Dragon’s Dogma 2 Review: A Disappointing Experience — Should You Buy?
The original Dragon’s Dogma had a unique, rough-around-the-edges charm that captured my heart. Its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2, promised a grander and more refined experience. However, after spending a significant amount of time in the world of Gransys, I’m left feeling underwhelmed. While the game has kernels of enjoyable gameplay, critical flaws overshadow those strengths, making it hard to recommend — at least right now.
Microtransactions Dim the Adventurer’s Spirit
One of the most significant letdowns in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the sheer volume of microtransactions woven into its fabric. In a full-priced, single-player game, it’s jarring to see features like in-depth character customization tools hidden behind additional purchases. Even more perplexing is the monetization of consumables that grant fast travel — a convenience I usually take for granted in vast open-world RPGs. These microtransactions not only feel unnecessary and predatory but also detract from the sense of accomplishment that comes with naturally unlocking and progressing through a game.
Stuttering Performance — A Blight on the Experience
I was hoping my reasonably powerful PC would handle Dragon’s Dogma 2 without a hiccup. Unfortunately, even with decent hardware, the game suffers from noticeable performance issues. Frequent frame rate drops, stuttering, and texture pop-ins are common, especially within the bustling confines of towns or during hectic combat sequences. These hiccups significantly disrupt the flow of gameplay and tarnish the otherwise beautiful world. Until further optimization arrives, I’d exercise caution for those planning on playing on less powerful systems or handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
The Curious Case of the Missing “New Game” Button
In a baffling design decision, Dragon’s Dogma 2 perplexingly lacks a simple “New Game” option. Eager to embark on a fresh journey, I spent a frustrating amount of time searching online for a way to delete my existing save data. While ultimately not a game-breaking issue, this perplexing omission seems like an unnecessary frustration for players who want to begin anew.
The Glimmer of Potential Yet Unrealized
Despite my criticisms, Dragon’s Dogma 2 isn’t entirely devoid of positive aspects. The combat has a satisfying heft, with engaging enemy encounters that can be thrilling when everything runs smoothly. Additionally, the world of Gransys is filled with intriguing locations and hints at a grander narrative ready to unfold. These positive elements lay the foundation for an enjoyable experience, but sadly, they’re often buried under the weight of the issues I’ve highlighted.
Video Explanation
A Wait-and-See Approach Remains the Best Bet
I have genuine hope that Dragon’s Dogma 2 can improve over time, becoming the game many of us were anticipating. The bones of satisfying gameplay are present, but in its current state, and especially at full price, it’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. If you’re a die-hard fan of the Dragon’s Dogma series, you might consider waiting. Perhaps a deep sale or significant patches that address the intrusive microtransactions and performance problems may make it a more worthwhile investment in the future.
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