A reader argues that the best game of the last six months is Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2, and it’s AI-powered co-op action.
I read with interest GC’s feature this week on their 20 favorite games of the year so far. It was an inspiring list because I didn’t think there would be that many good games, but once you start counting them, there actually have been a lot. Of course, I haven’t played them all, but it seemed like a good list that I couldn’t argue with, except in one case: Dragon’s Dogma 2 wasn’t number one.
Not surprising, as their review didn’t rate it that high and I got the impression they weren’t that keen on the original either. That’s fine, I know a lot of people who don’t see much in it, but for me it’s one of my favorite games ever. I’ll try to explain why I think that, but part of the answer is that sometimes a game just clicks with you and has some part of its appeal that you just can’t explain.
For those unfamiliar with the game, it’s an action RPG not a million miles away from something like Elden Ring or Skyrim, except with a more specifically medieval setting, especially in terms of fantasy creatures having old-school versions of things such as griffins and cyclops. I really like the aesthetics, especially the really beautiful landscapes and forests, which look like they would be a great place to have a picnic… if it weren’t for all the monsters.
The great structure of the game is that you have three “pawns” that follow and help you, which works like the AI human co-op players. It often surprises some people that there are no actual co-op options, but that’s overlooking the game’s best feature. My problem with playing real people in something like this is that they never take it seriously. Or at least never act like the game is real to them.
By that I mean that, as far as the hostages are concerned, they are fighting for their lives and trying to defeat evil. Play with a human and they’re just as likely to run off and do their own thing, or start talking about last night’s game, as they are to play the game properly. I don’t want to sound anti-social, but playing with AI is much more immersive and believable than actual humans.
I love a good co-op or PvP shooter, but in terms of something that’s more of a serious adventure, I think hostages work perfectly. They talk to you (in character) like real people, help outside of battle by seeing things you need and giving advice, and they also help each other, which makes you feel like a proper team.
The whole game has a great sandbox feel, with a lot of emergency gameplay, that feels a bit old-fashioned – because most games don’t have that anymore – and kind of next-gen in that you can use your items unexpectedly modes and how you traverse the landscape like Zelda: Breath Of The Wild.
The classes are really varied and customizable too, allowing you to improve both your character and pawns in fine detail, which I find very satisfying. You are in control of everything and there is no right or wrong way to do anything, which I really appreciate. It’s like a lighter Elden Ring crossed with Zelda and a party-based RPG.
Apparently it’s not for everyone (none of my friends seem to have heard of it), but I like it. Not only is it my favorite game of the year so far, but it’s in my top five of all time, if not actually number one.
From reader Lemmy
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