Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

 PC
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 617 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 462 out of 617
  2. Mixed: 85 out of 617
  3. Negative: 70 out of 617
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  1. DinboNomad2z2
    Jul 5, 2023
    9
    Combats are satisfying and have different types of build that are worth exploring. Creates true action combat DnD feeling with the addition of DLC. I would probably have rated this at 7 or 8 without it.

    Some wishlist for the next game: >introduction of medal golem mechanics much earlier on into the game. >Skill that requires party interaction(exp.Ladder Blade ) to be more snappier and    Combats are satisfying and have different types of build that are worth exploring. Creates true action combat DnD feeling with the addition of DLC. I would probably have rated this at 7 or 8 without it.

    Some wishlist for the next game:
    >introduction of medal golem mechanics much earlier on into the game.
    >Skill that requires party interaction(exp.Ladder Blade ) to be more snappier and rewarding.
    >The stats build up to be noted out of the box- you have to sort of plan ahead to make some the class work. Would have liked more indication of these stats rather than being hidden and realizing it later on into the game.
    >Co-op
    >More end game- Bitter Black isles was best part of the game imo, I felt longing for more randomness as I finished the game. Spawns have these, but the dungeon structure it self does not.    … Expand
  2. JimmieRamone
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    A truly unique experience, combining elements of CRPGs like Elder Scrolls with larger than life enemies that present a number of strategies. Do you target the twenty-foot cyclops' legs to bring it down low enough to strike its vulnerable eye? Do you simply shoot it from afar? Or do you climb its body while your party distracts it, daggers ready? Combine the clever combat with aA truly unique experience, combining elements of CRPGs like Elder Scrolls with larger than life enemies that present a number of strategies. Do you target the twenty-foot cyclops' legs to bring it down low enough to strike its vulnerable eye? Do you simply shoot it from afar? Or do you climb its body while your party distracts it, daggers ready? Combine the clever combat with a surprisingly deep story and you've got one of the most memorable games of all time. Highly recommended.… Expand
  3. gfloresca
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    If you’re looking to try titles such as Elden Ring and Bloodborne, but don’t want the stress of dying and rage-quitting every five seconds, then this game is right up your alley. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a dark-fantasy J-RPG that presents a unique and challenging gameplay for those who are new to the "souls-like" genre. Think of Skyrim and the Witcher mixed with a bit of MonsterIf you’re looking to try titles such as Elden Ring and Bloodborne, but don’t want the stress of dying and rage-quitting every five seconds, then this game is right up your alley. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a dark-fantasy J-RPG that presents a unique and challenging gameplay for those who are new to the "souls-like" genre. Think of Skyrim and the Witcher mixed with a bit of Monster Hunter and Dark Souls. In this game you play as “the Arisen,” a chosen warrior whose heart had been stolen by a ferocious Dragon. Your job is to reclaim what was rightfully yours, and to save the Kingdom of Gransys from the creatures that plague it. As Arisen, you are assigned followers called “pawns” to aid you on your journey. One “main pawn” you can customize and will remain with you throughout the game, as well as two additional pawns that can be borrowed or switched out as you level. These three pawns will act as AI companions and should be tailored according to your fighting style, class vocation, and enemy strategy. Despite being a single-player campaign, the AI pawn system makes it feel like the Arisen is battling alongside other players in an immersive and open–world J-RPG adventure. Though not as difficult as Elden Ring or Bloodborne, keep in mind that Dragons Dogma is still a challenging game. The variety among enemies and bosses will make you rethink how your party is structured and what vocations and skills your pawns should have. Moreover, you must also consider how your pawns should react during battle. Will they charge towards the enemy head on? Or will they stay behind and support? The choice is up to you Arisen, to make these choices before facing any foe. The carefully detailed crafting system paired with the challenging combat makes Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen a must-play for those who like to strategize in the moment, and for those who enjoy climbing on top of monsters and attacking its weak spots.… Expand
  4. VoxLuden
    Jun 26, 2023
    8
    Showing it's age now, Dragon's Dogma still stands as one of my personal favorite JRPG's set with a western, fuedal european aesthetic. There is an enchanting quality to the interactions this game provides, and while the Pawn system is largely limited by the hardware this game was built within, it still makes for a much more living, fluid experience as opposed to the themepark nature youShowing it's age now, Dragon's Dogma still stands as one of my personal favorite JRPG's set with a western, fuedal european aesthetic. There is an enchanting quality to the interactions this game provides, and while the Pawn system is largely limited by the hardware this game was built within, it still makes for a much more living, fluid experience as opposed to the themepark nature you might find in other RPGs of the era.

    Worth playing, even despite it's age, the story is simple but easy to understand. The mechanics, though antequated and a little cumbersome, are extremely rewarding. Enjoy this, if you happen to be waiting for Dragon's Dogma 2.    … Expand
  5. LetsGoPokemonLu
    Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Maybe not for everyone, but if you're able to look past the poor cutscenes and story presentation you'll find that Dragon's Dogma has some of the best gameplay in any ARPG to date. The more I play the game the more I am able to look past its flaws, and at this point it's become one of my all time favorites.

    Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a fun ARPG with a    Maybe not for everyone, but if you're able to look past the poor cutscenes and story presentation you'll find that Dragon's Dogma has some of the best gameplay in any ARPG to date. The more I play the game the more I am able to look past its flaws, and at this point it's become one of my all time favorites.

    Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a fun ARPG with a personality of its own!    … Expand
  6. Lamya
    May 14, 2023
    10
    If you want to buy it, you need a lot of time to really explore the game. It's not a mindless slasher, you will need to acknowledge numerous defeats before you truly become Arisen. But once you prove your indomitable will, the game will reward you with one of the most memorable gaming experiences ever. Highly recommended, if you have the time and determination.
  7. Ki1Lsorrow
    Feb 8, 2023
    10
    Игра - шедевр.

    Интересный сюжет с банальной завязкой ( вы избранный бла-бла ) но по ходу его развития он становится все лучше и лучше, а то и вообще непредсказуемым. Интересная система прокачки которая зависит от того каким классом вы играете. Получая новый уровень ваши характеристики улучшаются но у каждого класса свой прирост характеристик. Играешь воином - получаешь больше прирост    Игра - шедевр.

    Интересный сюжет с банальной завязкой ( вы избранный бла-бла ) но по ходу его развития он становится все лучше и лучше, а то и вообще непредсказуемым.

    Интересная система прокачки которая зависит от того каким классом вы играете. Получая новый уровень ваши характеристики улучшаются но у каждого класса свой прирост характеристик. Играешь воином - получаешь больше прирост к хп. Играешь магом - прирост к магии и т.д. Игра форсит вас менять класс и играть вас не только одним классом - что добавляет разнообразие в игру. Крутая боевка. Второй раз в жизни вижу игру где можно забираться на моба и дамажить его в различные части тела - бьешь голову - станишь противника. Бьешь руку с оружием - противник выбрасывает его. Не говоря уже о файтах с огромными циклопами в DLC. Интересная система лута аля Diablo. Прошел данж и через некоторое время лут и мобы в нем респавнятся заново. Система компаньонов ( пешек ) тоже сделана довольно неплохо. И да если ваши пешки тупят то просто купите зелья которые корректируют их поведение в бою. Много раз видел негатив в сторону того что ИИ пешек тупит. ( А настроить его и разобраться в игре не судьба да? ) Механика пешек сделана очень круто, проходя игру она получает знания о квестах и мобах - учится вместе с вами. Получив много знаний пешка сможет легко помогать людям которые наймут вашу пешку в напарники. Про механику найма и мультиплеер фишки очень долго писать, поэтому не буду. Из-за этого игра не дает ваc вогнать себя в чувство одиночества. Всегда есть ощущение что с вами это путешествие проходит ваш напарник. Различие билдов скиллов и шмота тоже может собой похвастаться. Очень много скиллов шмоток на вкус и цвет и оружия. Коротко говоря - игра шедевральна.

