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CRITIK

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Quest Builders 2
Item: Dragon Quest Builders 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Casual, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 12, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a block-building role-playing game with a charming campaign and a robust multiplayer building mode that supports up to four players online. Create your customized character, team-up with your fearless friend Malroth, gather the skills required to become a full-fledged builder, and combat the Children of Hargon, a vile cult that worships destruction! Then, take your builder online and join your friends to collaborate and create something truly magnificent. Don’t let the name fool you, despite the 2, this is a completely standalone experience featuring new characters, an expansive world, unlimited building combinations, and a storyline that’s sure to satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike!

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Dragon Quest Builders 2 has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the engaging and charming narrative, highlighting elements such as well-developed characters, whimsical dialogue, and a structured storyline. Critics like Game Informer and VGC appreciated the peppy campaign filled with characters that have distinct personalities, while Game Revolution noted the exploration of the alliance between the player and the villain from Dragon Quest 2 as a compelling aspect of the story. The narrative's emphasis on rebuilding and restoring peace to the realm after the emergence of a cult was also lauded by RPGamer and GamePro Germany, showcasing a purposeful integration of storytelling with gameplay elements. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the story's lack of originality or depth. GamingTrend found the plot to be cliché and unexciting, while Xbox Achievements felt that the narrative became less engaging towards the latter stages of the game, potentially leading to a feeling of grind. Pocket Gamer UK mentioned that the regurgitation of Dragon Quest II's storyline could be seen as a disservice to the series, indicating a lack of innovation in the narrative department. Additionally, Impulsegamer highlighted the slightly non-serious approach to the forbidden act of building, which may not resonate with players seeking a more serious tone in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Story in Dragon Quest Builders 2. The game successfully combines a light-hearted and charming narrative with well-paced progression, engaging characters, and a purposeful connection to the Dragon Quest universe. While some critics pointed out issues like lack of originality or occasional pacing concerns, the majority appreciated the game's ability to blend storytelling with gameplay mechanics effectively. With a mix of whimsical charm, structured progression, and nods to the series' roots, Dragon Quest Builders 2's Story seems to have struck a balance that appeals to fans of both narrative-driven experiences and creative gameplay.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in Dragon Quest Builders 2. Many praised the engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and structured storyline, while others found it lacking in originality and depth. Despite some concerns, the majority of critics appreciated the game's blend of light-hearted charm, engaging characters, and effective storytelling tied to the Dragon Quest universe.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Dragon Quest Builders 2, highlighting its engaging and rewarding building mechanics, crafting system, and RPG elements. Critics such as GamingTrend and Digital Chumps appreciated the focus on building, with rewards for creativity and a variety of options to create. The addition of new features like farming, exploration, and combat, as mentioned by Screen Rant and TheSixthAxis, added depth to the gameplay experience. The game's blend of sandbox building, mining, crafting, and RPG elements, as noted by Cubed3 and PC Invasion, provided players with a fun and satisfying gameplay loop. The introduction of quality of life improvements, such as fast travel systems and new tools, as recognized by Game Revolution and Vooks, enhanced the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. On the downside, some critics raised concerns about certain limitations in the gameplay of Dragon Quest Builders 2. Forbes and Game Revolution mentioned issues with reduced player agency in building and combat mechanics compared to the first game, which could be frustrating for some players. Forbes also criticized the drawn-out nature of the game, with upgrades spread out over lengthy island quests, potentially affecting the pacing and overall enjoyment for players. CGMagazine pointed out that the new first-person camera mode felt clunky, impacting the overall gameplay experience for some. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Dragon Quest Builders 2. The game successfully combines elements from Minecraft with a JRPG twist, offering a rich and content-filled experience that keeps players engaged and rewarded for their creativity and progression. Critics appreciated the mix of exploration, building, combat, and questing, as well as the improvements in building mechanics and quality of life features. While there were some minor criticisms regarding limitations in player agency and pacing issues, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be addictive, enthralling, and unique, making Dragon Quest Builders 2 a highly recommended title for fans of building and RPG games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Dragon Quest Builders 2 wows critics with engaging building mechanics, crafting, and RPG elements, offering a rewarding gameplay experience. While some note limitations in player agency and pacing issues, the majority praise its blend of sandbox building, mining, crafting, and RPG elements, making it a must-play for fans of building and RPG games.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics unanimously praise the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest Builders 2 for its charming and colorful aesthetic. Attack of the Fanboy appreciates the whimsical Chibi-style characters and cute tone, while Daily Star and Game Informer commend the bright and vibrant worlds that draw players in. Gaming Age highlights the impressive landscapes and detailed environments, stating that the combination of simpler blocks with more detailed objects is visually appealing. Worth Playing and VGC also mention the stellar presentation and cel-shaded visuals capturing Akira Toriyama's style, enhancing the overall experience. The game's diverse and engaging environments, as noted by VGC, contribute to its visual appeal, making it visually stunning, as described by TheSixthAxis. On the downside, some critics point out minor issues with the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest Builders 2. God is a Geek mentions that the graphics seem muted and fuzzy compared to the original game, with small text in tooltips affecting the overall experience. GamePro Germany notes a