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CRITIK

Dragon's Dogma 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon's Dogma 2
Item: Dragon's Dogma 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

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

AvailableMar 22, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

Dragon's Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG that challenges players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure. All of these elements are elevated further by the latest in graphics, artificial intelligence (AI) and physics technology to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon's Dogma 2.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Dragon's Dogma 2 are quite varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like Pure Xbox and Gamer.no appreciate the engaging narrative that follows the Arisen on an epic adventure, filled with challenges and discoveries. KeenGamer acknowledges that while the story may not be the strongest part of the game, it sets a solid foundation for other aspects to shine, such as the elements of memory loss and political intrigue. Additionally, Variety praises the strong side quests that add complexity and color to the open-world RPG experience. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the depth and coherence of the storytelling in Dragon's Dogma 2. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the narrative for being incoherent and poorly paced, with NPCs using archaic language that detracts from the overall experience. Noisy Pixel describes the story as passable, with events that lack compelling moments and forgettable characters, leading to a narrative that feels obligatory. Metro GameCentral also points out the thin plot, lackluster dialogue, and bland side quests that lack originality and depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mix of positive and negative feedback on the story of Dragon's Dogma 2. While some critics appreciate the immersive world, engaging characters, and political intrigue woven into the narrative, others find fault in the lack of depth, coherence, and originality in the storytelling. Critics like Easy Allies and GamesHub commend the game for offering emotional connections through interesting characters and compelling choices, while others like Digitally Downloaded and Metro GameCentral highlight the shortcomings in pacing and character development. Ultimately, Dragon's Dogma 2 seems to have elements that appeal to different tastes, with some finding the narrative engaging and others feeling it falls short of expectations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Dragon's Dogma 2's story. Some praise its engaging narrative, challenging adventures, and strong side quests, while others criticize its incoherence, lackluster dialogue, and forgettable characters. The game offers immersive world-building and political intrigue, but falls short in depth and originality for some. Overall, opinions vary on the storytelling, with some finding it compelling and others feeling it lacks coherence and depth.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Dragon's Dogma 2 has garnered high praise from the majority of critics, who found it to be very engaging and enjoyable. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the deliberate and strategic combat mechanics, diverse Vocations, and the unique Pawn system that enhances gameplay. Cultured Vultures commends the game for offering a Variety of classes that encourage experimentation and create unique playstyles. Dot Esports appreciates the challenging battles, diverse Vocations, and engaging combat mechanics that contribute to a captivating gameplay experience. KeenGamer notes the highlight of the gameplay being the Pawn system, diverse vocations, and open-world exploration that promotes player choice and exploration. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Dragon's Dogma 2. Gamer.no criticized the game for overwhelming players with numerous small enemies and repetitive encounters, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. Digital Chumps mentioned that while combat and exploration are strengths of the game, there are some frustrations with target switching and vague quests that can lead to moments of frustration. But Why Tho?? highlighted the limited fast travel and dynamic monster encounters as aspects that made traversal and world exploration immersive but somewhat frustrating. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Dragon's Dogma 2. The game is praised for its engaging combat system, diverse Vocations, strategic depth, and immersive world exploration. Critics like PlayStation Universe and GamingTrend commend the game for offering a Variety of Vocations or classes, rewarding exploration, and challenging combat encounters that require preparation and strategic thinking. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be a standout feature of Dragon's Dogma 2, making it a highly recommended experience for fans of action RPGs and open-world adventures.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Dragon's Dogma 2's engaging combat, diverse classes, and unique Pawn system, praising its strategic depth and immersive world exploration. Some critics note issues with overwhelming enemies and vague quests, but overall, the gameplay receives high praise for its captivating experience and standout features, making it a must-play for action RPG fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon's Dogma 2 have received praise from several critics for various elements. Pure Xbox commends the exquisitely crafted world, majestic vistas, and visually appealing enemies and loot, enhancing the overall experience. GAMINGbible describes the visuals as astonishingly pretty, with stunning open-world environments and rich forests, consistently surprising and impressive. MMORPG.com appreciates the meticulous attention to detail in bringing the setting of Gransys to life, creating a world of unparalleled beauty and immersive gameplay experiences, with stunning visuals and lifelike character models. However, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon's Dogma 2. IGN Adria criticizes the subpar graphics, fluctuating frame rates, and lackluster visuals, despite a detailed character creator. Digital Trends mentions struggles with the RE Engine's ambition, frequent frame rate issues, poor facial animation, and cinematic framing, lacking presentation impact. The Games Machine and Hobby Consolas highlight optimization issues on PC affecting frame rates in urban areas, detracting from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon's Dogma 2. Critics like Easy Allies, Finger Guns, and Game Informer praise the visually stunning world, diverse environments, and captivating visuals that enhance the overall immersion. Despite some performance issues and optimization concerns raised by certain critics, the majority appreciate the game's attention to detail, stunning landscapes, and the immersive experience it offers to players. Dragon's Dogma 2 seems to have successfully created a visually appealing and immersive world that captures the essence of a medieval fantasy setting, earning praise for its ambitious design and captivating environments.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dragon's Dogma 2's stunning graphics and visual design, praising the meticulously crafted world, majestic vistas, and immersive gameplay. Despite some drawbacks like fluctuating frame rates and optimization issues, the majority applaud the visually stunning landscapes and captivating environments that enhance the overall medieval fantasy experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

