Dragon Ball FighterZ: A Game That Redefined Fighting Genre Standards

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a critically acclaimed 2.5D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in 2018, the game quickly became a favorite among both Dragon Ball fans and fighting game enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning visuals, faithful adaptation of the source material, and competitive gameplay.

This article delves into the development, gameplay mechanics, competitive scene, and enduring legacy of Dragon Ball FighterZ.

1. Overview of Dragon Ball FighterZ

1.1. Development and Release

• Dragon Ball FighterZ was officially announced in June 2017 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
• Developed by Arc System Works, the creators of other fighting game franchises like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, it showcased their expertise in high-quality animation and gameplay.

1.2. Platforms

• Initially released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, with a later port to the Nintendo Switch in 2018.

1.3. Purpose

• The game was designed to capture the fast-paced, cinematic battles of the Dragon Ball series while offering a competitive and accessible experience for casual players and seasoned pros alike.

2. Gameplay Features

2.1. Fighting System

• Dragon Ball FighterZ adopts a 3v3 tag-team format, where players choose three characters and can switch between them during battles.
• Each character has unique moves and abilities, allowing for diverse team compositions and strategies.

2.2. Special Moves and Combos

• Signature Attacks: Iconic moves like Goku’s Kamehameha and Vegeta’s Final Flash are faithfully recreated.
• Auto-Combos: Simplified combo mechanics make the game accessible to newcomers, while advanced techniques cater to competitive players.

2.3. Dramatic Finishes

• Special animations called Dramatic Finishes occur when certain conditions are met, reenacting famous moments from the Dragon Ball series, such as Goku’s Spirit Bomb defeating Frieza.

2.4. Graphics and Animation

• The game uses Unreal Engine 4 to deliver stunning 2.5D visuals that emulate the look of the anime.
• Dynamic camera angles and particle effects enhance the cinematic feel of battles.

3. Character Roster

3.1. Base Roster

• The original game launched with 24 characters, including fan favorites like Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and Piccolo.

3.2. DLC Expansions

• Additional characters were introduced through DLC, such as:
  • Jiren, Gogeta, Broly, and Master Roshi.
  • Characters from Dragon Ball Super, movies, and alternate forms like Goku Ultra Instinct.

3.3. Unique Additions

• Android 21, a new character designed by Akira Toriyama, serves as the game’s main antagonist in Story Mode.

4. Story Mode

4.1. Original Plot

• The story revolves around the resurrection of Android 21, who combines the characteristics of a scientist and a Majin. Players must battle clones of Dragon Ball characters while uncovering the mystery behind Android 21.

4.2. Narrative Style

• The Story Mode is divided into three arcs: Super Warrior Arc, Enemy Warrior Arc, and Android 21 Arc, offering multiple perspectives and a mix of battles and cutscenes.

5. Competitive Scene

5.1. Esports Popularity

• Dragon Ball FighterZ has become a staple in the fighting game esports scene, featured at major tournaments like EVO (Evolution Championship Series) and Combo Breaker.
• The game’s balance and high skill ceiling make it appealing to professional players.

5.2. Community Support

• The competitive community is highly active, with regular tournaments and online events keeping the game relevant years after its release.

6. Reception and Impact

6.1. Critical Acclaim

• The game received praise for its visuals, mechanics, and faithfulness to the Dragon Ball series.
• It holds a Metacritic score of 87/100, reflecting its widespread appeal.

6.2. Sales Success

• As of 2022, Dragon Ball FighterZ has sold over 8 million copies, making it one of the most successful Dragon Ball games to date.

6.3. Cultural Impact

• The game introduced Dragon Ball to new audiences, while also becoming a favorite among long-time fans of the series and competitive gaming.

7. Fun Facts About Dragon Ball FighterZ

• Voice Acting: The game features both Japanese and English voice casts, allowing players to choose their preferred audio.
• Easter Eggs: Dramatic Finishes include nods to iconic moments, such as Yamcha’s infamous defeat in the Saibaman explosion.
• Cross-Platform Play: While initially unavailable, Bandai Namco announced plans to introduce cross-platform play to bring the community closer together.

Conclusion: A Perfect Fusion of Anime and Gaming

Dragon Ball FighterZ stands as a shining example of how to adapt an anime into a video game. By combining stunning visuals, competitive gameplay, and faithful recreations of iconic moments, it delivers an experience that appeals to both casual fans and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts.

Whether you’re reliving your favorite Dragon Ball battles or competing at the highest level, Dragon Ball FighterZ offers a thrilling and visually spectacular journey into the Dragon Ball universe, cementing its place as one of the greatest anime-based games of all time.

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鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。