In a recent interview with IGN, Hideaki Itsuno, director of the upcoming Dragon’s Dogma 2, revealed a game that aims to realize the full potential of its predecessor. While the first Dragon’s Dogma offered a vast open world and unique fighting mechanics, it also faced some limitations in player agency and environmental interaction. Dragon’s Dogma 2 seems determined to address these shortcomings, creating a truly free-form experience where players can do anything they think of.
During the interview, Itsuno said the team worked hard to design a world that would react believably to any player. This philosophy extends to environmental exploration, where players can climb not just mountains and structures but even onto the bodies of enemies in the heat of battle. Gone are the days of frustratingly inaccessible areas; if it looks climbable, chances are you can reach it.
This focus on player agency isn’t just about traversal. Itsuno emphasizes the dynamic nature of the world, where actions have consequences and opportunities emerge organically. Grasping onto a falling enemy, utilizing the environment to gain an advantage, or even interacting with the local populace in unexpected ways are all possibilities.
“We worked hard to create a world that would react in a believable way to whatever actions a player wants to take, so one answer would be those who want to seriously pretend to be a part of that world, or people who want to experience a new life in a simulated fantasy world. While we did also make a world where people who are skilled at action games and those who have trouble with them can both find a way to survive, there is also a deep action game awaiting those who are seeking one, so we of course welcome with open arms those who want to simply muscle their way through.”
Hideaki Itsuno
The interview also delves into the Pawn system, a defining feature of the original Dragon’s Dogma. These AI companions, customizable and able to learn from other players, return in the sequel with even greater depth. Players can expect a more seamless sense of community, where shared knowledge and strategies contribute to the overall experience.
Accessibility is another key concern for Itsuno. Dragon’s Dogma 2 aims to cater to both action-game veterans and those who prefer a more relaxed approach. The world is designed to offer challenges and rewards for all playstyles, whether mastering intricate combat techniques or simply immersing oneself in the rich world and engaging in the narrative.
If Itsuno’s vision comes to fruition, Dragon’s Dogma 2 could be a landmark title for the open-world RPG genre. Still, we’ve heard this promise before, so we’ll have to wait and see.
