Dragon's Dogma 2

Last updated

Dragon's Dogma 2
Dragon's Dogma 2 cover art.jpg
Developer(s) Capcom
Publisher(s) Capcom
Director(s) Hideaki Itsuno
Producer(s)
  • Yoshiaki Hirabayashi
  • Naoto Oyama
Designer(s) Kento Kinoshita
Artist(s) Daigo Ikeno
Writer(s)
Composer(s)
  • Satoshi Hori
  • Hana Kimura
  • Masahiro Oki
  • Shusaku Uchiyama
Engine RE Engine
Platform(s)
ReleaseMarch 22, 2024
Genre(s) Action role-playing
Mode(s) Single-player

Dragon's Dogma 2 [lower-alpha 1] [lower-alpha 2] is a 2024 action role-playing video game developed and published by Capcom. The sequel to Dragon's Dogma (2012), the game is set in a fantasy-themed world parallel to the first game. Players control a customizable character through the game's open world while hunting a dragon that chose them as the "Arisen" amid a geopolitical conflict by completing quests and gaining new equipment on the way with the aid of allies known as "Pawns". [1]

Contents

Dragon's Dogma 2 was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on March 22, 2024. The game received generally favorable reviews from critics and sold 2.5 million units.

Gameplay

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an action role-playing game played from a third-person perspective. [2] The player takes on the role of a character called the "Arisen", a hero marked by a dragon whom they must defeat. The player explores the world they live in, taking on quests, and fighting monsters, while being caught up in a geopolitical conflict between two kingdoms. To assist in this, the Arisen relies on allies called "Pawns", non-playable characters who join the player's party. These characters are AI-controlled, but function like player-controlled avatars, able to assist in fights, provide information on enemies, and give guidance to active quests. Players can each create and customize their avatar and their own Pawn character with different genders, appearances, and race. In addition, players can recruit two additional Pawns that have been created by other players. [3]

Both the Arisen and Pawns each operate under a "vocation" – a class that defines what abilities and equipment they can use in combat, with different strengths and weaknesses. Vocations are split between basic, advanced and hybrid, the latter only accessible to the Arisen; furthermore, only the Arisen and their Pawn can change vocations. The game features several different vocations to choose from; several from Dragon's Dogma make a return, whilst Strider and Ranger have been changed to Thief and Archer respectively. New hybrid vocations are included, including Mystic Spearhand, a variation of Mystic Knight, with characters able to utilize a bladed quarterstaff-like weapon called a duospear, and the Trickster, who uses spells that can confuse enemies and enhance Pawns in battle. [4] Working with vocations improves them, unlocking additional abilities that can be acquired for use in combat.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is set in a seamless open world that is four times larger than the map in the first game, [5] and is a parallel world to that of the previous title. The world is split between two major kingdoms, Vermund and Battahl, [4] populated with humans, the catlike beastrens, and elves. Fast travel is available through ferrystones and oxcarts, with Dragon's Dogma 2 allowing players to set up camps at night at campsites around the game world. Emergent events may occur, forcing players to react and adapt, [6] such as making use of destructible environments to defeat enemies, with a day–night cycle that impacts what creatures are encountered and how strong they are. [7]

Development

Dragon's Dogma 2 is directed by Hideaki Itsuno. One of the main goals for the team was to introduce improvements to the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor, and include features that were cut due to technology not being readily available at the time. As a result, Itsuno added that "the sequel may not include as many things that feel completely new or different, but will be more polished and enhanced in order to achieve a more immersive RPG and action adventure for the player". [8] For instance, the team had written more dialogue for the pawns to address feedback from players. The game world is inspired by medieval Mediterranean Europe, in particular Sicily between the classical and Western medieval world for the human region; the feline region is inspired by the territories of the Arab Mediterranean world. According to Itsuno, the team was inspired by Grand Theft Auto V while creating the world and emergent gameplay. [9]

Release

Dragon's Dogma 2 was announced by Capcom in June 2022. [10] It was revealed with a trailer at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase in May 2023. [11] A Dragon's Dogma 2 showcase was held in November 2023, which announced that game would release for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on March 22, 2024. [12]

Reception

Critical reception

Dragon's Dogma 2 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic, [13] [14] [15] with 94% of critics recommending the game, according to OpenCritic. [16] It was praised for refining its predecessor's gameplay, [20] [25] its dynamic and dense game world, and emergent narrative. [31] [23] The pawn system received attention and applause. [32] [33] Criticism targeted the game's performance, low enemy variety, and poor AI for allies. [23]

