After over a decade of anticipation, Dragon's Dogma 2 has finally been released, and it has been well received by fantasy RPG enthusiasts. Despite some controversy surrounding its microtransactions, the game itself has proven to be a thrilling experience. The world crafted by Capcom and the narrative of Dragon's Dogma 2 have captivated players, potentially setting a high standard for future fantasy RPGs.
With several fantasy RPGs like Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Avowed on the horizon, fans have much to look forward to in the genre. However, Dragon's Dogma 2 might have raised the bar significantly for what is to come. If other studios fail to meet this new standard, their projects could easily be overshadowed by Capcom's latest offering. This scenario may not impact their sales directly, but it does imply that they will need to prove themselves as their launch dates approach.
Dragon's Dogma 2: Shaping the Future of Fantasy RPGs
Dragon's Dogma 2: A Game Done Right
From the moment Dragon's Dogma 2 was announced, RPG enthusiasts were eager to see Capcom's delivery. The original game had gained a devoted following due to its open-world gameplay, creating high expectations for a return to that universe. Fortunately, Capcom seems to have met all expectations with this highly anticipated sequel.
Dragon's Dogma 2 appears to refine and enhance the strengths of its predecessor. The open world feels incredibly realistic, thanks to its emergent gameplay, the character classes offer enjoyable gameplay variety, and the Pawn system introduces a unique companion mechanic. Despite some rough edges, particularly in combat mechanics, the game compensates with its other features. These aspects combine to establish one of the most captivating modern RPGs that fans may find hard to step away from.
Future Fantasy RPGs Facing a Challenge
While the success of Dragon's Dogma 2 after a long wait is gratifying, it also places upcoming fantasy RPGs in a challenging position. Titles like Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, Fable 4, and The Elder Scrolls 6 have generated immense anticipation, given the considerable time since players last explored those worlds. This level of hype could harm these games significantly if they fail to meet expectations, much like the impact of Dragon's Dogma 2. If the core gameplay or open-world experiences do not match the new standard set, they may not receive the same level of acclaim.
One RPG that could face the greatest impact is Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming Avowed. Although technically linked to the Pillars of Eternity series, it offers a fresh experience in its unique world approach. Consequently, it needs to demonstrate why it is worth players' attention, lacking the established fan base of Dragon Age or The Elder Scrolls. Moreover, it must now compete with the looming shadow of Dragon's Dogma 2 if it maintains its planned release in 2024, a challenge given the immersive world crafted by Capcom.
The upcoming lineup of fantasy RPGs holds promise, with many expected to be hits upon release. Nonetheless, Dragon's Dogma 2 has showcased the essence of a grand open-world RPG in 2024. If these upcoming titles fail to deliver comparable experiences, they risk fading from memory as time progresses.