lack of depth in combat visuals, while DarkStation on the Nintendo Switch criticizes the small text boxes as a downside. Switch Player highlights performance issues on the Switch version, with frame rate drops in elaborate destinations, affecting the gameplay experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest Builders 2. The game is praised for its charming and colorful aesthetic, diverse environments, and attention to detail in the visual design. Critics like Game Informer, Worth Playing, and VGC appreciate the game's stunning presentation and cel-shaded visuals, capturing the essence of the Dragon Quest series. Despite some minor issues raised by a few critics, the majority agree that the game offers a visually appealing experience that enhances the overall gameplay and immersion. The combination of vibrant worlds, detailed environments, and unique design elements from the Dragon Quest series makes Dragon Quest Builders 2 a visually captivating and enjoyable game for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dragon Quest Builders 2's charming and colorful graphics, praising its whimsical characters and vibrant worlds that draw players in. Despite minor issues like muted graphics and small text, the game's stunning presentation and diverse environments make it visually captivating and immersive. Overall, critics agree that Dragon Quest Builders 2 offers a visually appealing experience that enhances gameplay across different platforms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest Builders 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as DarkStation, RPGamer, and Worth Playing praise the nostalgic and well-placed remastered music from the early Dragon Quest games, composed by Koichi Sugiyama, which evokes fond memories for longtime fans and enhances the gameplay experience. Hobby Consolas and VGC commend the brilliant melodic soundtrack and effective sound effects that contribute to the immersive atmosphere of the game. Additionally, Twinfinite highlights the vintage orchestral melodies that accompany various moments in the game, further enhancing the overall experience. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the music becoming repetitive or not appealing to all players. Xbox Achievements notes that while the music may be familiar and enjoyable for Dragon Quest fans, it can become monotonous and irritating for others. Vooks mentions that while the sound design enhances the game's atmosphere, the music might not resonate with every player. These criticisms suggest that there may be a lack of variety or broader appeal in the musical choices of Dragon Quest Builders 2, potentially leading to a less engaging experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest Builders 2 significantly contribute to the game's charm and immersive quality. The use of remastered music from the Dragon Quest series, alongside new compositions by Koichi Sugiyama, is widely praised for creating a nostalgic and engaging gameplay atmosphere. Critics appreciate how the sound design enhances the overall experience of rebuilding towns, exploring islands, and engaging in RPG gameplay. Despite some concerns about repetitive music and potential lack of universal appeal, the majority of critics agree that the sound design and music in Dragon Quest Builders 2 successfully complement the game's visuals and gameplay, ultimately enhancing the player's enjoyment and immersion in the Dragon Quest universe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Dragon Quest Builders 2 for its nostalgic and immersive sound design and music, particularly the remastered tracks by Koichi Sugiyama. While some critics find the music repetitive and not appealing to all players, most agree that it enhances the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus is that the sound design and music contribute significantly to the game's charm and immersive quality, despite some concerns about variety and universal appeal.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The critics' opinions on the Voice Acting of Dragon Quest Builders 2 are quite varied. We Got This Covered and Worth Playing both highlight positive aspects of the game's dialogue and character voices. We Got This Covered appreciates the well-written dialogue and unique character voices, even though they find it occasionally verbose. Worth Playing specifically praises the British accents of the characters, noting that they contribute to a humorous and lighthearted delivery that enhances the overall experience. These positive aspects suggest that the game's dialogue and character portrayal were well-crafted and engaging for these reviewers. On the other hand, there are critics like PC Invasion and PLAY! Zine who express negative sentiments towards the lack of voice acting in Dragon Quest Builders 2. PC Invasion points out that the written rural British accents of the characters may become tiresome for players, indicating a potential drawback of relying solely on text-based dialogue. PLAY! Zine goes further to state that the absence of voice acting detracts from the overall experience, suggesting that the immersion and engagement could have been heightened with voiced dialogue. These criticisms highlight a significant downside for players who value voice acting as a crucial element in their gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the absence of voice acting in Dragon Quest Builders 2. While some reviewers like We Got This Covered and Worth Playing found ways to appreciate the written dialogue and accents, others such as PC Invasion and PLAY! Zine felt that the lack of voice acting hindered the game's potential. Hobby Consolas and PC Gamer also noted the absence of voice acting, with PC Gamer mentioning that the written accents helped bring the characters to life. The mixed opinions suggest that the inclusion of voice acting could have further enriched the gameplay experience for a broader audience, but the game still managed to evoke different reactions based on individual preferences.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are split on the Voice Acting in Dragon Quest Builders 2. Some praise the well-written dialogue and unique character voices, while others criticize the absence of voice acting. Positive reviews highlight the British accents adding humor, but negative feedback points out the potential tedium of text-based dialogue. Overall, opinions vary on whether voice acting would have enhanced the game's experience for a wider audience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Dragon Quest Builders 2 generally runs well with some minor issues. Critics like Worth Playing praise the near stable 60fps on PS4 Pro, while Daily Star notes that loading times are a bit long. However, DarkStation and VG247 mention minor technical issues such as interface controls and occasional frame rate drops in complex locations. Despite these issues, the game is still enjoyable to play on the PS4, with Gaming Age mentioning graphics options to tweak for better performance. On the Nintendo Switch, the technical performance of Dragon Quest Builders 2 seems to be more varied. Critics like Cubed3 and Forbes point out framerate issues and performance dips in docked mode, especially