Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 a soulslike? Since the release of Demon’s Souls in 2009, the world of video games has become increasingly rich in games belonging to the soulslike genre, which is a subcategory of action RPGs. However, can we say that Dragon’s Dogma 2 belongs to this category? For some, the answer may be obvious, but it is good to clarify for those who are not industry veterans.
Is Dragon’s Dogma 2 a Soulslike?
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a game that belongs to the action RPG category, that’s for sure, but we can also say with certainty that it is in no way a soulslike. The game takes up the style of the first chapter and of all the other action RPGs that have been released over time, but it certainly does not lean towards the soulslike subgenre.
One of the defining features of soulslike games is the punishment for failure, often in the form of losing in-game currency upon death. In titles like Dark Souls or Bloodborne, players risk losing their hard-earned souls or blood echoes with each defeat, adding a layer of tension to every encounter. This is why it’s usually best to use a more studied approach when playing these games.
However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 takes a different approach, opting not to penalize players with the loss of currency upon death. Instead, the focus is on the journey itself, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game world without the constant fear of losing progress.
Another thing to consider is that soulslike games usually have tough bosses to face that test your skills. But in Dragon’s Dogma 2, while there are strong enemies you will encounter during your journey, the focus is more on exploring and fighting different enemies, not just big boss battles. So it’s not about learning the moveset of a boss to defeat it.
Furthermore, soulslike games are often characterized by their minimalist approach to storytelling and world-building, leaving players to piece together the narrative through environmental cues and cryptic dialogue. Additionally, features such as limited stamina management and the absence of maps contribute to the sense of immersion and challenge.
However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a more traditional approach to storytelling, with a richly detailed world and a narrative that unfolds through quests, dialogue, and cutscenes. Additionally, the game offers some advantages that players can use, like maps and a lack of strict stamina management, providing a different gameplay experience compared to the typically unforgiving nature of soulslike games.