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News
Trunks Confirmed As Playable Character in “Dragon Ball FighterZ” (PS4/XBO/PC)
Published by 23 June 2017, 9:05 AM EDTComment

The upcoming 2017 #30 issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump is set to reveal the future version of Trunks as a playable character in the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ video game, offering little more than a single screenshot and a brief splash confirming said appearance (トランクス参戦！！ Torankusu sansen! !; “Trunks Joins the Battle!!”).

When specifically asked about Trunks (as well as the potential for weapons such as swords) during an interview with Twitch during E3 last week, producer Tomoko Hiroki laughed and pivoted away saying they could not go “too deep into that yet”.

Trunks joins the cast of previously-announced characters including Goku, Vegeta, Freeza, Cell, Gohan, and Boo.

UPDATE: Bandai Namco’s official Dragon Ball video games Twitter account later posted a different screen shot also confirming Trunks’ upcoming appearance in the game, with a special move mirroring that of his defeating #14 in the seventh Dragon Ball Z film.

The 3-on-3, “2.5D” fighting game is set for an “early 2018” release worldwide and is under development by Arc System Works for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam). The game is advertised as running at a 1080p resolution and 60fps frame rate, with higher resolutions available on the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X consoles. According to the company’s European branch, a closed beta on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will be available, “before end of summer”.

Arc previously worked on Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden for the Nintendo 3DS, as well as the Super Sonic Warriors games (Bukū Tōgeki and Bukū Ressen) on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The developer is otherwise known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series of fighting games.

News
Insert Song Additions in American “Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters” Release
Published by 22 June 2017, 9:09 AM EDTComment

FUNimation’s Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters – Part Three DVD and Blu-ray box set hit shelves this week, wrapping up the company’s release of the “refreshed” Dragon Ball Z television series (pending, of course, any additional “season” collection sets that will likely come in the future).

Many fans noticed two insert songs not included in previous editions of the series: Masatoshi Ono’s “Let It Burn” in episode 158, and FLOW’s “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” (specifically its English version) in episode 167.

These insert songs were not present in the original Japanese broadcast, but perhaps most notably, also not present in the French home video release. In both cases, standard pieces from Norihito Sumitomo’s new musical score were used in their respective scenes.

The Boo arc of Dragon Ball Kai was initially conceived as an international-only product, but following the cancellation of the Toriko television series, Toei and Fuji TV used the available timeslot — which itself previously belonged to the original 2009-2011 run of Dragon Ball Kai — for the Boo arc. What aired on Japanese television was actually a further-condensed edit of what was being produced for the international market; this international edition would later come to be known as “The Final Chapters”.

“Let It Burn” was developed as a vocal song for the international edition, but had up until this point never actually appeared in the series, instead only showing up in a French-only digital soundtrack release (making its non-usage in the French home video release all the more perplexing).

FLOW’s cover of “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” (the first opening theme to the original Dragon Ball Z television series) was used as the closing theme to the 2013 theatrical film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. Curiously, the band’s own English version of the song (as well as their English version of “HERO ~Song of Hope~”, an insert song from the same film) was reinserted into various international editions of the film, including the Hong Kong release (and its Cantonese dub), as well as FUNimation’s American release (in both the English and Japanese language tracks). Even more strange in context, the original Japanese version of the song was used as the opening theme — even in America — in the 2014 and 2015 video games Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z and Dragon Ball Xenoverse, respectively.

News
“Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X” (JP 3DS) 8th Week Sales
Published by 21 June 2017, 9:09 AM EDTComment

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X for the Nintendo 3DS — the third and latest portable entry supporting the over-six-years-old, still-going-strong, card-based arcade game — launched in Japan 27 April 2017. According to the Media Create sales list for the reporting period of 12 June 2017 to 18 June 2017, the game pushed an additional 3,598 copies during its eighth week on sale, bringing its total sales to 167,050 copies in Japan.

