Dragon's Dogma 2 (Xbox Series X)

The negative reaction to this game was incredibly exaggerated, with much of it based on misinformation i.e. "boo hoo character creation and fast travel are locked behind microtransactions," (they ain't.) Everything in the store is easily obtainable in game, just like in the first game. The game itself is great, with my only issue with it being that the combat isn't as difficult or as balanced as the first game, but DD1 also needed some time post-release to be in the great state it's in today. There's also complaints about performance issues, but this isn't a problem I experience with my hardware. Your mileage may vary if your CPU isn't great. If any of that worries you, wait for the inevitable expansion and patches, and buy it together as a bundle. Or, upgrade your ... MoreThe negative reaction to this game was incredibly exaggerated, with much of it based on misinformation i.e. "boo hoo character creation and fast travel are locked behind microtransactions," (they ain't.) Everything in the store is easily obtainable in game, just like in the first game. The game itself is great, with my only issue with it being that the combat isn't as difficult or as balanced as the first game, but DD1 also needed some time post-release to be in the great state it's in today. There's also complaints about performance issues, but this isn't a problem I experience with my hardware. Your mileage may vary if your CPU isn't great. If any of that worries you, wait for the inevitable expansion and patches, and buy it together as a bundle. Or, upgrade your PC...Otherwise, if you liked the first game, there's really no reason not to like DD2. The combat is still super fun, the Pawns are hilarious, and the monsters are incredibly detailed and well animated. While the first game had some timeless tracks, I find myself enjoying the soundtrack of DD2 more overall. Save for the lack of a true Hard Mode, it's exactly what I was hoping for in a sequel/reboot, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them add difficulty options to the game later. I'm one of those who waited 12 years for the game and got it day one. And I don't regret the fun I've had with it at all.

Great, if obtuse, game!

Dragon's Dogma is unlike just about any other game out there. It's story is silly, it's optimization isn't the greatest, and it seems to constantly try to find ways to fight its players through awkward practices that few other games would get away with. Even Eldin Ring had easy fast travel and a forgiving respawn system! Yet, if you know what you're getting into, DD2 is a true delight to play. It's challenging and sometimes just screws you over without any warning (like a griffon showing up to destroy your first ever cart ride), but it's also full of ideas and concepts that no other have has ever attempted. The pawn system alone is worth the price of admission. The combat is honestly fun, and the different classes each feel very unique. The game is as quirky as can ... MoreDragon's Dogma is unlike just about any other game out there. It's story is silly, it's optimization isn't the greatest, and it seems to constantly try to find ways to fight its players through awkward practices that few other games would get away with. Even Eldin Ring had easy fast travel and a forgiving respawn system! Yet, if you know what you're getting into, DD2 is a true delight to play. It's challenging and sometimes just screws you over without any warning (like a griffon showing up to destroy your first ever cart ride), but it's also full of ideas and concepts that no other have has ever attempted. The pawn system alone is worth the price of admission. The combat is honestly fun, and the different classes each feel very unique. The game is as quirky as can be, and unapologetically original in its approach to the open world. In a sea of climbable towers and maps full of quest icons, it is an island to itself. The microtransactions are, honestly, nothing to write home about. I've never once felt a need to buy one, and Capcom is actively addressing some of the complaints about the game. They've already made it far easier to get one of the items you can buy with real money in the game for cheap, easily attainable in-game currency. Don't listen to the noise about that--they are no different than any other recent Capcom game. Resident Evil 4 had just as many, and i would argue that game tried to make them even more appealing for buyers.

I'll Give This a 5 So Far. HOWEVER.......

