Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z

a game by | Artdink |
Platforms: | XBox 360, Playstation 3 (2014) |
Mode | Single-player, multiplayer |
Setting | Based on the Dragon Ball Z universe |
Gameplay | Team-based action fighting game with aerial combat |
Graphics | 3D cel-shaded graphics |
Soundtrack | Original soundtrack inspired by the Dragon Ball Z series |
Editor Rating: | 7/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.8/10 - 18 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Download Fighting Games, Dragon Ball Download |
Once every blue moon, a major franchise will deliver something different. Emerging from the plethora of Dragon Ball Z fighters comes a game that actually shakes up the formula and tries to offer a unique take on a battle. We greet your offering to the fray, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z - might we say you are a most welcome addition to the DBZ game library.
Clearly, something happened within the franchise proponents to allow developers Artdink to hack at the traditional fighter in a new perspective. You almost wouldn't care whether the game was playable or not. One could just be happy that Battle of Z isn't a carbon copy of a Street Fighter came, or yet another Budokai entry to the series.
Z for Zendetta
Dragon Ball Z: Battle for Z ditches the traditional side-scrolling, two opponent fighters in favor of an action-RPG style game. The most welcome changes being the battlegrounds being an open world where player fully controls where they go and what they do. There are more enemies present, different combat forced to achieve goals, and a hell of a lot of Dragon Ball Z packed into the offering.
More admirable features an expansive roster of characters numbering up to 70, with 8 players that can battle simultaneously. The freedom offered in the battle mechanics is refreshing - with RPG elements such as upgrades and consumables available to apply in each vast battle. The strategies and preparedness that can be implemented add a bit of zen-like valor to an already intense fight.
The combat in Battle of Z, however, is where things start to get a bit shaky. As an action game, the mechanics prevent the freedom to apply abilities towards their targeted foes wherever they see fit - but controlling your characters mounts a challenge. The buttons are clunky and not entirely responsive, where executing moves becomes frustrating. It's a magnificent attempt at making something fresh with all the options available. But there is a lot of room for fine-tuning.
A Welcome Frontier That Could Use Some Work
Bold and brave development alone can't make a game great, but there is a lot to take from Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z - and that is something to celebrate. Often you will find yourself getting angry at things not quite panning out the way you plan, and end up in defeats beyond your control. The combat needs some refinement in every respect.
Outside of that - the visuals are great, the stories are much the same, and the interfaces are excellent. There is some real potential to develop something magnificent for the DBZ franchise using Battle of Z as a framework.
Plenty of game modes are available to keep things interesting, and there are surprisingly high levels of character customization.
Battle of Z, while unique in its stature - does reminisce in real-time JRPGs like Final Fantasy XV. Albeit quicker and much more reaction focused. The character managing mechanics paired with the inventory system are essential, providing for intriguing gameplay - it just falls a tad short of being great. A worthwhile entity to any Dragon Ball Z fan nonetheless, and we hope for more of this in the future.
Pros
- A refreshing take on Dragon Ball Z games
- Huge character roster
- Encouragement of battle strategy to accomplish goals
Cons
- The combat system is clunky
- Character management can be frustrating
- Not much derivation in the story
Download Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z

System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP