Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 176 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 222
  3. Negative: 19 out of 222
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  1. Juras
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    Probably best action-rpg game of last genre now even better. Awesome combat, mature story, bloody setting, dragons. And bolide or maelstrom, best ever animations for spells even created. Loot boxes are ingame on fields, for free. :)
  2. Steyraus
    Sep 29, 2020
    10
    I nearly passed on this game a second time when it was released on Ps4. So glad I didn't, what a masterpieces, with so much originality. People this is why you get games that all feel the same cause you don't support origin al games like this.
  3. Solid2312
    Oct 7, 2017
    10
    Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen is an excelent game. With a beautiful open world, very good mechanics and too much fun gameplay. Everyone who loves action RPG should give this one a try.
  4. cas514
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    This is my favorite RPG of the last generation. The gameplay is perfection and so much fun, you wont want to put it down. Fighting a dragon is finally as epic as it should be.
  5. itchipod
    Dec 27, 2018
    10
    10/10 for the gameplay and combat alone, which makes up for the bland narrative.
  6. Cherryleaf
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    This is one of the best RPG's I have played. When this game was first released back in (2012, I think), I was bit sceptical to it, but I was happily suprised. The elements that you could climb up on the big monsters, and bash them while mounting them, or clinging on their back, felt fresh and new.

    The graphics might feel bit outdated, but there is so much in the gameplay and atmospheric    This is one of the best RPG's I have played. When this game was first released back in (2012, I think), I was bit sceptical to it, but I was happily suprised. The elements that you could climb up on the big monsters, and bash them while mounting them, or clinging on their back, felt fresh and new.

    The graphics might feel bit outdated, but there is so much in the gameplay and atmospheric feeling that outweigh this by far. And for me, the "post-game" (NOT the NG+) really handed me something to bite in, and gives it another twist (GL with online UR )+ that the (now included) DLC Bitterblack Isle also is well worth visiting (preferably not as a Lvl 1) puts your skills to a test. I'm just a simple lvl 80, nd might be a mediocre gamer, and still feel like Bitterblack is a challenge ( to my defense, I got only mediocre gear, and no "end-game" gear).

    This game delivers such a joyful gameplay, and felt well worth my money to re-invest in it to be able to play it on my PS4. I actually had more fun now, than I did back then (cant explain why). I still love the "PAWN-system" which is such a brilliant compliment... and if you have a high level (150-200) friend, you can borrow his Pawn and cheese through the early game. Even though none of my RL friends have picked this game up, there is a rich pick of Pawns that you can hire from other gamers - these Pawns wanders around in the Rift, the world and the city.

    If you dont mind a bit outdated GFX and is looking for a good RPG, well, I heartly recommend this as it is well worth the money (250 SEK or approx 30 USD)    … Expand
  7. TheUncannyOne
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    600 hours on PS3, let's try for another 600, why not? The game is certainly worth it. Critic reviews be damned, 77 is an absolute crime against this legend of a game.
  8. GamerZero
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    Is Dragon's Dogma perfect? No but it is awesome!

    Awesome character creation? Yes! Awesome melee combat? Yes! Awesome magic system? Yes! Tons of awesome armor and weapons? Yes! Is it challenging? Yes! Should I buy it? YES YES YES!!! They story isn't fleshed out nearly as well as it could be, the concept for a great story however is there as a skeleton though. That being said whatever    Is Dragon's Dogma perfect? No but it is awesome!

    Awesome character creation? Yes! Awesome melee combat? Yes! Awesome magic system? Yes!
    Tons of awesome armor and weapons? Yes! Is it challenging? Yes! Should I buy it? YES YES YES!!!

    They story isn't fleshed out nearly as well as it could be, the concept for a great story however is there as a skeleton though. That being said whatever this game lacks it makes up for in it's combat and being ridiculously replayable.    … Expand
  9. destinyfan1
    Oct 4, 2017
    10
    Dragon's dogma was one of my favorite rpg's on the ps3 , and here is it again in all its glory ( but even better because you know, its on the ps4)
    Recommended because of the story , combat,perfect gameplay and DRAGONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Its only 25 euros , so you got literally no reason to not buy this game , even an fps fan will like this , FREAKING everyone will like this The only thing    Dragon's dogma was one of my favorite rpg's on the ps3 , and here is it again in all its glory ( but even better because you know, its on the ps4)
    Recommended because of the story , combat,perfect gameplay and DRAGONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Its only 25 euros , so you got literally no reason to not buy this game , even an fps fan will like this , FREAKING everyone will like this
    The only thing that could have been done better are the faces of humans , hey still look low budget
    But still a 10 worthy    … Expand
  10. Memsido
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    A gift that keeps on giving! This game gets just better and better. It took me about 6h to get into it, but it was all worth it.
  11. Pookytookybaby
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Thanks for the remake. Runs very smooth on PS4. Looks great. I like how they have updated everything it seems. Also the matchmaking for pawns is very quick and smooth. I love this game and am glad I can enjoy it on my PS4 now.
  12. Xantdee
    May 16, 2018
    10
    I was going to give this game an 8, but then I discovered the depths of Bitterblack Isle... And despite all the cons I'm giving it a 10.

