Dragon Ball FighterZ Score: Anime Fighter Excellence
When it comes to anime-based fighting games, few titles have left as significant an impact as Dragon Ball FighterZ. Developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco, this 2018 release quickly became a benchmark for the genre, blending stunning visuals, tight gameplay mechanics, and an authentic Dragon Ball experience. Whether you're a competitive fighting game enthusiast or a die-hard fan of the franchise, Dragon Ball FighterZ delivers excellence on multiple fronts.
A Visual Masterpiece
One of the first things players notice about Dragon Ball FighterZ is its breathtaking art style. Arc System Works, known for their work on Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, employed a cel-shaded 3D animation technique that makes the game look like a living, breathing episode of the anime. Every character’s movements, from Goku’s iconic Kamehameha to Vegeta’s Final Flash, are meticulously animated to match the source material.
The game’s dynamic camera angles during special moves and dramatic finishes further enhance the cinematic feel. Explosions, energy blasts, and even the smallest details, like character facial expressions during combat, contribute to an immersive experience that feels ripped straight from Dragon Ball Z.
Accessible Yet Deep Combat
Dragon Ball FighterZ strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making it appealing to both casual players and hardcore fighting game veterans. The controls are streamlined, utilizing a simple four-button layout (light, medium, heavy, and special attacks) with auto-combos that allow newcomers to perform flashy moves effortlessly. However, beneath this simplicity lies a complex system that rewards mastery.
The game’s team-based 3v3 battles encourage strategic play. Players must manage assists, switches, and meter usage efficiently to dominate their opponents. The "Sparkling" mechanic (a temporary power boost) and "Dragon Rush" (a universal overhead/throw mix-up) add layers of mind games, ensuring that no two matches play out the same way.
High-level play showcases the game’s depth, with advanced techniques like "snapback" setups, "tag cancels," and optimized combo routes that push the limits of creativity. The competitive scene has thrived, with Dragon Ball FighterZ becoming a staple at major tournaments like EVO.
Faithful to the Source Material
Beyond its mechanics, Dragon Ball FighterZ excels in capturing the essence of Dragon Ball. The roster features a diverse selection of fighters, from classic characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo to fan favorites such as Broly, Android 21 (an original character created for the game), and even GT’s Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta. Each fighter’s moveset reflects their abilities from the anime, ensuring authenticity.
The story mode, while not groundbreaking, offers a fun, original narrative that feels like a Dragon Ball arc. Players battle through a series of battles against mind-controlled warriors, culminating in a showdown with the mysterious Android 21. The interactions between characters—especially the humorous exchanges—add charm and nostalgia for longtime fans.
Post-Launch Support & Competitive Longevity
Since its release, Dragon Ball FighterZ has received substantial post-launch support, including multiple seasons of DLC characters. Fighters like Jiren, Ultra Instinct Goku, and Kefla expanded the roster, keeping the meta fresh. Balance patches and system adjustments have also refined gameplay, ensuring a healthy competitive environment.
The game’s online modes, including ranked matches and casual lobbies, provide endless replayability. While netcode issues were initially a concern, the later "Rollback Netcode" update significantly improved online play, making matches smoother and more responsive.
Legacy & Influence
Dragon Ball FighterZ has set a new standard for anime fighting games. Its success has inspired other franchises to adopt similar approaches, proving that licensed games can be both faithful to their source material and mechanically robust. Whether you're drawn to its visuals, gameplay, or sheer Dragon Ball fan service, the game remains a standout title in the fighting game community.
In conclusion, Dragon Ball FighterZ is more than just a great Dragon Ball game—it’s one of the best fighting games of its generation. Its combination of stunning visuals, accessible yet deep combat, and unwavering dedication to the franchise makes it a must-play for any fan of fighting games or anime. Years after its release, it continues to be a shining example of how to do an anime fighter right.
