Summary
After more than a decade, theDragon’s Dogmaseries has returned with the hotly anticipatedDragon’s Dogma 2. Capcom has been able to craft a fantastic fantasy RPG that was well worth the wait, albeit with a few technical issues. However, even thoughDragon’s Dogma 2has been a treat, it is also marred by an extremely controversial microtransaction model. While microtransactions may be everywhere these days, the way this system is implemented in the game needs to be on its way out.
Dragon’s Dogma 2may be a single-player RPG, but justlike withResident Evil 4before it, Capcom has filled it with all sorts of different purchasable items. They may all be earnable simply by playing the game, however, that does not really justify their existence for many. Although it may be too late for this fantasy RPG, it feels like it’s time for these types of microtransactions to die off, or at least take on an entirely different form.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Microtransactions May Be One of the Worst Yet
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Microtransaction Model Explained
Dragon’s Dogma 2has been a fantastic adventurefor fans of the genre, with it possibly even rivaling titles likeThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. However, upon release, players quickly discovered that Capcom had filled it with all sorts of different microtransactions. For a couple of dollars, players can purchase things like fast travel, character revives, appearance changes, and even in-game currency. In total, there are over $40 worth of purchasable items for players to get. Additionally, the $80 deluxe edition includes it all for those who want to pay a little extra for the game.
Luckily, all of these items can also beearned in-game ifDragon’s Dogma 2players want to work for them. If they do not purchase these, they are not locked out of the mechanics. Instead, it will just take them a bit more time to gain access to them. And for those that want to skip ahead, they can drop a few dollars to do so. While that may help lessen the impact of these transactions, many feel like they still have no place in a single-player RPG such as this.
Capcom Really Needs to Reevaluate Its Approach
Tacking on $40 worth of microtransactionsto a $70 single-player RPG is not something many players expected nor something they like. It would be one thing if these were exclusive cosmetics or fun little DLC packs, yet these are core game features. Things like fast travel and the ability to edit characters whenever players want are genre staples, but not something that is typically paid for with real money. Likewise, the ability to escape prison should never have any real-world transaction attached to it.
Attaching these mechanics to microtransactions hurts what could have been a genre-defining experience because the game underneath has proven to be an amazing adventure so far. However, the reviews on Steam were sitting at Mostly Negative upon release and have since moved to Mixed. This seems to be mainly because players have been put off by this business model, which could end up hurting the game in the long run. Yet, it is also par for the course with Capcom.
2023’sResident Evil 4was also filled to the brim with similar microtransactions, like more hidden treasures, the simplest of cosmetics, and even weapon upgrade tickets. While it does not seem like those transactions ruined the game’s reception, they still feel extremely predatory. It would be one thing if these were free-to-play multiplayer games, but these are fully-fledged single-player games, and features like this have no place here. And even though the studio will likely not change its approach, it should reconsider it because otherwise, fans might start turning their backs.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
