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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AzzX
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    A Japanese Developer nailing a western type Action RPG. It took a while but finally Dragons Dogma is home on the platform it always needed. Containing possibly the best combat in an action RPG game ever conceived, Dragons Dogma is probably one of my favourite RPG games ever made.

    The storyline appears very generic from the outset, but don't let that fool you. Whilst it may not be a    A Japanese Developer nailing a western type Action RPG. It took a while but finally Dragons Dogma is home on the platform it always needed. Containing possibly the best combat in an action RPG game ever conceived, Dragons Dogma is probably one of my favourite RPG games ever made.

    The storyline appears very generic from the outset, but don't let that fool you. Whilst it may not be a Masterwork of literary genius, it definately adds its own unique style to the genre.

    Now One of my top 5 games on Steam.    … Expand
  2. DrNegative
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    The definitive version of what is now a classic in my eyes. The best action rpg ive played and having a powerful rig really gives her a nice face-lift.

    Hours of amazing gameplay and a solid 10.
  3. thatfool
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    One of my favourite RPGs, or even games, on the last console generation. Literally one out of two games I played on PS3 always hoped would receive PC ports.

    A medieval fantasy world that actually looks medieval, a story with insane twists at the end, decisions and side quests that actually affect things down the road, and perhaps most importantly... a combat system that actually    One of my favourite RPGs, or even games, on the last console generation. Literally one out of two games I played on PS3 always hoped would receive PC ports.

    A medieval fantasy world that actually looks medieval, a story with insane twists at the end, decisions and side quests that actually affect things down the road, and perhaps most importantly... a combat system that actually justifies the term "action RPG" and makes battle so much more enjoyable than in most other ARPGs. Insane mobility as well, with some classes having access to dashes, double jumps, levitation, and so on, and a very climbable world.

    This game does have its flaws, and I don't just mean that it's a late console port that doesn't try to hide what era it is from. On the other hand, this PC port includes the original game, the expansion, and all the DLC that ever came out on consoles with exception of two armor sets that they don't have a license for anymore, and all that at a very friendly price point. And the age has its benefits; I can play this at a constant 60 FPS in 4K resolution on my (gaming) laptop.    … Expand
  4. Soujirop
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    This is like... Everything Dragon Age Inquisition ever wanted to be. High replay value, amazing boss fights, amazing dragons. Oh and being a mage never felt so epic.
  5. Chaosmaker
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    The best RPG game I've played in recent five years. The battles are short of fantastic, you'll never get bored with combat. Incredible fluidity of character classes which you can switch around almost freely. Challenging bosses. Great story, proper character animation (i'm looking at you, Andromeda!) and nice cutscenes. Character customization. Pawn system which gives you unintrusiveThe best RPG game I've played in recent five years. The battles are short of fantastic, you'll never get bored with combat. Incredible fluidity of character classes which you can switch around almost freely. Challenging bosses. Great story, proper character animation (i'm looking at you, Andromeda!) and nice cutscenes. Character customization. Pawn system which gives you unintrusive multiplayer when you want it. An interesting way to upgrade items, and more!

    Note that the PC version has improved framerate and includes all DLCs. Gorgeous.    … Expand
  6. omranooo
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    I never thought the game would arrive to PC, modders are already working on it, i hope Capcom will consider releasing a Mod Support Program soon, but even without mods, the PC controls, AKA Mouse and Keyboard, are epic, and its almost the same controls as Dragon's Dogma online Controls.
  7. 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!
  8. PeregrineOmega
    Apr 27, 2016
    10
    This game is fantastic, front to back. Every negative review I've read is from someone who clearly didn't give the game more than an hour. Anyone who's played an in-depth RPG knows an hour is barely enough time to get past the character creation screen... and this game is no exception.

    Imagine Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age had a baby, and that baby was raised by Dark Souls and Shadow of    This game is fantastic, front to back. Every negative review I've read is from someone who clearly didn't give the game more than an hour. Anyone who's played an in-depth RPG knows an hour is barely enough time to get past the character creation screen... and this game is no exception.

    Imagine Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age had a baby, and that baby was raised by Dark Souls and Shadow of the Collossus in the same house as The Witcher. Yet, somehow it still maintains its identity as its own thing. While it doesn't have a particularly strong story, it's well made up for with a sprawling, beautiful landscape with clever level design and monsters galore.

    Lastly... You see that big cyclops? You can climb it, and poke it in the eye. Can't find what you're looking for? Veer off the path. There are many elements that are not immediately obvious, but are quite rewarding when you learn how to use them.