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's Dogma 2 are quite varied. Positives highlighted by the reviewers include the soundtrack enhancing combat and exploration experiences, as mentioned by Generación Xbox, and the standout soundtrack curated by the sound director and lead composer, as noted by Variety. Additionally, GameSkinny praises the captivating soundtrack and improved voice acting, while XboxEra commends the impressive character writing, voice acting, and outstanding soundtrack that elevate the RPG experience. Twinfinite also appreciates the well-done voice acting for Pawns and side characters, contributing to the immersive nature of the game. On the negative side, some critics point out issues with the voice acting and sound design. Cultured Vultures and Metro GameCentral mention repetitive and inane pawn dialogue that can detract from the overall experience. Hey Poor Player expresses disappointment in the voice acting and production values, impacting the game's immersion. COGconnected notes some bad lip-syncing and outdated menu sounds, while Finger Guns highlights technical issues like NPC pop-in and occasional blurriness that affect the overall presentation. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of Dragon's Dogma 2's Sound Design and Music. While there are criticisms regarding aspects like repetitive voice lines, inane dialogue, and technical issues, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's soundtrack for enhancing the gameplay experience. Critics like Worth Playing and PlayStation Universe commend the fantastic soundtrack and standout monster noises that contribute to the immersive atmosphere. Despite some flaws, the overall sentiment suggests that the Sound Design and Music of Dragon's Dogma 2 have succeeded in creating a compelling and engaging audio experience for players, enriching the world of the game and adding depth to its storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Dragon's Dogma 2. While some praise the soundtrack's enhancement of gameplay experiences and impressive voice acting, others criticize issues like repetitive dialogue and technical flaws. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the engaging audio experience that enriches the game world and storytelling, despite some shortcomings.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions on the voice acting in Dragon's Dogma 2 are quite varied among the critics. Pure Xbox and XboxEra praise the voice acting for adding depth to the characters and enhancing the overall immersive experience. Pure Xbox specifically mentions that the pawns are well-acted and written, making them endearing to players. XboxEra also highlights impressive character writing and voice acting that elevate the gameplay experience. PlayStation Universe and GameSkinny also commend the voice acting, with PlayStation Universe noting that it adds to the overall experience of the game. These positive reviews indicate that the voice acting in Dragon's Dogma 2 has successfully contributed to creating engaging and memorable characters for players to interact with. On the other hand, there are critics who have pointed out some negatives regarding the voice acting in the game. Digital Trends mentions that the pawns lack personality compared to other RPG companions, with repetitive quips leading to a lack of emotional attachment to the characters. Metro GameCentral criticizes some actors for delivering lines with silly voices, which can break immersion for players. Try Hard Guides brings attention to stiff NPC dialogue due to lackluster localization, and the game's tendency to force players into lengthy conversations without choice. Hey Poor Player also notes that the voice acting and production values leave something to be desired, indicating a lack of satisfaction with the overall quality of the voice performances in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the voice acting in Dragon's Dogma 2 is mixed. While some critics like Pure Xbox, XboxEra, and PlayStation Universe appreciate the voice acting for enhancing the gameplay experience and adding depth to the characters, others such as Digital Trends, Metro GameCentral, and Try Hard Guides have highlighted issues like lack of personality, immersion-breaking moments, and stiff dialogue that detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The varying opinions suggest that while the voice acting in Dragon's Dogma 2 has its strengths in creating engaging characters, there are also areas that could be improved to provide a more consistent and satisfying experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Dragon's Dogma 2. Some praise it for enhancing character depth and immersion, while others criticize it for lack of personality, immersion-breaking moments, and stiff dialogue. Positive reviews highlight engaging characters, while negative feedback points to issues that detract from the overall experience. Mixed opinions indicate room for improvement in voice performances to offer a more consistent and satisfying gameplay experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, the game Dragon's Dogma 2 generally received positive feedback. Critics like Generación Xbox and Pure Xbox highlighted that while there were minor issues such as occasional frame rate drops in cities, the game still delivered a visually appealing experience. KeenGamer even praised the game for having zero bugs and glitches, which is quite impressive in today's gaming landscape. TheXboxHub also noted that while there were dropped frames in major cities and occasional crashes, the autosave feature helped mitigate these issues. On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 version of Dragon's Dogma 2 faced more criticism regarding technical performance. Critics like Digital Chumps and Gamepressure mentioned choppy performance, outdated camera controls, and AI pathfinding issues. IGN Adria and Inverse highlighted unstable frame rates, bugs, glitches, and technical issues impacting quest progression. Despite some positive feedback regarding stable performance outdoors and stunning visuals, issues like frame rate drops in urban areas and optimization problems were commonly reported by critics such as Hobby Consolas and Meristation. