So Dragon's Dogma is an Action RPG After All

I originally chalked up Capcom's announcement of Dragon's Dogma last week as "just another action title", but based on the contents of this commentary-filled preview on VG247, I've reconsidered my stance and have added the game (as an action-heavy RPG), along with all of the screenshots and artwork released thus far, to our database. I'll start you off with the announcement and hydra combat trailers:





And then dive into the meat of VG247's text:
There are some encounters in the game where you might not have the appropriate party for that type of boss, and you will want to go and find other pawns that will be more useful in the fight.

You can also solo. If all of your pawns die in battle you can just go and do what you want on your own, but the game's been designed for the lead character and at least one pawn.

You will be able to upgrade your character by getting different weapons and better armor, and you'll be able to stat-up. You can also upgrade your pawns. The way you upgrade everyone in the group will ultimately affect the party as a unit.

...

One of the main cities in the game was also shown, and it was large. There will be quite a few cities ranging in size, but for the demonstration we were shown one of the biggest.

This city has over 200 NPCs (living) in it, all fully-voiced by 70-80 different actors, and each with its own time-cycle. Each goes about its daily life on a 24-hour clock, and when you interact with them at different points in the day they'll be doing different things.

To a point, you will also be able to customize the types of NPCs you see in the world, and the kinds you wish to encounter you can make inhabit a certain city.

When you are roaming about town, you'l be able to purchase weapons from merchants, revive your party, and also add or subtract members of your group. If you see a fellow who looks as through he would be a good pawn to have in your party, you can add them.