Dragon Ball FighterZ throws you headfirst into the vibrant and chaotic world of Akira Toriyama’s beloved anime, delivering a fighting game experience that captures the essence of its source material. Developed by Arc System Works, known for their mastery of stunning 2D visuals and tight gameplay (think Guilty Gear and BlazBlue), FighterZ isn’t just another generic fighting game adaptation; it’s a love letter to Dragon Ball Z fans everywhere.
Story Mode: Reclaiming Earth from Android Threat
While many fighting games skimp on single-player content, FighterZ surprised everyone with its surprisingly engaging story mode. You step into the shoes of a newly awakened android who discovers the world is under attack by powerful, mysterious foes – the “Clone Androids.” Joining forces with familiar faces like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo, you’ll embark on a journey across iconic Dragon Ball locales, battling the Clone Androids and uncovering their sinister plot.
The story mode isn’t just a series of button-mashing encounters. It cleverly weaves in cutscenes featuring stunning 3D anime-style graphics that faithfully recreate the look and feel of the Dragon Ball Z universe. Dialogue exchanges are well-written, adding depth to the characters and providing insight into their motivations.
Gameplay: Fast, Furious, and Accessible
FighterZ embraces a fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay style that rewards both aggression and precise execution. The game features a 3v3 tag-team system, allowing you to assemble your dream team of fighters from a roster boasting over 40 characters. This adds a layer of strategic depth, requiring players to understand each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique combos.
The control scheme is surprisingly intuitive, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering plenty of depth for seasoned veterans. Special moves are performed with simple directional inputs and button presses, allowing you to unleash devastating ki blasts, signature attacks, and powerful super moves without requiring complex button combinations. However, mastering the timing, spacing, and canceling techniques needed to execute extended combos takes practice and dedication.
Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses
FighterZ is a visual masterpiece. The 2D anime-inspired graphics are breathtakingly detailed, capturing the fluidity and dynamism of Dragon Ball Z’s iconic battles with pinpoint accuracy. Each character model is meticulously crafted, showcasing their signature designs and intricate details. The backgrounds are equally impressive, featuring beautifully rendered environments inspired by classic locations from the series.
The game’s soundtrack perfectly complements the frenetic action, drawing inspiration from both the anime’s original score and brand-new compositions. From adrenaline-pumping battle themes to the iconic Dragon Ball Z theme song, the music adds another layer of immersion to the experience.
Unique Features:
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Dragon Rush: This unique mechanic allows players to quickly close the distance between themselves and opponents, adding a dynamic element to both offense and defense.
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Assists: During battle, you can call upon one of your other team members for a quick assist attack. These assists provide crucial offensive and defensive options, allowing for creative combo extensions and surprise counter-attacks.
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Super Dash: A high-speed dash that lets you weave through projectiles and close in on opponents for aggressive attacks.
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Ki Gauge: The Ki gauge determines the strength of your special moves. As you land attacks and take damage, your Ki gauge fills up. This system adds a layer of strategic decision-making as you choose when to unleash your most powerful techniques.
Beyond the Core Gameplay:
FighterZ offers several additional modes beyond the core story mode and online battles.
- Arcade Mode: Relive classic Dragon Ball Z arcs with pre-determined team lineups.
- Training Mode: Hone your skills against AI opponents or practice specific combos and techniques.
- Online Versus: Test your mettle against players from around the world in ranked and unranked matches.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Anime and Fighting Game Fans
Dragon Ball FighterZ is an exceptional fighting game that perfectly balances accessibility with depth, stunning visuals with frantic action, and a heartfelt homage to its source material. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragon Ball Z fan or a newcomer looking for a fast-paced and engaging fighter, FighterZ is sure to deliver an experience you won’t forget.
Pros | Cons |
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Stunning 2D anime graphics | Can be overwhelming for newcomers |
Fast-paced and exhilarating gameplay | Limited single-player content beyond the story mode |
Deep roster of iconic characters | DLC required to access some characters and stages |
Accessible controls with high skill ceiling |
Bottom line: Dragon Ball FighterZ is a must-have for any fighting game enthusiast, anime fan, or anyone looking for a visually stunning and action-packed experience.