I got my Steelbook 1st, a day before the game.Not having the problem that others "claim" to have had.I love the 1st Dragon’s Dogma (I have it for the PS3, PS4, & the Switch). I find this 2nd game just as awesome, if not more so, being updated to modern tech. I’m only about 15 hours in, & I’m liking the story this far in, BUT I’m disappointed that, so far, there’s no findable Ferrystones, or an Eternal Ferrystone. At this point, it seems Ferry Stones & other items are tied to micro-transactions.Wha? “!!!”Capcom ruining their great rep for micro-transactions?Well, I simply ignore them.But I’m loving this game otherwise. HOWEVER……For now I give this game a 4.If Capcom fixes the micro-transactions thing, I’ll give it a 5. If Capcom doubles down & I find no ... MoreI got my Steelbook 1st, a day before the game.Not having the problem that others "claim" to have had.I love the 1st Dragon’s Dogma (I have it for the PS3, PS4, & the Switch). I find this 2nd game just as awesome, if not more so, being updated to modern tech. I’m only about 15 hours in, & I’m liking the story this far in, BUT I’m disappointed that, so far, there’s no findable Ferrystones, or an Eternal Ferrystone. At this point, it seems Ferry Stones & other items are tied to micro-transactions.Wha? “!!!”Capcom ruining their great rep for micro-transactions?Well, I simply ignore them.But I’m loving this game otherwise. HOWEVER……For now I give this game a 4.If Capcom fixes the micro-transactions thing, I’ll give it a 5. If Capcom doubles down & I find no Ferrystones (or other important items) throughout the game without being tied to micro-transactions, then I’ll give this game a 2.But I’m not even halfway thru the game yet, so I’m giving it a chance. So far it’s not looking good. @ $70 this base game should be complete, with NO MICRO-TRANSACTIONS or predatory practices. Just be aware.

It's disappointing but not terrible

Not bringing up the fact I ordered this a month early and got it a week late, this is my honest review having 129 hours of gameplay.This sequel truly missed the mark in gameplay. The previous iterations of the game had it charm and gameplay that was so good it defined the generation it came out on. This sequel? It took things/gameplay that were established in the early games and broke it down to some bare bones version. Example: In the first game, climbing enemies was straight forward but now they made it hard to do for no good reason, like you can be climbing up a golem's back and end up on its arm through no real fault of your own. Another example is enemies who react to horns and tusks being broken in the first games barely react the same in this. You could ... MoreNot bringing up the fact I ordered this a month early and got it a week late, this is my honest review having 129 hours of gameplay.This sequel truly missed the mark in gameplay. The previous iterations of the game had it charm and gameplay that was so good it defined the generation it came out on. This sequel? It took things/gameplay that were established in the early games and broke it down to some bare bones version. Example: In the first game, climbing enemies was straight forward but now they made it hard to do for no good reason, like you can be climbing up a golem's back and end up on its arm through no real fault of your own. Another example is enemies who react to horns and tusks being broken in the first games barely react the same in this. You could freeze a saurian solid and break it into chunks but now you can't. They handicapped the classes like archer, making it somehow slower and only effective with arrow variants. I could say more I'm disappointed with but if I can sum it up on the failures of this sequel is that they didn't go backwards, they just broke down what made the first games good and stretched it. Please understand that this review isn't coming from anger but disappointment. The original made me genuinely happy which is why I have as many hours as I do on this sequel. There's bits and pieces of it(the original) still in this sequel and if anything, this gameplay wise, should have been the first game because it was truly fantastic. Other than that, the game is beautiful graphically and if you never played the first one, play this and then play the original. Hope this helps.

Meh

Like many reviews, i found the gameplay repetitive and the story un-inspiring. Theres so mich the game doesnt tell you and without the ability to create multiple saves, you end up missing a lot once you’ve past various spots. I know some will say thats the beauty of the the game, but many casual gamers like myself will not want to restart the game after investing hours just to see a minor storyline play out. My other complaint is the enemies are the same three or four groups throughout the entire game so that gets old real quick. And without a real fast travel system, you end up fighing the same folks over and over aging just trying to get from place to place. But this is just my opinion, others may love the challenge of travel and exploration. The pawn system is ... MoreLike many reviews, i found the gameplay repetitive and the story un-inspiring. Theres so mich the game doesnt tell you and without the ability to create multiple saves, you end up missing a lot once you’ve past various spots. I know some will say thats the beauty of the the game, but many casual gamers like myself will not want to restart the game after investing hours just to see a minor storyline play out. My other complaint is the enemies are the same three or four groups throughout the entire game so that gets old real quick. And without a real fast travel system, you end up fighing the same folks over and over aging just trying to get from place to place. But this is just my opinion, others may love the challenge of travel and exploration. The pawn system is unique and fun though. I’d recommend the game based on that aspect alone, knowing that not everyone will agree with my gripes!

