Campaign
The campaign mode of DragonBall FighterZ is a bit of a mixed bag. While it tells a unique story rather than simply rehashing past DragonBall arcs, it suffers from repetitiveness. The story revolves around the mysterious Android 21, a new villain who fits seamlessly into the DragonBall mythos. The game offers three different story arcs, allowing players to experience the narrative from different perspectives—the heroes, the villains, and Android 21 herself. This structure is a great idea in theory, but in execution, it often feels drawn out due to the repetitive nature of battles against weaker, cloned versions of fighters.
Despite this, the story itself is engaging. It effectively captures the spirit of DragonBall, with fun character interactions and well-crafted cutscenes. Seeing new dynamics between characters, such as Goku and Frieza reluctantly working together, adds a fresh element to the lore. Android 21 is an intriguing villain, blending elements of Dr. Gero’s creations with a Majin-like hunger for power. Her inclusion is a welcome addition, and she feels like a character who could have appeared in the anime or manga.
Overall, while the campaign offers an original narrative with enjoyable moments, the lack of variety in fights makes it drag at times. DragonBall games should continue striving for original stories, but future titles should refine the pacing and mission design to make the experience more engaging throughout.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Gameplay
If you enjoy fast-paced fighting games like Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, or Marvel vs. Capcom, Dragon BallFighterZ will feel right at home. The combat is intense, chaotic, and rewarding, with a balance that caters to both newcomers and hardcore fighting game veterans. The mechanics are built around a 3v3 tag system, allowing for a variety of team compositions and synergy between characters.
Each fighter feels distinct in terms of strength, speed, ki attacks, and special moves. Whether it’s Yamcha’s fast-paced strikes, Android 18’s technical playstyle, or Piccolo’s mix-ups, every character brings something unique to the table. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is the paid DLC characters. While the roster is already strong, the fact that additional characters must be purchased instead of being unlockable in-game is frustrating. It would have been nice to at least provide an in-game option to earn them over time.
In true DragonBall fashion, the game offers a wealth of replayability. There are multiple modes, including ranked and unranked online matches, local versus, arcade, and training modes. Spectator mode and replays allow players to analyze fights and improve their skills. The game also features unlockable color schemes, skill capsules, and character customizations, keeping players engaged beyond the main story.
Despite its flaws, the gameplay is undeniably fun and polished. The tag mechanics, flashy super moves, and deep combo potential make FighterZ a standout DragonBall fighter. With regular updates and competitive play, it remains one of the best fighting games in recent years.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production
Visually, DragonBall FighterZ is a stunning game that perfectly captures the essence of the anime and manga. Arc System Works has done a phenomenal job blending 2D animation with 3D models, making battles feel like they’re ripped straight from the show. The fluidity of the character animations, the energy effects, and even the battle damage on fighters contribute to an authentic DragonBall experience.
Cutscenes during the campaign are well-executed, and the dramatic finishes—recreating iconic moments from the anime—are a fantastic touch for fans. Every fight feels cinematic, thanks to the dynamic camera angles during special moves. The art direction makes FighterZ one of the best-looking DragonBall games to date.
However, the music is a letdown. Unlike previous games, FighterZ does not include the original soundtrack from the anime, which diminishes some of the nostalgic impact. The in-game music is serviceable but mostly forgettable. On the positive side, the Japanese voice performances are excellent, featuring the original cast delivering their lines with intensity and energy.
While the audio design isn’t perfect, the overall presentation is exceptional. DragonBall FighterZ stands as one of the most visually impressive anime-based fighting games ever made, with its high production values elevating the experience.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, DragonBall FighterZ is a near-perfect blend of fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and DragonBall fan service. While the campaign drags at times and the DLC model is disappointing, the gameplay, character variety, and competitive scene make up for it. It’s easily one of the best Dragon all fighting games ever made. DragonBall FighterZ gets 5 out of 5.
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