Re: Dragon's Dogma 2...
It's a slow-burn of a game, for sure (as was the original). I'm probably dozens of hours in, and I'm still in that, "I think I'm just about to decide whether I like it" frame of mind. As of setting down the controller down last night, I think I can say... yes, I do. But either way, personal preference aside, I think it's a very good, very impressive title.
I'm not having any issues with frame rate on PS5 - not even in the capital city. I don't know which platforms are causing the most complaints. Apart from lighting and facial features during dialog (which can be a little too reminiscent of Skyrim), the game is
very pretty. I have my issues with actual gameplay (which of course I'll get to LOL), but performance wouldn't even have occurred to me.
As for micro-transactions... it boils down to two questions:
1. Do they compromise immersion? Well, put it this way: I've been playing the game for hours and hours, and I literally couldn't tell you
how to make a micro-transaction purchase. I assume it was some main menu item I ignored because (shocker) my intention was to Start Game. Based on what I've read online, MTXs allow you to purchase fast travel items, and I'll admit I'd like more of those. But this comes back around to the previous point about "a slow-burn of a game".
2. Do they reveal the developer/ publisher as being greedy scumbags? Well, realistically, no one is developing AAA games in hopes of
not turning a profit. As to whether there's a viable business model in charging a one-time retail price and leaving well enough alone, I'll let the accountants decide. (I'm too busy playing video games.) As the consumer, it comes down to this: I dropped $70 and closed my wallet. Do I regret the purchase or not? Believe me, at the now-standard $70, I almost
always experience buyer's remorse. This time, FWIW, I don't.
Pros: tons of character and equipment customization, an incredibly convincing sense of running around a fascinating world "adventuring" (i.e. exactly the "some day" game I imagined as a young RPG enthusiast), and an uncanny impression of "pawns" and other NPCs trying to help you and one another.
Cons: a sometimes overwrought "workflow" experience as you try to hire and fire pawns and manage their inventories along the way. Confusing (to me) UI navigating between maps and quest objectives. Super vague combat with no lock-on and a floaty camera. (My inevitable, "I wish they'd just cribbed Dark Souls here" complaint), a zillion anti-climactic chests that are almost certainly more valuable than their contents LOL.
tl;dr - Can't wait to get back to it. :)
You said earlier that you really loved the original, right? (Or am I confusing you with someone else? Perhaps @Devin.) Did that one have lock on during combat? How does the art style/ gameplay differ in the sequel, versus the original, as to put you off?
