Now that every platform in existence has access to the original Dragon's Dogma, an anime adaptation has been announced, Itsuno has wrapped up DMCV, the original game is six years old and the MMO is four... it feels like it's finally time to start seriously talking about a sequel. Specifically: It's time to talk about what classes we'd like to play as in Dragon's Dogma 2.
I've logged over 1000 hours in the first game and an extra 100+ into Dragon's Dogma Online, and I've put a ton of thought into which of the vocations need to be tweaked/replaced. My main objectives were to remove/combine any redundant classes, so that every one felt entirely unique. No weaponry is shared between vocations in this model, and most of the "new" classes are reworked ones from Dragon's Dogma Online.
Returning Classes
Fighter: Swords/Maces/Shields- A combination of the old Fighter and Mystic Knight vocations from Dragon's Dogma. The new Fighter can specialize in either physical or magical swords and maces, and focuses on perfect blocks to deflect enemy blows and reflect enemy spells. Greatshields no longer exist, as they never served a function that truly differentiated them from normal shields. An incredibly versatile class that can function as anything from a ragtag soldier to a polished, magic-powered paladin.
Warrior: Greatswords/Warhammers- Returning from DD. In addition to finally having access to the standard six skills (DD bizarrely limited them to a meager 3), the Warrior now has highly increased throwing ability. They can hurl objects (with an overhand throwing animation) at immense speed, turning environmental clutter like rocks and crates into deadly projectiles.
Assassin: Daggers/Shortbows- The new Assassin no longer has access to swords and shields, but gains the perks and skills of the Strider class to make up for it. It's daggers can be used for speedy, multi-hit slashing attacks, or for timed counter-attacks (best class for a parry-focused playstyle), and it's bow is used more for inflicting debilitations than dealing damage outright. Assassins deal increased damage over time with debuffs like poison and burning, and inflict these more easily than other classes.
Sorcerer: Archistaves- Largely identical to DD, the one major change is the loss of debuff spells (which have gone to a new class, the Priest) in exchange for an increased variety of damage-based elemental spells. The Sorcerer's basic attacks are also much faster now, making fights against minor enemies less tedious.
Magick Archer: Magick Daggers/Magick Bows- Mostly identical to the Magick Archer from DD, the new MA uses specialized daggers that deal entirely magic damage (same as the bow) and trade out the multi-hit focus of normal daggers for an increased variety of elemental attacks. The bow does not need to be reloaded, but fires more slowly than a physical bow and must be charged for a moment when using skills.
New Classes
Monk: Gauntlets/Greaves- Replaces the Alchemist class from Dragon's Dogma Online. Utilizes Gauntlets (physical punching attacks) and Greaves (which improve movement speed and jump height). Skills are split between high physical damage punches and mobility-based techniques that can be combined with attacks to greatly amplify their damage (Ex. A very fast, long-range forward dash that combines with a normally short-range super-punch). TLDR- Its a Goku class.
Spirit Lancer: Lance- Tweaked from Dragon's Dogma Online. Instead of being another slow support class, the Lancer focuses on piercing attacks that ignore an enemy's natural defenses. Its raw damage output is less than most other attack-oriented classes, but it can deal consistent damage to every enemy in the game. Skills focus on piercing multiple enemies/body parts at once for increased damage, using magic to extend the length of the lance, and precision strikes that deal immense damage with the very tip of the spear.
High Scepter: Scimitars/Magic- The spellsword class from Dragon's Dogma Online. Uses lengthy melee combos with curved swords to build a meter, then spends that meter to quickly cast very powerful spells and buff their physical attacks. High Scepters share the relatively low physical defense of other mage classes, but have far higher physical attack, much faster casting speed and access to a quick dodge, making them very effective "glass cannons." For those who believe magic should be stylish and flashy. (Seriously, this class needs to make it in).
Hunter: Longbow- Replacing the Ranger class from DD, the Hunter debuted in Dragon's Dogma Online and uses the bow exclusively. It has access to an immense variety of damage-dealing bow attacks and, despite still having unlimited normal ammo, uses an active-reload mechanic to prevent limitless tenfold-arrow spamming. It has the highest ranged DPS in the game, can snipe enemies from very far off for increased damage, and has high knockdown/stun potential.
Priest: Holy Tomes- Replacement for the mage class, debuted in Dragon's Dogma Online. The quintessential support class, Priests use ancient religious tomes to cast powerful holy magic that can be used to heal/buff allies and annihilate the undead. Some priests are also masters of forbidden, occult knowledge that can be used to debilitate opponents, sap life from human enemies and command the spirits of the dead.
