Introduction

Remember when you wished you could experience the Dragon Ball Z anime as a video game, only to realize your cousin’s bootlegged VHS tapes weren’t going to cut it? Well, welcome to Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, where not only can you beat the daylights out of the most popular anime characters, but you can also fish, eat, and drive around like a Saiyan who just got out of the DMV! No wonder Goku never gets his license.

Gameplay

Kakarot isn't your average fighting game that leaves you button-mashing until your fingers go numb. No, it’s an action RPG that faithfully follows the anime, delivering the key sagas from the Saiyan to the Buu saga, and some fluff that you absolutely didn’t ask for (hello, filler episodes!). Feel like hanging out with your friends before training? Go fishing! Want to know what Goku eats? Cook some delicious (let's be honest, maybe mediocre) food! As you soar through open worlds to gather Z-orbs (because who doesn’t love collecting shiny things), you'll unlock additional character abilities and side quests, all while juggling some epic battles that let you unleash an absurd amount of energy blasts. And let's not forget the character roster - from Goku being a buff dad to Vegeta’s perpetual grumpy face, you can swap between seven playable characters each with their own quirks. You will even find yourself unlocking and leveling up the Z Fighters through a card game mechanic—because every anime needs a side hustle.

Graphics

Kakarot showcases the Unreal Engine 4 beautifully, making it look more like a moving anime than a game at times. If you ever lifted your head from the screen long enough to notice, you'd probably be blown away by the vibrant environments, fluid animations, and cinematic cutscenes that'd make even Akira Toriyama swoon. And just when you thought it couldn't get better, you'll experience that visceral feeling of dodging attacks, not because you have any skill, but because Goku’s a literal cheat code against time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a wild and somewhat delightful ride through the DBZ universe, complete with side quests that make you question your life choices. While the combat may not revolutionize the genre and the RPG elements might feel as deep as a kiddie pool, it’s a genuine treat for fans of the series. So grab your controller, a bag of chips, and get ready to chow down on some nostalgic fun, while understanding that ultimately, no game can truly capture the magic of watching Goku scream ‘Kamehameha’ for 10 minutes straight. With a score of 7 out of 10, Kakarot has its flaws, but it's still the best way to relive those childhood afternoons on the couch when you were supposed to be doing homework but instead fought Frieza on repeat.

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