    P.S Ждем вторую часть.    … Expand
  8. nejnej55
    Feb 3, 2023
    9
    The combat is so much fun and the bosses look amazing, I think this game has the best and most fun combat of all RPGs I've ever played. I love that the pawns actually help in game with a lot of different stuff and aren't like npcs in other games. The graphics are very nice. It runs amazing on my gaming laptop, and doesn't make it heat up as much as older and worse looking games do.
  9. MFTN
    Dec 18, 2022
    9
    This is my 2nd favorite RPG. I'm still playing sometimes. I think this game have one of the best combat system. I can't wait for Dragon's Dogma 2
  10. Umbra30
    Dec 2, 2022
    8
    'Neath a faulted sky; cross loamless plains, and watered blight
    Ah! Where gone those days, once Glory shone so bright?
    Fallen 'neath baleful wings dark as night. Ah! A moment give to me Hark! Shall none hear this soul's tale, Of a land, benight? Pitiful man whom death has undone, Leaned upon a broken blade, looks too, skyward. Prithee above (Almighty One) Be this thy word? Cried    'Neath a faulted sky; cross loamless plains, and watered blight
    Ah! Where gone those days, once Glory shone so bright?
    Fallen 'neath baleful wings dark as night.
    Ah! A moment give to me
    Hark! Shall none hear this soul's tale,
    Of a land, benight?

    Pitiful man whom death has undone,
    Leaned upon a broken blade, looks too, skyward.
    Prithee above (Almighty One) Be this thy word?
    Cried out, begged for truth but no answer's sound be heard.
    Yet, now he sees the dragon's dogma,
    Unbound by time; all-binding, grand design.
    Land and skies, and seas yearn,
    Finish the cycle of eternal return.
    Finish the cycle of eternal return.    … Expand
  11. Megelos
    Nov 23, 2022
    8
    Innovative in most ways, combining aspects that succeeded in most games but failed to apply in others (fast travel, traversal, and more).

    The dialogue is not exceptionally good and its not exceptionally bad either, its just... exceptionally bland. Story has a good little twist in the end though.
  12. barbone3
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    I enjoyed playing this multiple times, I already played the Xbox 360 and Xbox one versions however this PC version is where the game truly shines. I wish we got a more complete story, since most of the game was cut out before release, nonetheless I loved the ending and it's esoteric meaning. Gameplay is innovative and bugs are few.
  13. Chaoslegion187
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    If I have to play my RPGs in an action setting, this is the combat I want! No combat in any game has been able to match it since its initial release on PS3.
    Hopefully Capcom answers our prayers for a sequel in 2022!
  14. ProPrist
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    Probably the most entertaining and engaging gameplay I have come across. Amazing detail and choice variety in combat tactics, quest solutions and character development. Finished this game with dlc as every vocation and I am still not tired of it.
  15. undamoth
    Mar 11, 2022
    8
    Performs well on low end pc. Fun combat though at times repetitive due to its structure. World isn't very interesting and the ui is quite clunky. However to the monster slaying was ridiculously radical that it triumphs its flaws. The classes are so distinct and all feel powerful. Dont come for the story
  16. PerunTheGreat
    Dec 5, 2021
    9
    People say "Just try it ", story is not good bla bla bla. Story can be great and not so good ,.If you like classic RPG games you will understand storytelling just don't decide in advance based on what you saw on YT all read anywhere . You won't get real feel of game from videos . Game is very good and deep RPG but intuitive for "light" fans and hard core ones just as same. It is notPeople say "Just try it ", story is not good bla bla bla. Story can be great and not so good ,.If you like classic RPG games you will understand storytelling just don't decide in advance based on what you saw on YT all read anywhere . You won't get real feel of game from videos . Game is very good and deep RPG but intuitive for "light" fans and hard core ones just as same. It is not hard to learn it is impossible not to ,just play and all will fall in to place.
    Review won't tell you lot if you don't spoil to much so i will just say yes , the game IS really good.
    There is more than meet the eye on start but not long before games open up 60-90min .
    Creating character is very good , gender matters, size matters, heights matter like in real life it is not just for eyes . Stats will shift base on what you choose.
    Fighting is fantastic and boss battels are even better.
    Now, game doesn't look best but is not bad more like it could be better . . Something half way from Witcher 2 to Witcher 3 when is on highest setting and it will run with no problem on any gaming PC in 2021 in 60fps even on 2k res.    … Expand
  17. iskenderion
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Damn, there is so much to be said about this game...
    Its absolutely fenomenal.
    unique gameplay
    excellent mechanics
    very enjoyable game
    wondwefullll.    … Expand
  18. 2amazing2much
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    Not only is it the first strand type game, its the only game where I can down a griffon with a two ton slab of iron with the force of a guy named Kyle seeing drywall.
  19. Dovahslayer
    Aug 24, 2020
    9
    Absolutely one of the best if not the best action RPG of all time. The story leaves a lot to be desired, for sure. However, DDDA brings to life amazing combat system, with 9 flexible classes, the best RPG boss battles and great progression. It innovates on many other features like the day and night cycle that actually matters, companion system, and endgame content.
    From its original    Absolutely one of the best if not the best action RPG of all time. The story leaves a lot to be desired, for sure. However, DDDA brings to life amazing combat system, with 9 flexible classes, the best RPG boss battles and great progression. It innovates on many other features like the day and night cycle that actually matters, companion system, and endgame content.
    From its original release in 2012, there still is absolutely no a-RPG that holds a candle to DDDA.
    As for optimization, I don't know what the hell are people talking about. Since the release on GTX 970 & ancient i7-3770, you can get 100+FPS in 1080p. For my target 60FPS, I could mod in a heavy ENB and texture overhaul with no issues (which I recommend btw).
    Please, just get it on a discount and play it. You can thank me later.    … Expand
  20. kankanbow
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    One of the best game i had ever played, hope capcom will give us a sequel in the near future
  21. acoolguy
    May 11, 2020
    9
    Maybe not for everyone, but if you're able to look past the poor cutscenes and story presentation you'll find that Dragon's Dogma has some of the best gameplay in any ARPG to date.

