Dragon's Dogma (PS3)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Strategy \ RPG
Platforms: PS3, X360
Release Date: 25th May, 2012


Dragon's Dogma is an action-oriented role-playing game that mixes fantasy with fearsome creatures. I managed to get a sneak preview, and Capcom's take on fantasy RPGs has turned out to be surprisingly refreshing. Although influences of popular RPGs are evident, this game still has enough character to set it apart.
 

I Used To Write Original Scripts, But Then I Took An Arrow In The Knee
The preview kicks off in an unknown terrain, setting the protagonist against strange forces, goblins, and a large creature resembling a mix between a giant lion, snake, and goat. Soon enough, you wake up in a village named Casadeis, only to find it under attack from a colossal dragon. This is where bravery supersedes common sense, and you take it head on.

However, the dragon is too large and you are rather ill-equipped to fight him. It merrily rips out your heart and gulps it down. Amazingly, you manage to survive with just a Harry Potter-esque glowing scar on your chest. What's more, the dragon is even able to communicate with you just like Voldemort did with Potter.

Beneath its good-vs-evil against a David vs Goliath narrative, the open-world fantasy setting bears a striking resemblance to Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. There's a lot to explore and numerous NPCs to interact with - some engaged in their chores and others bearing quests. Though your ultimate target is to slay the dragon, there is a lot to keep you busy in the meantime.
 

The character customization palette includes variables such as gender, class (the preview only offered Fighter, Strider and Mage), appearance, voice, and more. Once that you've decided on your character's personality, it's time to explore vibrant landscapes, meet interesting characters, and do a bit of training to prove your prowess as the Arisen (something on the lines of the chosen one).

Prepare For Pawn-age!
The game's pawn system ensures that you don't have to bear the tedium of travelling long distances all by yourself. Pawns are soulless beings ready to die for you, offer strategic hints, and stick by your side through thick and thin. Unlike some of my recent AI partners in Operation Raccoon City, these slaves demonstrate intelligence and strength. For instance, one of my pawns named Maya, would constantly search for food scattered along the way to maintain our reserves.

The title also allows you customise the personality and characteristics of your pawn. You can select their class as well as modify their appearance. Additionally, you can travel with three pawns, apart from your customised partner. In fact, some of their features and abilities make them as good as human compatriots.

A mystical stone dubbed as the Rift gives you an overview of available pawns and their features. It is interesting how this system lets you choose companions to create a strategically well-equipped team. It is important that you carefully select allies as different situations call for specific skills from your pawns.
 

An online platform called the Pawn Community will let you trade and loan out your pawns when the game releases. This means, you can use someone else's pawn, while yours quests with other gamers. Though the idea sounds remarkable, there's no way to see how it will pan out till the game launches.

Combat 24x7
The dynamic combat system sports an exciting pace. Some fights may seem tough if you don't blend your skills and wits against enemies. The dynamic day-and-night system also affects the intensity of battles. It is easier to fight in the day as opposed to night-time skirmishes.

Collecting nuts, herbs, and other such items is vital, as some of them are crucial for survival in the midst of a fight. You can also give curatives to your dying pawns, who then return the favour by assisting you in combat. Some of them grab and hold enemies, which lets you strike them in Bollywood style, before unleashing a fatal blow.
 

Needs More Polish
Combat may be solid, but the enemies often give you more grief than an average gamer can handle. It took me almost 30 minutes to cross a particularly difficult section, as my character died frequently while dealing with a band of bandits and wolves. Finally, I avoided them to reach the next checkpoint. However, the only way to go any further was to kill them. The inability to select a preferred level of difficulty can be a big turn off for some players.

Although the combat and pawn systems may be alluring, the graphics don't come across as either excellent or subtle. Some portions look stunning, but the rest suffer from texture issues. Capcom should definitely resolve these problems before the retail version hits the shelves.
 

Shows Promise
From what's apparent with the little sneak peek, Dragon's Dogma looks pretty impressive despite its run-of-the-mill plot. However, that isn't an issue, thanks to an engaging gameplay. Capcom spruces up the game with a fantasy world comprising of gigantic monstrosities. Yes, you may have seen all these elements before, but this game ties it all together with great finesse. Let's hope it manages to maintain the same smashing gameplay experience across its entirety in the retail version.

Tags : Previews, Gaming, PlayStation, Sanali