Hideaki Itsuno’s Vision for Dragon’s Dogma 2
As director Hideaki Itsuno gears up for the release of Dragon’s Dogma 2, the gaming world is watching closely. After successfully breathing new life into the Devil May Cry series, Itsuno and Capcom are now focused on revitalizing another beloved franchise. With the launch looming, Capcom has teased gamers with promises of limited fast travel and seamless gameplay, painting the picture of an RPG that’s both ambitious and expansive.
Addressing the Frame Rate Debate
In a landscape where 60FPS has become the norm for console gaming, Dragon’s Dogma 2 has drawn attention for reportedly running at 30FPS on consoles. “With games skipping 60FPS becoming a rarity, each new console title locked at 30FPS receives criticism,” and Capcom’s upcoming RPG is no exception. According to a report by PCFocus, there is no 60FPS performance mode planned, a detail that has become a point of contention among fans.
Performance Targets and System Requirements
With just two months until launch, Capcom’s silence on frame rate targets for consoles is notable. Typically, performance modes are a key talking point well in advance of a game’s release, but this has not been the case for Dragon’s Dogma 2. The game’s listed system requirements on Steam further point to a 30FPS target, raising questions about whether the current console CPUs can handle the demands of this vast and dynamic open world.
The Challenge of Open World in Capcom’s RE Engine
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is not only a sequel but a test of Capcom’s RE engine in an open-world setting. While the engine is praised for its optimization, the company’s inexperience with large-scale open worlds could be a factor in the 30FPS target. This follows a trend from the first game, which also faced frame rate challenges on consoles.
The Price Point and Expectations
The release of Dragon’s Dogma 2 marks a new pricing strategy for Capcom, with the game being their first $70 AAA title. This increase in price might not sit well with gamers expecting more from the small collection of 30FPS games available on the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X. Additionally, the lack of multiple save files has been confirmed, adding to concerns that the game might launch without some basic features.
Capcom’s Hurdles in Reviving Dragon’s Dogma
As Capcom navigates the final stages before the launch of Dragon’s Dogma 2, they face the challenge of meeting high expectations amidst technical limitations and rising standards in the gaming industry. While the ambition behind this revival is clear, the path to success is fraught with potential hurdles. Only time will tell if Dragon’s Dogma 2 can overcome these challenges and solidify its place in the hearts of RPG enthusiasts.
In summary, Dragon’s Dogma 2 represents a bold step for Capcom and Hideaki Itsuno. Amidst the excitement for this revival, questions about frame rates, pricing, and feature sets linger, making the upcoming launch a pivotal moment for the franchise. Fans and critics alike are eager to see if this ambitious project can live up to its potential and redefine the RPG experience.