in crowded scenes. On the other hand, Game Rant and Gameplanet report no significant technical issues, with Game Rant specifically stating no graphical mishaps encountered. However, there are mentions of occasional slowdowns and pop-in issues, as highlighted by Nintendo Insider and RPG Site. The varying experiences on the Switch suggest that the platform may have some performance challenges compared to the PS4. Moving on to the PC version, critics generally praise the technical performance of Dragon Quest Builders 2. Digital Chumps and Game Revolution commend the flawless performance on PC, with PC Gamer and PC Invasion highlighting the smooth gameplay and solid performance. Despite some optimization issues reported by PLAY! Zine, the overall sentiment is positive for the PC port, with TheSixthAxis mentioning stable framerates and minimal loading screens. The PC version seems to offer the most impactful experience, benefiting from mouse and keyboard controls and additional DLC content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Quest Builders 2 delivers an enjoyable gaming experience across different platforms, with each having its own set of technical strengths and weaknesses. While the PS4 version offers a generally stable performance with minor issues like loading times and frame rate drops, the Nintendo Switch version may suffer from more noticeable performance issues like framerate drops and pop-in. On the other hand, the PC version stands out for its smooth performance and customization options, providing a solid gameplay experience for players who prefer the platform. Despite some technical hiccups across platforms, the game's engaging gameplay and building mechanics seem to outweigh these issues, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon Quest Builders 2 runs well on PS4 with minor issues like long loading times and frame rate drops, while the Nintendo Switch version shows more varied performance with framerate and pop-in issues. PC version receives praise for its flawless performance and customization options, offering the best overall experience. Despite technical hiccups, the game's engaging gameplay shines through on all platforms, making it a must-play for genre fans.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Dragon Quest Builders 2, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Attack of the Fanboy appreciated the ability to build settlements in different ways and manage the community, while CGMagazine noted the game's wealth of additions and improvements over the original, making it a worthy sequel. COGconnected and Daily Star commended the game for offering a lot of options for creativity, unexpected projects, and locations, with the latter mentioning how players can easily lose track of time due to the engaging gameplay. The inclusion of multiplayer features, such as co-op play on the Isle of Awakening, was also highlighted by DarkStation and Game Informer as enhancing the replay value by providing additional ways to enjoy the game with friends. On the downside, some critics mentioned limitations or areas for improvement regarding the replay value of Dragon Quest Builders 2. GamePro Germany pointed out that the game lacked depth and structure in the experience, which could potentially impact long-term engagement for some players. GameCritics highlighted that the game may feel overwhelming for players with limited time due to the large amount of content available. Additionally, RPGamer and Video Chums mentioned issues such as repetitive quests and hitting a level cap that temporarily reduces the incentive to progress further, potentially affecting the motivation to continue playing for some individuals. PLAY! Zine's disappointment with the cooperative multiplayer mode limiting players to hosting rather than playing through the story together also stands out as a negative aspect that could impact the overall replay value for those looking for a more collaborative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Dragon Quest Builders 2. The game's extensive content, multiplayer modes, incentives for exploration and building, and the ability to share creations online were highlighted as key factors contributing to its high replayability. Critics such as Worth Playing and NintendoWorldReport praised the game for its great pacing, variety in island adventures, town leveling mechanics, and engaging multiplayer mode, offering a different experience from the first title. The diverse quests, building mechanics, and the joy of exploring and creating in the vast world of Dragon Quest Builders 2 were mentioned as reasons why players would find themselves returning to the game for multiple playthroughs, making it a highly recommended choice for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud Dragon Quest Builders 2 for its high replay value, praising its diverse building options, engaging gameplay, and multiplayer features. Some critics note limitations like lack of depth and repetitive quests, but overall, the game's extensive content, incentives for exploration, and creative possibilities make it a highly recommended choice for fans of the genre.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its positive aspects. Critics such as CGMagazine and GameSpew highlight the game's gratifying experience, new mechanics, and content that cater to both fans of the original and newcomers. The game is commended for its fun co-op experience, improved mechanics, engaging gameplay, and charming world-building elements. Additionally, critics like Game Revolution and The Games Machine appreciate the game's polished graphics, delightful storytelling, and the seamless blend of RPG and crafting elements, making it a standout title in the genre. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Dragon Quest Builders 2. Forbes mentions that the game tries to do too much, which can dilute the effectiveness of combat and building aspects. Critics like Cubed3 and Pocket Gamer UK raise concerns about performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, particularly in docked mode, which hinder the overall experience. Furthermore, GamePro Germany notes the lack of depth in combat and multiplayer structure as areas for improvement, while Video Chums highlights that the game doesn't address all the main issues of its predecessor, affecting the balance between structure and creativity. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the overall verdict of Dragon Quest Builders 2. The game is widely regarded as a significant improvement over the original, with critics such as VG247 and USgamer labeling it as a masterpiece and highly recommending it to players. The game's ability to offer a rich and satisfying gaming experience, enhanced mechanics, engaging storytelling, and enjoyable gameplay resonated well with critics and players alike. Dragon Quest Builders 2 successfully combines elements of RPG, crafting, and village management to create a unique and immersive experience that caters to a wide audience, as noted by RPG Site and NintendoWorldReport. In conclusion, the game's strengths in world-building, creativity, and overall enjoyment outweigh its minor flaws, making it a highly recommended title in the gaming community.

