate in their own language, and Pawns capable of understanding their speech will translate for the Arisen while in your party. Pawns can also specialize in other skills, making each of their personalities more distinct.
A Journey Defined by Choice
Upon starting their journey in Dragon’s Dogma 2, players will be able to craft both their Arisen and Main Pawn using an intuitive and deep character creator that makes use of photogrammetry to enhance the realism of each characters’ appearance. Additionally, players can choose the personality of their main Pawn, which will determine their behavior and conversation choices throughout the game. As players progress, they will unlock additional vocations such as the newly revealed Trickster. This Arisen-exclusive vocation can conjure illusions through the smoke created by its unique weapon, the Censer. Tricksters can use illusions to deceive enemies into fighting against their own, and can temporarily increase the power of Pawns beyond their limits. The new Trickster vocation showcases the ways players can manipulate and take advantage of the enhanced enemy AI to open entirely new combat opportunities.
The digital event also provided a first look at the returning Warrior and Sorcerer Vocations that will be available to both the Arisen and Pawns. The Warrior boasts a robust physique specializing in direct combat, with the strength to endure enemy attacks. Warriors are masters of two-handed weapons such as the greatsword and the hammer. The Sorcerer is a vocation completely specialized in various magick attacks. Their magick is conjured with both hands through a large staff and can change the tide of battle at any given opportunity.
Confront Fearsome Foes
Director Itsuno and Producer Hirabayashi provided a first look at several monsters during the digital event, including the new Talos enemy, a towering bronze golem capable of wreaking untold destruction with a single step. After Talos rises from the waters, players will need to make use of the various tools afforded them by their Vocation, Pawns, and terrain to subdue this mighty construct. The digital event also revealed gameplay for the Dullahan and Drake enemies. Dullahan is a headless specter capable of immobilizing its target before striking with its powerful curved blade. Drakes are fearsome draconic foes capable of breathing a potent flame when confronted and taking flight to shift the scales of combat.
Capcom/Indigo Pearl
Given how long it takes me to craft my Dark Souls character (to never see them again under the helmet), we can only imagine the time that’ll be lost to customising the character and the main pawn. Your main pawn will also be usable by other players, so the social judgement on your craftsmanship is real. New vocations and gameplay mechanics are exciting, while the intense enemy design is sure to be a highlight again.
All in all, things are shaping up nicely for the Arisen’s second adventure. The dragon has your heart and the world is in turmoil, what else to do but embark on quests and battle amalgamations of mythical creatures?
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is releasing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on March 22, 2024.
Source: Press Release
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