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Dragon's Dogma 2 across all platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some praised aspects like exploration and combat mechanics, others criticized the game for technical issues such as frame rate drops, bugs, glitches, and AI pathfinding problems. The absence of 60 FPS support on the PS5 version was a disappointment for many critics, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Despite some positive aspects like detailed NPC interactions and seamless world design, the technical shortcomings seem to have hindered the game's potential to deliver a consistently smooth and immersive gaming experience, as noted by various critics like Digital Trends and Hey Poor Player.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon's Dogma 2 received positive feedback for technical performance on Xbox Series X, with minor frame rate drops in cities but visually appealing gameplay. PlayStation 5 version faced more criticism for choppy performance, bugs, and AI issues. Overall, critics had mixed opinions on technical performance, praising exploration and combat mechanics but criticizing frame rate drops and glitches. PS5 lacked 60 FPS support, impacting gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Replay Value of Dragon's Dogma 2 has garnered praise from multiple critics for its positive aspects. Cultured Vultures highlights the unique Pawn system that retains knowledge from other players' journeys, enhancing replay value by creating different party dynamics in each playthrough. Pure Xbox also commends the game for offering a living, breathing fantasy world with solid rules, clever AI, and bespoke environments, encouraging exploration and strategizing at the player's own pace. Additionally, Game Informer appreciates the experimentation with different party compositions and vocations, adding depth to the replayability of the game. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out potential drawbacks that may impact the overall replay value of Dragon's Dogma 2. Gamer.no mentions that repetitive and frustrating quests hinder the game's potential, although the core elements shine through. COGconnected notes that while the game offers rich and immersive gameplay experiences, it may not be welcoming to casual players, potentially affecting the replay value. Gamepressure also highlights that the game's old-fashioned approach, combat system, and time investment required may limit its appeal to a wider audience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive outlook on the Replay Value of Dragon's Dogma 2. Critics like Easy Allies and Digitally Downloaded praise the game for offering a dynamic and living open world with emergent storytelling moments, enhancing the replay value through exploration and personal experiences. Gamers Heroes and GamesHub appreciate the multiple endings, choices, and socially connected experiences the game offers, adding depth to each playthrough. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive quests and accessibility issues, the majority of critics find Dragon's Dogma 2 to be a rewarding and engaging experience with high replay value, catering to players who enjoy exploration, experimentation, and diverse gameplay elements.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Dragon's Dogma 2's Replay Value, praising its unique Pawn system, immersive fantasy world, and diverse gameplay elements. While some mention repetitive quests and accessibility issues, the majority find the game rewarding and engaging, offering multiple endings and socially connected experiences. Overall, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a hit among players who enjoy exploration, experimentation, and dynamic storytelling.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics on Dragon's Dogma 2, it is evident that the majority of them had a highly positive view of the game. The game was praised for its captivating gameplay, engaging combat, impressive visuals, and immersive world-building. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Pure Xbox highlighted the game's engaging combat system and slick mechanics, while Dot Esports and GAMINGbible commended its stunning open world and inspired combat system. The attention to detail, customization options, and narrative consequences were also lauded by critics like GamesHub and Gamer.nl, making it a highly fulfilling RPG experience for players. On the downside, some critics pointed out technical issues and performance problems that detracted from the overall experience. Digital Chumps and Shacknews mentioned choppy performance and optimization problems on PC, while Digital Trends and IGN Adria highlighted technical shortcomings that hindered the game's potential. Despite these issues, the core gameplay mechanics, deep combat systems, and immersive features like the Pawn system were still appreciated by many reviewers, showcasing the game's strengths outweighing its weaknesses. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Dragon's Dogma 2 being hailed as a standout RPG title that offers a unique and immersive experience for players. Critics like Easy Allies and Worth Playing emphasized the game's demanding yet rewarding gameplay that rewards attentive players, while GamingBolt and NME praised its innovation and unfaltering vision in open-world design. The game's ambitious scope, engaging combat system, and memorable emergent storytelling moments were admired by Digitally Downloaded and Game Informer, solidifying its position as a must-play for RPG enthusiasts seeking a challenging and immersive adventure. Despite some technical hiccups, Dragon's Dogma 2 managed to impress a wide range of critics with its depth, creativity, and overall execution, making it a top-tier title in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Dragon's Dogma 2 for its captivating gameplay, engaging combat, impressive visuals, and immersive world-building, with particular emphasis on its combat system and customization options. Despite some technical issues mentioned by critics, the game is hailed as a standout RPG title that offers a unique and rewarding experience for players, showcasing its strengths in gameplay mechanics and immersive features. Overall, Dragon's Dogma 2 is deemed a top-tier RPG title with ambitious scope and memorable storytelling, making it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.

