Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen Switch Review: An Epic Adventure, A Legend in Your Hands

Hello everyone, I'm Lao Wang, a seasoned gamer with over ten years of experience. Today, we're going to talk about a classic that once swept console platforms and has now been reborn on the Nintendo Switch – Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. As a loyal fan of open-world RPGs, I've experienced this game on multiple platforms. The arrival of the Switch version allows me to embark on another adventure in the Gransys continent. So, how does the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen perform? Is it worth your time and money? Let's delve into it!

1. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen: An Underrated RPG Classic

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen initially launched on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2012, followed by PC, PS4, and Xbox One versions. Now, it has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch. This game stands out in the RPG genre with its unique open-world exploration, innovative combat system, and engaging story. It doesn't have the vast world and countless side quests of The Elder Scrolls series, nor does it focus on narrative and character development like The Witcher series. Instead, it emphasizes the combat experience and freedom of exploration in action RPGs.

In the game, you play as an "Arisen" whose heart was stolen by a dragon, tasked with finding the dragon and saving the world. You can freely explore the continent of Gransys, fight various monsters, complete quests, and build relationships with other characters. One of the game's biggest features is its unique "Pawn System." You can create your own Pawn and recruit Pawns created by other players to form a four-person party to adventure together. These Pawns not only provide support in battle but also carry out various tasks according to your instructions, and even proactively remind you of quest objectives and enemy weaknesses.

2. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen on the Nintendo Switch: How Does It Perform?

Now, let's focus on the Nintendo Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. As a port, the Switch version has made some adjustments in terms of graphics, performance, and controls.

2.1 Graphics: A Decent Port, with Room for Improvement

The graphics of the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen are generally decent. In handheld mode, the screen resolution is reduced, and the level of detail is not as good as the console version, but it's still acceptable. In TV mode, the screen resolution is improved, but the jagged edges are still quite noticeable. The game's textures and lighting effects are relatively simple, which is due to the limitations of the Switch's hardware. However, the overall art style and design of the game still maintain the characteristics of the original, and the scenery of the Gransys continent is still impressive. Considering the future release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we might be able to experience better graphics in this game. For more information about the Nintendo Switch 2, you can refer to nintendo switch2 first look.

2.2 Performance: Smooth Gameplay, Occasional Frame Drops

In terms of performance, the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is also generally satisfactory. The game can maintain a smooth 30 frames per second in most cases, but occasional frame drops occur in some complex scenes with many monsters. However, these frame drops do not significantly affect the gaming experience. Considering the Switch's hardware performance, this is already quite good. If the Nintendo Switch 2 can adopt more powerful processors and graphics cards in the future, I believe Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen can also achieve a smoother running experience on the Switch platform.

2.3 Controls: Optimized for Switch, Comfortable to Use

The controls of the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen have been optimized for the Switch's Joy-Con controllers. The game supports multiple control methods, including Joy-Con controllers, Pro controllers, and touch screen operations. The Joy-Con controller operation is relatively comfortable, and the button layout is also reasonable. The Pro controller has a better feel and is more comfortable to hold, making it suitable for long-term gaming. Touch screen operations are mainly used for menu selection and item management. Overall, the controls of the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen are quite good, and players can choose different control methods according to their preferences.

3. Gameplay Analysis: Core Gameplay is Still Excellent, High Replayability

Putting aside the graphics and performance, let's focus on the gameplay of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen. This is also what makes this game so appealing.

3.1 Unique Combat System: Thrilling, Strategic

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen's combat system is very unique, with both the excitement of action games and the strategy of RPGs. You can choose from a variety of classes, including Warrior, Mage, Thief, Archer, and more, each with different skills and combat styles. You can upgrade your skills and change your equipment to improve your combat capabilities. The game's combat emphasizes strategy, and you need to choose the right skills and tactics based on the enemy's weaknesses. You can climb giant monsters, attack their weak points, and use the terrain and environment to create advantages.

3.2 Free Exploration Experience: Open World, Full of Surprises

The open-world exploration experience in Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is very free. You can freely explore the continent of Gransys, discover various hidden locations and quests. You can interact with NPCs, learn about their stories, and accept their requests. You can collect various resources to craft items and equipment. You can challenge various powerful monsters to obtain valuable rewards. The game's open world is full of surprises, and you never know what you will encounter around the next corner.

