While both Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z offer unique takes on team-based action within the Dragon Ball universe, they cater to vastly different playstyles. Xenoverse 2, a spiritual successor to the Budokai Tenkaichi lineage, gives players the power to create their own warrior and rewrite history. On the other hand, Battle of Z emphasizes squad combat and cooperative gameplay, featuring large-scale team battles that mirror some of the franchise’s most iconic showdowns. Whether you're looking for deep customization or synchronized team synergy, both bring something fresh to the table. But which reigns supreme?
Campaign
Xenoverse 2 offers a fully realized story mode centered around the Time Patrol, a special task force sent to protect the correct flow of Dragon Ball history. With the ability to create your own character from various races—including Saiyan, Frieza Clan, Namekian, Majin, and Earthling—you're more than a passive observer. You’re a major player. The story expands upon the first Xenoverse, diving deeper into altered timelines and showcasing "what if" scenarios, such as Gohan and Videl teaming up with a corrupted Hercule or Turles joining Frieza’s ranks. The hub world, Conton City, enhances immersion, allowing interaction with various Dragon Ball characters across multiple sagas.
Battle of Z lacks a traditional narrative and instead breaks missions down into arcs based on the main series (Saiyan Saga through Battle of Gods). While there is a progression path, there's no overarching plot or character development. Cutscenes are sparse, and much of the story is told through pre-battle dialogue or text. While the focus is clearly on the cooperative gameplay experience, the lack of a meaningful story makes the game feel shallow compared to Xenoverse 2’s RPG-like approach.
Winner: Xenoverse 2
Gameplay
Xenoverse 2 refines the battle system from its predecessor, offering responsive controls and a flexible combat engine. Players can engage in 3D arena battles using light and heavy combos, teleport dodges, Ki blasts, and a wide array of super and ultimate attacks. What sets it apart is the RPG structure—you can level up, train under mentors like Goku or Vegeta, and equip skills and transformations. PvE content is deep, including Parallel Quests, expert missions, and raid bosses. PvP, while imbalanced at times, has a dedicated fanbase. There’s also local and online multiplayer, with options for team battles and tournaments. The ability to customize and play as your own character across all these modes adds incredible depth and replayability.
Battle of Z focuses on large 4-on-4 team battles, with roles assigned to each character: melee, support, ki blast, or interference. It emphasizes teamwork—shared energy meters, coordinated supers, and combo chaining require cooperation rather than solo glory. It’s a unique take, especially when playing with friends, but it can be frustrating with AI teammates who lack coordination. There’s no local versus mode, which hurt its longevity. Some mechanics, like the inability to transform mid-battle or awkward camera angles, feel limiting. Still, the emphasis on synchronized team play is commendable and offers something different from the usual one-on-one brawls.
While Battle of Z excels at the co-op spectacle, Xenoverse 2 wins with its versatility, depth, and player agency.
Winner: Xenoverse 2
Production
Xenoverse 2 may not be cutting-edge visually, but it captures the look and feel of Dragon Ball impressively. Character models are well-designed, animations are fluid, and the special effects during super attacks feel impactful. The hub world is detailed and full of life, with Conton City offering dozens of NPCs, side quests, and ambient interactions. The soundtrack includes original tracks mixed with remixed anime themes, giving it an epic yet familiar tone. Voice acting is solid across both English and Japanese dubs, and each character's lines are expressive and in character. Cutscenes during major battles are well-animated and cinematic, enhancing the stakes of the narrative.
Battle of Z uses a cel-shaded visual style that’s vibrant but more stylized. While visually distinct, some animations lack fluidity, and the effects can look overly saturated. The character models are decent, but the game struggles to convey the same weight and drama found in Xenoverse 2. The soundtrack is decent, leaning into techno and rock, but lacks iconic themes. Cutscenes are minimal, and the presentation feels more like a mission list than an immersive Dragon Ball world. The voice acting is serviceable, though reused lines and lack of emotion in some battles can be distracting.
While Battle of Z has a unique aesthetic, Xenoverse 2 offers a far more polished and immersive experience.
Winner: Xenoverse 2
Xenoverse 2 outclasses Battle of Z across the board with a stronger story, deeper gameplay systems, and better production quality. While Battle of Z offers a fun twist with team-based battles, its limitations hold it back. For a true Dragon Ball RPG-fighter hybrid, Xenoverse 2 is the clear winner.
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