Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Review
Developed by Dimps and published by Bandai Namco we are
given the much anticipated sequel to Dragon Ball Xenoverse with Dragon Ball Xenoverse
2 (DBX2). Boasting a 30 to 40 hour campaign it does deliver everything a Dragon
Ball fan could ever want out of a game. It is almost a recreation of its predecessor
but with many upgrades and additional content.
Whilst the overall narrative remains much the same as its
original release there are enough differences to help DBX2 stand alone on its
own two feet. The narrative still revolves around your created character being
a member of the Time Patrol, the sole responsibilities of the Time Patrol is to
intervene if there are any problems in the past where people or beings have gone
back in time to alter the future. Of course there are attempts to change the
past and this is where you carry out your story. The narrative is an awesome
history lesson for all those who never watched the TV series with every major
event covered by good storytelling and brilliant omni-directional combat.
With only very few hiccups, the camera angles and positions
are quite marvellous and do a very good job of capturing every degree of the
360 available to you when in combat. Just to clarify, the combat is why we are
here, there is a lot of quality gaming mechanics at play here but being DBX2
we are here to fight. It's not too unlike any other fighter where you 'stand' opposed to your opponent and duke it out until there is a victor, multiple life
bars replace your standard 'Round 1, Round 2' scenario, which helps maintain
energy and excitement.
Combat can be separated into three main aspects. Firstly your
basic melee attacks, followed by energy attacks and last and by no means least, is your super charged attacks. It can often feel like a button masher at times
and this can also bring success against unestablished players or vs AI in the
earlier period of the game, but as with all games of this genre, timing and
finesse can be a thing of beauty. Stringing melee attacks together with precise
timing and swapping between normal and heavy attacks at the correct time is the
key to most of your success. Energy attacks consist mainly of projectile
ranged attacks or area of effect style defence. With good blocking and
successful attacks your Ki meter will fill and when it is completely full you
can pick your moment and unleash devastating attacks such as the famous Super
Kamahamaha and Spirit Bomb to name a couple. This combat all takes place in a
360 degree accessible combat zone and all locations are famous locations from
the DBZ series.
After a compelling narrative that feels all very familiar for
all fans of the subject matter, you are introduced to DBX2s MMORP style End
Game. This consists of a multitude of online and offline quest as well as PvP
and PvE co-operative game modes. There is also the option to train with your
favourite DBZ characters in order to learn specific skill sets and moves. In the
end game, content is not unlike other looter style RPG games where each
different activity gives you the chance for a desired move or item to drop. Not
only does DBX2 offer an expansive and sizeable campaign mode, your adventure and
character building can be extended by 100s of hours of MMO style gameplay.
The graphics have taken a step up in this instalment, they
just have an edge of quality over number one and the same can be said with the
voice acting and audio. DBX2 just feels like a natural successor with the
mantra of 'If it’s not broken don’t fix it' and this has led to a very complete
overall product that is very hard to pick holes in. The ability to replay each mission with
friends or on your own really makes the game a monstrous adventure and there is
plenty of gameplay for the initial cost.
It has been an absolute pleasure experiencing this game with
my son who is nine years old. It really takes me back to when I was that age
waking up early and getting ready for school so I could watch it on TV. Given
the fact the game is predominantly stylised violence, I still think it is
completely family friendly and holds a very 'Good vs Evil' undertone.
I can’t speak highly enough of the experiences I have had
with this game and will continue to do in to the future with maybe starting a
new character and trying out a difference race. This being said I would love to
see a screenshot of your character or hear about your experiences. We can be
reached with most efficiency across at our Facebook page but the comment section
below is also monitored closely so get amongst it and let us know how you feel
about DBX2.
SCORE: 8.5 out of 10
Positives:
- Fantastic DBZ history
- Beautiful graphics
- Hours upon hours of gameplay
Negatives:
- Some voice acting missing
- Very similar narrative
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox 1, Microsoft Windows
Genre: RPG Fighter
Initial Release: October 25, 2016
Developer: Dimps
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Red
Aussie Gamers Express
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