Capcom showcased several upcoming titles at this year’s Tokyo Game Show, including a deep dive into the highly anticipated Dragon’s Dogma 2, as well as the release of an Apollo Justice trilogy, Monster Hunter Now, and an extended look at Street Fighter 6.
Let Your Curiosity Guide Your Journey in Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Director Hideaki Itsuno kicked off Capcom’s TGS Online Special Program by providing the first in-depth look at the deep, explorable world of this narrative-driven RPG. The roughly 10-minute overview included an explanation of the Pawn AI companions, some of the available vocations, and the two nations players will explore throughout their journey. Itsuno also gave a glimpse of the many ways players will be able to use their creativity to adventure through this immersive world.
As an Arisen, you will lead a party of up to three AI companions known as Pawns as you explore the fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Players will have one custom main Pawn and up to two additional Pawns recruited from other players or offline. Organizing your party to leverage strengths and mitigate weaknesses will require tactically selecting vocations: Fighter, Archer, Thief and Mage. The Fighter wields a sword and shield to slice through enemy ranks and deliver powerful blows, while also using shields to protect themselves and their allies. Archers utilize the bow and arrow to strike enemies from afar and excel at targeting airborne foes or creating opportunities for follow up attacks after striking enemy weak points. Thief attacks with deadly speed, dealing rapid and consecutive strikes with daggers in both hands while exhibiting outstanding mobility. They quickly step away after striking, exploit openings to cling onto enemies, and inflict heavy damage. Thieves may steal from enemies and NPCs alike. Wielding a staff, the Mage offers support to their party in various ways: from launching magick attacks, offering enchantments that bolster party members’ weapons, to casting healing spells. Player characters and their main Pawn can change vocations at any time by visiting Vocation Guilds throughout the world.
Itsuno also revealed the Magick Archer and Mystic Spearhand, two vocations that will only be available to the player-controlled Arisen. Using magickal arrows, the Magick Archer has a versatile move-set capable of attacking, healing allies, or even learning a custom skill that unleashes a devastating attack over a wide area, in exchange for reducing their own maximum HP. The Mystic Spearhand makes use of their unique Duospear and magick to attack enemies up close or from afar with punishing strikes or magick that can paralyze enemies or hurl multiple objects at them.
The tale of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is split between two nations: Vermund, the kingdom of humanity, and the beastren nation of Battahl. Vermund is a land of rolling green hills, with a fortified capital city populated by nobles, and sprawling commoner settlements surrounding the castle grounds. Meanwhile, the steep canyons of Battahl are littered with ancient ruins that later became the foundation for its current cities. When venturing outside the safety of each nation’s towns, players will encounter travelers, merchants, soldiers, and other folk as they go about their daily lives. Each character has their own motives and objectives, and may even approach the Arisen with a quest. If a Pawn in your party has knowledge of a quest, they will offer to guide the Arisen to their destination. If the sky begins to darken while en route, the Arisen should seek a campsite to sleep rather than brave the smothering darkness and increased dangers of night. Oxcarts also offer quick passage between each major town, but beware: these transports can be attacked before their arrival.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be available on Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
Take that! Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy Takes Apollo’s Titillating Trials to New Consoles
Apollo Justice brings zany courtroom shenanigans to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows and Steam with Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. This package brings Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice to new consoles. The trilogy includes improved HD resolution, smoother animations, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Newly created UI fits modern screen sizes, and an enhanced menu and system feature will fully immerse players in the courtroom.
Other features in the trilogy include:
- Animation Studio: Piece together actions, gestures, and iconic voice lines for fan-favorite characters such as Apollo Justice, Phoenix Wright, Athena Cykes, and more! Then, pair them with in-game backgrounds and music tracks, press play, and enjoy the unforgettable antics that unfold.
- Orchestra Hall: Relive key courtroom moments with a total of 175 music tracks, including songs from previous Ace Attorney Orchestra Concerts and background music from each title in the collection, as well as animated chibi characters playing along to the music.
- Art Gallery: Investigate behind the scenes with a collection of over 400 pieces of art, illustrations, background art, and more.
- Previously Available DLC: Players can enjoy content previously released as paid DLC from titles within the collection such as costume packs and special episodes for free!
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy will be available for $49.99 on Jan 25, 2024.
The Trail Ahead for Monster Hunter
The recently released Monster Hunter Now showcased its AR function, which allows players to take pictures with their favorite monsters in the real world. The first update for the title was also confirmed to be coming in December and will include additional weapon types and monsters for players to enjoy. Additionally, March 2024 will mark 20 years since the launch of the first Monster Hunter title in Japan. The 20th anniversary logo and first piece of the 20th anniversary art series debuted during the Tokyo Game Show Special Online Program. More information on the 20th anniversary celebrations will come in the near future.
A.K.I. Claws Her Way into Street Fighter 6 and Players’ Hearts
A.K.I. joins the fight in Street Fighter 6 starting on Sept. 27. As an understudy of F.A.N.G from Street Fighter V, A.K.I. takes great joy in using her beloved poisonous projectiles and claw attacks to take down her fiercest opponents. Players can take their chances meeting up with A.K.I. in the single-player World Tour mode to learn more about her interest in the evil Shadaloo organization and apply her deadly moves to their custom avatars for use in both World Tour and Battle Hub modes.
A.K.I. will have Outfit 1, colors 3-10, available at release for owners of the Year 1 Character Pass, Deluxe Edition, or Ultimate Edition. Outfit 2 will be available for Ultimate Edition owners or as a separate purchase. Players can also get a taste of her poison for an hour with a Rental Fighter ticket, which can be obtained via a Fighting Pass.
A Halloween Fighting Pass will be available in October, featuring special Halloween-themed items and cosmetics, available for a limited time.
Starting on Nov. 1, a new rank called Legend will be added to ranked matches. Legend is a special rank given to the Top 500 players within the Master League. Anyone achieving Legend rank by the time the Phase is finished will receive a special in-game title. Training Mode is getting new features as well, including more detailed options for Training Mode Shortcut Settings, Reversal Settings, Frame Meter, Recording Settings, and more.
In the world of eSports, Street Fighter League: Pro-JP continues its season with nine teams comprised of Japan’s most talented players competing this year to be crowned the best in Japan. Additionally, Street Fighter League: Pro-US and Street Fighter League: Pro-Europe return this fall with the top Street Fighter 6 teams in their respective regions. Then, the world’s strongest teams from all three leagues will duke it out for the coveted Street Fighter League World Championship title.
