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Dragon Ball FighterZ (PS4) Review
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Fighting
Release: 2018
Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the strongest attempts to translate the visual spectacle of the Dragon Ball anime into a traditional fighting game. Developed by fighting-game specialists Arc System Works, it combines a fast 3-on-3 tag-team system with spectacular special attacks, enormous energy blasts and beautifully recreated anime-style character models.
Rather than following the arena-fighting approach of games such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse, FighterZ is a 2.5D fighter closer to Marvel vs. Capcom or Guilty Gear. The result is an incredibly accessible game that looks fantastic but has considerably more depth underneath its relatively simple controls.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The core gameplay revolves around three-on-three team battles. You select three characters and can switch between them during combat, using your inactive fighters as assists. This creates plenty of opportunities for extended combos, counterattacks and carefully constructed team compositions.
The controls are deliberately approachable. Basic attacks, special moves and powerful Super Attacks can be performed without the complicated inputs sometimes associated with traditional fighting games. However, learning how to properly use assists, meter management, air combos, Dragon Rush, Vanish attacks and character synergy gives the game considerable competitive depth.
Strengths:
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Fast, responsive and highly satisfying combat.
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Excellent 3v3 team mechanics.
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Easy for newcomers to pick up.
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Significant depth for experienced fighting-game players.
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Spectacular Super Attacks and cinematic finishes.
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Characters have distinct abilities and play styles.
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Excellent combo system.
Weaknesses:
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Mastering advanced techniques takes considerable practice.
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Some mechanics can feel overwhelming initially.
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Experienced players can make the skill gap intimidating.
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Certain team combinations are considerably stronger than others.
The combat is at its best when several mechanics come together. A successful combo can transition into an aerial attack, an assist, a tag and finally one of the game's spectacular Super Attacks. It genuinely feels like controlling a Dragon Ball battle.
Story & Structure
The Story Mode introduces an original storyline centred around Android 21, a new character created specifically for FighterZ. It brings together heroes and villains from across the Dragon Ball universe while introducing an unusual threat affecting the world's fighters.
The story is divided into multiple sections involving exploration across a map, battles, character interactions and cutscenes. Characters can level up and become stronger as the campaign progresses.
The premise is entertaining, particularly for Dragon Ball fans, and Android 21 is a surprisingly effective addition to the franchise.
However, the story mode is not perfect. The map-based structure can become repetitive, with battles frequently interrupting the narrative. There is also quite a lot of dialogue and repeated encounters, which makes the campaign feel longer than necessary.
For fans, though, seeing characters from different eras interacting is a major attraction.
Roster & Character Design
The roster is one of the game's biggest strengths.
Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu and numerous other favourites are represented, with each character designed to capture their appearance and fighting style from the anime.
The roster also allows for some excellent team combinations. You can create teams based on personal favourites, competitive strengths or simply characters you enjoy playing.
The DLC expansions subsequently added even more fighters, significantly increasing the game's long-term appeal.
One particularly impressive aspect is how closely the characters resemble their animated counterparts. Arc System Works manages to make the fighters look almost like moving versions of the anime itself.
Final Verdict
Dragon Ball FighterZ is an outstanding fighting game and arguably one of the best Dragon Ball adaptations of its generation. Arc System Works successfully combines accessible controls with a surprisingly deep competitive system, meaning newcomers can immediately have fun while experienced fighting-game players have plenty of mechanics to master.
Its biggest achievement is the presentation. The characters, animations, special attacks and dramatic camera work capture the feeling of the anime better than almost any previous Dragon Ball game. The 3v3 system also gives the game considerable replayability, particularly when experimenting with different teams.
The Story Mode could have been more streamlined, and players who aren't interested in competitive fighting may eventually find the single-player content repetitive. Nevertheless, the excellent combat and exceptional presentation make those shortcomings relatively minor.
For Dragon Ball fans and fighting-game enthusiasts alike, FighterZ is an easy recommendation and one of the standout fighters of the PS4 generation.
Score: 9/10
