Is Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen Worth Playing Before Sequel Comes Out?

Is Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen worth playing now that a sequel is apparently on its way? That's the big question, isn't it? Especially if you're a prolific RPG fan who's already blasted through virtually everything else on the market. Is Dark Arisen worth the time and effort, even today?

Let's circle back a bit first, however. If you've been keeping track of our creative output here at 2Game, you'll have noticed that we've got a soft spot for older niche titles, in particular. Though the PC version came out a few years later, the original game Dragon's Dogma actually first launched on PS3 and X360 back in 2012. Whether that already makes it retro or not will depend on your personal definition of retro gaming, naturally.

The surprising bit, then, is that Dragon's Dogma has a few innovative features and gameplay mechanics that we simply haven't seen anywhere else over the last decade or so. As old as the game might be, then, you may want to put it on your radar regardless.

If you're reading this on day one, then you can get Dragon's Dogma here at 2Game with over 80% off!

What is Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen?

Depending on how you look at it, Dragon's Dogma PC version is either a delightfully innovative action game or a truly by-the-book action RPG. While there is a fascinating narrative stuck underneath its surface-level drudgery, Dark Arisen isn't really a game you start playing for its story.

Instead, this is a fully-fledged action title that leans heavily into its rather amazing gameplay loop to keep the player involved. In a way, it's closer to the likes of Elden Ring than, say, Dragon Age, and that's a good thing.

Really, though, with a huge open world to explore, there's something new and interesting wherever you turn. If you were lucky enough to have played TES IV: Oblivion early in its lifetime, odds are that you'll get a similar feeling out of turning on Dark Arisen, too. The reason for this is simple: the game is really keen on scuttling your expectations left and right.

Some of its key systems don't even get revealed until you're well underway, and what mechanics are self-apparent right away get massive amounts of depth in the long run. It's one of those role-playing games. Really, though, its combat is the star of the show.

What Makes Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen Worth Playing?

We're not going to go quite as far as to say that Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen has the best combat in the whole genre, but it's a serious contender for the throne, for sure. This is due to the talent behind its production. Specifically, Hideaki Itsuno, one of the creators of Devil May Cry, is responsible for this RPG's existence.

Instead of soft, floaty combat like you may have gotten used to, Dragon's Dogma goes all-in on punchiness and aggression. In fact, the main game even has some elements of Monster Hunter, as many of its larger monsters can (and must) be climbed on to defeat them. Many of their limbs and appendages can be cut off, drastically changing the encounter, too.

It's not an easy game, either. Dark Arisen has one of its many feet firmly entrenched in CRPG tradition. You need to know what you're about when delving into a new dungeon, and preparation is key. Combine this with a delightfully obtuse and strange, yet metaphysical narrative that could've parried Dark Souls in some respects, and you've got a one-of-a-kind RPG through and through.

Can Dragon's Dogma 2 Improve On These Features?

In truth, the reason it's still true that Dragon's Dogma is worth playing is that the game didn't really do anything wrong. True enough, it's got virtually no interesting characters outside of its villains. Its narrative is bland on the surface level. It certainly can get annoying in some instances. These issues, however, are easy to get around and deal with. Its execution, certainly, left a bit to be desired, but that's a different issue entirely.

Namely, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen fits neatly into the category of Eurojank titles. This is not a critique, mind (we're huge fans of the niche, after all). Though backed by Capcom, of all publishers, Dark Arisen simply bit off more than it could conceivably chew.

Charming as the final result might be in this day and age, modern Capcom can do so much better. Just take a gander at the studio's most recent output. From Devil May Cry 5 over Resident Evil: Village and the recent RE remakes. We'd be lying if we said we didn't have our hopes up. And, really, Capcom and Itsuno, in particular, simply need to double-down on everything that makes Dark Arisen such a unique experience. Not that anything about doing so is actually simple, of course.

What Comes Next?

The simple truth is that we don't know anything about Dragon's Dogma 2 just yet. Sure enough, Hideaki Itsuno announced it as part of the franchise's 10th anniversary live stream, but that's about it. The thing about modern Capcom, though, is that it's dedicated to delivering quality. Even the studio's least performant titles are AAA-level! We're absolutely sure that Capcom won't miss out on the opportunity to harness a sprawling RPG franchise this time.

One exciting reveal we do have, as obvious as it might be in hindsight, is that the Dragon's Dogma sequel will run on RE engine. This means that we're getting awesome graphics with stellar optimization, no matter what. Remember - the recent Monster Hunter titles ran on RE engine, too, and Capcom's investment in the technology has certainly paid off.

Now, to circle back onto our core issue. Is Dragon's Dogma worth playing in 2022? Should you get it and see how it pans out on your end? If you're a fan of RPGs and want something new - yes! Much like, say, Shadow of War, this game simply didn't get any "clones" after it came out. So, there's nothing else quite like on the market. Get it, play it, and see what Dragon's Dogma is all about. Oh, and no - you don't need to watch the Netflix show.

If you're reading this on day one, then you can get Dragon's Dogma here at 2Game with over 80% off!