I review the whole deal (full game +expansion) Dark Arisen price may not be worth it if you have the original gam
The way you interact with the world (climbing, jumping, etc is so fun).
The epic battles you fight with monsters (hydra, golems, cyclopses, wyrms, wyverns, great dragons, beholders (oh yea), griffons, gargoyles)
makes the game incredibly addictive.
The game has about 9 classes for you and your main pawn
warrior (shield & sword)
fighter (2 handed weapons)
strider (rogue style class, twin daggers+bow)
ranger (longbow)
mage (utility+some damage spells)
sorcerer (serious damage spells -aka meteor swarm-etc)
assassin(nasty tricks)
mystic knight (tower shield+magic enhancements, bludgeoning weapons)
magic archer (magick bow+spells, really unique feel)
You are offered to change these classes in game, and you should. These classes offer a reall different and unique playstyle.
Story is somewhat minimalistic, with some serious plot twists at the end (game has various endings, most of them false/bad ;)
I dont want to say spoilers so i will leave it there. really good plot twists
Now for the extra Content: Bitterblack Island
(In addition to Bitterblack Island, there are various extra gameplay enhancements in original game by Dark Arisen)
Original game already has a massive dungeon.
the main problem of Dragon Dogma is that if you are overleveled, its not that difficult (other than the online Super boss Battle)
Bitterblack island attempts to override this (its another massive dungeon, but scaling: ex level 50-60 first 2 levels, 70-80 next one etc.
This makes it rewarding when you progress deeper & deeper.
the new monsters & oversized old monsters make a fine addition
In general, if you dont have Dragon Dogma, you like it and didnt purchased it.
i highly suggest that you should buy Dark Arisen.
On the other hand, if you already have Dragon's Dogma, maybe you should pass Dark Arisen, until Bitterblack island is available to buy as a stand alone DLC
Amazon Com prices
Dragon Dogma 18 dollars
Dark Arisen
(Dragon Dogma+Bitterblack Isle+Gameplay enhancements) 32 dollars
The answer is pretty obvious: If you dont have Dragon Dogma, buy asap Dark Arisen