    Pros: - Immersive atmosphere for exploring the world. - Pawn system is great. Almost like playing with other humans actually. - COMBAT IS AWESOME. I actually liked it more than Bloodborne/Dark Souls combat. - Dungeon-delving is awesome. - So many    I was going to give this game an 8, but then I discovered the depths of Bitterblack Isle... And despite all the cons I'm giving it a 10.

    Pros:
    - Immersive atmosphere for exploring the world.
    - Pawn system is great. Almost like playing with other humans actually.
    - COMBAT IS AWESOME. I actually liked it more than Bloodborne/Dark Souls combat.
    - Dungeon-delving is awesome.
    - So many different monsters requiring a unique approach. You can even CLIMB huge monsters like dragons or griffins and they try to shake you, and they try to FLY, while you are climbing them.
    - Skill system is unique and fun. Spellcasting is truly unique.
    - So many choices of gear feels like a dressing game sometimes.
    - You can make pretty much any character you like, total body-positivity.

    Cons:
    - The story. Well, it is there if you need it... Just don't expect it to be great.
    - Graphics feel kinda dated sometimes.
    - Some enemies are impossible to defeat at all until you level up and find better gear (elder ogres, I'm looking at you)
    - The open world feels huge at first, but it really could use more locations and dungeons skyrim-like. Or even random dungeon-generator bloodborne-like.
    - Lack of tutorials and somewhat complex system. I learned that I had to actually set my passive abilities after several days of playing.

    But for me all of the cons are negligible, I enjoyed the game.

    Please, Capcom, pretty please, can we have a sequel? Pretty please?    … Expand
  13. Snyx
    May 23, 2018
    10
    The first time I played Dragon's Dogma it felt like the game I had always wanted to play without ever knowing it. There are so many layers to this game that make it a standout title, a few of the key ones:

    Combat in Dragon's Dogma is spot on and offers a lot of variety, thanks to the different classes and deep customization system. Each class can be further specialized and changed    The first time I played Dragon's Dogma it felt like the game I had always wanted to play without ever knowing it. There are so many layers to this game that make it a standout title, a few of the key ones:

    Combat in Dragon's Dogma is spot on and offers a lot of variety, thanks to the different classes and deep customization system. Each class can be further specialized and changed anytime at specific locations. Plus, there's a huge amount of weapons and gear that can be upgraded.

    Giant creatures make for epic battles, whether you're climbing up a cyclops's head to ram your dagger into his eye or you're shooting arrows at a beast with a body that is half lion, half goat and has a poison spitting snake as tail.

    Your party allows for three additional support NPCs, which in Dragon's Dogma are called pawns. The pawn system allows you to create and share your own companion as well as recruit other players creations to your party.

    In addition to the base game, the PS4 version includes the Dark Arisen expansion, which offers a huge amount of end/post game content in the form of Bitterblack Isle.

    The art design is great and the music might haunt you even long after you've finished the game.    … Expand
  14. Nidd
    Aug 3, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TL;DR: Dragon's Dogma is an absolutely amazing game that has some serious, obvious flaws, but it doesn't try to hide them. Instead, it embraces them as part of its unique identity and charm and asks players to dive into the game on its terms and then gives them all the freedom in the world once they accept them. If you love games like Dark Souls, Dragon Age, The Witcher, Skyrim, and even Shadow of the Colossus, then you should try this game. The amount of content for the price and the quality of the gameplay is something you just shouldn't pass up.

    Is Dragon's Dogma perfect? No. But it is a perfect example of taking a number of unoriginal and less-than-perfect elements and putting them together into something unique and wonderful. The story is pretty threadbare, but it has some fantastic lore and ideas and it will really pull the rug out from under the standard ideas about fantasy heroes slaying dragons and challenging the order of the world. The characters are much weaker than the story in my opinion, but there are still some standouts in my opinion, with the Dragon being one of them. The voice acting is quite good, though you will get sick of hearing some lines over and over.

