“Dragon Ball FighterZ” (Fighter Z for short) is created by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is what you should get when you combine the high octane excitement of Marvel vs. Capcom and the impressive graphics of Guilty Gear Xrd, mixed with your favorite DB characters from all eras -- all into one package. It’s a complete turnaround from other fighting games within its franchise, but it’s not a bad thing, in fact, I believe these changes were long overdue.
Why is ‘FighterZ’ better than its predecessors?
I enjoy the technical aspects of fighting games; pressuring your opponents close-up, stringing as many combos and mix-ups, terrorizing your opponent's mind while waiting to finish them off in style with your ultimate attack.
It’s that intense, blood rushing to the brain feeling that I enjoy. Even the Rage Arts and Rage techniques in “Tekken 7” was an impressive addition to an already intense fighting game. Games like the “Street Fighter” series and the “Guilty Gear” series have made this a staple in fighting games for years and the reason they flock to these tournaments every single year.
It’s clear to see why other games in the “Dragon Ball” series, even if they were unique, weren’t as admired for their gameplay unlike the previously noted titles. As an anime/manga otaku (borderline fanatic), I love the feeling as my custom character goes Super Saiyan and wipes the floor with my opponents with a Final Flash or a Big Bang Kamehameha.
However, I do get tired of running around and the charging and the super attack spamming.
We know Vegeta is the best character in the entire Dragon Ball Universe, and Goku is there too (I suppose). But, with over 50 playable characters, I’d prefer a bit more skill with my fighting games. That was always lacking to me in the franchise until “Dragon Ball FighterZ” came along.
Is ‘FighterZ’ gameplay worth it?
“FighterZ” is a 3 vs. 3, 2.5D high paced fighter distinctive to the “Marvel vs. Capcom” series, which is different to “Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2’s” 3D open map. This forces your opponent to fight and think about their opponent’s next move without hiding in a corner, and also you can’t charge Ki attacks like in previous games; it charges throughout the battle from trading blows.
Another great feature is that seeing that this is more of a skill based game, there’s no advantage for picking your favorite character. Meaning that Yamcha lovers can fight against SSGSS Goku or God of Destruction Beerus and still feel satisfaction when you beat them.
Although not as gratifying as defeating top tier characters like Gogeta with Krillin or Yamcha in “Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2” it is still a welcomed change to the DB Gaming Universe. It must be noted, however, that this isn’t the first time that they made a 2D Dragon Ball Fighting Game. “Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu,” was a 1 vs. 1 fighter, developed by Webfoot Technologies and published by Atari, came out for the Gameboy Advance in 2003.
In my opinion, “Dragon Ball FighterZ” is every DB fan’s dream game that was needed within the Dragon Ball Gaming Universe. The classic gameplay, the clean animation, the crisp system-worthy graphics and the vast character selection are just a few reasons why “FighterZ” is the new “Marvel vs. Capcom” Killer; after all, they did take their spot in EVO.
