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. Trieuduong649
    Sep 1, 2023
    2
    -pros: nearly as wide as skyrim, the combat system is still better than some current games (better than puzzle/card/RTS/FPS/2D/Horror games), detailed character design .Great menu soundtrack, there are 9 vocations to choose ( 3 vocations early game)
    -Now let's get to the cons: the stupid Pawn Ai system that always repeats crazy-sounding statements, the world design has no depth, the    -pros: nearly as wide as skyrim, the combat system is still better than some current games (better than puzzle/card/RTS/FPS/2D/Horror games), detailed character design .Great menu soundtrack, there are 9 vocations to choose ( 3 vocations early game)
    -Now let's get to the cons: the stupid Pawn Ai system that always repeats crazy-sounding statements, the world design has no depth, the graphics look pretty boring in the Dark Arisen remaster almost no any lighting effects have changed in this remaster, (compared to other games of the same year), only a single save file npc design has no depth, plot is crap, it's almost impossible to tell which is side quest where is the main mission, there are no mounts or horses to go around the map even though the game map is very large and when traveling in short enough time your character will get tired and have to wait for recovery to be able to continue running . Enemies spawn in the same place, the game has too few enemies, just fighting monsters is usually boring except for bosses. Characters lip-talk when talking, it doesn't match at all, don't buy this **** game    … Expand
  2. Le_Korvo
    Aug 22, 2023
    7
    Dragon's Dogma é um RPG de certa forma difícil de começar porem surpreende positivamente ao longo das horas de gameplay, comecei através de uma recomendação de um amigo e gostei bastante do jogo mesmo sendo datado.

    Gameplay: O jogo tem uma mecanica relativamente simples, é um jogo de ação com 6 skills por classe (exceto warrior) dependendo das armas, o que mais surpreende é a variedade    Dragon's Dogma é um RPG de certa forma difícil de começar porem surpreende positivamente ao longo das horas de gameplay, comecei através de uma recomendação de um amigo e gostei bastante do jogo mesmo sendo datado.

    Gameplay: O jogo tem uma mecanica relativamente simples, é um jogo de ação com 6 skills por classe (exceto warrior) dependendo das armas, o que mais surpreende é a variedade de animações como por exemplo de escalar inimigos, porem, aqui os problemas aparecem, o jogo falta muitas funções de qualidade de vida, o uso excessivo de menus e certas burocracias desnecessárias das quests (como por exemplo as quests tem um tempo especifico para serem concluídas, caso você não conclua a tempo ou progrida na main quest ela acaba falhando).

    História: A história surpreende pois no inicio é relativamente mais simples que o normal, e acaba se desenvolvendo nas entrelinhas até uma conclusão incrível no pós-jogo (sem spoilers aqui), o ponto negativo seria o fato que se você considerar apenas a main quest o jogo acaba ficando curto e sem muito conteúdo.

    Trilha Sonora: Nesse ponto não tem muito a ser comentado, a trilha é ok, sem muitos momentos que ficam na cabeça porem em nenhum ponto chega a ser ruim.

    Gráficos/Arte Visual: Os gráficos se mantiveram muito bem ao longo do tempo, mesmo ficando evidente as limitações da época o jogo ainda possui um visual agradável para os parâmetros de hoje.

    07/10 - Um bom jogo que vale a pena ser jogado caso você goste de RPGs, ele é curto então não é um grande esforço, me surpreendeu positivamente e no futuro irei jogar o NG+ junto com a DLC.    … Expand
  3. PenetratorGod
    Aug 20, 2023
    6
    The game's action takes place in an open fantasy world filled with various mythical creatures such as dragons, griffons, hydras and harpies. The main story begins with the attack of a powerful dragon on the town where the protagonist lives. It turns out that the monster in question is the cause of the attack on the hero's village, which he calls "the chosen one". The dragon rips out theThe game's action takes place in an open fantasy world filled with various mythical creatures such as dragons, griffons, hydras and harpies. The main story begins with the attack of a powerful dragon on the town where the protagonist lives. It turns out that the monster in question is the cause of the attack on the hero's village, which he calls "the chosen one". The dragon rips out the main protagonist's heart, but the chosen one somehow comes back to life and it becomes his new mission to reveal the truth about his identity and kill the dragon.

