Dragon's Dogma release date set for for US, Europe

Capcom has announced a surprisingly staggered launch plan for upcoming action RPG Dragon's Dogma.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game is due to hit the US on March 27, but will not arrive in Europe until May 1. A Japanese launch date has not been confirmed.

Dragon's Dogma features an interesting online system where the player can summon up to three "pawns" - AI companions from another plane. As well as one customisable companion unique to the user, the player can recruit a number of pawns scattered around the world, or draw on pawns created by other players over the Internet.

Pawns summoned from other player's worlds come armed with knowledge of encounters won by their original creator, and will give their new host hints and tips about weak spots and tactics, as well as adjusting their own behaviour accordingly.

The game's other main claim to fame is its gigantic boss battles, which give off a Monster Hunter or Dark Souls vibe. Dreamy.