Dragon’s Dogma 2brought a new level of excitement to fans of the original game, combining an expansive open world with improved visuals and deeper mechanics. However, one feature that has left players wanting more is its New Game Plus (NG+) mode. While NG+ allows players to carry over character progress and items to a new playthrough, its lack of difficulty scaling or significant gameplay changes undermines its replay value. By rethinking NG+ and introducing scaling difficulty or additional incentives, Capcom could elevateDragon’s Dogma 2to new heights.
For comparison,NG+ in RPGs such asDark Soulsoffers a more dynamic experience. Not only do enemies become stronger in each subsequent playthrough, but new challenges, items, and enemy placements (at least inDark Souls 2) make revisiting the game exciting.Dragon’s Dogma 2has the foundation for an excellent NG+ mode, but without added difficulty or meaningful rewards, it risks feeling like a hollow repetition of the original experience.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Suffers From Stagnant Progression
One of the primary issueswithDragon’s Dogma 2NG+is the lack of challenge. Players retain their character level, skills, and most of their gear, meaning they can effortlessly breeze through enemies and bosses they once struggled with. UnlikeDark Souls, where NG+ scales enemies' health and damage,Dragon’s Dogma 2keeps them at the same level as the first playthrough, creating a lopsided experience.
This absence of scaling discourages replayability. Players don’t feel incentivized to experiment with new builds or explore strategies because the game becomes easier, not harder. Adding enemy scaling—or even introducing new enemy types, as seen inDark SoulsNG+—would push players to approach the game with fresh tactics. Additionally, introducing unique rewards, such as exclusive gear or new skills, would give players tangible reasons to dive back into NG+.
A Lesson From Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen Bitterblack Isle’s Success
Fans ofDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenoften point to Bitterblack Isleas one of the series' standout features. The area provided a grueling, high-stakes challenge that kept players coming back for more. UnlikeDragon’s Dogma 2, Bitterblack Isle introduced enemies and bosses that tested even the most skilled players, offering significant rewards for those willing to face its dangers.
Recreating something akin toBitterblack Isle inDragon’s Dogma 2—or incorporating similar mechanics into NG+—could reinvigorate the game’s replayability. Players could face new encounters or scaled versions of existing enemies with increased aggression and unique abilities. This would align with the community’s desire for a more rewarding post-game experience.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Scaling Systems Could Breathe New Life Into NG+
ADragon’s Dogma 2scaling system doesn’t need to mirrorDark Soulsto succeed. Capcom could take a more balanced approach by tailoring enemy difficulty to match the player’s level while offering adjustable difficulty settings for NG+. This would allow casual players and hardcore fans to enjoy NG+ on their own terms. For example, Capcom could introduce a mode where enemy behavior evolves in NG+. Bosses could gain new attack patterns, and regular enemies could wield stronger abilities. Additional systems, such as enemy density changes or rare boss encounters, could make each NG+ playthrough feel unique.
Moreover, NG+ could expand narrative elements. Introducing alternate dialogue, new cutscenes, or secret quests that only unlock in NG+ would provide a fresh perspective on the story. These additionswould make revisitingDragon’s Dogma 2feel meaningful, especially for players eager to see new sides of its characters and world.
Addressing Concerns for the Future of Dragon’s Dogma
WithHideaki Itsuno’s departure from Capcom, the future ofDragon’s Dogmaas a franchise is uncertain. WhileDragon’s Dogma 2has achieved commercial success, selling over 3 million units by mid-2024, fan engagement is crucial for sustaining the game’s momentum. A revamped NG+ could help bridge the gap between the game’s initial release and potential future updates or expansions.
Currently, Capcom’s silence regarding post-release plans has left fans feeling neglected. Introducing a meaningful update to NG+ would demonstrate a commitment to improving the player experience and keep the game relevant.
Ultimately,Dragon’s Dogma 2needs more than just a larger worldand improved visuals to continue to stand out. Games likeDark Soulshave proven that a well-designed NG+ mode can drastically enhance a title’s longevity, offering players new challenges and reasons to revisit the game. By implementing enemy scaling, unique NG+ content, and optional difficulty settings, Capcom could transformDragon’s Dogma 2into something engaging for years to come.