The availability of microtransactions as well as optimisation issues resulted in review bombing on Steam. [34] [35] [36] [37] PC Gamer's Harvey Randall called the inclusion of microtransactions "bafflingly silly", noting that many items are easily acquired just by playing the game. [38] IGN's review thought that their presence in a single-player game was frustrating but did not affect their overall opinion of Dragon's Dogma 2. [23]

Sales

In Japan, Dragon's Dogma 2 sold 68,592 units during its first week, making it the second best-selling game behind Princess Peach: Showtime! . [39] Dragon's Dogma 2 had sold 2.5 million units worldwide by April 2, 2024. [40] [41]

Notes

  1. ↑ Japanese: ドラゴンズドグマ2, Hepburn: Doragonzu Doguma Ni
  2. ↑ Stylized as Dragon's Dogma II

Related Research Articles

<i>Breath of Fire</i> Role-playing video game series developed by Capcom

Breath of Fire is a role-playing video game series developed by Capcom. It originated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993. The series has recurring characters and ambiguous continuity; though each game is its own self-contained story, the names of the two lead characters are usually Ryu and Nina.

<i>Marvel vs. Capcom</i> Series of crossover fighting games

Marvel vs. Capcom is a series of crossover fighting games developed and published by Capcom, featuring characters from their own video game franchises and comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series originated as coin-operated arcade games, though later releases would be specifically developed for home consoles, handhelds, and personal computers.

<i>Devil May Cry 3: Dantes Awakening</i> 2005 video game

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening is a 2005 action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. The game is a prequel to the original Devil May Cry, featuring a younger Dante. Set a decade before the events of the first Devil May Cry in an enchanted tower, Temen-ni-gru, the story centers on the dysfunctional relationship between Dante and his brother Vergil. The game introduces combat mechanics with an emphasis on combos and fast-paced action. The story is told primarily in cutscenes using the game's engine, with several pre-rendered full motion videos.

<i>Devil May Cry 4</i> 2008 video game

Devil May Cry 4 is a 2008 action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows platforms. It is the fourth installment in the Devil May Cry series and is written by Bingo Morihashi and directed by Hideaki Itsuno. The story follows Nero, a young man possessing demonic powers who is on a mission to stop the series' main character, Dante, after he assassinates the leader of the Order of the Sword. The player assumes the role of both Nero and Dante as they fight enemies using their demonic powers and a variety of weapons.

<i>Summoner</i> (video game) 2000 video game

Summoner is an action role-playing game developed by Volition and published by THQ. It was released as a launch title for the PlayStation 2 in 2000, and was subsequently ported to Microsoft Windows and Mac OS the following year. In the game, the player plays the role of Joseph and can assemble a team of compatriots and summon powerful monsters. The game has a world map, involved storyline, and unique hybrid combat system involving real-time and turn-based mechanisms.

<i>Dungeons & Dragons Online</i> 2006 video game

Dungeons & Dragons Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine for Microsoft Windows and OS X. The game was originally marketed as Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach. Upon switching to a hybrid free-to-play model it was renamed Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited. The game was rebranded Dungeons & Dragons Online, with the introduction of Forgotten Realms-related content. Turbine developed Dungeons & Dragons Online as an online adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), originally based loosely on the D&D 3.5 rule set. The game is set on the unexplored continent of Xen'drik within the Eberron campaign setting, and in the Kingdom of Cormyr within the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

Devil May Cry is an urban fantasy action-adventure game franchise created by Hideki Kamiya. It is primarily developed and published by Capcom. The series centers on the demon hunter Dante and his efforts to thwart various demon invasions of Earth. Its gameplay consists of combat scenarios in which the player must attempt to extend long chains of attacks, avoiding damage and exhibiting stylized combat by varying their attacks; this combat, along with time and the number of items collected and used, are considered in grading the player's performance.

<i>Divinity II</i> 2009 video game

Divinity II is an action role-playing game developed by Larian Studios. Its first release in 2009 was subtitled Ego Draconis and was published by dtp entertainment and in the United States by cdv Software Entertainment. The updated 2010 re-release The Dragon Knight Saga which included the expansion Flames of Vengeance, as well as the final 2012 release as Divinity II: Developer's Cut, were published by Focus Home Interactive.

<i>Resident Evil 6</i> 2012 video game

Resident Evil 6 is a 2012 third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. A major installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 6 was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in October 2012, and for Windows in March 2013. It was re-released with all downloadable content for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in March 2016, and for the Nintendo Switch in October 2019. Players control Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller and Ada Wong as they confront the force behind a worldwide bio-terrorist attack. The story is centred around their four interwoven campaigns, and every campaign features a unique style in both tone and gameplay.