    Apart from the main campaign from the original game, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen offers an additional series of adventures in an entirely new location, the cursed island of Bitterblack. It allows us to explore the vast underworld inhabited by 25 new types of enemies. In addition to a series of original quests, the game also adds a third character skill and numerous new ways to upgrade equipment and inventory.

    When it comes to mechanics, Dragon's Dogma is a dynamic action RPG that offers an incredibly complex arcade battle system with amazing magic. One of its characteristic features is the ability to climb on the backs of our larger enemies and target their body parts. To start with, we can create our own hero by choosing one of the available classes, whose gender and playstyle will largely determine our gameplay. We are accompanied in the game by other side characters created by the players, who provide valuable information in some story missions.

    Compared to 2012's version, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen brings a number of minor changes to the gameplay. The developers have improved the game's mechanics in general, including the user interface and the fast-travel system, and added numerous improvements that affect the overall gameplay experience. Importantly, these apply to both the new adventure and the original story campaign. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a game developed with the single player in mind and does not offer a multiplayer mode. However, players can participate in special online adventures. The game has an average of 50-100 hours of gameplay with side content.    … Expand
  4. imalynxcat
    Jul 26, 2023
    7
    Oyun hala oynanabiliyor ve 5 6 saat beni eğlendirdi. Ama seslerdeki hatalar ve özellikle görev sistemi beni oyundan soğuttu.
  5. Dovahkiin314
    Jul 8, 2023
    4
    I really wanted to enjoy this game just because of the combat, but the game direction, leveling, and quest systems were infuriating and ruined the experience for me completely. I couldn't figured out how to actually get my character stronger, because even after getting what I thought was good gear and skills, I still seemed to do only average amounts of damage in combat. Game would beI really wanted to enjoy this game just because of the combat, but the game direction, leveling, and quest systems were infuriating and ruined the experience for me completely. I couldn't figured out how to actually get my character stronger, because even after getting what I thought was good gear and skills, I still seemed to do only average amounts of damage in combat. Game would be better for me if they just had a better progression, leveling, and gear system… Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Gramps
    Mar 16, 2023
    5
    Not fully sure how this game is getting so much praise. From the pure RPG aspect, it's not really good, especially compared to something like Witcher 3, Gothic 2, Divinity Original Sin 2, etc.

    Dialogue, characters, world design, colors, quests - all pretty bland, boring and forgettable. Thing that carries this game is the soundtrack and combat, and I would argue that even combat is    Not fully sure how this game is getting so much praise. From the pure RPG aspect, it's not really good, especially compared to something like Witcher 3, Gothic 2, Divinity Original Sin 2, etc.

    Dialogue, characters, world design, colors, quests - all pretty bland, boring and forgettable.

    Thing that carries this game is the soundtrack and combat, and I would argue that even combat is not that good because most of enemies are just bullet sponges, especially in "post-game" where it's not hard but just time consuming / boring where you hit enemy for 15+ minutes (at times it feels like I am playing offline MMORPG..)

    All in all, the game is OK, nothing special and I believe it's overrated.    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. ErayTellezi
    Aug 24, 2022
    7
    Fighter olarak oynadım, yanıma da iki büyücü bir okçu veya savaşçı aldım. Combat'ı dönemine göre iyi, birden farklı şekilde saldırabiliyorsunuz. Düşmanlar biraz mal, bazen bir süre saldırmıyorlar falan. Bazı boss savaşları epey zorlayıcı ve keyif verici. Bazı dev düşmanlarının üstüne tırmanma mekaniği oynanışa derinlik katmış.

    Yardımcılarımız çok zeki. Zamanla bir boss'a nasıl    Fighter olarak oynadım, yanıma da iki büyücü bir okçu veya savaşçı aldım. Combat'ı dönemine göre iyi, birden farklı şekilde saldırabiliyorsunuz. Düşmanlar biraz mal, bazen bir süre saldırmıyorlar falan. Bazı boss savaşları epey zorlayıcı ve keyif verici. Bazı dev düşmanlarının üstüne tırmanma mekaniği oynanışa derinlik katmış.

