Dragon Ball FighterZ Review

Over the last three decades, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga has inspired approximately a million video game adaptations. Dragon Ball FighterZ is another in a long run of games to feature Saiyans facing monsters who seek to destroy the world. Yet, Dragon Ball FighterZ feels like the franchise’s first proper game in a long time. So, does it live up to the hype?

Prestige

In the fighting genre, few studios hold as much clout as Arc System Works. The Japanese developer is responsible for beloved series such as Guilty Gear and BlazBlue. Meanwhile, Persona 4 Arena proved Arc is more than capable of transforming a preexisting property. It knows how to craft smooth 2D fighters with a heavy focus on combos and a typically steep learning curve. Dragon Ball FighterZ marks Arc System’s most mainstream release to date. It’s likely to attract a more casual audience than Arc’s usual fare.

Accessibility

Consequently, Dragon Ball FighterZ is possibly the developer’s most accessible project. The combos are relatively easy to pull off, while each character only comes with a handful of moves to learn. The entry barrier has been lowered for those unfamiliar with the genre. But professional players are still presented with a great deal of nuance to hold their attention. Dragon Ball FighterZ marks the first time the competitive scene has embraced a game based on the franchise. The game aims to please everyone.

Characters

When it comes to characters, Dragon Ball FighterZ concentrates on quantity over quality. The base game consists of 24 playable characters, including three initially locked. Usually, DBZ fans are accustomed to having a 100+ roster. But such an expansive character selection comes at the cost of individuality. Every champion in Dragon Ball FighterZ plays differently and demands a sizable commitment to thoroughly master. While combatants can be divided into tiers, the well-balanced roster ensures every character is a viable option. Yes, even Yamcha.