Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

I have played Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen across multiple platforms (Steam. PlayStation 4, etc) and this one is no different. Its' the same game albeit being "DRM Free" through GOG. I really enjoyed the hiring pawn system and being able to share my pawn with friends. Though earning Rift Crystals through this way felt like more of a hindrance than collecting them through treasure chests given that it relies on online functionality (having an Internet Connection, Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen Servers being online, etc). Case in point it felt more like a technical limitation. Though I would still give this game five stars do the to fact that 1. Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen is functional and completely playable offline. 2. Online functionality is "Optional" and as implied above you can still collect "Rift Crystals" completely offline (collecting them through Treasure Chests) and with limited and/or no internet connection whatsoever. 3. Its' DRM Free.

My first impressions of this game were sort of flat, but I'm glad I continued exploring this gem. Graphics, sound and story are all about what you'd expect from a game made in 2012 so no major problems there. For me the gameplay and challenge is what kept me coming back. For the first time in many years I found myself thinking of the game when I wasn't playing. (Thinking of new strategies to progress in Bitter Black Isle and how to best make use of new gear, abilities and classes.) Somehow Capcom managed to put together a surprisingly deep and enjoyable game in a typical fantasy setting. Definitely worth checking out. Audio/Visuals **** Controls ***** Story **** Fun Factor *****

Pros: - Awesome graphic: DDDA ages quite well graphically. In vanilla version, DDDA beats Skyrim by a mile. The armor, weapons, clothings in this game look real, feel real and sometimes you'll find it hard to say good bye to your best looking gears. - Visceral combat system: This is DDDA's strongest point! Every monster battle feels fresh and challenging! You no longer stand on the ground and hack a giant's ankle to death! Fighting dragon in DDDA is WAY more fun than Witcher 3, Dragon's Age and Skyrim! No matter what class (9 in total btw) you play, you can always craft your own playstyle through various skills and buffs. Day & night cycle actually affects the types of monsters in the world. - Pretty good soundtrack: It has its own charm though not as memorable as Skyrim or Witcher. Nonetheless you'll feel the epicness running in your vein when you're holding on to your dear life on top of a flying griffin 100 meters off the ground. - Pretty good AI: They actually help you if you're in trouble. And you can change your companion's behavior. Beware though, the enemies are also as capable as your companions. You'll always find your escort and wimpiest member of the team (mage, sorcerer) becoming the main target first. Cons: - Counterintuitive UI system: Inventory system is clunky. It actually has 2 different inventory systems (1 for items & another one for equipment). Main quests, side quests and tasks are all thrown into the same orgy of a list. - You'll travel by your own legs, A LOT! Because this game almost doesn't support fast travel. Combine this with respawned enemies... - Weak story: The main quest line is decent enough, Skyrim level. But the rest is meh. - Basic crafting: You can craft potions. That's it! You can only enhance your equipment with the help of your local merchant. Most incompetent hero ever! - Not so vibrant modding community: It doesn't even get to Fallout 4's level Nonetheless you'll find plenty of fun in this game. Happy hunting Arisens!

This game was so good-- I actually shared this game with two dummy accounts that I specifically made for this game. I had one main class for each accounts and my full party of all my own pawns would stay the same on each playthrough.

This is literally my favorite game of all time. I have some bullet-points in store for main things I like about it, but here is the main one: This game plays like what I imagine when I'm playing tabletop Dungeons and Dragons. At least in terms of combat (and to a lesser extent, world interaction), you can pretty much do anything the controls and your character's skills will let you. Want to jump off a railing and grab the tail of a flying dragon? Do it. Want to climb around the side of a thieves' den crawling with guards and steal the treasure you need? Go for it. Want to create a glass cannon sorcerer with devastating magic but you need help to cover you while you cast? You betcha, that's what Pawns are for. It plays out so beautifully that I can't help but love all the things that your character is capable of doing in with the environment and combat. So because I promised bullet points, here are a few: - Open world that is not too open; plenty of room for exploration but not so huge that you get lost - Great customization: not only in the appearance of your character and pawn, but also 9 classes, dozens of skills, and hundreds of weapons and armor - Classic fantasy menagerie: Hydras, Dragons, Griffins, Cockatrices, Beholders, Goblins, Undead, Lizard Men, and more - Fun Pawn system: create a helper, rent her out to other players, hire other players' helpers, and be rewarded for your efforts - Interesting story: despite many traditional fasntasy trappings, the story is unique and the world building fascinating Final note: the TV Tropes laconic page for this game sums it up thusly: A cross between Devil May Cry, Dark Souls, Shadow of the Colossus, and Monster Hunter. Wanna play the most fun action RPG ever made? DO IT.