One of my biggest complaints aboutDragon’s Dogmawas the Beloved System, the name given to the game’s romance feature. I wasn’t even aware there was a system for romance in the game until I got to the moment where the dragon stole my “Beloved,” and I saw a jester hanging out with the dragon. Yes, out of all the NPCs in the game, Feste the Jester was my Beloved. All of a sudden, I wasn’t sure I wanted to rescue my lover.
Needless to say, I wasnotimpressed by the Beloved System in Dragon’s Dogma. So, whenCapcommentioned revamping the system forDragon’s Dogma 2, I was so excited. From early reports of the game, it sounded like the game would allow you to romance any named NPC, and I was ready to decide who my Beloved would be. I was certain that my Arisen would be taking the townsfolk of Dragon’s Dogma 2 by storm and finding relationships left and right.
Only Two Women Want Love? Really?
I won’t lie; as soon as I got Dragon’s Dogma 2, I was looking up guides on whom I could romance in the game. I was pretty upset when I found out that onlyUlrikaandWilhelminacould be romanced. I won’t lie; Ulrika and Wilhelmina are two interesting characters, but they are not the game’s only eligible bachelorettes (or bachelors).
The two women have great stories and some decent romance scenes, but they just weren’t exactly what I was looking for when I started the game. In fact, I expected to have a lot more freedom than I did. There are so many other characters that I would have loved to have had a chance to romance.
Ulrika and Wilhelmina are two interesting characters, but they are not the game’s only eligible bachelorettes (or bachelors).
When I first heard about the revamped system, I thought I would be able to single out a named NPC and work toward building a relationship with them. I figured I would be able to go on a cute little date (even if that date was the same for every NPC) and then build a slow-burn kind of relationship with them. Instead, I found myself being thrown into relationships with both Ulrika and Wilhelmina completely by accident and completely unexpected.
When they were introduced to me, I figured they would be two romance options, but I didn’t think their romance would be forced. I also didn’t think they would be theonlyromance options. Where is the inclusivity? Where are the men? I honestly felt like Ulrika and Wilhelmina were pushed on me, and the reason that was done was so Capcom could say there was romance, even if in reality, there isn’t.
I think the game needs a complete overhaul of the romance system. Instead of only allowing players to pick between two characters, we should be able to build relationships with anyone. While this is a huge feat, it doesn’t need to be elaborate. Characters who play larger roles in the game (like Brant or Sven) could have in-depth quests like Ulrika and Wilhelmina, and then the rest could have a small side quest that could be the same for everyone. Allowing players the opportunity to decide who they want to romance for themselves adds layers to the RPG aspect of the game, and it ensures that everyone is represented.
Vermund’s Most Eligible Bachelors
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is full of men (and other women) who would make absolutely amazing partners and would work so well with the Beloved System. The fact that you build such a close relationship with Brant, and he can be considered your Beloved (though you don’t romance him) just shows how perfect he would’ve been. You also build a close bond with Sven as you work with him to betray his mother, which is the perfect opportunity to start a romance.Sigurd and Lennart will teach you how to master their VocationsandGlyndwr has you save his sisterand then introduces you to the whole family. It seems like any of those men would have worked well as romance options for the Arisen.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: 10 Best Customized Characters
Fans are always coming up with the best character designs for the main characters of games. Here are the best custom Arisens in DD2.
I’ve seen some fans mention thatthey wished they could romance Pawns, but I get why Capcom didn’t let that happen. After all, Pawns aren’ttechnicallyhuman or beastren; they are something else entirely and have a sense of duty to the Arisen. It seems wrong to allow someone with so much power over someone else to romance that person. But, I don’t understand the lack of other romance options. With thegift-giving system, you could easily create lasting bonds with anyone that you wanted to.
Not All Is Lost
While the romance system in the game has many flaws, it also has some aspects that I love. The fact that characters who like you will blush is probably myfavoritepart of any romance system in any game that I have played. I have never seen anything quite as interesting as that, and I love that. I love that you can tell someone likes you because they blush and look adorable doing it. I also lovethe “princess carry"that you can do with NPCs. It is super cute to carry Ulrika and Wilhelmina like that, but sometimes my Arisen wants to be picked up by someone like Brant or Glyndwr. After saving the entire world, it would be nice to be “princess carried” by someone.
Additionally, if youpurchase a home in the game, you may get a visit from any of the people who have a high affinity towards you. However, you could also receive a visit from Ulrika, who will ask you on a sweet little walk back to Harve Village. I love this detail because it shows that the characters think about the Arisen outside the time they’re together. I do wish that this happened more often, but it is cute to see nonetheless. The game does have some great details mixed in with the half-hearted romance system.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Complete Guide & Walkthrough
The time has come, Arisen, to meet your destiny in Dragon’s Dogma 2!