By comparison, the original Ultimate Mission had sold just over 160,000 copies by its respective eighth week in April 2013 where it ultimately fell off the sales charts for a bit, while Ultimate Mission 2 had done just under 146,000 copies by its respective eighth week in September 2014. The most recent Nintendo 3DS game prior to Ultimate Mission X‘s release — Ganbarion’s Dragon Ball Fusions — had pushed 165,696 total copies by its respective eighth week last September.

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X received a Version 1.1 update last month adding a new Tenka’ichi Budōkai mode. As with the previous Dragon Ball Heroes games on the Nintendo 3DS, no international localization has been announced for Ultimate Mission X.

News
Viz Posts “Dragon Ball Super” Manga Chapter 25 English Translation
Published by 21 June 2017, 8:35 AM EDTComment

Continuing onward from the previous chapters, Viz has added their English translation of the Dragon Ball Super manga’s twenty-fifth chapter to their website, continuing the “Future Trunks arc” of the manga. This continues the recent initiative of Viz simultaneously publishing the series’ chapter alongside its Japanese debut, which saw its release today in the August 2017 issue of Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine in Japan.

The Dragon Ball Super “comicalization” began in June 2015 as a promotional tie-in for the television series. The manga runs monthly in Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine, with the series’ twenty-fifth chapter coming today in the magazine’s August 2017 issue. Illustrated by “Toyotarō” (in all likelihood, a second pen-name used by Dragon Ball AF fan manga author and illustrator “Toyble”), the Dragon Ball Super manga covered the Battle of Gods re-telling, skipped the Resurrection ‘F’ re-telling, and “charged ahead” to the Champa arc to act as further promotion for the television series. Viz is currently releasing free digital chapters of the series, and began their own collected print edition last month.

The Dragon Ball Super television series now receives weekly simulcast streams on services such as Crunchyroll and Daisuki. FUNimation has also announced their American distribution license for the series, with the English dub beginning earlier this year on Cartoon Network, and the first home video release coming in July.

News
Lacco Tower Album “Far Away” Dated For August 2017
Published by 19 June 2017, 3:11 PM EDTComment

Japanese band Lacco Tower has announced that their next album — Haruka (“Far Away”) — will hit shelves 23 August 2017 for ¥3,000 plus tax.

The album’s title track is set to debut next month as the ninth ending theme to the Dragon Ball Super television series. Lacco Tower previously contributed the song “Light Pink” as the third ending theme to the series.

While most of the series’ ending theme songs have received dedicated CD singles, The Collectors’ song “An Evil Angel and Righteous Devil” — Dragon Ball Super‘s seventh ending theme song — also debuted as part of a full album release.

Haruka (“Far Away”; COCP-40093) is currently available for pre-order on Amazon Japan.

Podcast
Podcast Episode #0425
Published by 19 June 2017, 1:52 PM EDTComment

You could be forgiven for writing things off as “another year, another fighting game announcement”. This particular reveal, however, was so up our alley that it snapped us right back out of podcast hibernation! Dragon Ball FighterZ has been announced for an “early 2018” release, is a 3-on-3 fighting game on a 2D playing field, and is under development by Arc System Works. For those of us that remember a time before free-flight “DBZ simulator” games, it appears that our prayers have been answered.

SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Episode #0425! Mike, Ryan, and Josh preview “Dragon Ball FighterZ”, the new fighting game coming in 2018 from Arc System Works. Based on the E3 demo, how is the game feeling so far, and what is it doing to separate itself from previous franchise entries? A tease of new and forthcoming website content rounds out the episode!

REFERENCED SITES:

Enjoy! Discuss this episode on the Kanzenshuu forum, and be sure to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Tumblr.

Our podcast feed is available via iTunes and/or Google Play Music. You can also listen to this episode by directly downloading the MP3, or you can listen on YouTube and/or SoundCloud.

News
“Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X” (JP 3DS) 7th Week Sales
Published by 14 June 2017, 9:40 AM EDTComment

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X for the Nintendo 3DS — the third and latest portable entry supporting the over-six-years-old, still-going-strong, card-based arcade game — launched in Japan 27 April 2017. According to the Media Create sales list for the reporting period of 05 June 2017 to 11 June 2017, the game pushed an additional 4,593 copies during its seventh week on sale, bringing its total sales to 163,451 copies in Japan.