    Where the game truly shines is in its gameplay and the design and execution of the enemies. The combat is simply fantastic and is the best of any action RPG I've ever played. Every class feels unique, fun, and very powerful, and the fact that you can change classes pretty much any time you want is perfect and keeps the game from ever getting stale. Melee combat is hard-hitting and visceral, and it really benefits from the Shadow of the Colossus-like ability to climb atop large enemies to attack their weak points. Archery and magic feel great at range supporting your melee party members, and magic especially feels alive and powerful and punchy like few other games have ever been able to capture. Item and resource management is very important and skews towards the hardcore end of the RPG spectrum for those that like that; remember to always bring your lantern, oil, and some ways to heal and cure status ailments and you'll have a much better time. Another way the game skews towards the hardcore is in its questing mechanics: while the main questline can more or less be done at your leisure, ala Skyrim, many if not most of the sidequests can be missed entirely if you don't check the noticeboards in various cities before progressing too far, talking to the right people when they're in a certain place, or even just waiting too long. And quests often have unwritten time limits that expire if you have them active but take too much time to do them. It's never unfair, as your pawns (AI companions) and other in-game methods will always let you know that you must make haste, but unlike other games that only give lip service to time limits while really letting you take all the time in the world, this one does not.

    And finally, the enemies. This is what made me rate the game a 10. Every single enemy from the weakest goblin to the biggest dragon is just perfect. They all have unique behavior, great AI, tons of abilities and situational differences, and each one is almost always the best designed and especially best-animated version of that type of monster I've ever seen. Watching a hydra slither around and attack your whole party at once with all of its heads moving constantly in a seamless, beautiful writhing, or watching a massive cyclops giant lumber across the room flailing its arms at its face because one of your companions is clinging to it and stabbing in the eye so you can charge a devastating spell to cast, or holding on to a furious direwolf as it tears across the landscape in an effort to separate you from your party before throwing you off are amazing experiences that I've never had replicated in any other games. Combat is tough, too. Even on easy you have to take every encounter seriously and use strategy and team tactics to overcome, because until you greatly out-level your foes even a small pack of wolves can easily party wipe you if aren't careful.

    My final piece of advice: play the game at least twice, and when you fight the final boss, do it with the internet connection off. It's definitely worth it.    … Expand
  15. HugeyBear
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    If this game had online multiplayer or coop, It would be my favourite PS4 game I imagine. The combat is fantastic and the exploration and character models are superb. A great game. Looking for an action adventure to sink your teeth into? Look no further. Controversial but I enjoyed this more than The Witcher.
  16. brachypelma44
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    This is one of my absolute favorite games of all time, going back to the late 1970s. I have purchased it 4 times: PS3, PS3 (Dark Arisen,) PC, and now on the PS4. The PC version is the best of them all, running at a silky smooth 60fps, but the PS4 version is still good. The original game ran like mud on the PS3, at 30 fps with some dips, and with black bars around the edges (I think theThis is one of my absolute favorite games of all time, going back to the late 1970s. I have purchased it 4 times: PS3, PS3 (Dark Arisen,) PC, and now on the PS4. The PC version is the best of them all, running at a silky smooth 60fps, but the PS4 version is still good. The original game ran like mud on the PS3, at 30 fps with some dips, and with black bars around the edges (I think the actual resolution was like 600p or something.) On the PS4, you get 1080p locked at 30 fps, which is very playable.

