Dragon’s Dogma 2’s gameplay reveal at this year’s PlayStation Showcase was nothing short of an exciting surprise for fans of the original experimental Capcom RPG. Looking to be a faithful follow-up to its predecessor,Dragon’s Dogma 2also seems to be embracing the concept of pushing the series forward. The gameplay shown in the reveal trailer is likely to feel familiar to fans of the first game, but this fact itself means a lot more with the context of the brand-new vision Capcom has evolving under the hood. In a modern era dominated by over the shoulder third person action, changes likeDragon’s Dogma 2’s new camera angle show the bold new approach the Capcom is taking with the sequel.
The originalDragon’s Dogmawas an underappreciated but beloved RPG that managed to develop a cult-like fanbase following its release all the way back in 2012. While it has remained a smaller franchise compared to other titles under the umbrella of Capcom’s iconic library, the experimental title found a place in the hearts of many RPG players. Capcom has always had faith in the series, and maintained enough support for it deliver theDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenupdate in 2013. It’s now been over 10 years since that release, butDragon’s Dogmahas somehow retained a relevant status among the ranks of modern RPGs due to its solid gameplay loop. A primary characteristic of its gameplay was its panned-out, third-person perspective that emphasizedDragon’s Dogma’s scaleand focus on fighting with companions. WhileDragon’s Dogma 2seems to be staying true to its roots, its combat camera presents a shift into modern trends.
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Dragon’s Dogma 2’s Reveal Trailer Showcased a Major Change to Combat
The PlayStation Showcase trailer wasn’t shy in terms of combat gameplay in the field, and it looks to be updating the camera with a closer perspective. The over the shoulder perspective was partially present in the original game while aiming the bow, but the experience was generally more panned out. In theDragon’s Dogma 2gameplay reveal, an intense over the shoulder angle was shown to be used for both bow usage and spell casting alike this time around.
This action centric presentation is telling of an even larger focus on the upcoming title’s battle encounters, a logical direction given theRE Engine’s power when it comes to engaging combat systems. The style of the sequel toDragon’s Dogma, however, presented a whole new approach that Capcom needed to take for using their signature engine on this ambitious title.
While RE Engine has brought an innovative and modern feeling to several genres of Capcom games so far, it has never been applied to a vast, open-world RPG. With the trailer showcasing visceral melee combat from a closer camera angle than the originalDragon’s Dogmain its MT Framework engine. This change signals influence from other notable action experiences in RE Engine likeDevil May Cry 5, with some of that game’s own third person combat flair seemingly bleeding over into the upcoming action ofDragon’s Dogma 2. Given the original’s age, it’s not surprising that the sequel is looking to refresh the franchise through taking notes from a defining aspect of the gameplay in major releases of the past few years.
The Over-the-Shoulder Camera Angle has Become a Modern Staple
WithGod of War: Ragnarok’s success having shaken up the entire gaming community, and Capcom’sResident Evilremakes revitalizing classic titles, the closer over the shoulder type of camera perspective is proving to be a dominant force in modern gaming. It could be due to the greater sense of immersion and control brought by being closer to the action that Capcom has decided to experiment by implementing elements of this camera angle intoamassive open-world gamelikeDragon’s Dogma. If the familiar yet exciting gameplay shown in the reveal trailer is anything to go by, the closer view of the game’s action has the potential to bring the title up to the same level as its massively successful contemporaries.
While the aptly named RE Engine was originally built for 2017’sResident Evil 7, the subsequent remakes of the series' past games released by Capcom in the last few years have shown the engine’s versatility when it comes to improving old formulas. The smash hitResident Evil 2andResident Evil 4remakesboth received the over the shoulder camera angle treatment despite the fixed camera perspectives of the original games, so the similar emphasis in this new version ofDragon’s Dogmaaligns with Capcom’s expanding vision to unite all of their major titles under the RE Engine.
The more fixed camera ofDevil May Cry 5’s intense combatalso showed the engine’s ability to deliver a solid traditional third person experience as well however, a fact that’s even more remarkable considering that the engine was originally created for a first person game.Dragon’s Dogma 2appears to be utilizing RE Engine’s adaptability to incorporate what has worked well for Capcom’s recent successes while maintaining the feeling of the first game.
Fans of the originalDragon’s Dogmafinally have a brand-new adventure to look forward to, further showing howCapcom is achieving record successby taking risks and being experimental with its releases. Capcom has been stretching the limits of the RE Engine with series updates such asMonster Hunter RiseandStreet Fighter 6to massively positive reception, cementing its place as a giant of the gaming industry. Despite dominating the market with their offerings across a multitude of genres, the company is still willing to push the RE Engine even further by updating its signature RPG series into the latest era of gaming.
Whilethe firstDragon’s Dogmamay have flown under the radar for many players, its enduring cult status has made it more than worthy of a sequel capable of shining in the open-world populated modern gaming landscape. If the closer and over the shoulder camera angles are indicators of anything, it’s thatDragon’s Dogma 2is set to contend with its modern gaming peers through more visceral gameplay than ever.
Dragon’s Dogma 2is in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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