One of 2024's biggest RPGs has massively dropped in price

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In most mediums, a cult classic getting a surprise sequel can be nerve-wracking news, but in the video game world there’s generally a bit more cause to be optimistic. A seasoned team getting a second crack at a concept can result in a more polished, expanded and fully-realised rendition of that original vision. For Capcom’s brutal dark fantasy Dragon’s Dogma, originally released in 2012, that’s exactly what happened.

It’s one of the biggest games of the year, and right now you can pick up the Dragon's Dogma II Steelbook Edition on PS5 for £32.99 at Argos.

In this gritty and unforgiving fantasy game, you play as the Arisen, a warrior whose heart has been stolen by an evil dragon. As one of several classes, from a regular sword and shield fighter to an arcane archer, you venture across the world in search of the dragon, fending off all manner of fantasy beasts as you go. It’s a punishing world that demands your full attention, with laziness often resulting in a quick beating.

Most interestingly, losing your heart has given you access to Pawns, AI-controlled companions who accompany you on your adventures and actively learn and improve while you play. For example, your brand new Pawn will enter a fight with a griffin without really knowing what they’re doing, but if you win they’ll pick up on your strategy and become more effective the next time they face one. You can also share your Pawns with other players, gathering experience that they can bring back when you next jump in for a session.

Over at Amazon, the game’s got a 4.3 out of 5 average score from over 250 customer ratings, with customers praising the expansive world and gripping gameplay. “I'm obsessed,” said one five-star review. “It received lots of criticism but I like the gameplay, the story and the super interesting interactions with NPCs and the disease they can get. Very original details and good fun!”

“Can be a bit intimidating at first, as it is so complex, but as you get into it you realise it is superb in all areas,” said another reviewer. “Many hours of exploration to be done, and all good fun.”

Another added: “Excellent game. Great stories and side quests. Wonderful classes and bonus classes.”

Some fans of the original game have found the sequel didn’t live up to their expectations, however. “I was really looking forward to getting this and was convinced I'd love it,” began one review. “Unfortunately I don't, there's just too many little annoyances for my tastes these days and some of the mechanics I just think are needlessly designed to cause frustration.”

Another added: “I don’t like that a tent takes half your weight allowance so you are constantly struggling with inventory. The pawns also prattle on relentlessly with the same dialogue.”

If you’d prefer a first-person, narrative-driven experience, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is an absolute bargain at less than £30 at Currys. A similarly dark fantasy world with engaging, brutal combat is Elden Ring, widely considered one of the best games of the generation and a steal at £49.99 at PlayStation.

But for a novel take on dark fantasy with AI companions and monster slaying, Dragon's Dogma II is well worth a shot.