    The combat is damn good, regardless of which class you play. The pawn system really keeps the game feeling fresh and it's fun to see other player's creations. I really like the music as well. The Bitterblack Isle expansion is a huge interconnected dungeon that adds a lot of challenge after you finish the main game. The level cap is 200, so you can play this a really long time if you enjoy it, and make your character very powerful. I give this my highest recommendation if you want an ARPG to sink your teeth into.    … Expand
  17. tadnid
    Jun 9, 2022
    10
    One of the best games I played on PS4. Had to delete it in the end to make sure I stop playing and check other games. I probably passed the 200 hours mark. You always have 1-3 companions helping you in your journey, and this is the best game to accomplish this, the companions really turn the table. The endgame dungeon Bitterblack Isle is absolutely huge. Difficulty is just right. Buy this,One of the best games I played on PS4. Had to delete it in the end to make sure I stop playing and check other games. I probably passed the 200 hours mark. You always have 1-3 companions helping you in your journey, and this is the best game to accomplish this, the companions really turn the table. The endgame dungeon Bitterblack Isle is absolutely huge. Difficulty is just right. Buy this, you won't regret it.… Expand
  18. orig_frostbyt
    Jun 19, 2020
    10
    My fav RPG of all time. Played on PS3 and never finished...picked up on PS4 and played through the whole story. Such a great game and love the idea of the pawns.
  19. DevilSurvivor
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece. All that it leaves me thinking is what could have been if they had had more time and a bigger budget. No game comes close to this one in having so many good mechanics all at once yet making them all work. And the class system is by far the best one I've ever seen in a video game. A must-buy, must play, full of charm and you'll never forget it, and the story only gets betterA masterpiece. All that it leaves me thinking is what could have been if they had had more time and a bigger budget. No game comes close to this one in having so many good mechanics all at once yet making them all work. And the class system is by far the best one I've ever seen in a video game. A must-buy, must play, full of charm and you'll never forget it, and the story only gets better the more you go.… Expand
  20. Uncl3s4mbr
    May 24, 2023
    10
    Mandatory game for the ones like Fantasy RPG. This game has one of the best combat systems I ever seen and became one of my favorite games of all time.
  21. Fridg3
    May 8, 2021
    10
    Did you ever play Skyrim and think "why can't I ride any dragon?" Well now you can give it a shot. Really though this game is huge, the gameplay a blast and climbing on large monsters just makes my day. Admittedly the story is confusing at 1st but the twists really pay off if you're able to catch the foreshadowing. Otherwise it makes for an eye opening 2nd playthrough.
  22. Regnierbrik
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    para mí Dragon's Dogma es un muy buen juego tal ves sus gráficos no sean los mejores ni dada de eso pero no están mal la verdad no creo que sea una copia de dark souls yo que e jugados los dos juegos no noto nada de uno a otro los dos son grades juegos pero me divertí mas con Dragon's Dogma es un juego muy bueno talvez sus controles estén a veces torpes pero no como los de dark souls 1 talpara mí Dragon's Dogma es un muy buen juego tal ves sus gráficos no sean los mejores ni dada de eso pero no están mal la verdad no creo que sea una copia de dark souls yo que e jugados los dos juegos no noto nada de uno a otro los dos son grades juegos pero me divertí mas con Dragon's Dogma es un juego muy bueno talvez sus controles estén a veces torpes pero no como los de dark souls 1 tal ves la historia de Dragon's Dogma no este muy elaborada pero algunos jugadores solo vienen a jugar un juego divertido y yo como jugador reconozco qué Dragon's Dogma es un gran juego la verdad es de que a ti lector jugador te puede dar igual una reseña tu decides si un juego te gusta mas que otro te puede gustar un juego de 5 de calificación o uno de 9 de calificación pero la verdad Dragon's Dogma es un gran juego si digo lo que me parece si tiene sus cosas como los grafico o los controles pero tiene buenas mecánicas su historia tal ves no sea la mejor pero da igual pero tu que si llegas a ver mi crítica te digo que lo juegues es muy bueno y supo envejecer paso inadvertido por los jugadores pero es un gran juego pero que bien te puede gustar o no eso es tu decisión yo solo doy la mia pero la verdad e leído otrs reseñas de éste juego y pienso que quiénes las escriben so lo jugaron 20 o 30 minutos la verdad yo e jugado por más de 60 horas y si tal ves al principio da poco de hueva si le das tiempo veras que es un buen juego gracias por leer mi opinión
    yo solo soy un jugador mas asi que te lo recomendó mucho que le des una oportunidad a este juego :)    … Expand
  23. DiegoCP
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    O melhor RPG de todos os tempos é lamentável não ter uma sequência (╯︵╰,)
  24. ThiefBrRj
    May 30, 2023
    10
    This game really catch me! I started playing this game without faith because I never heard anything about it before, but this game is surprisingly complex and "alive". I've done dumb things like throwing a rock at an ally and the ally caught it in the air and threw it back like a game!!! This is just one example, but the variety of details in this game is astonishing. I attest that this isThis game really catch me! I started playing this game without faith because I never heard anything about it before, but this game is surprisingly complex and "alive". I've done dumb things like throwing a rock at an ally and the ally caught it in the air and threw it back like a game!!! This is just one example, but the variety of details in this game is astonishing. I attest that this is a must play game for anyone who likes any type of RPG.… Expand
  25. djwille88
    Oct 5, 2017
    9
    Fantastic game! One of my favorite RPG's. The story kinda sucks but the combat is top notch. The addition of BB Island has been one of the best expansions ever in any game I've ever owned.
  26. x420Raptor
    Oct 4, 2017
    9
    I'm surprised the critic reviews are averaging out at around 77 right now.

