Dragon Ball FighterZ

The story of Dragon Ball FighterZ has received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers, such as App Trigger and Easy Allies, appreciated the inclusion of a new character, Android 21, and the interactions between characters, which added depth and humor to the narrative. Additionally, Gameplanet praised the brilliant character interactions and comedic dialogue inspired by Dragon Ball Super. The story mode's original narrative and the integration of tutorial-like tips, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral, were also highlighted as positive aspects. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the story mode. GameCritics criticized the insufferably drawn-out nature of the narrative, citing mediocre dialogue and a weak plot. Twinfinite found the story forgettable and lacking canon content from the main Dragon Ball anime storyline. IGN Spain even went as far as to mention that the story was a weak point of the game. Additionally, some critics, such as PlayStation LifeStyle and TheSixthAxis, pointed out issues with the length, filler content, and repetitive nature of the story, as well as pacing problems and a lack of payoff. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to be that while Dragon Ball FighterZ's story mode has its strengths in terms of character interactions, humor, and original narrative, it also suffers from pacing issues, repetitive gameplay elements, and a lack of depth in the plot. Critics like Forbes and Worth Playing appreciated the tutorial-like aspects of the story mode, which catered to beginners, while others, such as ZTGD and Cheat Code Central, found the eccentric and humorous elements enjoyable. However, the general sentiment leans towards the story mode being a mixed bag, with some aspects resonating well with fans of the franchise, while others falling short of expectations.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Dragon Ball FighterZ for being accessible to both newcomers and seasoned players, offering a good balance between simplicity and depth. Critics like Pocket Gamer UK and Nintendo Life highlighted the game's easy-to-execute combos and simple controls that make it welcoming for beginners while still providing enough depth to satisfy experienced players. The team-based mechanics, shared options between characters, and a mix of manual and auto-combo systems, as mentioned by Easy Allies, add layers of strategy and complexity to the gameplay experience. The diverse roster, strategic team play, and satisfying mechanics, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle and TheSixthAxis, contribute to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in Dragon Ball FighterZ's gameplay. GameCritics and Twinfinite mentioned concerns about the proliferation of auto-combos potentially making matches feel repetitive and automated at lower skill levels. Twinfinite also highlighted online connectivity issues and simplicity in design that may frustrate experienced players. IGN Italia and IGN Spain noted that while the gameplay is fast-paced and thrilling, low-skill tactics can be effective, and lag issues can detract from the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in accessibility and depth, there are areas where improvements could enhance the overall gameplay experience for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Dragon Ball FighterZ. The game is lauded for its accessibility, deep mechanics, satisfying combat system, and strategic team-based gameplay. Critics like Forbes and Critical Hit commend the game for being easy to learn but hard to master, catering to a wide audience of players. The balance between simplicity and complexity, as highlighted by Worth Playing and Push Square, ensures that both casual players and fighting game veterans can find enjoyment in the gameplay experience. Despite some minor issues raised by a few critics, the general sentiment is that Dragon Ball FighterZ offers an engaging and rewarding gameplay experience that resonates with a diverse range of players.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Ball FighterZ, hailing it as a masterpiece. Critics such as God is a Geek, GameCritics, and PlayStation LifeStyle lauded the striking art style that captures the essence of the Dragon Ball Z universe. They highlighted the incredible attention to detail in replicating Akira Toriyama's iconic art style, with vibrant colors, expressive animations, and faithful character designs. The cel-shaded 3D models were commended for seamlessly blending into the 2D anime aesthetic, creating a visually stunning experience that immerses players in the world of Dragon Ball. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics did point out some minor drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Ball FighterZ. Trusted Reviews highlighted a graphical downgrade on the Nintendo Switch compared to other platforms, citing noticeable frame drops and resolution issues in handheld mode. Additionally, Gameplanet mentioned some pixelation in background characters during cutscenes on the Nintendo Switch. These criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the overall consensus of the game's exceptional visual presentation and art style. Overall, the critics' opinions collectively paint a picture of Dragon Ball FighterZ as a visual masterpiece that sets a new standard for anime-inspired games. The game's faithful adaptation of the source material, stunning cel-shaded animation, and attention to detail were widely praised by reviewers such as Digital Chumps, Xbox Achievements, and IGN Italia. The seamless integration of 3D character models with expressive animations and dynamic camera angles was highlighted as a standout feature that elevates the gameplay experience. With critics like Slant Magazine calling it the "new gold standard" for Dragon Ball games in terms of visual fidelity, Dragon Ball FighterZ emerges as a triumph in capturing the essence and aesthetic of the beloved anime series.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Ball FighterZ, highlighting various positive aspects. GamingTrend appreciated the voiced 3D animated cutscenes featuring current voice actors from Dragon Ball Super in both Japanese and English, which enhanced the storytelling experience. PlayStation Universe commended the exhilarating soundtrack that perfectly complemented the explosive moves in the game. Worth Playing and Xbox Achievements both lauded the fantastic original songs in the soundtrack and impressive voice work, respectively, which contributed significantly to the overall immersive experience. The Digital Fix also noted the spot-on music and sound effects that captured the essence of the show, along with the faithful voice acting from the original cast, adding to the authenticity. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Ball FighterZ was highly positive, there were a few criticisms raised by some critics. TheSixthAxis pointed out inconsistencies in the subtitle script, which could potentially disrupt the immersion for players who prefer accurate translations. This minor issue could have been a drawback for those who value precise localization in their gaming experience. However, this critique was a minor point of contention compared to the overwhelming praise for the game's audio elements. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Ball FighterZ. The majority of reviewers found the audio features, including the soundtrack, voice acting, and sound effects, to be exceptional and highly enjoyable. Critics like Softpedia and Xbox Tavern highlighted the immersive experience created by impactful audio feedback during battles and character-specific dialogue, respectively. The high-quality music, authentic sound effects, and faithful voice acting contributed to the overall excitement and thrill of playing the game, resonating well with fans of the Dragon Ball series. Despite minor criticisms such as subtitle inconsistencies, the general consensus remains that the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Ball FighterZ greatly enhance the gameplay experience and stay true to the source material, making it a standout feature of the game.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the voice acting in Dragon Ball FighterZ, highlighting its authenticity and contribution to the overall gaming experience. GamingTrend and Softpedia both commended the use of current voice actors from Dragon Ball Super in both Japanese and English, emphasizing how it added authenticity to the characters and story. Worth Playing and PlayStation Country also lauded the voice work, describing it as amazing and great, respectively, noting how it enhanced the immersive experience and character interactions within the game. The Digital Fix specifically pointed out that the voice acting was delivered by the proper voice cast from the show, further solidifying the faithfulness to the source material. While the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Dragon Ball FighterZ was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor criticisms raised by some critics. TheSixthAxis mentioned a lack of polish in the subtitles matching the voices, indicating a potential disconnect between the audio and visual aspects of the game. This discrepancy could have slightly detracted from the overall cohesion of the storytelling experience for some players. However, this critique was a minor point in comparison to the widespread acclaim for the voice acting quality in the game. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Dragon Ball FighterZ was exceptionally well-done and greatly contributed to the enjoyment of the game. The authentic performances, choice between Japanese and English languages, and the enhancement of character personalities through voice work were highlighted as major strengths. The positive feedback from critics such as PlayStation Universe, The Digital Fix, and Xbox Achievements further solidifies the overall sentiment that the voice acting in Dragon Ball FighterZ was a standout aspect of the game, successfully immersing players in the Dragon Ball universe.

