Dragon Ball FighterZ (Review)

So, how was everyone's weekend? Mine? Having a blast reliving my childhood, while looking forward to the future. This weekend featured two badass games, that were free from bullshit in the industry, that gave us complete, buggy free games. After the beating we took in that last quarter of last year, this was a HUGE breath of fresh air. AAA needs to take note, but that's a rant for another time. So I chose to do DBFZ first, because of my huge, throbbing love for DB as a franchise, but because I was so excited for this game. Now if you know me, I'm terrible at fighters. I just am. I want to be good, but really, I just get frustrated. So for me, the game really has to stand out for me to get excited. Enter DBFZ. This game makes me so happy, and I'll tell you why. First, let's start off with the negative. There is very little for me, and are more nitpicks than true negatives. First, the fact that you have to press A to continue cutscenes. It's almost like they just want you to just hang out at the couch, instead of getting up to get a soda or something. The cutscenes are just...basically not cutscenes? It's just annoying more than anything. Second? I just suck at fighters. Which isn't even the issue with the game, just me.

The last one has to do with the campaign. I'll talk more about it below, but there was something a bit off about it, that going forward, I hope they address if there is ever a sequel. So with that out of the way, let me gush about this game. Going back to the 2D type format helps focus up the actual fighting in this game. It's felt like every game AFTER the Budokai series has tried to live up to those standards rather than just make their own game. ArcSystems has done an amazing job with this game. From the levels you destroy and knock people through, to the fists flying and connecting. The graphics are amazing. Smooth as Hell. The anime/cell shading that was so great in the show those years ago is here in spades, and it looks phenomenal. Level transitions when you bash a guy just right as you're KO'ing them is always fun to watch. Combo's are smooth as you watch them play out, and landing just the right ones will make you yell out loud as you're kicking the shit out of someone. I can't praise them enough for what they were able to do with this game. I love every minute of it. Voice acting? Top notch. Now one thing to warn, the whole story is in Japanese. The original VA's are at the helm of this game, and to be honest, I was more than alright with it. They gave it an A+ effort, and it helps the game stand out that much more. Music? Fantastic. It never gets dull for even a second. It's also important to note the sound design in general is AAA quality too. Every punch you feel with every audible crunch. Mountains being knocked down as you punch someone through it has never sounded better. One other small thing that needs to be commended is the fact that depending on who you have with you in the campaign will trigger additional little cutscenes that have little shout outs and call outs. It was fun watching Krillan talk to Yamcha about his lack of a love life, or watch Tien tell Goku that Piccolo is more of a dad and grandpa to Gohan and Pan than Goku, with Goku being totally oblivious of course. Fighting here is so fluid. They said that it would be easy to pick up, tough to master, and they were not lying. I'm still finding new combo's and things I like even 4 days and 20+ hours into the game. Each fighter feels unique, and far from wasted. Even the "Low tier" fighters like Yamcha or Krillan have fun, fast styles to compliment Goku's or Vegeta's more powerful styles. You even have the tankier fighters in Nappa and Piccolo. I guess the biggest thing isn't just that there are "different" styles of fighters, because that isn't really new, it's just that they FEEL like they should, from what you watched for many years. It brings them to life in a way I haven't seen in over a decade. It sucks you into the game more when the characters match their style of fighting you remember them having through out the show. Some moves look just stunning as you pull them off, while some will also leave the field in ruins if you get a KO with particular Ultimates. It'll leave your jaw dropping when you're blasting Goku Black into space with one of Goku's Kamehameha's. The three character system made me a tad worried at first, but to be honest, it flows so well. By pressing a simple button, you get one of your benched allies to come in and aid in combo's, or just give you a little breathing room. It's balanced, but another chess piece on the board you have to be aware of, and make sure you take full advantage of. Story mode is rock solid, feeling like a lost arc of Dragon Ball Super, and it's great. It's split up from three perspectives, and it's rather lengthy. Android 21 is a great new addition to the lore and story of the Androids, and she felt right at home in the series, and this game. I don't want to give too much away from here, but she's a sort of mash up of Cell and Buu, and I'll leave you with that. There is one issue though with the story, and that comes in the form of filler. Now while I don't mind a little filler, as it can be fun, my biggest issue here is that it's fighting the same "clones" over and over again before you get to a new character to fight. It bogs down an otherwise great new arc, with a great new villain. Going forward, I hope they focus on making sure they scale back just how many same type battles they have. Take examples from NetherRealms Studios, as they have perfected the "cutscene to battle" formula. The campaign is split up between 3 separate "arcs" to give you views from several groups of both allies and enemies. This was more then enough to pad out time in the campaign, and still organically keep us interested. I felt like they could have stuck with that and been fine. I hope going forward they do. There's a MULTITUDE of things to do other than just the story though. From an Arcade battle tower that gets more and more difficult, offering "hard" versions of the ones you complete. Casual, Ranked, Tournament, and Local battling to help you master your perfect squad. Tons of collectables to help you stand out. There is enough to keep you coming back. I don't know what Arc is planning besides the 8 additional fighters, but I hope they add some more stages and battle towers for arcade, as I feel that's just as important. There are 24 fighters here at the starting gate, most of them are staples, but we get a few of the new guys from Super too, guys like Hit and Goku Black. 13 stages to tear through, means you don't get fed up with the background. The levels play great, and fall apart as you bash each other back and forth. Tons of tutorials to help you to become the best fighter you can be as well. I can't give this game any more praise. Overall Dragon Ball FighterZ is a GREAT entry into the Dragon Ball universe. One of the best games we've had in over a decade, if not the best game we have ever got according to many. I have had a blast (Pun intended) playing it the last few days, and it's one of the few fighting games that I WANT and NEED to get better at.

Score? 9/10! I know it seems like I'm just fanboying, but I can't find too many things wrong with the game. Servers are FAR better since the beta only a couple of weeks back. This game is a clear example of how you do fighting games, and I love every second of it. If you're a DBZ fan, or a fighting game fan, I feel like you'll love this game. Check it out, it deserves to be on your shelf. But be warned, the biggest issue is going into this game is the campaign, while a bit longer, is bogged down with a lot of filler fights. If this doesn't bother you, maybe check it out day one! So one last little thing, I wanted to make a list of the 8 character's I would LOVE to see in the game. 1. Android 13 2. Broly

3. Bojack

4. Garlic Jr.

5. Pikkon

6. Gogeta

7. Bardock

8. Oob What's your list? How do you like the game? Would you love to see a season 2 of fighters? Let me know, and I should see you guys in the next couple of weeks with a Monster Hunter World review and a Black Panther review, so stay tuned!