Recent reviews by [Countess]Vol†z

Update:
F. Sony, and good to see a actual democratic voice given be heard and then actualized. It was the principle that mattered. Remember to read before you buy, hold publishers, and community managers accountable. Have fun.

--------------------
First off, it's been stated since launch that having a PSN account was mandatory.
The big problem here is that it was not implemented the day it was released. I don't know who on the marketing/publishing team thought that was okay, surprise it is not. Is Playstation 100% accountable, no. Most customers usually don't read the yellow boxed requirements on the store page. I wondered why I didn't have to link my accounts when I bought it. Why a skip button when it's "required."
They should of had an announcement day one.
This feels pretty predatory, since a lot of players 100+ hours in can not refund.

What a stupid thing to do to a really good game.

Disclaimer;
Because of the npc density in certain areas frame rate may tank. As of current state, April 2024, the game is still poorly optimized. If you really care about fps or concerned your hardware might struggle, I would put off buying this game until that issue is addressed in later updates.
Regarding the micro transactions, they should not exist. It was stupid of Capcom to even include them no matter how harmless or insignificant they might be. Compared to other Capcom titles, the mtx in Dogma 2 are the most inoffensive and asinine. The backlash was deserved. A lot of the misinformation and blatant lies against this game could have been avoided.
As for the lies being spread, all the items offered as mtx are obtainable in game with almost no effort. You'll earn enough RisftCrystals that by the end of the game you won't have anything to spend them on. Pawns are 100% free to hire when they match your level or lower. If you want a higher level pawn, which will make your game easier, it will cost you. Or you can lvl up to get them for free. Character edit vouchers are purchasable by a NPC in game for cheap. The one Port Crystal is the only mtx that is questionably unfair, but by the end of the game you'll have plenty for free. All the mtx are one time purchases as well.

------------------------------------------------


If I can summarize my feelings about this game, its that I love Dragon's Dogma 2. Yet it left me with a hollow desire for more than what I got. And that I love both the first game and this sequel for different reasons. This series hits such a specific type of enjoyment in my goblin brain that I spend hours upon hours playing at a time. It's really hard to put down. The graphical update of the new RE engine has made the experience delightfully gorgeous. (Although the photo mode is once again weak.)
I would not call Dogma 2 a direct remake of the first like a significant amount of older fans are expressing, it is more akin to a soft reboot. Some of the issues that plagued the first game are unfortunately back, in addition to new problems as well.


+ Fantastic Open World Exploration.
My biggest complaint with the first game was how flat the map felt, and how empty the environments looked. I just felt no motivation to roam off the main roads. Dogma 2 does not have that problem at all. I found myself sifting through every part of the map for hidden secrets. Finding new ways to traverse the environment and being rewarded for it. The realism of the caves blew me away. There's 3 different unique area environments that are wonderfully distinct. Its absolutely my favorite iteration of a open world I've ever experienced.

+ Combat and Class/Vocations.
Dogma 2 much like the first game makes combat a special kind of satisfying. The weight physics, and intentional clunk of the combat is addicting and something extremely unique to this series. It can really be a sand box, such as utilizing the environment. Throw objects and even allies at the monsters, trip up big monsters and make them slam face first into a cliff, and even make platforms to make a vaulting attack. Not every game needs to have a dodge roll or a parry for every class. There's a distinct emphasis on attack commitment and situational awareness. The climbing mechanic is back and improved. It does still has some of its issues like directional control. The new Vocations (classes) , Mystic Spearhand, Trickster and Warfarer are fun and distinct from one another. There's sadly a Mystic Knight shape hole. RIP. Also the older vocations got some needed updates. Although, Sorcerer and Mage got gutted a bit spell wise.

