It has been 11 years since the debut of Capcom’s fantasy action-role playing game Dragon’s Dogma, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of its sequel on March 22.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 expands upon the elements that made its predecessor a beloved cult classic. With new vocations, a wider array of monsters to confront, additional strategies for overcoming challenges, more diverse locations to explore, and an overall richer immersion in the world of the Arisen.
I had the opportunity to experience Dragon’s Dogma 2 firsthand and engage in a conversation with its director, Hideaki Itsuno. Here are some of the standout features from my time with the game, accompanied by insights shared by the director.
A Seamless World Connection
During my journey through Dragon’s Dogma 2, I was struck by the palpable realism of the game world. Leveraging the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 SSD, the absence of loading screens while traversing different regions heightened the sense of immersion. Moving from the starting village to the monster-infested outskirts seamlessly, I was engrossed in the interconnected nature of the environment.
This sense of connection extends to the adversaries as well. Following a challenging encounter with a dragon and attempting to flee, I was startled to find the relentless pursuit of the creature as I retraced my steps back to what I had deemed a safe haven.
Itsuno expressed his satisfaction at my reaction, emphasizing the team’s objective to infuse the game with a dynamic vitality on current-gen hardware.
“In the previous installment on PlayStation 3, technical constraints led to creatures despawning once a certain distance was reached. We aimed to leverage advancements to imbue these creatures with a sense of persistence. Now, attempting to evade them will prove more challenging, underscoring the liveliness of the game world.”
Diverse Combat Mechanics
While I didn’t shy away from combat, I embraced the enhancements to the battle system and the introduction of new vocations that elevate Dragon’s Dogma 2 to new levels.
One standout vocation is the Mystic Spearhand, offering a blend of magickal arts and physical prowess through a dual-ended spear. Engaging foes across the expansive world, I could not only bolster defenses with physical resistance buffs but also unleash a variety of spear techniques, including dash attacks and telekinetic maneuvers enabling me to manipulate and hurl adversaries. The ability to hurl one monster at another added a strategic layer to encounters.
This vocation proved versatile, granting me the agility of dash attacks for swift offense and evasion. With all vocations now able to conserve stamina while atop colossal creatures, I felt well-equipped to confront any obstacle the game presented.
A Realm of Boundless Exploration
The vast expanse of Dragon’s Dogma 2 beckons adventurers to forge their path, embodying the essence of a true journey title where players craft their narrative rather than adhere to predefined rules and destinations, as elucidated by Itsuno.
Revamped AI and Enhanced Pawns
Significant enhancements have been made to the AI, particularly in the realm of Pawns—loyal allies who play a pivotal role throughout your quest. While the core Pawn system remains unchanged, their efficiency in assisting you, whether in combat or retrieving items, has been notably improved. Their constant presence and guidance proved invaluable in navigating the expansive world.
A notable addition to these companions is their newfound personalities, as they engage in dialogue with you and amongst themselves, fostering a sense of attachment and camaraderie, despite the possibility of rotating them for different Pawns later on.
Immersive PlayStation 5 Integration
Beyond the swift SSD capabilities, Dragon’s Dogma 2 leverages the immersive features of the PlayStation 5, notably the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback. The tactile response to both delivering and receiving blows in combat enhances the visceral nature of the gameplay experience.
Prepare to delve into this immersive adventure and more when Dragon’s Dogma 2 launches on March 22 for PlayStation 5.