    It's no surprise this gem from 2012 is once again a hit in 2016.    … Expand
  9. AnduinX
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    The is without any shadow of a doubt one of the best games that I've ever played. The combat is amazing, and I love the concept of pawn companions that you design. Games like these are always funner with a customized team!
  10. Batushai
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Compre este juego en un descuento de Steam, y solo puedo decir Wow. Llevo jugando juegos RPG desde Might and Magic 6, pasando por Baldurs Gate, Neverwinter, Dragon Age Origin. Skyrim, the Witcher 3 etc etc. Y este es un juego para mi gusto 100% recomendado. No es perfecto como cualquier juego no lo es. Pero es increible la satisfación que da, al matar monstruos epicos, acabar con veintenasCompre este juego en un descuento de Steam, y solo puedo decir Wow. Llevo jugando juegos RPG desde Might and Magic 6, pasando por Baldurs Gate, Neverwinter, Dragon Age Origin. Skyrim, the Witcher 3 etc etc. Y este es un juego para mi gusto 100% recomendado. No es perfecto como cualquier juego no lo es. Pero es increible la satisfación que da, al matar monstruos epicos, acabar con veintenas de Goblins y lo mejor son la pelea contra los jefes. Que juego bien logrado, claro que tiene sus cositas, pero hay que ponerle un poco de tiempo hasta que uno se acostumbra y luego es un verdadero placer, con momento epicos.… Expand
  11. bahamut22
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    The game is glorious. This franchise deserves more praying. Like a dream come true. We PC gamers have been asking for this since 2012. This is going to have a great reception on PC, I can feel it. The wind is pushing me. In modders we trust!
    Now we want Dragon's Dogma 2! I hope Capcom will take note.
  12. bootsyk
    Feb 10, 2016
    10
    Undeniably the best game to come out last console generation, without contest.

    Incredible combat, a story that ties together really nicely, and lots of replayability. What more could you want?
  13. HitIerDidNuffin
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    Amazing game, truly one deserving a PC port after the death of the PS3.

    Truly sad how "gaming journalism" is giving this masterpiece something below 90, with the metacrit at 81, while they've been giving Gone Home and Undertale 100. The dead of the gaming community is here.
  14. dypsomaniart
    Aug 11, 2017
    10
    i got really hooked on this game. First playthrough was good, but second playthrough- doing all the missions I missed, and finding all the way better augments, skills and classes and gear to use- was absolutely epic. I'm now maxed level 200 magic archer and unstoppable :)
    For me this was a great game, as addictive as the witcher, with battle skills better than shadow of mordor, and    i got really hooked on this game. First playthrough was good, but second playthrough- doing all the missions I missed, and finding all the way better augments, skills and classes and gear to use- was absolutely epic. I'm now maxed level 200 magic archer and unstoppable :)
    For me this was a great game, as addictive as the witcher, with battle skills better than shadow of mordor, and learning enemy weaknesses like a souls game. Loved it.    … Expand
  15. psnhomer108
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    Really? 10/10? Yes I Platinumed Bloodborne on PS4(also spent hundreds of hours doing the grinding stuff) and I still think this game brings me more fun (and BB is considered the best ARPG for 2015 ON PS4 which I admit and would give it a 9/10 so that's why I give this game a 10/10). Why? Freedom of choice! Specifically because of the character customization for my character and the combatReally? 10/10? Yes I Platinumed Bloodborne on PS4(also spent hundreds of hours doing the grinding stuff) and I still think this game brings me more fun (and BB is considered the best ARPG for 2015 ON PS4 which I admit and would give it a 9/10 so that's why I give this game a 10/10). Why? Freedom of choice! Specifically because of the character customization for my character and the combat system, and maybe also for the tune of DD's world setting. This game is not either Bloodborne or Skyrim, it is more of a hybrid of Monster Hunter and Devil May Cry. It looks similar to Bloodborne in some ways because they are both ARPGs, but Bloodborne gives you a sense of achievement by beating you to the ground then gives you some sugar, whereas in Dragon's Dogma you don't necessarily need to be punished but you could definitely get some sweet candies out of box. Meteor rain, magical tornado, master sword arts, shield counter attack, dark matter enchanted sword, yes you could do all of those. Every class and skill makes your gameplay tremendously different (Devil May Cry level combat design, need me to talk more?). For customization, it beats Souls/The Elder Scrolls majorly in two aspects: 1. You have two slots for bodywear and footwear instead of only one for each. This brings more freedom on fashion play. 2. You can choose your body form and the armors will correspond to you. Wanna play as a dwarf? Do it! Wanna play as a sexy sorcerer? Why not? Freedom is king. Sorry if I offended people who put Bloodborne better than this game, this is just my personal opinion. At the end, I gotta write down my list of masterpiece so you might find my score making sense to you if we have similar taste: The Last of US/PS4, Sakura Wars/SEGA Dreamcast, Pokemon/GBA-3DS, Xenoblade Chronicles X/Wiiu, Ninja Gaiden 2/Xbox360, Devil May Cry 3&4/PS2&3, Final Fantasy Core Crisis/PSP, A Tale of Sword and Fairy 4/PC. As for GTAV, Witcher, MGSV, Rise of Tomb Raider and Uncharted, I didn't have time to actually beat them(various reasons but I will when I have more time) so I wouldn't say they are not masterpieces. For Bloodborne, it's very close but I'm just not very motivated to play it again when basically I beat the game and its dungeon. And Dynasty Warriors? They are not on the same level, thanks.… Expand
  16. Jedah-66
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    I gave this game a 10. Now that might seem like a fan boy review but it isn't. I see a lot of flaws with this game, but when it shines it shines brighter than anything else. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the story is sparse. But the game play... holy hell. It offers such variety that you can go through this game multiple times and have it feel fresh each and every play-through.I gave this game a 10. Now that might seem like a fan boy review but it isn't. I see a lot of flaws with this game, but when it shines it shines brighter than anything else. Yes, the graphics are dated. Yes, the story is sparse. But the game play... holy hell. It offers such variety that you can go through this game multiple times and have it feel fresh each and every play-through.

