Reviewed on Playstation 5
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco, is an action role-playing game based on the anime and manga series Dragon Ball Z. Players can experience iconic moments from the series and explore an open-world environment with various characters from the series.
Graphics
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot does an excellent job in its graphical representation of the anime series. The 2023 version of the game the game is able to run at full 4K resolution at 60fps on the Playstation 5, with the environment details significantly improved.
The characters are accurately modelled and animated, with intricate textures and lighting that bring them to life. The open-world environment is also expertly crafted and filled with diverse locations to explore. From the verdant forests of the Saiyan Saga to the futuristic cities of the Android Saga, the environments are all beautifully rendered and rich in detail.
The game also boasts a dynamic weather system and day/night cycle, adding to the realism of the world. The cutscenes are seamless, animated in a way that feels like a living episode of the anime and seamlessly blend with gameplay.
The game’s visual effects are spectacular, special moves and transformations are faithful to the anime. The energy blasts and kamehamehas are visually striking and interact with the environment impressively. The combat system is also well-executed, providing a sense of power and impact.
In conclusion, the graphics in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot are outstanding and effectively immerse players in the world of the anime. From character designs to open-world environments, the game’s visuals are all expertly done and contribute to an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.
Gameplay
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a thrilling and action-packed gameplay experience that stays true to the source material. Players can explore an open-world environment and interact with various characters from the series, flying and traveling to different areas, completing missions and side quests.
The game boasts a fast-paced and dynamic combat system, where players can use special moves and abilities to defeat enemies, and a unique RPG-style progression system that allows players to level up their characters and unlock new moves and abilities. In addition, side missions and activities offer players new opportunities to explore the world and interact with characters in different ways.
Customization options are also available through the skill tree, where players can upgrade their abilities and moves, and a cooking system, where players can gather ingredients and cook meals to boost their characters’ stats.
The game follows the entire Dragon Ball Z anime series, from Raditz’s arrival to Buu’s defeat, and does a great job of recreating the story arcs and making them feel new. The game also includes side stories and activities that offer players a chance to explore the world and interact with characters in new ways.Top of Form
Bardock – Alone Against Fate DLC
Players can look forward to the new DLC, ‘Bardock – Alone Against Fate’ along with the release of the next-gen version of the game. The DLC delves into the backstory of Bardock, the father of Goku/Kakarot, who died before the events of the main series. Players will have the opportunity to explore Bardock’s life before his death, and see him working as a member of Frieza’s crew, destroying civilizations before he becomes aware of Frieza’s plan to eliminate the Saiyans.
The gameplay in the DLC is similar to the main game, but Bardock has a special attack that allows him to eliminate multiple enemies at once, making the battles less monotonous. The DLC is relatively short, taking around 90 to 120 minutes to complete, but it does include optional side missions and a bonus chapter where players can play as a young Prince Vegeta after completing Bardock’s story. Overall, the DLC offers an insight into the character’s history and provides a unique experience for fans of the series.
Music
The game’s soundtrack is noteworthy, featuring many iconic tracks from the series that fans of the anime will recognize. The background music and sound effects are skillfully done and add significantly to the overall gaming experience. They perfectly capture the atmosphere of the different scenes and moments, from the intense battles to the more emotional and dramatic moments.
The game’s sound design is also very well done, with different character’s voices and sound effects being accurately represented from the anime. The sound effects like the ki blasts, punches and special moves are not only accurate but also satisfying to hear. Overall, the game’s soundtrack and sound design are expertly crafted and add to the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot and Bardock DLC Review Verdict
In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a must-have for fans of the series and a great pick for those seeking a high-quality action-RPG experience. The incorporation of open-world and RPG elements adds a fresh dimension to the series and makes the game feel like a brand-new experience. The visuals, sound, and story are all outstanding and truly enhance the overall gaming experience.