By comparison, the original Ultimate Mission had sold just under 160,000 copies by its respective seventh week in April 2013, while Ultimate Mission 2 had done 139,934 copies by its respective seventh week in September 2014. The most recent Nintendo 3DS game prior to Ultimate Mission X‘s release — Ganbarion’s Dragon Ball Fusions — had pushed 159,638 total copies by its respective seventh week last September.

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X received a Version 1.1 update last month adding a new Tenka’ichi Budōkai mode. As with the previous Dragon Ball Heroes games on the Nintendo 3DS, no international localization has been announced for Ultimate Mission X.

Content
“Rumor Guide” Addition: The Name of Freeza’s Race
Published by 12 June 2017, 1:16 PM EDTComment

Depending on when you entered Dragon Ball fandom, you may have come across — or even personally use! — different names for Freeza’s race. Do you call them “Frost Demons”? Perhaps “Changelings”? And how does the name “Arcosian” fit into this?

Despite all the recent additions to the Dragon World through spin-off features and video games (not to mention changes in international adaptations), “Freeza’s race” still does not have a proper name.

Check out the “Characters” page of our “Rumor Guide” for the full scoop on this and many other questionable tidbits of knowledge!

News
“Dragon Ball FighterZ” (PS4/XBO/PC) E3 Debut Trailer
Published by 11 June 2017, 6:25 PM EDTComment

The debut trailer for the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ was shown this afternoon during Microsoft’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (“E3”) 2017 press briefing.

Characters shown fighting during the trailer include Goku (Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 3), Vegeta (Super Saiyan), Freeza (final form and Golden), Gohan (Super Saiyan 2), Cell (Perfect), and Majin Boo (Good).

The 3-on-3, “2.5D” fighting game is set for an “early 2018” release worldwide and is under development by Arc System Works for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam). The game is advertised as running at a 1080p resolution and 60fps frame rate, with higher resolutions available on the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X consoles. According to the company’s European branch, a closed beta on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will be available, “before end of summer”.

Arc previously worked on Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden for the Nintendo 3DS, as well as the Super Sonic Warriors games (Bukū Tōgeki and Bukū Ressen) on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The developer is otherwise known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series of fighting games.

News
“Dragon Ball FighterZ” (PS4/XBO/PC) Video Game Revealed For 2018 Worldwide Release
Published by 09 June 2017, 11:13 PM EDT1 Comment

In a press release posted earlier today on their website (and subsequently removed several hours later), Bandai Namco revealed Dragon Ball Fighters, a new video game under development by Arc System Works, set for release worldwide on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) in 2018. The new fighting game is slated to feature 3-on-3 battles in a “2.5D” presentation.

An innovative fighting game in the “Dragon Ball” series with “2.5D” graphics
“Dragon Ball Fighters”
Available worldwide in 2018!

Bandai Namco Entertainment (Main office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; president: Ooshita Satoshi) are launching the action game “Dragon Ball Fighters” in early 2018, for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Steam, and featuring new “2.5D” anime graphics. This game, the latest in the series of “Dragon Ball” home console games, will be developed worldwide as a full-fledged “Dragon Ball” fighting game.

This current project is a genuine fighting game that distinguishes itself from previous entries in the “Dragon Ball” series. Its development is being handled by Arc System Works, who have handled numerous 2D fighting games that have won acclaim both in Japan and overseas, thoroughly recreating in-game the look of the “Dragon Ball” anime beloved around the world. You will be able to enjoy the world of “Dragon Ball” by experiencing battles overflowing with realism; it’s like an anime that you can move yourself.

Battles utilize 3-on-3 team fights, and you can enjoy strategic tactics such as mastering character affinities and building teams. In addition, this innovative fighting game incorporates the thrill of high-speed battles and flashy special attacks people have come to expect from “Dragon Ball”.

It is currently in development so that you can enjoy the world of “Dragon Ball” with new graphics. Please look forward to it.

