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Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4 • 2016

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Quick resume

Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Engaging and unique combat system
  • Deep character and party customization
  • Large immersive open world
  • High replayability with multiple vocations
  • Innovative pawn system enabling indirect multiplayer interaction

Cons

  • Dated graphics and ui
  • Tedious travel and limited fast travel options
  • Some quest design and story elements are confusing or weak
  • Pawn ai can be frustrating at times
  • Steep learning curve and initial slow pacing

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose vocations, customize characters, switch classes anytime, and explore the open world at their own pace."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat is skill-based with unique enemy weaknesses and climbing mechanics; players feel rewarded mastering complex systems."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration; pawn system involves indirect cooperation but no direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Many players report hundreds of hours, multiple playthroughs, and high replayability with different classes and builds."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Unique pawn system encourages cooperation with AI and indirectly with other players by sharing pawns."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Extensive character customization, class switching, and party building allow creative playstyles and strategies."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions emphasize shared party dynamics and mutual support rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Immersive fantasy world, epic battles, and exploration provide strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, often discovering the game by chance."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with different vocations, skills, and party compositions to find effective strategies."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Large open world with secrets, dungeons, and varied environments encourages curiosity-driven discovery."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character creation and pawn customization allow self-expression and personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with dragons, mythical creatures, magic, and epic storytelling."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Community interaction through pawn sharing and ratings fosters a sense of belonging."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn enemy weaknesses, and improve through leveling and gear progression."

  • Health
    -3

    "Gameplay involves extensive sedentary play and some tedious walking, though mods can alleviate this."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention during combat and exploration; not designed for background or casual play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction through pawns and community, but limited emotional depth or close relationships."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Players manage their party and pawns strategically but do not lead other human players."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on leveling, gear acquisition, and unlocking new skills and vocations."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Combat can be challenging and tense but also provides flow and satisfaction when mastered."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Dynamic combat animations, impactful magic effects, and atmospheric music provide rich sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -2

    "Recognition mostly limited to pawn ratings and community appreciation rather than broad social status."

  • Story
    2

    "Story is serviceable with some twists but not the main focus; gameplay and combat take precedence."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Players must plan party composition, exploit enemy weaknesses, and adapt tactics for success."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Boss fights and climbing mechanics create suspense and excitement, though some find difficulty spikes frustrating."

  • Value
    5

    "High replay value and content volume provide excellent return on time and money invested."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves defeating monsters with weapons and magic, including climbing and attacking large foes."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage stamina, exploit weaknesses, and prepare strategically to survive challenging encounters."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026