So, what do you think? Would you be satisfied with these vocations for the sequel? And what ideas/additions would you make?
I've logged over 1000 hours in the first game and an extra 100+ into Dragon's Dogma Online, and I've put a ton of thought into which of the vocations need to be tweaked/replaced. My main objectives were to remove/combine any redundant classes, so that every one felt entirely unique. No weaponry is shared between vocations in this model, and most of the "new" classes are reworked ones from Dragon's Dogma Online.
Returning Classes
Fighter: Swords/Maces/Shields- A combination of the old Fighter and Mystic Knight vocations from Dragon's Dogma. The new Fighter can specialize in either physical or magical swords and maces, and focuses on perfect blocks to deflect enemy blows and reflect enemy spells. Greatshields no longer exist, as they never served a function that truly differentiated them from normal shields. An incredibly versatile class that can function as anything from a ragtag soldier to a polished, magic-powered paladin.
Warrior: Greatswords/Warhammers- Returning from DD. In addition to finally having access to the standard six skills (DD bizarrely limited them to a meager 3), the Warrior now has highly increased throwing ability. They can hurl objects (with an overhand throwing animation) at immense speed, turning environmental clutter like rocks and crates into deadly projectiles.
Assassin: Daggers/Shortbows- The new Assassin no longer has access to swords and shields, but gains the perks and skills of the Strider class to make up for it. It's daggers can be used for speedy, multi-hit slashing attacks, or for timed counter-attacks (best class for a parry-focused playstyle), and it's bow is used more for inflicting debilitations than dealing damage outright. Assassins deal increased damage over time with debuffs like poison and burning, and inflict these more easily than other classes.
Sorcerer: Archistaves- Largely identical to DD, the one major change is the loss of debuff spells (which have gone to a new class, the Priest) in exchange for an increased variety of damage-based elemental spells. The Sorcerer's basic attacks are also much faster now, making fights against minor enemies less tedious.
Magick Archer: Magick Daggers/Magick Bows- Mostly identical to the Magick Archer from DD, the new MA uses specialized daggers that deal entirely magic damage (same as the bow) and trade out the multi-hit focus of normal daggers for an increased variety of elemental attacks. The bow does not need to be reloaded, but fires more slowly than a physical bow and must be charged for a moment when using skills.
New Classes
Monk: Gauntlets/Greaves- Replaces the Alchemist class from Dragon's Dogma Online. Utilizes Gauntlets (physical punching attacks) and Greaves (which improve movement speed and jump height). Skills are split between high physical damage punches and mobility-based techniques that can be combined with attacks to greatly amplify their damage (Ex. A very fast, long-range forward dash that combines with a normally short-range super-punch). TLDR- Its a Goku class.
Spirit Lancer: Lance- Tweaked from Dragon's Dogma Online. Instead of being another slow support class, the Lancer focuses on piercing attacks that ignore an enemy's natural defenses. Its raw damage output is less than most other attack-oriented classes, but it can deal consistent damage to every enemy in the game. Skills focus on piercing multiple enemies/body parts at once for increased damage, using magic to extend the length of the lance, and precision strikes that deal immense damage with the very tip of the spear.
High Scepter: Scimitars/Magic- The spellsword class from Dragon's Dogma Online. Uses lengthy melee combos with curved swords to build a meter, then spends that meter to quickly cast very powerful spells and buff their physical attacks. High Scepters share the relatively low physical defense of other mage classes, but have far higher physical attack, much faster casting speed and access to a quick dodge, making them very effective "glass cannons." For those who believe magic should be stylish and flashy. (Seriously, this class needs to make it in).
Hunter: Longbow- Replacing the Ranger class from DD, the Hunter debuted in Dragon's Dogma Online and uses the bow exclusively. It has access to an immense variety of damage-dealing bow attacks and, despite still having unlimited normal ammo, uses an active-reload mechanic to prevent limitless tenfold-arrow spamming. It has the highest ranged DPS in the game, can snipe enemies from very far off for increased damage, and has high knockdown/stun potential.
Priest: Holy Tomes- Replacement for the mage class, debuted in Dragon's Dogma Online. The quintessential support class, Priests use ancient religious tomes to cast powerful holy magic that can be used to heal/buff allies and annihilate the undead. Some priests are also masters of forbidden, occult knowledge that can be used to debilitate opponents, sap life from human enemies and command the spirits of the dead.
So, what do you think? Would you be satisfied with these vocations for the sequel? And what ideas/additions would you make?