+ Pawns ;O
I love them. The pawn system is something I have yet seen in any other game even over a decade later. They learn as you play, and learn from the players they travel with. They improved this system with pawn quests, where you earn items by completing player set objectives. It's this proxy multiplayer mechanic. I hired both pawns from my friends, and it was like I was playing along side them in a way. You can really get attached to them. like children. I also don't mind their mindless repetition of voice lines, quite opposite, its always been apart of the charm. Creating meme-able moments of randomly saying "Wolves hunt in packs" in chat and get a reply of "Even in numbers, a weakling is a weakling still" back from friends or fans. The AI can be a bit jank but it is very much updated compared to the first game. I found myself less likely having to break focus to spam revives on my pawns during intense combat.
There's also a special secret mechanic regarding pawns that has caused so much paranoia in the community. I simply love it, but it likely has been spoiled pretty fast due to the sheer hysteria around it. More of this please Capcom.

- Story and Side Quests
It's a let down. It starts out strong, many have compared it to Game of thrones. And similarly to season 8 of Thrones, the plot flounders and fizzles pathetically. Dogma 1 didn't really have much of a story either, but it was serviceable and arguably better than DD2. People can say that the story is not the main point to DD, which I would agree since it did not hurt my own experience, but a good story would have only experienced that experience. They tried to improve the romance mechanic by adding 2 romance side quests, but both lack luster and feel shallow. Does not really matter much since you can still make your beloved any character in the game. Most mid to late game's side quests are sparse or feel rushed.
The majority of NPCs are cardboard bland. There's a glimmer of character development in some of the quest lines, its a shame there isn't many. Some of the interactions or behaviors are immersion breaking. One can waltz into the palace, kidnap the Empress Regent (who hates you btw) and walk out with 0 guard interference and 0 consequence. A attempt was made at a stealth mission.

- Dungeon and Monster Variety
In the first game having to fight my 30+ gang of goblins to get to Blood water beach in south west Gransys would get tiring quick. Dogma 2 does a better job at enemy distribution. Yet, the lack of boss monsters especially in late game is disappointing. No Evil Eye, no Cockatrice, not even a hydra. Some boss monsters you only encounter once and in a single area. Having to wait days for them to respawn can dispel the immersion.
Most dungeons lack depth. I REALLY do love the sheer amount of dungeons, but the curse of quantity over quality kicks in. They all are the same, a cave likely filled with only small monsters and rather short. I would suggest adding dungeons like another castle/fort in ruin, a large abandoned mansion, or another grave yard in the south. There was one dungeon in the beginning of the game that had two big boss monsters in it, unfortunately it was the only one of its kind. If they put at least five of those around the map it would have helped a lot.

- Late Game too EZ
Compared to the Everfall in Dogma 1 the late game of Dogma 2 is garbage. Basically, there is no late game. Parts of the plot events come out of no where with 0 explanation or sense. Not forgetting the game literally will try to force you out after 10 in game days. Your better off rushing to the end and starting a NG+ than wasting time on exploring the final act.
This game NEEDS a hard mode, by lvl 40 you are basically unkillable unless you hamper yourself deliberately, or are not paying attention. NG+ does not scale either. I hoped they learned from the first game. Spoiler: They did not.

------------------------------------------------


I am personally looking forward to a DLC expansion similar and/or more than what we got with Dark Arisen and BitterBlack Isle. I'd happily spend 100+ more hours with new content, and a hard mode.

Brings back memories from my after school days playing this on a ipod.
I bought every chapter and loved every second of it.
I would 100% recommend this remaster, the unique art is up-scaled to HD and looks so crisp. The music is still fantastic! The story is thrilling and the puzzles are great. For the best experience play this on the Steam Deck, the touch screen of the Deck gives a much more authentic feel. Get engrossed in some of the best character writing in puzzle game history.

Got mauled and tossed by a giant eyeless dog first day on the job.
But the medical leave is covered.

I came for a party game, but all I got was team death match.

(Played beta, it was amazing fun. EA is a unbalanced mess, low player count. Wait till it's out of Early Access.)

Vampire, he bite me.

Nostalgia, it's worth it.

Ever since I was a young lady I always wanted to be apart of the TV Ghost Hunters crew.
This game made me realize that I am a massive frightened adult woman.
Thanks for letting me live my dream.

Edit;
Don't play with friends that read fan-fiction smut over the mic during a hunt.

Anime vampires meets Dark Souls/Bloodborne meets Devil May Cry 5.
I can point down.
10/10

Classic like a candy bar.