    Nothing, not even Dark Souls/Bloodborne can compare to the gameplay offered here. It is fluid and easy to learn, but has depth and requires strategy. Many enemies have weaknesses and discovering them is half the fun. Don't want the griffin to fly away? Set his wings on fire. It is thoughtful strategies like this, which the game is compacted with, that make it such an amazing experience.

    The score is mostly beautiful, with adrenaline punctuated themes and hauntingly somber melodies played as called for. Your first encounter with a massive enemy is all the more exciting when the song "End of the Struggle" plays and you seethe in the victory.

    My favorite part of the game is how each major task feels like a real journey you may not come back from. If you go ill prepared you will have a very hard time. So don't be afraid to stock up on recovery items.

    And I can't end this review without speaking a little about the dragon. For me a little philosophy is necessary to completely enjoy a game and be immersed with it, and the dragon is the focal point of the games philosophy. People complain about the thinness of the story and it is true that it is somewhat slow, but when you learn of the reason why the game has the title it has it becomes a very compelling and thought provoking tale.

    In short, this is a great game and in spite of flaws it excels on so many levels that I could not get enough, so I give it a 10. It's a masterwork all that you can't go wrong with purchasing. Now go buy it!    … Expand
  17. markrogan
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    I'm a veteran, almost 40y old RPG player and I must say it's been a while since an RPG game could grab me for about 12 hours straight. Once you get used to dealing with the pawns, it's a blast.

    Exploring is a pleasure (which is something amazing), melee combat (my major experience so far) is a blast and cooperating with your chosen allies is also very cool. The visuals really are    I'm a veteran, almost 40y old RPG player and I must say it's been a while since an RPG game could grab me for about 12 hours straight. Once you get used to dealing with the pawns, it's a blast.

    Exploring is a pleasure (which is something amazing), melee combat (my major experience so far) is a blast and cooperating with your chosen allies is also very cool. The visuals really are stunning and character building is complex and dense, which is very desirable to me. The difficult (you can choose Easy, Normal or Hard — I'm on Normal) is also very adequate, so far: I have trivial encounters that sometimes still surprise me a bit; and then I have the occasional damnit-hard fight that so far can be won through careful and skillful battling, which is so cool; A must buy for die-hard RPGers, specially people who like some action with their RPG.    … Expand
  18. Nuts_Fox
    Jan 21, 2016
    10
    For me it is 10/10! I played this game on PS3 and was delighted by this game. I was young and impressionable, and I liked a lot of the games. Now I'm older and the games no longer bring me fun so as before. But this game has given me a sense of adventure like in the old days! It was great then, and it's great now! Last game that gave me such a sense of freedom and adventure was Skyrim.For me it is 10/10! I played this game on PS3 and was delighted by this game. I was young and impressionable, and I liked a lot of the games. Now I'm older and the games no longer bring me fun so as before. But this game has given me a sense of adventure like in the old days! It was great then, and it's great now! Last game that gave me such a sense of freedom and adventure was Skyrim.
    But for me personally, Dragon's Dogma is better due to its mechanics of combat (many fighting styles and classes of weapons) and something like parkour while you move on the game locations.
    Indeed, this game has not the modern graphics and an exciting story, but the game mechanics and a sense of adventure, which gives this game, redeem all of its disadvantages.
    I passed this game again on my PC with great pleasure and it left only one unpleasant feeling - I want sequel, I want Dragon's Dogma II, Dragon's Dogma III..., but this is unlikely. Sadness.    … Expand
  19. TCR
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    If climbing atop massive monster, questing, and becoming a god among men sounds like fun then this is the game for you.

    Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen does something right. It drags you down into a bottomless pit of entertainment and fun. It makes every battle epic from being a level 1 till level 200 it will always keep you on your toes. From start to finish the game feels amazing like    If climbing atop massive monster, questing, and becoming a god among men sounds like fun then this is the game for you.

    Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen does something right. It drags you down into a bottomless pit of entertainment and fun. It makes every battle epic from being a level 1 till level 200 it will always keep you on your toes. From start to finish the game feels amazing like you're living in this breathing world with creatures and monsters all around. If you liked LOTR, TES, or any RPG this is a game you must play.    … Expand
  20. Leo24
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    10 outta 10!
    Probably one of my most played RPG games ever. The game is absolutely amazing in my opinion, dynamic mobs, teams, skills, storyline, etc. This game has it all, I've played through as each class and each one is as rewarding as the next.
  21. Mendrake
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    I'm usually not into RPG games but this one is really amazing. The combat system, different classes, pawn recruitment and story line are all great. Highly recommended.
  22. Javidowski
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    I waited it 3 years and it finally here, BEST RPG GAME FOR PC EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Its better than GTA V, Witcher 3, Assasins Creed Syndicate and Black Ops 3.
    There is some problems with controls but game is great!
  23. Heather719
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    This is the first time in a long time that I have been excited about an RPG, and the first time, probably ever, that a game has exceeded my expectations to this degree. Combat is exciting and satisfying with some cool mechanics such as the ability to climb onto monsters, pick them up, and coordinate with NPCs. The pawn system adds another level of complexity and provides an opportunity toThis is the first time in a long time that I have been excited about an RPG, and the first time, probably ever, that a game has exceeded my expectations to this degree. Combat is exciting and satisfying with some cool mechanics such as the ability to climb onto monsters, pick them up, and coordinate with NPCs. The pawn system adds another level of complexity and provides an opportunity to impact other players' experiences. The world overall seems well thought out and has plenty of little surprises to keep the game interesting and fun.

    I wish they had put more thought into the PC control conversion, but you get used to it because other aspects of the game make up for it (so much so that I wouldn't even dock its rating). You can tell that developers put a lot of thought into the subtle details that many games now tend to overlook (a wolf runs through a stream and stops on the other side to shake water from its fur; harvested foods spoil if left in your inventory too long; danger increases with nightfall, etc.). The graphics are still somewhat impressive and definitely acceptable despite the true age of the game. Overall, the game is very very good and probably one that I would consider in my top ten of all time.    … Expand
  24. Mrvancraen
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    An absolutely amazing game; great combat system, big ass monster climbing, lots of exploring, great graphics for an already older game and a really interesting pawn system.
    The main story/quest line is good it feels kind of lacking compared to everything else the game has to offer.
    For anyone who likes a medieval setting with mythical monsters to hunt or if you wanna spend a night in    An absolutely amazing game; great combat system, big ass monster climbing, lots of exploring, great graphics for an already older game and a really interesting pawn system.
    The main story/quest line is good it feels kind of lacking compared to everything else the game has to offer.

    For anyone who likes a medieval setting with mythical monsters to hunt or if you wanna spend a night in dungeon cell, it's a must have.

    As a 99% pure pc gamer, i'm glad this made it's way to pc    … Expand
  25. Adger
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    A great port of a great game..moddable and looks fantastic with ENB,highly recommended.
    combats great and theres many hours of play here
    I cant believe that some user reviews call it a "lazy" port...it certainly isnt
  26. FreedomFromCrap
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    Let me get this straight... there is a game with awesome game play that allows you create, customize, and run around the world with your waifu? Yes there is: Dragon's Dogma - LIVE THE DREAM!
  27. 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
  28. alixlouis
    Jan 19, 2018
    10
    Greatest RPG game i ever played so far. Great game play, great combat. The only thing it lacks is the story. But overall, it is great.
  29. 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.
  30. Kunray
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    Actually a very decent game.
    The fighting, however, feels fantastic and rewarding while you're bringing down giants.
prev
Page:

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 »