Summary
The following contains minor story and gameplay spoilers for Capcom’sDragon’s Dogma 2.
Dragon’s Dogma 2, Capcom’s highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic, has finally been released after a long wait. Despite some initialbacklash regardingDragon’s Dogma 2’s microtransactions, it is holding up as a satisfying medieval fantasy RPG sequel — or, better perhaps, a remake of the first game.
Despite technically being a sequel,Dragon’s Dogma 2could very well be classified as a remake. The first game,Dragon’s Dogma, was released almost twelve years ago, with its enhanced version,Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, launching only a year later. As such, it has not only long been in need of a sequel but of a remake as well. Turns out,Dragon’s Dogma 2could be considered both, as it has not only been built on the bones of its predecessor, but the muscles as well.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Is More Like an Updated Version of Its Predecessor
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Maintains the Narrative and Core Mechanics of the First Game
In some ways,Dragon’s Dogma 2knows that it isn’t much different from the first game. When starting up a new game, players are greeted with a title that simply reads “Dragon’s Dogma,” almost as if to affirm the notion of it being a remake rather than a sequel. For the most part, it maintains the core mechanics of the first game, and in doing so, doesn’t compromise much of what makesDragon’s Dogmawhat it is. Aside from a few newvocations inDragon’s Dogma 2, it is essentially 2024’s version of the now-dated twelve-year-old cult hit.
Firstly, the heart ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s story is almost identical to the first game’s, save for aGame of Thronessort of twist on everything. As the Arisen, players embark on a journey to reclaim their heart from a dragon. There is a larger narrative that surrounds it, but the protagonist’s goal is essentially one and the same.Dragon’s Dogma 2also includes the first game’s iconic Pawn system, though its Pawns have been somewhat updated due to previous complaints.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s combat mechanics are also nearly identical toDragon’s Dogma’s, though the addition of a fewnew vocations like the Trickstercertainly shakes things up a bit.Dragon’s Dogma’s janky combat is still present inDragon’s Dogma 2, often conjuring the same frustrations as it did before. However, the feel ofDragon’s Dogma’s combat is a large part of what makes the franchise unique, so it’s arguably better left alone anyway.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Open World Is Similar to the First Game’s, Only Larger
The layout ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s open world is also very similar to its predecessor’s, although it is four times larger.Dragon’s Dogma’s open worldwas celebrated during its time, primarily due to its open-ended approach, not commanding the player in any particular direction and instead leaving exploration and discovery almost entirely in their hands.Dragon’s Dogma 2’s open world is home to plenty of mysteries that can only be found by straying off the beaten path — a feature that the first game took rather seriously.
What Dragon’s Dogma 2 Does Differently
Despite leaning more towards being defined as a remake,Dragon’s Dogma 2still has some new featuresto offer.Dragon’s Dogma 2’s most obvious upgrade is its visuals, which are persistently breathtaking. Its monsters are much larger and more detailed this time, and the vast and wondrous world can be seen for miles in the game’s more open areas. Furthermore, the addition of new vocations like the Mystic Spearhand, the Warfarer, and the Trickster offer exciting new playstyles.
Dragon’s Dogma 2may be more of a remake than a sequel, but that’s okay. It has been twelve years sinceDragon’s Dogma’s launch, so its formula needed an upgrade anyway. Plus, it might have been deemed unacceptable for Capcom to push the envelope too far.