    Pros: +Fantastic character creator +Unique pawn party system +Deep and varied combat mechanics +Extremely satisfying boss monsters to fight +Great soundtrack +Immersive dungeons littered throughout the    Maybe not for everyone, but if you're able to look past the poor cutscenes and story presentation you'll find that Dragon's Dogma has some of the best gameplay in any ARPG to date.

    Pros:
    +Fantastic character creator
    +Unique pawn party system
    +Deep and varied combat mechanics
    +Extremely satisfying boss monsters to fight
    +Great soundtrack
    +Immersive dungeons littered throughout the world
    +A surprisingly interesting conclusion
    +Great sense of adventure, with enemies that actually feel threatening

    Cons:
    -Cutscene direction is mostly pretty abysmal
    -Characters look ugly
    -Story is generic fantasy fare for the most part
    -Pawns talk a lot

    The more I play the game the more I am able to look past its flaws, and at this point it's become one of my all time favorites. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a fun ARPG with a personality of its own.    … Expand
  22. ChesterField
    May 10, 2020
    8
    Really nice action RPG but i think a little inferior to his competence like dragon age inquisition.
  23. ClarkKunt
    Apr 7, 2020
    9
    Awesome RPG, amazing boss battles and combat overall. It is a true gem... but story sucks hard, entire main story is a side quest.
  24. Geralt123
    Feb 22, 2020
    9
    Why is this game so good? Because it was made WITH LOVE! One can feel it. This is not your standard mainstream action game, this is a hdden gem!

    This game gets good after 20-30 hours. You will learn more and more skills and in combat, you will kick ass! I love the general fantasy atmosphere of this game. It is reallly a good, classic, fantasy action RPG. The immersion is so good and    Why is this game so good? Because it was made WITH LOVE! One can feel it. This is not your standard mainstream action game, this is a hdden gem!

    This game gets good after 20-30 hours. You will learn more and more skills and in combat, you will kick ass!