    Yardımcılarımız çok zeki. Zamanla bir boss'a nasıl saldırmaları gerektiğini öğreniyorlar, bize yol gösteriyorlar. Etrafta toplanabilir şeyleri topluyorlar. Agresif veya korumacı nasıl davranması gerektiğini siz belirliyorsunuz.

    Hikayesi meh işte, bin defa gördüğümüz seçilmiş kişi. Dük'ün hikayesi ilginçti.

    Oyunda bildiğimiz anlamda fast travel olmaması çok can sıkıyor. Bir açık dünya oyunu için garabet bir karar. Aynı yerleri farklı görevler için defalarca geçip duruyorsunuz. Daha önce öldürdüğünüz düşmanlar aynı yerlerde tekrar tekrar karşınıza çıkıyor. Hele bir de gece seyahat ederseniz Allah yardımcınız olsun, adım başı düşman çıkıyor. Hayır Dying Light gibi kendi içinde bir mantığı veya zorlayıcılığı olsa amenna. Sadece sinir bozucu.

    Görev sistemi salakça. Görev gereği birisiyle konuşacaksınız mesela, herif ortaya çıkmıyor, bir türlü haritada görünmüyor. Belli bir saatte ortaya çıkıyor falan. Birader bunla mı uğraşacağız hakikaten?

    Oyunda seçimler var ama nasıl yapılacağı çok belli belirsiz. Eyleme geçmek veya geçmemek şeklinde kurgulanmış.

    Sonuçta denildiği gibi her rpg severin oynaması gereken bir oyun değil bence. Vasat. Şu zamanda gideri var mı, emin değilim.    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. aeroslimshady
    Jul 28, 2022
    4
    Interesting ideas, poor execution. Trying to play this "game" made me want to fall asleep.
  21. Timenick
    Jun 29, 2022
    3
    Some of the gameplay systems are cool but overall this is a horribly designed game and chore to play. Super clunky, non existent story, no good quests, terrible menus, lots of missing qol features that absolutely should be in the game.

    Don´t waste your time on this. If you played Elden Ring or Skyrim and want another huge open world rpg with dragons just play them again. Because these    Some of the gameplay systems are cool but overall this is a horribly designed game and chore to play. Super clunky, non existent story, no good quests, terrible menus, lots of missing qol features that absolutely should be in the game.

    Don´t waste your time on this. If you played Elden Ring or Skyrim and want another huge open world rpg with dragons just play them again. Because these games are far better in every single point and even your 10th run will be a way better experience than this garbage.    … Expand
  22. 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!
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. JohnMalcolm
    Aug 4, 2021
    5
    This RPG had the bad fortune to be issued right before Witcher III put previous sword-and-sorcery epics in the shade. It has many strengths for its era, but some glaring weaknesses, too. I personally found many of the quests frustrating because needed info was not provided and had to be garnered from web articles. The final fight against the big, bad dragon, which I undertook at theThis RPG had the bad fortune to be issued right before Witcher III put previous sword-and-sorcery epics in the shade. It has many strengths for its era, but some glaring weaknesses, too. I personally found many of the quests frustrating because needed info was not provided and had to be garnered from web articles. The final fight against the big, bad dragon, which I undertook at the recommended level, was a nightmare for me. I realize many players dote on high difficulty for its own sake, but I meet enough insoluble problems in RW. In gaming, I want to be a hero. I didn't get that here.… Expand
  29. LTWasabi
    May 14, 2021
    5
    Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is an example of how to shoot yourself in the foot. It does a lot of things right. The combat, while it seemed awkward at first, is actually pretty good once one gets used to it. There is no auto aiming, except for some skills and it requires you to figure our enemies' weaknesses. What might seem like a damage sponge can get snuffed out pretty quicky if you knowDragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is an example of how to shoot yourself in the foot. It does a lot of things right. The combat, while it seemed awkward at first, is actually pretty good once one gets used to it. There is no auto aiming, except for some skills and it requires you to figure our enemies' weaknesses. What might seem like a damage sponge can get snuffed out pretty quicky if you know where and with what to hit. The core game play is pretty fun.

