Summary
There is something incredibly enthralling about the setting of theDragon Ballseries. Inspired by classic myths likeJourney to the Westbut with an utterly unique spin thanks to the style of the legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama, there are few settings, even among the plethora ofshonen titles out there today, that are quite likeDragon Ball. While the major plot beats of each arc, like the Cell Games or the battle on Namek, are the most fondly remembered parts of theDragon Ballseries, there are a host of smaller episodes that have fleshed out the world, and these details have been picked up by the games - to varying degrees.
So while it might be that the most beloved aspects of this universe are theplanet-busting powersof its most esteemed fighters and the colossal-scale battles that have defined each arc, manyDragon Ballgames focus on smaller details - such as the intricacies of battles, the details of settings, or transferring the nuances of anime fight-scenes to a new medium - to truly immerse players in this world. These games in particular have an attention to detail that makes them stand out as the most immersive among theirDragon Ballpeers.
Before its successor titleSparking! Zerotook center stage,Budokai Tenkaichi 3was seen as the foremost 3D fighter in theDragon Ballseries for its incredibly expansive roster and in-depth combat mechanics that new titles often veered away from to put more focus on graphics or game modes.
The game shows its age somewhat, with some characters on this huge roster lacking uniqueness in terms of their moveset, but for an immersive experience where players can take on the mantle of the most obscure or well-known titles from across theDragon Balluniverse and engage in expansive, reactive battles - only a few titles can matchTenkaichi 3’s caliber.
Among some of the best handheldDragon Ballgames tofeature original stories,Super Sonic Warriors 2is a direct upgrade to its previous GBA title, bringing all the perks of the more modern DS system together with a versatile and addictive fighter.
This was one of the first handheld DBZ games to not let any technological issues get in the way of immersion. Fighters transition gracefully from airborne and grounded combat, and team attacks allow players to give the combination of their fighters a sense of group identity in any battle that draws them into each fight.
Still beinggraced with DLCa whopping eight years after its release,Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2is an excellent example of how RPG mechanics, such as unique character creation and customizable stats, can enhance a fighting game in many ways.
Players can talk with Z-Fighters, train under them, go through sub-quests that often simulate sparring sessions or iconic battles, and in general simply become a part of the overall setting in a way that still lets the protagonist feel important without detracting from the monolithic characters that have made this series what it is today.
Sparking! Zerosynthesizes a host of features in a single, well-rounded package to make for one of the best DBZ fighters in recent years.A huge roster, individualized fighters, in-depth story mode, and sprawling, destructible environments make this one of the most immersiveDragon Ballgames to date.
Every battle can feel like it has a place in the anime or manga, ranging from intense sparring sessions to arc-defining battles, with characters often acknowledging their foe before the fighting starts.
The GBA holds within its library an interesting gem of a series -The Legacy of Goku. This series lets players view the major arcs of the anime through an RPG-style lens, an interesting departure from typical games in this franchise.
Buu’s Furyis the final in this trilogy of games, covering almost 100 episodes and everything within the Buu arc. It’s often up to debate whether this or the second title in the trilogy is the best, but this title involves intricate RPG mechanics - like equipment, experience allocation, and character customization - that make it incredibly immersive.
One of the greatest andmost visually pleasingDragon Ballgames, it’s hard to pick a title that has the same amount of flair or individuality asDragon Ball FighterZ. Rather than opting for immersion through minute details or large environments,FighterZdraws players in with a cinematic style they’ve come to expect only from the anime and manga.
There’s no such thing as a small-scale move in this title. Every punch, kick, and ki blast feels like it has a truckload of weight and power behind it, and it leaves players entranced in the glossy, high-fidelity world that each battle creates.
Fighting is the crux of anyDragon Ballgame. It’s what the series is built on. WhereKakarotdiffers from almost every other title that’s come before it or since its release is in how this title uses RPG and immersive elements to supplement the fighting.
Players will not just be playing as the Z-Fighters but eating, training, talking, and exploring as them. The game is still quite linear, which might be a bit frustrating for players as the breadth or RPG mechanics inKakarotare usually put to work in more open-ended titles, but no other DBZ game will let players experience the world ofDragon Ballin the same immersive way thatKakarotdoes.