3.3 Captivating Story: An Epic Tale, Worth Reliving

The story of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, while not as complex and profound as some RPGs, is still captivating. You play as an "Arisen" whose heart was stolen by a dragon, tasked with finding the dragon and saving the world. In your adventure, you will meet various characters, experience various events, and gradually understand the truth of the world. The game's story is full of suspense and twists, keeping you interested in exploring.

4. Pros and Cons: The Gains and Losses of the Switch Version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Below, I will summarize the pros and cons of the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen.

Pros:

• The Charm of a Classic RPG: The game's core gameplay is still excellent, the combat system is unique, the open-world exploration is free, and the story is captivating.
• Portability: The portability of the Switch version allows you to experience this game anytime, anywhere, without being restricted by time and place.
• Control Optimization: The game has been optimized for the Switch's Joy-Con controllers, making it comfortable to use.
• Complete Content: The Switch version includes all the content of the original game, as well as the "Dark Arisen" DLC, offering a wealth of content.

Cons:

• Graphics: The graphics of the Switch version are relatively simple, and the level of detail is not as good as the console version.
• Performance: The game occasionally experiences frame drops in some complex scenes with many monsters.
• Traces of Porting: As a port, the Switch version still has some traces of porting, such as longer loading times.

5. Score and Conclusion: A Classic RPG Worth Buying

Overall, the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a classic RPG worth buying. It retains the core charm of the original while being optimized for the Switch platform, allowing players to experience this game anytime, anywhere. Although there are some shortcomings in terms of graphics and performance, considering the Switch's hardware performance, this performance is already quite good.

Score: 8.5/10

This score reflects the overall performance of the game on the Switch platform. Although there are some compromises in graphics and performance, the core gaming experience is still excellent, and portability is a bonus. The score given by other platforms, such as IGN's 8.5/10 rating (IGN Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen Review), and the relatively high score on Metacritic (Metacritic Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen), all prove the excellent quality of this game. If you are an RPG fan or like open-world games, then Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is definitely not to be missed.

6. Advice for New Players: Get Started Quickly and Enjoy Gransys

If this is your first time encountering Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, then I will give you some advice to help you get started quickly and enjoy Gransys.

• Choose the Right Class: Different classes have different skills and combat styles, and choosing a class that suits you is very important. If you like melee combat, you can choose Warrior or Thief; if you like ranged attacks, you can choose Archer or Mage.
• Cultivate Your Pawns: Pawns are your most important companions in the game, they will provide support in battle and proactively remind you of quest objectives and enemy weaknesses. Take good care of your Pawns and let them become your strong assistants on your adventure.
• Explore the Open World: The continent of Gransys is full of surprises, don't miss any corner. Explore the open world, discover hidden locations and quests, collect various resources, and challenge powerful monsters.
• Use Skills and Equipment Wisely: Skills and equipment are important means to improve your combat capabilities. Using skills and equipment wisely can make you more relaxed in battle.
• Pay Attention to the Passage of Time: The game has a day and night cycle system, and different monsters and events may appear at different times and locations. Pay attention to the passage of time and plan your itinerary reasonably.
• Follow Nintendo Switch 2: Although the current Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is already excellent, if you can experience smoother graphics and performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 in the future, it will bring a better gaming experience. For information on Nintendo Switch 2 prices, please see nintendo switch2 price. Considering the backward compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2, you may be able to continue using your save file from the Switch version of Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen on the Nintendo Switch 2. For information on Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, please see nintendo switch2 compatibility.

7. Conclusion: The Adventure Never Ends, Looking Forward to the Nintendo Switch 2

In conclusion, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a classic open-world RPG that still maintains an excellent gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. Although there are some shortcomings in terms of graphics and performance, the core gameplay and content are still worth your time and money. If you are an RPG fan or like open-world games, then Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is definitely not to be missed.

With the continuous development of technology, game hardware is also constantly improving. We look forward to the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, hoping it can bring more powerful performance and a better gaming experience. I also believe that the future of gaming will be even more exciting, and the adventure never ends!