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Builders 2 impresses critics with its gratifying experience, engaging gameplay, and polished graphics, blending RPG and crafting elements seamlessly. While some critics note drawbacks like overloaded gameplay and performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics praise the game as a significant improvement over the original, with some labeling it a masterpiece and highly recommending it to players for its rich storytelling, enhanced mechanics, and immersive world-building elements.

CRITIK

Reviews

152 reviews found

100

VGC

Nintendo Switch

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a highly recommended sequel that improves on every aspect of the original game. It offers meaningful content additions, quality of life improvements, and maintains the core enjoyable elements of the series.

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100

VG247

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a masterpiece and a great game to lose oneself in during the summer months.

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an absolute blast and a worthy sequel that addresses complaints with the original. Despite some performance trade-offs on the Switch version, it is still a rich and enjoyable game.

100

GamesRadar+

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a beautiful mashup of iconic games with a quirky sense of humor. The gameplay offers a satisfying mix of building, farming, and exploration. The story can sometimes drag, and there are technical issues on the Nintendo Switch version. Overall, it is a highly enjoyable game.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 combines the best elements of the Dragon Quest franchise with the creativity and freedom of Minecraft, resulting in an impressive and memorable gaming experience that is likely to appeal to a wide audience.

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Gameplanet

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a fantastic game that improves upon the first game in every way. It offers a great building and ARPG adventure experience with a lot of content to enjoy.

Wccftech

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 improves on its predecessor in every way, offering an enjoyable experience for fans of the series and sandbox games.

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Digital Chumps

Dec 16, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 on PC offers a meaningful and engaging experience with a well-constructed story, rewarding gameplay, improved graphics, and solid technical performance. The PC version enhances the gameplay experience and provides a different perspective for players familiar with similar games like Minecraft.

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USgamer

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Dragon Quest Builders 2 a masterpiece and highly recommends it.

PC Invasion

Dec 18, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is an amazing game with a solid PC port, offering a cute and content-rich experience that caters to various player preferences. It exceeds high expectations and provides a satisfying gameplay experience.

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