Minor tweaks needed, but overall dope

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a wonderful mixture of fantasy, action/RPG, and world building all in one neat package. You create your main character (Arisen) and your sidekick (pawn) and you get two other pawns on your team. These pawns can be from your friend’s list or random from the other players in the community. You unfortunately cannot play online with your friends, you can only have your friends’ pawns on your team which is somewhat of a bummer. It’s missing that social element that would’ve taken the game to a new level.The gameplay is very smooth, casting takes time (so if you decide to be a mage or sorcerer be mindful that you’ll need heavy hitters to get in close or at least give you a chance to cast your spells), when you die your overall health goes down but ... MoreDragon’s Dogma 2 is a wonderful mixture of fantasy, action/RPG, and world building all in one neat package. You create your main character (Arisen) and your sidekick (pawn) and you get two other pawns on your team. These pawns can be from your friend’s list or random from the other players in the community. You unfortunately cannot play online with your friends, you can only have your friends’ pawns on your team which is somewhat of a bummer. It’s missing that social element that would’ve taken the game to a new level.The gameplay is very smooth, casting takes time (so if you decide to be a mage or sorcerer be mindful that you’ll need heavy hitters to get in close or at least give you a chance to cast your spells), when you die your overall health goes down but you can make a camp and rest to regain it….unless you get attacked while you’re resting (it happens more than I’d like tbh)All in all the game is crafted masterfully. The meat and potatoes of the game are free, folks are upset about micro transactions but realistically you can enjoy the game completely without ever spending an extra dollar.

No steelbook, no point

I am a bit conflicted. We had preordered both this game and the Princess Peach Showtime. I even shopped with an "expert" to ensure that I would receive the pre-order bonuses and steelbook case. When I made the purchase, the steelbook and bonus were included in the order. However, come launch day the two are nowhere to be found on file anymore. I've read others found it removed from their orders as well.Not only did I receive the pre-order after launch day, but the steelbook and pre-order bonus were missing. Even though Princess Peach Showtime! was delivered on launch day WITH the preorder bonus. So, it seems Best Buy just had a really bad go at Dragon's Dogma 2. Every thing in the universe is trying to make this game fail.Regardless, judging by everyone else's ... MoreI am a bit conflicted. We had preordered both this game and the Princess Peach Showtime. I even shopped with an "expert" to ensure that I would receive the pre-order bonuses and steelbook case. When I made the purchase, the steelbook and bonus were included in the order. However, come launch day the two are nowhere to be found on file anymore. I've read others found it removed from their orders as well.Not only did I receive the pre-order after launch day, but the steelbook and pre-order bonus were missing. Even though Princess Peach Showtime! was delivered on launch day WITH the preorder bonus. So, it seems Best Buy just had a really bad go at Dragon's Dogma 2. Every thing in the universe is trying to make this game fail.Regardless, judging by everyone else's awful experience, I won't even bother trying to fight for a steelbook despite having proof. The entire point of purchasing through Best Buy was for the steelbook. I'll just refund this game and get it somewhere else. Last time I use the "shop with an expert" option and the last time I pick shipping. May be the last time I preorder from Best Buy altogether and save myself the grieve.

