Dragon Ball: The Breakers – A New Chapter in the Dragon Ball Franchise

Introduction to Dragon Ball: The Breakers

Since its inception in 1984, Dragon Ball has become one of the most iconic and influential franchises in the world of anime and manga. Known for its high-octane battles, unforgettable characters, and a universe that has captivated millions, Dragon Ball has expanded into many forms of media, including video games. One of the latest titles to join the franchise is Dragon Ball: The Breakers, a multiplayer action game that brings a fresh twist to the series.

Developed by Dimps and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Dragon Ball: The Breakers takes a new direction from the traditional fighting games fans are accustomed to. This asymmetrical multiplayer game gives players the chance to experience the Dragon Ball universe from a completely new perspective.

What is Dragon Ball: The Breakers?

Dragon Ball: The Breakers introduces players to a world where the iconic heroes and villains of the Dragon Ball universe are placed in a new survival game mode. Unlike other titles in the series, this game revolves around one powerful Raider (the antagonist) and seven survivors (the protagonists) who must work together to escape a chaotic situation.

The Concept: Surviving the Raider

In Dragon Ball: The Breakers, players assume the role of either a Raider or one of the survivors. The Raiders are powerful enemies like Frieza, Cell, or Majin Buu who are tasked with hunting down the survivors. The survivors, on the other hand, must use their wits and teamwork to escape before the Raider eliminates them all.

While players controlling the Raider have the ability to transform into formidable forms like the Golden Frieza or the Perfect Cell, the survivors have no direct means of combatting such overwhelming power. Instead, they must rely on stealth, puzzles, and cooperative strategies to stay alive and escape the Raider’s grasp.

The Map and Objective

Each game takes place on a map that features a variety of Dragon Ball-themed environments, such as the iconic Capsule Corp, the city of West City, or the Dragon Ball radar locations. Survivors must find power keys, activate them, and ultimately escape via a time machine. The challenge lies in surviving long enough to activate the necessary objectives while evading the Raider’s attacks.

As survivors work together, they can power up using energy spheres or activate specific Dragon Ball-related gadgets to assist them in their escape. However, their ultimate goal is to unlock the time machine, which is their only means of escape. If they fail to do so and are caught by the Raider, the game ends with the survivors’ defeat.

Unique Gameplay Features

1. Raider Abilities: The Raiders are designed to be formidable enemies, offering different playstyles based on the character chosen. Frieza, for example, can use his devastating Death Ball attack and call upon his minions to assist him, while Cell can absorb survivors and grow stronger. The Majin Buu Raider brings destruction to the map with his powers to turn survivors into chocolate and gobble them up.
2. Survivor Mechanics: Survivors are not powerless, though. They can use a variety of Dragon Ball items like the Dragon Radar and Senzu Beans to aid in their survival. Survivors also have the opportunity to call upon the help of Z Warriors like Goku or Vegeta to gain temporary boosts or fight against the Raider.
3. Power-Up System: As survivors collect energy orbs scattered around the map, they can transform into more powerful forms. For instance, survivors might be able to take on Super Saiyan or even Super Saiyan Blue forms for a short time, allowing them to temporarily fight back or create an opening for escape.

Multiplayer Aspects and Online Play

One of the standout features of Dragon Ball: The Breakers is its multiplayer elements. The game allows up to eight players to join a match, with one playing as the Raider and the remaining seven as survivors. The dynamics of cooperative gameplay are essential, as survivors need to communicate and strategize in real-time to avoid the Raider’s wrath.

Teamwork plays a critical role, as survivors can perform a range of cooperative actions, from distracting the Raider to defending fellow survivors. The game also offers a variety of cosmetic customization options for survivors, allowing players to personalize their characters with Dragon Ball-inspired outfits, skins, and accessories.

How Does Dragon Ball: The Breakers Fit into the Larger Dragon Ball Universe?

While Dragon Ball: The Breakers doesn’t focus on the traditional Dragon Ball storylines, it adds a unique spin by allowing fans to experience an entirely different side of the Dragon Ball world. The game’s premise of survival and escape could be seen as a nod to the ongoing battles of survival faced by the Z Fighters in the anime series, but with a focus on teamwork and clever strategy over all-out brawls.

The inclusion of iconic Raiders and Dragon Ball lore such as Dragon Balls, Senzu Beans, and Z Warriors keeps the game firmly rooted in the franchise’s rich history. Fans of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and the broader Dragon Ball mythos will find plenty of familiar elements to enjoy.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball: The Breakers is a fresh addition to the vast Dragon Ball franchise, offering an exciting blend of survival horror and asymmetrical gameplay. By focusing on strategic cooperation, unique character dynamics, and the thrill of being hunted by iconic villains, the game offers a new experience for both Dragon Ball fans and those new to the franchise. If you’re looking for a multiplayer challenge with a Dragon Ball twist, Dragon Ball: The Breakers is definitely worth checking out.

ライト

鳥山明さんの大ファン

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。