Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen (PS4)

Dragons Dogma: Dark Arisen (PS4)

  • Gameplay 9.5/10:
This is the type of RPG I've been waiting for on PS4. It's the level of epic and massive open world that I loved on PS2 and earlier systems where they focused more on depth instead of graphics. There's a ton to do including unique quests, not just the typical fetch quests, but creation quests and solving mysteries types of quests. The monsters are made up of classic mythology like the Chimera, Griffon or Cyclops. Dragon's Dogma even has a relationship mechanic where it's possible to form a relationship with almost any of the dozens of NPCs. The one and only complaint I have is the less than perfect AI from the "pawns" or allies that the main character has to rely on. They aren't as smart as they could be, but it's only a small complaint which keeps this game from a perfect 10. 
  • Graphics 8/10:
Even though I don't normally put too much importance on graphics, the look is pretty impressive compared to the PS3 version. However the PS3 version looked like PS2 quality and the PS4 only looks like a PS3 quality game. It's still not stellar, but it's good that they decided to focus more on the gameplay instead of just making things look pretty. 
  • Sound and Music 10/10:
Every fight with a big enemy feels epic because of the choir style music that plays. It feels like a Lord of the Rings style fight against massive beasts. Given how difficult some of the encounters can be it does feel like an amazing moment when you're finally victorious over a terrifying Hydra or ugly Ogre. 
  • Story 8.5/10:
There's a big bad creature who is about to destroy the world, but luckily you are the chosen one who can defeat it. Sound familiar? Well that plot has been played out since story's were created in human history. But who the hell cares because this type of plot line is relatable and people really seem to enjoy it. There's also a hot princess (a dutchess really) and it's possible to romance her. By possible I mean optional, because you can also pick the busty blonde shop owner who constantly leans over the counter to show you her massive "inventory". In fact every character in the game is a possible choice for the main character's romantic interest and at the end you will have to save him/her from the dragon. So maybe the story isn't so bad, because it has the classic elements, but it gives people the choice of going with the cliche or picking something different.  Pick the old fisherman if you want, the game doesn't care and won't judge you. 
  • Replay Value 10/10:
The game has so much content you could play for a year and never see everything it has to offer. With a new game+ and the included expansion world of Bitterblack Isle there is more than enough to keep any gamer busy. Many of the quests and areas are too difficult to be beaten during the first playthrough, demanding that players beat the game once more to properly level grind. 
  • Originality 8/10:
Most of the concepts are taken from older game ideas, ancient stories and mythical creatures. But Dragon's Dogma makes these concepts their own and puts them in a unique setting. Instead of a helpless princess who consistently gets captured by the same monster, we have a sexy duchess who needs saving from her fat impotent husband. Instead of a single dragon threatening mankind, we have a shitload of other creatures working independently to kill all humans "just because". Picking a cliche fighting style is required (fighter, mage or thief), but can be changed at any time. If you're sick of being a warrior, you can switch to being a magician, if you get bored with that pick a ranger class with a bow. Or maybe you'd like a hybrid class: a sword wielding warrior with a magical bow? The best concepts from RPGs is offered and put together in one game. 
  • Multiplayer 10/10:
No multiplayer at all which is great. You wouldn't want your friends to see you giving your best armor to a girl with massive cleavage just because you want to see her change her clothes in front of you. Friends would ruin the experience of this game and if the developers focused on creating a multiplayer the main campaign would have suffered. No multiplayer in an RPG equals good times. 

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