According to one reader, the best game of the past six months is Capcom’s AI-driven cooperative action game Dragon’s Dogma 2.
I read with interest GC’s article this week, about their favorite 20 games of the year so far. It was an inspiring list, because I didn’t really think there were that many good games, but once you start counting, there are actually a lot. Of course, I haven’t played them all, but it seemed like a good list that I couldn’t really argue with, except in one case: Dragon’s Dogma 2 didn’t make the number one spot.
That’s no surprise, because their review didn’t give it that high a rating and I got the impression they weren’t that enthusiastic about the original either. That’s fine, I know a lot of people who don’t see much in it, but for me it’s one of my favorite games ever. I’ll try to explain why I think that, but part of the answer is that sometimes a game just fits you and there’s a part of the appeal that you just can’t explain.
For those unfamiliar with the game, it’s an action role-playing game that isn’t far removed from something like Elden Ring or Skyrim, except with a more specifically medieval setting, especially in terms of the fantasy creatures that have old-school versions of things like griffins and cyclops. I really like the aesthetics, especially the really beautiful landscapes and forests, which look like they would be a great place to have a picnic… if it weren’t for all those monsters.
The big gimmick of the game is that you have three ‘pawns’ that follow you around and help you, which works like AI human co-op players. It often surprises some people that there are no real co-op options, but that’s ignoring the best feature of the game. My problem with playing with real people in something like this is that they never take it seriously. Or at least never act like the game is real to them.
By that I mean that, as far as the pawns are concerned, they are fighting for their lives and trying to defeat evil. Play with a human and they’re just as likely to run off and do their own thing, or start chatting about last night’s game, as they are to play the game properly. I don’t want to come across as anti-social, but playing with AI is much more immersive and reliable than with real humans.
I love a good co-op or PvP shooter, but when it comes to something that’s more of a serious adventure, I find the pawns work perfectly. They talk to you (in character) like real people, they help outside of battle by spotting things you need and giving advice, and they help each other too, which makes you feel like a real team.
The whole game has a great sandbox vibe, with a lot of emergent gameplay, which feels both a bit old-fashioned – because most games don’t really have that anymore – and sort of next-gen style, as you can use your items in unexpected ways and you can move through the landscape, a bit like in Zelda: Breath Of The Wild.
The classes are also very varied and customizable, allowing you to upgrade both your character and pawns in great detail, which I find very satisfying. You have control over everything and there is no right or wrong way to do anything, which I really appreciate. It’s like an easier Elden Ring crossed with Zelda and a party-based roleplayer.
Apparently it’s not for everyone (none of my friends seem to have even heard of it), but I love it. Not only is it my favorite game of the year so far, it’s in my top five of all time, if not number one.
By reader Lemmy
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