In terms of the technical performance of Dragon Ball FighterZ on different gaming platforms, the PS4 version generally received positive feedback. Critics like PlayStation Country and Push Square praised the game for its stable gameplay with minimal frame loss and reliable netcode, making the online multiplayer experience enjoyable. Additionally, reviewers such as TheSixthAxis and Easy Allies noted that matches were smooth depending on the connection of both players, highlighting a consistent performance on the PS4. On the other hand, some negatives were also pointed out for the PS4 version. Critics like GameCritics and Press Start Australia mentioned issues with online matchmaking, with long wait times to find opponents and server problems affecting the overall experience. IGN Italia highlighted network initialization check problems, indicating potential technical performance issues that were not elaborated on. These criticisms suggest that while the PS4 version of Dragon Ball FighterZ generally performs well, there are still areas that need improvement in terms of online functionality and stability. Overall, the consensus among critics for Dragon Ball FighterZ across all platforms leans towards a positive reception with some room for improvement. The game's technical performance, especially in online play, received mixed feedback depending on the platform. While the Nintendo Switch version was praised for running smoothly without noticeable slowdowns by critics like Nintendo Life and Impulsegamer, issues with framerate drops and inconsistent netcode were highlighted by Trusted Reviews. Similarly, the PC version was commended for its exceptional port quality by GameStar but criticized by PC Gamer for spotty network conditions and frequent disconnections. Despite these varied opinions, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strengths in gameplay mechanics and visuals, with improvements needed in online stability across all platforms.

In terms of positives, Dragon Ball FighterZ is praised by several critics for offering a variety of modes and content that contribute to its replay value. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Gameplanet highlight the presence of multiple gameplay modes such as Arcade Mode, online battles, and side missions that provide diverse experiences for players. The inclusion of unlockable cosmetic items, character customization, and DLC characters, as mentioned by AusGamers and Nintendo Insider, adds depth and longevity to the game. The challenging nature of the gameplay, as noted by Impulsegamer and Critical Hit, motivates players to improve their skills and offers a rewarding experience for both casual and competitive players. On the negative side, some critics point out aspects of Dragon Ball FighterZ that may hinder its replay value. Easy Allies criticizes the story mode for being overly long and repetitive, potentially affecting the overall replayability of the game. GameSpew mentions oversights in online features that could lead to player frustration, while IGN notes the lack of restart options for losing matches in Arcade Mode. These factors may detract from the seamless and engaging gameplay experience that players seek in a title with high replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball FighterZ offers a compelling and engaging experience with significant replay value. Critics like Nintendo Life and Push Square commend the game for its diverse modes, smooth online play, and challenging gameplay that cater to a wide range of players. While there are minor criticisms regarding certain aspects like story mode length and online features, the overall sentiment is positive, with many reviewers highlighting the game's potential for long-term enjoyment and improvement. The depth of strategy, variety of content, and potential for future updates and support, as mentioned by The Digital Fix, make Dragon Ball FighterZ a must-have for both fighting game enthusiasts and fans of the Dragon Ball franchise.