    I feel like those people probably haven't played through the entire game, especially not the part that makes this game greater, the DLC end game runs. While the graphics look dated, and the draw distance is still ridiculous, DD:DA is still at it's core one of the best RPGs we've ever had. If you can make it    I'm surprised the critic reviews are averaging out at around 77 right now.

    I feel like those people probably haven't played through the entire game, especially not the part that makes this game greater, the DLC end game runs.

    While the graphics look dated, and the draw distance is still ridiculous, DD:DA is still at it's core one of the best RPGs we've ever had.

    If you can make it through the first 5-10 hours until you start getting familiar with more advanced moves for whatever class you decide to run at the time, then that's when the game really comes into it's own.

    The combat/gear system in DD:DA is what makes the game addictive, + the pawn system... and when you finally decide to go to Bitterblack isle, and start running that giant dungeon for loot, that's when you'll come across some of the most unique monster encounters and find some of the top level gear in the game, as well as really getting to grips with your characters abilities.

    Forget the story, and forget the graphics, DD:DA is worth the money just for the combat and BBI runs alone.

    It's damn sure more addictive and interesting than Destiny 2.

    The game is deserving of at least an 8, and probably 8.5 really... that extra 1.5 would more than likely only come from modern graphics and a better story, or more depth in the characters, but once you try the combat at end game level... you'll understand why this game is so addictive and so great,    … Expand
  27. kaitgamer
    Jan 21, 2018
    9
    Wow..I found this game recently and Im just blown away. The fighting mechanics, the flexibility, the pawns that come from other folks go from hilarious to useful. The pawn mechanic itself is a reason to play this game. The grinding is fun and satisfying, and the big battles are tough but ultimately fair. One of the cool things about battle is that opponents are pretty smart...theyWow..I found this game recently and Im just blown away. The fighting mechanics, the flexibility, the pawns that come from other folks go from hilarious to useful. The pawn mechanic itself is a reason to play this game. The grinding is fun and satisfying, and the big battles are tough but ultimately fair. One of the cool things about battle is that opponents are pretty smart...they blind you they slow you they burn you...it feels like a real fight...Even the story is not a cliche, its a really interesting story. The only downside i can find is that sometimes there is alot going on in a battle and it can be hard to see what's happening around you.… Expand
  28. Merfy
    Oct 4, 2017
    9
    My first time playing Dragons Dogma, its an outstanding game!

    If you enjoyed games like Dark Souls or Skyrim you will love this, heck I'm even getting the same vibes I got playing Ocarina of Time all those years ago. DD is excellent and for 24.99 is well worth the purchase, plenty of content here and the combat is great. Gotta love a good RPG
  29. oknsnl
    Jan 29, 2019
    9
    Gameplay : 9 (I like classes, pawns and combat.)
    Story : 8 (Classical fantasy game with chosen one)
    Enemies : 10 ( I really like to slay dragons :))
  30. Teela
    Oct 3, 2017
    9
    "If you haven’t played it yet, this is the best way to play one of the best action RPGs of the last generation in consoles. If you have, you won’t find anything particularly new or exciting here, although it still is very enjoyable."
    - Vandal
    This pretty much sums it up.
    For me this is just a good reason to play this great game again.
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Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best PS4 Game of 2017
64
#64 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Worth Playing
    Jan 2, 2018
    85
    All in all, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is one of the best action-RPG titles out there, even though it's an upgraded port from the prior console generation.
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  2. ZTGD
    Nov 6, 2017
    70
    Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is a game about moments. Encountering a brand new monster, obtaining a powerful weapon or when a Drake crashes your goblin slaying party with a storm of hellfire- all moments that are memorable and fun to experience. The issue is that getting to those moments are oftentimes an absolute slog of tedious stamina and weight management, battling the same group of wolves and bandits for the thirtieth time.
    Read full review
  3. 4P.de
    Oct 18, 2017
    78
    Despite all the visual enhancements you can still see that the original is five years old. With that in mind, this is still a good and at times positively rough action role-playing game that is worth exploring.
    Read full review
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