The sequel to Capcom’sDragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen,Dragon’s Dogma 2,has been an undeniable triumph, providing an enjoyable actionRPGadventure for all to enjoy. A leap toward the popular RE Engine means greater visuals, mechanics, and more, just as it has done with theResident Evilfranchise recently. A move toward the REX Engine for future titles may be able to take these elements a step further.
While this is the case, there are a plethora of pivotal aspects withinDragon’s Dogma 2’s gameplay, customization, and more that require major adjustments, to see it reach its full potential and stand above its beloved predecessor and the Bitterblack Isle DLC.
6New Enemy Types
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Consists Of Very Few Enemy Types Throughout
A point of contention among fans of the series regardingDragon’s Dogma 2, was its very low enemy variety. Many of the enemies present within the 2023 title are the same as those inDragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen, with very few new additions.
Other popular and critically acclaimed RPG titles such asElden Ring, maintain high levels of praise, and this is most certainly down to the high level of enemy variety. Ensuring a potentialDragon’s Dogma 2DLC introduces new enemy types, will not only provide players with what they’ve anticipated since the game’s initial reveal but will encourage them to use different tactics or vocations to tackle situations differently.
5Returning DDDA Vocations/Magick Archer Daggers
Mystic Knight Was Featured In Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen
WhileDragon’s Dogma 2managed to add some brand-new vocations in Trickster, Mystic Spearhand, andWarfarer, it can be denied that many wished for more in this department. This is especially the case since Mystic Knight was not included, which was highly regarded in the game’s predecessor, and has seemingly been replaced by Mystic Spearhand this time around.
It was also disappointing for fans to see that Magick Archer was making a return, but only with the ability to use a magick bow, unlike before, which allowed players to use daggers simultaneously. While the Warfarer vocation can allow players to switch between armor, weapons, and vocations with one button, it isn’t the same as using Magick Archer alone due to the lower base stats.
If Capcom can bring Mystic Knight back and adjust the Magick Archer vocation, then it will prove to be highly beneficial in terms of player feedback.
4Adjustment To Enemy Encounter Frequency
Enemies Encounters Occur Right After Boss Battles Consistently
Considering the aforementioned issues with enemy variety inDragon’s Dogma 2, the frequency of enemy encounters during traversal stands as a big issue for many. The lack ofenemy varietybecomes far more apparent, as there is almost always a group of enemies waiting to attack players and their pawns, which can be bandits, goblins, wolves, or harpies.
While this was part of the charm of the first title and is a great way for Capcom developers to stop traversal being tedious, it appears to be a point of frustration here. With a future DLC, Capcom developers should not only introduce new enemies, but also adjust the frequency of enemy spawns, and give players some time before diving into the next battle.
3Transmog
Dark Arisen Gave Players The Option For Clothing Alongside Armor
Whiletransmogwasn’t included in the originalDragon’s DogmaorDark Arisenreleases, it still gave players the option of basic clothing besides chosen armor sets. During the build-up toDragon’s Dogma 2’s release, many fans had anticipated that transmog and outfits would play a huge part in the sequel’s character customization, which unfortunately is not the case.
The Warfarer vocation does allow players to use any armor set or weapon of their choosing without any restrictions, but this does not include transmog. With this in mind, a simple addition of transmog that allows players to choose any armor set with the appearance of another will give players their long-awaited customization freedom.
2Reduce Pawn Chatter
Players Can Mute Pawns Completely In The Game’s Settings
Despite the drastic improvements that have been made to AI, specificallypawns inDragon’s Dogma 2compared to its predecessor, the dialogue seems way too frequent and repetitive here. While players can easily stop this entirely via an option in settings, it would suffice if there was an option to reduce the frequency of pawn chatter.
While there are several different personalities for pawns which result in different lines of dialogue and behaviors, the variation can sometimes be lacking after hearing similar lines repeated. This can range from pawns directing players, suggesting certain routes to destinations, or simply pointing out an undiscovered location. In a DLC or future overhaul update, the option to reduce pawn chatter may significantly change the in-game experience, giving players more options.
1More Pawn Voice Lines/Improve Pawns Forced Introductions
Pawn Voice Lines Can Become Very Repetitive
An alternate option to decreasing the frequency of pawn chatter, would be to implement more voice lines in addition to what is already in the base game. While this is a prerequisite for agreat DLC, especially if there is a new map, this would be the perfect opportunity to build upon what is already present.
It would also change the forced pawn introductions during traversal in a positive manner, making for unique interactions. Since players' Arisen can not speak, this stands as a dealbreaker for increased immersion.
