When Dragon’s Dogma first launched in 2012, it didn’t grab the spotlight as Capcom had hoped. Despite its innovative combat and larger-than-life boss fights, it wasn’t the “Skyrim-killer” that many expected. However, over the years, it built a loyal following.
Fast forward to today, the PC release of Dragon’s Dogma has given this cult classic a new life—and the hype is well-deserved. Packed with unique gameplay moments and a polished port, the game shines brighter than ever, even if some structural flaws hold it back.
Diverse Classes, Endless Strategies
In Dragon’s Dogma, you can choose from nine vocations that include classic fighter, rogue, and mage options, as well as hybrid classes that mix abilities. This flexibility lets you tailor your playstyle and experiment.
Switching between classes is seamless, and passive abilities carry over, making it even more rewarding to try different builds. The depth in strategy keeps combat engaging, especially as you learn to exploit enemy weaknesses while managing stamina and health.
Monsters That Steal the Show
What really sets this RPG apart are the battles with mythical creatures like griffins, chimeras, and hydras. Borrowing cues from Shadow of the Colossus, you can climb these beasts to reach weak points, but watch out—they’ll fight back!
Whether you’re scaling a cyclops to strike its eye or grabbing a griffin mid-flight, these encounters are thrilling every time. Though the variety of monsters could be expanded, the epic final boss battle leaves a lasting impression.
A World Full of Danger and Mystery
Dragon’s Dogma isn’t your typical open-world game. Roads are safe havens, while venturing into the wilderness, especially at night, is risky. The lack of fast travel adds a layer of tension, forcing you to plan and prepare carefully for every journey. Every step feels meaningful, and this attention to detail enhances the sense of adventure.
Pawns: Your Unlikely Companions
Your journey isn’t a solo one. You’re accompanied by “pawns,” customizable AI companions that help you fight, heal, and navigate the world. What’s unique is that other players can recruit your pawn, allowing it to gain knowledge and become even more helpful. This creates a subtle but fascinating connection between players, reminiscent of Souls-like games.
Shortcomings in Structure
While the gameplay excels, Dragon’s Dogma struggles with its story and quest design. The narrative is forgettable, and quests often boil down to simple fetch tasks. Additionally, inventory management feels clunky, especially with limited fast travel options. Despite these issues, the gameplay is strong enough to overshadow these flaws.
The Best Way to Play
The PC version is undoubtedly the definitive way to experience Dragon’s Dogma. With improved graphics, smooth framerates, and stunning landscapes, the game looks and runs better than ever. While the controls are optimized for a gamepad, keyboard-and-mouse players may find the interface less intuitive.
In the end, Dragon’s Dogma isn’t perfect, but it’s a unique RPG with unforgettable moments. Whether you’re battling giant monsters or exploring its dangerous world, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience. For fans of Monster Hunter or Dark Souls, this is an adventure worth taking—especially on PC, where the game truly shines.
