The Appeal of Dragon’s Dogma 2
Despite acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the Capcom team behind Dragon’s Dogma 2, I must admit that my affinity for the game lies in its sheer nonsensical nature.
An Appreciation of Absurdity
When I refer to the game as “dumb,” it’s in the sense that many heavy metal lyrics are, captivating in their simplicity. It evokes the kind of laughter you can’t stifle when witnessing someone take a comical fall. The parallels to the zaniest portions of Monty Python and the Holy Grail are apparent, albeit lacking in the same level of self-awareness.
The experience of Dragon’s Dogma 2 reminds me significantly of my time delving into the vast, silly world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Not during the initial playthrough, but after multiple runs or the transcendent 100-hour save where one refuses to complete the game. It’s the stage where appreciating the grandeur transforms into embracing the utterly ludicrous. From effortlessly dispatching dragons with an overpowered stealth-archer setup to employing buckets to conceal your thievery from NPCs, the game teems with whimsical possibilities that beckon chaos.
Embracing the Chaos
One recalls a moment where the valiant Arisen, celebrated throughout the land, becomes ensnared between a narrow hut and a sloping hill, a situation necessitating a game reset. This juxtaposition encapsulates the essence of absurdity within the game’s framework, where one’s epic destiny momentarily falters due to a trivial impediment.
In another instance, a valorous leader’s impassioned oration remains uninterrupted even as a goblin, mere feet away, ignites one of his comrades. Such bizarre occurrences are but a fraction of the vast, intricate tapestry adorning the game’s expansive world—where disparate systems collide in a manner that alternately entertains, exasperates, and astonishes.
While the narrative of Dragon’s Dogma 2 weaves a tale of nobility, rebirth, and destiny, its strength lies in fostering a spirit of exploration and experimentation within its off-kilter reality. The intricate plot is somewhat overshadowed by dialogue that occasionally misses the mark, yet the core gameplay offers a compelling experience for players willing to unearth its hidden gems.
A Balance of Absurdity and Brilliance
The game’s propensity to evoke simultaneous sentiments of incredulity and admiration is undoubtedly a notable achievement. Whether exclaiming “This is ludicrous” or “This is magnificent,” the duality of reactions mirrors the game’s seamless blend of the nonsensical and the sublime.
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