Review of XBOX Dragons Dogma II - Xbox Series X

DD2 is a large open world action role-playing game that will take up hundreds of hours of gameplay so offers great value for money. The combat is probably the best that you will experience in any action rpg and always remains fun because you can constantly change your characters vocation throughout your play through. You also have your own companion pawn who fights by your side who can also be customised during your adventure. On top of this you can hire two other pawns for your party of four from a rift stone (many are scattered across the map) and you can select pawns from other players of DD2 or from the games-maker CAPCOM. You can also hire out your own pawn for other players to use in their game if you should wish. When your pawn returns (by sleeping at an inn) ... MoreDD2 is a large open world action role-playing game that will take up hundreds of hours of gameplay so offers great value for money. The combat is probably the best that you will experience in any action rpg and always remains fun because you can constantly change your characters vocation throughout your play through. You also have your own companion pawn who fights by your side who can also be customised during your adventure. On top of this you can hire two other pawns for your party of four from a rift stone (many are scattered across the map) and you can select pawns from other players of DD2 or from the games-maker CAPCOM. You can also hire out your own pawn for other players to use in their game if you should wish. When your pawn returns (by sleeping at an inn) they will inform you of their adventure and you may receive a present from the player who had hired your pawn from the rift.Of course you have the option of playing offline if you should choose and this will not affect the game as you can use CAPCOM's own pawns for your party. The monster battles can be epic and there are many side quests for you to seek out which adds many more hours to the gameplay. But be warned! These side quests can be easily missed and I recommend looking up hints and tips online if you want to get the full experience of the game. Overall Dragon's Dogma 2 stands out as one of the best action-RPG's to be released in recent years and so far the best open-world RPG release of 2024

The Good, The Bad, and The Framerate

From what I have really enjoyed what I've played. I'm still working my way through the game but the world is huge and fun to explore. I played the first one and just couldn't get into it. But this one has had it's claws in me from the start.This game won't be for everyone, it's had, it definitely doesn't hold your hand or pull any punches. That said, I think if you are remotely interested in getting lost in a vast fantasy world you have it here. That said the dlc is crap but you don't have to get it. You can play the game perfectly fine without. And you can earn just about all of it in game!With that addressed it's time to talk about the frame ride, it dips a lot, particually in crowded area's like the main city. For me on console it's been easy enough to ignore ... MoreFrom what I have really enjoyed what I've played. I'm still working my way through the game but the world is huge and fun to explore. I played the first one and just couldn't get into it. But this one has had it's claws in me from the start.This game won't be for everyone, it's had, it definitely doesn't hold your hand or pull any punches. That said, I think if you are remotely interested in getting lost in a vast fantasy world you have it here. That said the dlc is crap but you don't have to get it. You can play the game perfectly fine without. And you can earn just about all of it in game!With that addressed it's time to talk about the frame ride, it dips a lot, particually in crowded area's like the main city. For me on console it's been easy enough to ignore or power through. I've heard worse about the pc so I recommend sticking with console.

The game is easy to get lost in but not without fl

I was very excited for this game, watching multiple reviews; i thought i know how the game would play. The Pawns get repetitive very quickly, maybe 30 mins in I heard the same line five times.The combat can seem very easy depending on which vocation (class) you have. I chose archer and if I get hit by anything I seem to get in a stun lock and i'm very vulnerable. But my Warrior pawn is a TANK; so its all about party variety.If you like games that just say explore this game is for you, but get ready to back track 5-20 mins bevause the map will lead you to a dead end even though via map its clear. This is the most infuriating part of the game. For example geting to the nameless village, though when exploring a little, seems impossible. There were guides the 1st day ... MoreI was very excited for this game, watching multiple reviews; i thought i know how the game would play. The Pawns get repetitive very quickly, maybe 30 mins in I heard the same line five times.The combat can seem very easy depending on which vocation (class) you have. I chose archer and if I get hit by anything I seem to get in a stun lock and i'm very vulnerable. But my Warrior pawn is a TANK; so its all about party variety.If you like games that just say explore this game is for you, but get ready to back track 5-20 mins bevause the map will lead you to a dead end even though via map its clear. This is the most infuriating part of the game. For example geting to the nameless village, though when exploring a little, seems impossible. There were guides the 1st day the game came out on how to get there. This happened multiplw times, whwre map would say go here but blocked.The second most infuriating part of the game is the guards. OH MY GOD are they absolutely horrible. When doing a quest, when trying to talk with someone I accidentally ran into them causing 7 guards to attack me. The talk button is the run button, no clue on who thought that was smart. This attack had also forefited the quest I was doing til maybe the next week, honestly dont know in game says the event isnt avaiable anymore, so thats fun.I have approx 12 hours in and I havent even completed the first major quest in the main city yet, there is like 7 parts to the quest.