Alongside the announcement, Bandai Namco producer Hiroki Tomoko provided a statement regarding the new game:

本作は2Dのアニメ表現と3Dの立体表現を融合した「2.5Dバトル」になっています。近年3Dの空間を動き回る「ドラゴンボール」ゲームが多かった中で、あえて2.5Dを選んだのは、それでしかできない表現があったからです。一見するとまるで2Dのアニメのように見えるものの、3Dで作っているからこそカメラが様々な角度で動かせるため表現の幅が広がり、2Dだけでも3Dだけでもできない独自の演出を沢山取り入れることができました。きっとプレイヤーのみなさんには、自分がリアルタイムにアニメを動かしているような感覚で、ドラゴンボールのバトルを体験いただけると思います。是非この作品でしか体験できないドラゴンボールにご期待ください。

This game has turned into a “2.5D battle” combining 2D anime presentation and 3D solid presentation. In recent years there have been many “Dragon Ball” games where you fly around through 3D space, so the reason for bothering to choose 2.5D is because there are some things only it can express. Although at first glance it looks just like 2D animation, since it’s made in 3D the camera can move to different angles, allowing for a wider range of expression and introducing many unique productions that are impossible in only 2D or 3D. I am sure that all the players will be able to experience “Dragon Ball” battles that feel like an anime they’re running in real time. Look forward to “Dragon Ball” battles you can only experience in this game.

Arc System Works previously developed Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden on the Nintendo 3DS, as well as the Super Sonic Warriors games (Bukū Tōgeki and Bukū Ressen) on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The developer is otherwise known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series of fighting games.

Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultimate Mission X for the Nintendo 3DS (released exclusively in Japan in April 2017) and Dragon Ball XENOVERSE 2 (released worldwide in October/November 2016) represent the two latest games for the Dragon Ball franchise. Each game continues to receive post-launch support, with Ultimate Mission X getting a Version 1.1 update last month, and XENOVERSE 2 expecting its fourth major downloadable content pack this month.

UPDATE: The game’s title has since been revealed as a stylized “Dragon Ball FighterZ”. Additionally, in conjunction with E3, the American branch of Bandai Namco provided their own press release announcing the game:

DRAGON BALL’s SPECTACULARLY POWERFUL BATTLES RETURN IN BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.’s DRAGON BALL FighterZ

DRAGON BALL FighterZ to Take Anime-Based Fighting Games in a Bold New Direction

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (June 11, 2017) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces DRAGON BALL® FighterZ for Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and PCs via STEAM®. DRAGON BALL® FighterZ is a dream collaboration combining classic 2D fighting game dynamics with the DRAGON BALL universe, one of the most popular and iconic anime franchises around the world. DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be playable at the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. E3 2017 booth (number 1647) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ, developed by Arc System Works, one of the most celebrated developers of classic 2D fighting titles, delivers an explosive, action-packed game that combines classic 2D fighting visuals with advanced 3D character models that look and feel as if they are ripped straight out of the DRAGON BALL anime series.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ gives fans of all skill levels the opportunity to feel like their favorite DRAGON BALL character. Featuring 3 vs. 3 battle mechanics, new and seasoned players are sure to experience the epic scope of DRAGON BALL as they select their three-character team to take into battle. The game also encourages players to train and master more than one fighter and style, delivering richer gameplay and motivation to take down the competition.

“The DRAGON BALL franchise is tailor suited for the fighting game genre, and DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be the next exciting addition to a long history of great fighting games,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Arc System Works brings a pedigree and record of quality that fighting game fans can trust; with awesome visuals players might mistake as actual 2D animation from the famed DRAGON BALL series.”

Players who can’t wait to dive into the action in DRAGON BALL FighterZ‘s won’t have to wait long as a closed beta for the game will be held on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 before the end of summer. More details pertaining to the closed beta will be shared soon.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ will be available in the Americas for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 system, and PCs via STEAM in early 2018. For more information regarding DRAGON BALL FighterZ and additional titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or https://www.facebook.com/DBZ.videogames/. Join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.