Return to Gransys
2012 was the Year of the Dragon (according to the Chinese Zodiac), and so Dragon’s Dogma was released. A game by CAPCOM, directed by Hideaki Itsuno, and the reason why I bought myself a Playstation 3 at the time. 12 years later, the elder dragon’s claw reaches into our hearts once more, with the release of its sequel.
Dragon’s Dogma II arrived to mixed reactions, negative ones mostly from players unfamiliar with the series and its systems, many who expected it to either play like a Souls game, or a Devil May Cry, as Hideaki directed it. The release was hurt further by a controversy surrounding its 'Fast-Travel’ system, tied to microtransactions, a decision I won’t defend, but whoever finished the game knows it’s virtually a non-issue.
Dragon’s Dogma main gimmick is the ‘Pawns’. Automated party members created by you and other players. They’ll form 3-quarters of your party, and accompany you through thick and thin, as you smite your way across Gransys. It’s a game for those who enjoy character creation, free-roam exploration, and erm… a good excuse to journey with a party of half-naked burly men. (or whatever “arisens'“ your boat). If you’ve enjoyed the original Dragon’s Dogma in any capacity, you’re in for a treat, the sequel does everything better! The world is greater, the combat is tighter, and most importantly, Pawns are smarter! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
Like any game though, it has flaws. There’s room for improvement; The enemy variety feels stale by the time you’ve charted most of Gransys, NPCs still act -for the sake of brevity- very NPCy, and its inconspicuous “romance” feature comes back to my dismay; Just like the original, whatever NPC you have highest affinity with shows up at ‘the end’ as a choice of sacrifice; The dragon strikes a bargain, it will spare the soul of the Arisen (player), in exchange for the life of their most beloved. Though narratively compelling, romantic interaction is so limited in both games, that the payoff is painfully anticlimactic. Many players find themselves paired up with a random shop clerk, simply by interacting with them often throughout the campaign. There is a thin silver line, the sequel includes Pawn affinity! After a long journey, your loyal guardian may gaze upon you with rosed cheeks and words of adoration.
My pawn, Troy ♥
With DLC rumors and hopes of a third installment, all I ask of Dragon’s Dogma is more ways to interact with my Pawn, they shine on the battlefield but have little to do an say after the dust settles. The Arisen and their Pawn are ripe for romantic potential, it is impossible not to grow fond of your loyal companion during your journey, as they live and die to protect and serve you, collecting visible scars as proof of their tribute. But even if romance is not this game’s priority, I’ll surely return to Gransys every chance I get.
So how GAY is it?
The game does have romance and sex, though it leaves much to be desired. You can raise affinity with your Pawn and NPCs, some featuring special romantic cutscenes. You can share the fantasy equivalent of wedding rings, and even visit a brothel, if you’re so inclined, but don’t expect any steamy screentime, as the action is reduced to a transitional fade-out. For outfitting though, there is no shortage of options for scantily-clad mouth-watering eye-candy goodness for men.
Dragon’s Dogma II
Gaymer rating: ◆◆◆◆◇
Close to gay perfection!
