Hands-on report: Mega Man: Dual Override and Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen

Mega Man: Dual Override introduces streamlined controls by remapping the Slide ability to the Circle button, replacing the previous down + jump input. The game removes extra lives and adds checkpoints, reducing frustration during challenging sections. Players can choose from three Custom Chips at the start of levels, granting temporary abilities like shields, charged Mega Buster shots, or summoning Rush. The Override ability allows rapid-fire Mega Buster shots but leaves Mega Man overheated afterward, requiring recovery time.

The demo featured three levels leading to a boss fight against Twinkle Girl, a robot with fire-themed attacks. The levels included classic Mega Man obstacles like precision platforming and mini-bosses, with the final battle testing the player’s ability to manage Override effectively. Dual Override retains the series’ side-scrolling roots while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements. The game is scheduled for release next year on PS5, offering a refined take on the classic formula.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen introduces the Norgan region, a frozen, abandoned area filled with remnants of past conflicts and new loot called Spoils. Players must uncover and appraise these artifacts to transform them into powerful Relics using Rift Crystals. The demo began at a Norgandian settlement where a woman appraised Spoils, enhancing weapons and armor with new stats and abilities.

The preview included a trek through icy wilderness, encountering barbarians, direwolves, and a wooly giant boss that used environmental attacks like icy breath. Players could manipulate the environment, such as triggering avalanches or dropping icicles on enemies. The demo concluded with a boss fight against the Fallen Dragon, an undead creature that summoned minions, leaving the battle unresolved. The DLC launches on October 9, promising a sprawling new world to explore.