CRITIK

Reviews

227 reviews found

100

Dexerto

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is praised as a masterpiece that defies conventions and demands player respect, offering a deep and engaging fantasy RPG experience.

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100

GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Mar 25, 2024

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

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is described as a surprising, maddening, glorious masterpiece with a perfect score of 10/10. It is praised for its stunning open world, inspired combat system, and the unique experience it offers to players.

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100

Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is praised for nailing everything it sets out to achieve, offering slick combat, engaging pawn system, and an incredible world filled with amazing creatures. It is recommended for RPG fans looking for a fantastic and immersive experience.

100

NME

PlayStation 5

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sprawling RPG adventure that innovates on the best open world design trends, with top-of-the-range combat and one of the most exciting games of the decade

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100

GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a masterpiece that offers a dangerous, living world that players can't help but get lost in. Uncompromising approach may not appeal to everyone, but for those who appreciate its unique qualities, it is astounding and deeply immersive.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is highly praised for its gameplay mechanics, combat system, quest variety, and replay value, despite some technical performance issues. A must-have for fans of action RPGs.

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100

Twinfinite

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a hardcore action-adventure open-world title that challenges players to adapt to its unique systems, offering a rewarding and immersive experience for those willing to invest time and effort.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 5

Mar 25, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a hardcore action RPG that demands patience and perseverance, standing out in the genre with old school sensibilities that reward attentive players. Final Score: 9.5 / 10

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Dot Esports

Xbox Series X

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is praised for its captivating gameplay, impressive visuals, and high replay value, making it a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 20, 2024

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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a visually stunning and immersive fantasy adventure that captures the essence of epic fantasy novels, offering a rewarding gameplay experience with improved storytelling and engaging combat encounters.

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