    So, why did I give a middling 5/10? I got 3 words for you, "Day-Night Cycle".
    The map is quite big and fun to explore. So what did the devs do? Make the whole game darker than the insides of their mom's cave every `30 mins or so. Think rain in Zelda:BotW except it's much longer and you play as a wingless bat with herpes.

    SO, what can you do if you want to explore at night and don't want to wait? You can rest at an inn. It's very very annoying to have to fast travel every flucking time it happens, 'cos fast travel is a 3-step hassle in this game. You don't have any portable fast travel items? Well then, you flucked mate.    … Expand
  30. Exzerios
    May 14, 2021
    3
    The game might be good if the fighting mechanics were decent. It seems like devs were trying to do so, but they've failed completely to the point that it is spoiling the whole game:

    - Enemies are spongies while you can die in 2-3 hits - Every enemy hit stunlocks you and there are no invincibility frames (iframes) after getting damage to recover, so if you get a hit - you are    The game might be good if the fighting mechanics were decent. It seems like devs were trying to do so, but they've failed completely to the point that it is spoiling the whole game:

    - Enemies are spongies while you can die in 2-3 hits

    - Every enemy hit stunlocks you and there are no invincibility frames (iframes) after getting damage to recover, so if you get a hit - you are receiving several hits for sure, and if there are several enemies close to you (and that happens all the time) - this one mistake is your final mistake.

    - Considering how punishing the fighting system is, you might consider the game is providing a variety of abilities to avoid or negate incoming damage. Haha, no, not a freaking single one (at least in the beginning) - there are no evasive rolls or dashes like in souls games at all. Well, there is one actually, but it is available only for agility classes and it becomes available later in the game as a part of progression.

    And the shields, gosh... To start with - rising a shield prevents you from turning. Like, at all, yes. If you have to readjust - you have to release shield button, turn, press it again. There is an autoadjustment system (like a targeting system, but as I understand it works only with a raised shield) which actually rotates you towards the enemy, but it cannot be trusted as it tends to choose not that one enemy you need it to. And it doesn't provide an option to switch target or any indication if it is working and, if yes, which enemy is targeted. It's just you hit the shield button - it randomly chooses one person from an enemy party. Which one and did it even lock on a target at this range? Nah man, lets just agree thats useless information. It is designed for 1v1, and it could work good in 1v1. But there are no 1v1 in this game at all. Like seriously, I cannot recall a single time I've encountered only a signle enemy and not a group (except bosses). And you could get used to it, it is not that bad, but then again. I don't know if only the first shields are such garbage, but a lot of enemies, even the most regular one like simple road bandits, have abilities which penetrate it, not only disabling the shield, but also leaving you stunned. And not even with big dual-weld hammers, no - with simple short swords and arrows. And when you see them preparing that ability - well, haha, you cannot do anything because there are no evasions in this game. So sit back and enjoy watching yourself being whopped and, probably, die.

    And there is a number of other things you've might want to consider:

    - You are forced to play with an AI ally, and those are dumb as hell. My healing/buffing mage enjoyed being at the frontline a lot and was actually a dying in 1 second/dying in several seconds mage. And they spam a lot, trying to look alive.

    - Items descriptions are scarce, a lot of stats are hidden.

    - Some quests lack proper description, and being only 3-4 hours into the game I've had to google what to do several times.

    - At least with a warrior class the game is very hard (again, at least in the beginning) even compared to souls series.

    - Save files can sometimes get corrupted. This is a rare bug present since the release. And the game has only 1 save file, not separate files for manual and auto-saves, so if it is being corrupted - all you progress is lost.

    It would be unfair not to mention that there are many good things in this game. Honestly, I'd probably like it a lot if I've tried a ranged class or at least made it to rolls with a thief. But I've wanted a big shiny knight, and the experience was so "shiny" I'd probably have PTSD.    … Expand
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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

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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.
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  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]
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