The upcoming Dragon Ball XENOVERSE video game was recently reviewed in issue #1365 of Japan’s Famitsu magazine. Per their usual style, four reviewers contributed their thoughts along with a score (out of 10). For all four consoles, the game scored 7/8/8/7 from the respective reviewers, adding up to a 30/40.
Tsutsumi Deluxe (7):
The contents, with the premise that the Dragon Ball world everyone knows has been altered, and that you are present at those famous scenes to restore the proper history, is a fun new twist. Getting to fight alongside Goku & co. with an original character you make yourself feels like becoming a character in the story, which is also nice. While the controls are simple, you can come out with some seriously flashy moves; the way it’s made so you can enjoy it even if you’re not one for action games is a definite plus.
Jigoro☆Ashida (8):
Rather than being a carbon-copy of the original like we’ve seen so many times in previous games, we get to see scenes that are different from the original, and the concept of intervening in the battles in order to correct an altered history is interesting. The customization of your created character through enhancing their abilities and changing their equipment is fun, too. In terms of action as well, you can get a taste of exhilarating Dragon Ball action with controls that aren’t too complex. I would have liked more variety in the missions, but the way it’s set so that even the same mission will develop differently is nice.
Honma Urara (8):
Correcting famous scenes from the original series that have been altered is a fresh angle. It’s fun becoming a disciple of the characters from the series, learning their techniques, and customizing your own character. On previous-generation consoles, there’s a slight amount of slowdown in scenes where there are a lot of characters on screen, such as in 3-on-3 battles, but the graphics are on par with the current-gen version, and you can enjoy the world of the anime to the fullest. Overall, it’s weighted towards online play, but I’m glad that they’ve given some thought to single player, as well.
Rolling Uchisawa (7):
The way it’s made so the player becomes one of the characters and can enjoy a “what-if” Dragon Ball world feels fresh. The 3D battles with a sense of speed are exhilarating, and you can get a taste of tactics such as back-and-forth battles getting behind your opponent, but on the other hand, the controls are a tad cumbersome. Also, while there are a variety of setups, there are also parts where, depending on the mission, the plot tends to develop in the same way. There is a lot to like, such as collecting items and cooperative play with friends, but it would have been even better if it led the player more gently.
As ShonenGameZ notes, the game’s main story mode is expected to last players roughly 15 hours, with dozens more available for those seeking to unlock all the game has to offer.
It is important to note — and perhaps does not even need to be said — that when comparing review scores, the same four individuals may not necessarily review the same franchise’s games years and years down the road. While reviewers are employed by the magazine, their opinions do belong to them as individuals, as well.
Dragon Ball XENOVERSE — currently in development by Dimps for Bandai Namco — will be released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The game is still on track for 05 February 2015 release in Japan, while other territories have shifted slightly (North America to 24 February 2015, and Europe to 27 February 2015, the lattermost of which will also act as the global PC release date). A season pass for three downloadable content packs has been announced, with the first hitting players in March.