<i>Devil May Cry 5</i> 2019 video game

Devil May Cry 5 is a 2019 action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. The game is the sixth installment overall and the fifth mainline installment in the Devil May Cry series. It takes place five years after Devil May Cry 4 and follows a trio of warriors with demonic powers, the returning Dante, Nero, and a new protagonist named V, as they attempt to stop the Demon King Urizen from destroying the human world. Across their journey in Red Grave City, the player can use these characters in different missions. Each of them has their own way of fighting and becoming stronger. As this happens, the mystery behind V is revealed, along with his connection with Urizen.

<i>DmC: Devil May Cry</i> 2013 video game

DmC: Devil May Cry is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Ninja Theory and published by Capcom. Released in January for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows, it is a reboot of the Devil May Cry series and set in a parallel universe to the mainline series.

<i>Dragons Dogma</i> 2012 video game

Dragon's Dogma is a 2012 action role-playing hack and slash video game by Capcom. First released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, an enhanced version subtitled Dark Arisen was later released for the same consoles in 2013, with ports releasing for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in the ensuing years. Set in Gransys, a high fantasy world inspired by Sicily, the player takes on the role of a human protagonist dubbed the Arisen on a quest to defeat the dragon Grigori, a being said to herald the world's end, while uncovering a deeper conspiracy along the way.

Numerous video games were released in 2012. Many awards went to games such as Madden NFL 13, NBA 2K13, WWE '13, Borderlands 2, Far Cry 3, Journey, Mass Effect 3, Dishonored, The Walking Dead and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The year began with the worldwide release of Sony's handheld game console, the PlayStation Vita, originally launched in Japan in December 2011. The end of the year marked the worldwide release of Nintendo's home game console, the Wii U.

Hideaki Itsuno is a Japanese video game director and designer. He was born in Osaka Japan, and took a job working at Capcom. He has been a director and producer for several series at Capcom, including Rival Schools, Power Stone, Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma.

<i>Breath of Fire 6</i> 2016 video game

Breath of Fire 6: Hakuryū no Shugosha-tachi was a free-to-play online, web-based multiplayer role-playing video game with microtransactions developed and published by Capcom as the sixth main installment of its Breath of Fire series. The game was released in Japan on February 24, 2016 for Microsoft Windows computers and Android devices, with an iOS release following on July 12, 2016. Online operations for the title officially ceased on September 27, 2017.

<i>Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition</i> 2015 video game

Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition is a 2015 role-playing puzzle video game for Nintendo 3DS developed by GungHo Online Entertainment. It is a compilation of Puzzle & Dragons Z (2013) and Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition (2015) from the Puzzle & Dragons series for North America and Europe. Before the bundled game was announced, the first game Puzzle & Dragons Z was released in Japan on December 12, 2013, and Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition was released in Japan on April 29, 2015. The bundled game was released in May 2015 for North America, Europe, Australia and South Korea.

<i>Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition</i> 2015 video game

Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition is a 2015 action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. A remastered version of Capcom's action-adventure game Devil May Cry 4, it was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. The game features new playable characters, new cutscenes, polished gameplay, improved graphics, the option to switch between English and Japanese voice tracks, and additional costumes.

<i>Dragons Dogma Online</i> 2015 video game

Dragon's Dogma Online was a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Capcom for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows in 2015; As of 2019, the servers have been shut down. A follow-up to the 2012 action role-playing game Dragon's Dogma, the game had the player take the role of an "Arisen" in service to the White Dragon, charged with defending the land of Lestania from monster attacks. Gameplay carried over the basic battle and Pawn companion systems from Dragon's Dogma while incorporating features of the MMORPG genre.

<i>Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot</i> 2020 video game

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is an action role-playing game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, based on the Dragon Ball franchise. It was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows in January 2020, Nintendo Switch in September 2021, Stadia in October 2021, PlayStation 5 in January 2023, and Xbox Series X/S in February 2023. The game follows the main protagonist Goku and the Z-Fighters throughout the events of the Dragon Ball Z anime, including anime-original storylines and moments.