    I love the general fantasy atmosphere of this game. It is reallly a good, classic, fantasy action RPG. The immersion is so good and the world is so alive.

    The quests range from fetch quests to defeating monsters, finding out information or talking to someone. It is a very good variety.

    Enemy variety could be a little bit better, but it is still good.

    Now the best thing about this game is the combat. While at first I thought: hm...that's all?
    After 20 hours I had learned to many skills (magic, sword) that I thought: UNBELIEVABLE!!! The battles against the big enemies is so epic, I have never seen something like this before.

    Imagine fighting a giant Chimera at night, everything black except the shine of your little lamp. Shadows racing. Epic music. Powerful magic spells that let rain ice or fire from the sky. It is so great!

    Another good thing about DDDA is the music. The soundtrack is 4 hours long. The music during combat, in the city or while exploring the world is so f*cking good, I just love it.

    What I don't like is the menu, but you will get used to it.

    Story is good, it is very mysterious. But this game is not only about the main story. It is also about the endless side quests (must be more than 100), the epic combat and exploration of the beautiful world.

    Graphics are a little outdated, but I don't care about it because they are so neatly done. For example, there is an old witchwood with big trees, rivers, healing sources, big gray mountains. World is designed with love.

    I recommend this to everyone who loves RPGs. This is a mixture of Witcher, Dark Souls and Monster Hunter. But it is a game with a very unique style of its own.    … Expand
  25. jld89
    Dec 31, 2019
    10
    Great combat mechanics, the story is good and engaging, the quests are diverse. The pawn AI could be smarter but what can you expect from a game of 2012? Very good game!
  26. miaumelon
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    So close to be a perfect game, the story is so good and the gameplay is perfect. This version fixed all the framerate and resolution problems in the PS3 version. One of my favorite games of all time.
  27. Luka1998010
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Damn, there is so much to be said about this game...
    Its absolutely fenomenal !
    I love everything about it, it really has something in it that keeps me from leaving it alone.
  28. Orvar83
    Jun 5, 2019
    8
    It's an ambitious game for it's time, interesting world, amazing combat, and innovative indirect multiplayer, deep, satisfying gameplay. Visuals and lack of polish, are probably it's biggest flaw. I would love to see another entry in the franchise, this time with a larger story, better visuals, and refined gameplay.
  29. Mindspawn
    May 21, 2019
    10
    No fanboy of this game, but if you're going to do reviews on here don't have a potato of a PC saying this game isn't optimized or give it a bad review based on the keyboard controls games like this should be played with a controller. I usually use a keyboard myself, but some of you nerds wont go out and buy a gamepad and then give the game a bad review? But yeah going back to optimizationNo fanboy of this game, but if you're going to do reviews on here don't have a potato of a PC saying this game isn't optimized or give it a bad review based on the keyboard controls games like this should be played with a controller. I usually use a keyboard myself, but some of you nerds wont go out and buy a gamepad and then give the game a bad review? But yeah going back to optimization I have no clue how this played on release, but it runs fine long at you have a I7 4790k or anything better. Also some of you need to play the game more yeah the Pawns at first have no personality at first but when they learn locations and you walk around more they'll talk more. Going by some of the bad reviews doesn't look like a lot of people took any effort in playing the game more than a few hours before judging it.… Expand
  30. Kunray
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    Actually a very decent game.
    The fighting, however, feels fantastic and rewarding while you're bringing down giants.
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Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best PC Game of 2016
36
#36 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
68
#68 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. IGN Denmark
    Apr 6, 2016
    90
    An underdog of the role-playing scene in 2010, now available in an even prettier version.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Mar 30, 2016
    90
    All Dragon’s Dogma’s drawbacks (i.e. repetitive quests, occasional boring backtracking, poor checkpoint system) become irrelevant when you focus on what this game does well (i.e. truly impressive combat), because it does it better than any other action RPG. [03/2016, p.36]
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Mar 24, 2016
    80
    The story is trite but the action, Pawn system and inclusion of DLC made Dragon's Dogma: DA a very compelling purchase. [Issue#248, p.64]
See all critic reviews »