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Dragon Quest Builders 2, developed by Square Enix and Omega Force, blends the sandbox gameplay of Minecraft with the charm of the Dragon Quest universe. Following the successful debut of its predecessor, this sequel aims to expand upon the original’s foundation with new features and an engaging narrative. This review delves into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, exploring its captivating story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and minor shortcomings.

A Captivating Narrative for Fans and Newcomers

Set after the events of Dragon Quest II, the story centers around the Children of Hargon, a nefarious group seeking revenge by eradicating all builders. Players assume the role of an apprentice builder captured by these villains. A shipwreck leads to the protagonist and a mysterious amnesiac named Malroth washing ashore on the Isle of Awakening. Fans of the Dragon Quest series will recognize Malroth as a significant character from Dragon Quest II, while newcomers will uncover his identity as the narrative progresses. Together, the unlikely duo embarks on a journey to restore the island to its former glory, unraveling its secrets and confronting the Children of Hargon. The initial pacing allows for world-building and tutorial segments, but the plot thickens as the game unfolds, delivering unexpected twists and turns that keep players engaged.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

The narrative effectively blends familiar JRPG tropes with unique storytelling elements. The focus on rebuilding and community adds a compelling layer to the traditional adventure formula. The Isle of Awakening serves as the central hub for players’ creations, allowing them to bring resources, items, and even villagers from other islands. This freedom enables players to customize their settlements extensively, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics

Dragon Quest Builders 2 builds upon the core gameplay of its predecessor, refining existing features and introducing exciting new mechanics. A significant addition is the emphasis on community and NPC interaction. Malroth acts as a constant companion, providing combat support and assisting in exploration. Recruited villagers contribute to the town’s development by farming, cooking, building, and defending the settlement. This allows players to focus on exploration and story progression without constantly managing every aspect of their town.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Unlike the first game, where progress was reset upon entering a new area, Dragon Quest Builders 2 adopts a more streamlined approach. Each island represents a chapter in the game, introducing new mechanics and advancing the narrative. While players are required to leave most items behind when traveling between story islands, they can freely transport resources and villagers back to the Isle of Awakening. Explorer Islands, procedurally generated areas with unique layouts and resources, offer additional opportunities for exploration and resource gathering. New traversal options, such as gliding and underwater exploration, further enhance the gameplay experience, providing greater freedom and access to previously inaccessible areas.

Minor Shortcomings

Despite its many strengths, Dragon Quest Builders 2 has a few minor drawbacks. The tutorial segments at the beginning of the game feel overly long and repetitive. While designed to introduce newcomers to the mechanics, the extended tutorials can be tedious for experienced players. The combat system, while improved, can feel too easy due to Malroth’s overwhelming power. His high damage output and resilience can overshadow the player’s combat abilities. Finally, the shared button for interacting with NPCs and switching tools can lead to accidental interactions, which can be frustrating, particularly with Malroth constantly by the player’s side.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Conclusion

Dragon Quest Builders 2 successfully builds upon the foundation of the original, delivering a captivating narrative, refined gameplay mechanics, and a vibrant world ripe for exploration. While minor shortcomings exist, they do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyable experience. The game’s unique blend of sandbox gameplay, RPG elements, and Dragon Quest charm makes it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Building, exploring, and interacting with the charming cast of characters provide countless hours of entertainment.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Developed by Square Enix and Omega Force, and published by Square Enix, Dragon Quest Builders 2 was released on July 12, 2019, for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for a charming and engaging sandbox RPG experience, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is definitely worth checking out.