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Review of Dragon Ball FighterZ on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Sep 2018
Cover image of Dragon Ball FighterZ on Switch
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 28 Sep 2018
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Dragon Ball FighterZ, where you can unleash your inner Saiyan or spend hours doling out pain with your trusty Kamehameha. This 2.5D fighting game doesn't just throw Goku and his buddies at you; it wraps them in a beautifully animated package, giving old and new fans alike a spectacular stage to settle beefs or launch a few ridiculous combos. With the Nintendo Switch port adding some portability to the chaos, let's take a detailed look at what makes this fighting title a heavyweight contender.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around the classic team-up mechanic where you choose three fighters from a roster packed tighter than Goku's spandex. The fights blend beautifully with mechanics that borrow from cult classics like Marvel vs. Capcom, leaving you with an intuitive control scheme. You can dash through the air like a paper crane on caffeine, teleport behind your opponent, and vanish like a magician's assistant with a solid Ki (energy) system.<br> But here's where things get fun! Each character comes with unique abilities and assist moves, allowing you to customize your trio like they're action figures at a toy convention (which, to be fair, they kinda are). If you've ever wanted to aid Goku with a well-timed assist from Android 18 or throw in a crazed combo from Cell, this game lets you live that dream.<br> Also, let's give kudos to the Shenron System where collecting the Dragon Balls can set off some dramatic effects. Wanna get health back? Revive your fallen team member? Or perhaps you just want to unleash a second Sparking Blast because one isn't dramatic enough? Shenron's got your back, though you better have that Ki topped off like an eager soda fountain!

Graphics

Visually, Dragon Ball FighterZ is an absolute treat. Thanks to Arc System Works' Unreal Engine magic, the characters leap off the screen with a level of detail that could make even the grumpiest Dragon Ball fan crack a smile. The backgrounds are vibrant, brimming with color and detail, and the animations are as smooth as Goku's hair post-trim. The unique art style pays homage to the classic anime while injecting enough sass to remind you this is 21st-century gaming. What's even cooler? The Dramatic Finishes - these are those 'heck yeah!' moments when specific character match-ups trigger unique cutscenes that put any fan's nostalgia on hyperdrive (just try not to tear up when Vegeta body slams Frieza right off the bat!). Overall, every bout feels cinematic in a way that might make you want to yell 'Kamehameha' at your mirror.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball FighterZ on the Switch is a must-play for any fighting game aficionado or anime fan. It's fast, flashy, and packed with unlockables and modes that ensure you'll have something to show off at your next gathering (besides, you know, your collection of ramen mugs). The beautiful graphics and smooth gameplay marry together perfectly, while the character roster will keep you coming back for more battles, rivalries, and ridiculous puns. Just remember to hydrate - because after a few matches, you might just need a Senzu Bean to keep yourself alive! Grab your Joy-Con, pick your best fighters, and get ready to fight like it's your last tournament, in this wild world of Dragon Ball chaos!

See Latest Prices for Dragon Ball FighterZ on Switch on Amazon

See Prices for Dragon Ball FighterZ on Switch on Ebay

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