References

  1. ↑ Sirani, Jordan (March 10, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2: Everything We Know About Capcom's Fantasy RPG Sequel". IGN . Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  2. ↑ Saltzman, Mitchell (September 23, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2: The First Hands-On Preview". IGN . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  3. ↑ Donaldson, Alex (September 29, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 is more of the same (which means it'll probably be a stone-cold classic) – HANDS-ON". VG 247 . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Denzer, TJ (November 28, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 showcase reveals parallel world & Trickster vocation". Shacknews . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  5. ↑ Koselke, Anna (June 12, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 open world is four times bigger than the first game's". PCGamesN . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  6. ↑ Higton, Ian (September 29, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 feels very similar to the original, for better and worse". Eurogamer . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  7. ↑ Nunneley-Jackson, Stephanny (June 15, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 is an enhanced adventure featuring notable improvements over its predecessor". VG 247 . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  8. ↑ Bueno, Daniel (September 25, 2023). "Interview: Dragon's Dogma 2 Director Talks Mechanics, Hidden Themes". Siliconera . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  9. ↑ Wen, Alan (September 23, 2023). "Interview: Capcom explains hy Dragon's Dogma 2 has taken so long". Video Games Chronicle . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  10. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (June 16, 2022). "Capcom is finally making Dragon's Dogma 2". Polygon . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  11. ↑ Mendoza, Ken (May 24, 2023). "Watch the first trailer for Dragon's Dogma 2, Capcom's upcoming action-RPG". PlayStation.Blog . Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  12. ↑ Parrish, Ash (November 29, 2023). "Dragon's Dogma 2 gets a March release date and tricky new class". The Verge . Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Dragon's Dogma 2 for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Dragon's Dogma 2 for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "Dragon's Dogma 2 for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  16. 1 2 "Dragon's Dogma 2". OpenCritic . March 22, 2024. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  17. ↑ Franzese, Tomas (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review: Capcom's latest RPG doesn't hold your hand". Digital Trends . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  18. ↑ Parker, Lewis (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review - endless discoveries paired with limitless potential". Eurogamer . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  19. ↑ Vitelli, Jesse (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Review - On The Shoulders Of Giants". Game Informer . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  20. 1 2 Wakeling, Richard (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Review - Pawn Stars". GameSpot . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  21. ↑ Bailes, Jon (March 22, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review: "Embrace the chaos and there's nothing quite like it"". GamesRadar+ . Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  22. ↑ Beck, Adam (March 20, 2024). "Review: Dragon's Dogma 2". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Green, Jarrett (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Review". IGN . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  24. ↑ McCrae, Scott (March 20, 2024). "'Dragon's Dogma 2' review: you can't go wrong with this adventurous masterwork". NME . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  25. 1 2 Brown, Fraser (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review". PC Gamer . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  26. ↑ Smith, Nat (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review – a great RPG, just not on PC". PCGamesN . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  27. ↑ Erskine, Donovan (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review: Pawn Stars". Shacknews . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  28. ↑ MacDonald, Keza (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review – chaotic, unpredictable fantasy fun". The Guardian . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  29. ↑ Middler, Jordan (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 is the most vital action RPG since Elden Ring". Video Games Chronicle . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  30. ↑ Donaldson, Alex (March 20, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 review: one of the greatest games of all time… if you've the right constitution". VG247 . Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  31. ↑ Ong, Alexis (March 26, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2's lovable pawns make it an adventure worth fighting for". The Verge. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  32. ↑ Ong, Alexis (March 26, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2's lovable pawns make it an adventure worth fighting for". The Verge. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  33. ↑ "Dragon's Dogma 2 Review - Pawn Stars". GameSpot. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  34. ↑ Castle, Katharine (March 22, 2024). "Critically acclaimed Dragon's Dogma 2 hits "mostly negative" on Steam after players raze it for microtransactions". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  35. ↑ Lowry, Brendan (March 22, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 launches to 'Mostly Negative' review bombing after microtransactions reveal, and man, what a bummer [UPDATED]". Windows Central . Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  36. ↑ Warren, Mark (March 22, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 is being review bombed on Steam over microtransactions, but the situation has been blown out of proportion". VG247. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  37. ↑ Kan, Michael (March 22, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Gets Review-Bombed Over Microtransactions". PCMag. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  38. ↑ Randall, Harvey (March 22, 2024). "The Dragon's Dogma 2 microtransactions are real and bafflingly silly, since nearly all of them can be found in the game without too much trouble". PC Gamer. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  39. ↑ Romano, Sal (March 28, 2024). "Famitsu Sales: 3/18/24 – 3/24/24 [Update]". Gematsu. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  40. ↑ Yin-Poole, Wesley (April 2, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Sales Hit 2.5 Million 11 Days After Launch". IGN. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  41. ↑ Shepard, Kenneth (April 2, 2024). "Dragon's Dogma 2 Is Rapidly Outpacing The Original's Sales". Kotaku. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.