Dragon Ball Xenoverse

Dragon Ball Xenoverse

Japanese cover art featuring Super Saiyan Goku
Developer(s) Dimps
Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Games
Distributor(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment
Director(s) Yuka Kobayashi[1]
Takeshi Sakamoto[1]
Producer(s) Masahiro Kashino[2]
Designer(s) Tsuyoshi Narabayashi
Takuya Katayama
Yoichi Hayashi
Programmer(s) Koji Okugawa
Kohei Hanaoka
Yoshiaki Kitagawa
Artist(s) Akira Toriyama
Writer(s) Kaori Osamura[1]
Sou Mayumi[1]
Composer(s) Yoshichika Kuriyama
Shiho Tereda
Atsushi Yokozeki
Series Dragon Ball
Engine Street Fighter IV Engine (highly modified)
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Xbox 360
Xbox One[3]
Release date(s)

Microsoft Windows

  • WW: February 27, 2015[5]
Genre(s) Fighting, role-playing
Mode(s) Single-player
multiplayer

Dragon Ball Xenoverse (officially abbreviated as Dragon Ball XV) is a fighting role-playing video game based on the Dragon Ball media franchise developed by Dimps and published by Bandai Namco Games.[6] It was released in February 2015 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. It was the first Dragon Ball video game released on eighth generation video game consoles and the last Dragon Ball video game released on seventh generation consoles.[6][7] On May 17, 2016, a sequel, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, was confirmed.[8][9]

Gameplay

The game is set almost entirely within a number of 3D battle arenas which are mostly modeled after notable locations in the Dragon Ball universe, accessed from the main hub – the Toki-Toki City. Fighters can traverse the levels free-roaming in large spaces and can fight on ground, in the air and underwater. The game features spoken dialogue from a majority of main characters while in battle, and characters show facial expressions when they strike an opponent or take damage. Although limited, the players have some freedom to explore the planet Earth as it exists in the Dragon Ball universe along with a handful of other locations, including the aforementioned Toki-Toki City. Xenoverse is also the third Dragon Ball game to feature character creation, the first being Dragon Ball Online and the second being Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi.[3][10] Player-created character has the option of becoming an apprentice of the original Dragon Ball characters in order to learn their special moves and access specific costume items.[11]

With character customization, players are able to customize their character's race, gender, facial hair, body features, clothing and character's voice effects.[10][12] There are five available playable races: Saiyans, Namekians, Earthlings, Majins and Frieza's race; all of which have race specific advantages and bonuses as well as shortcomings.[13][14]

The online multiplayer is accessed from the Toki-Toki City, which serves as a hub where players can form groups and take on cooperative, time-traveling missions.[10]

Plot

Unlike the previous games of the series that usually follow the original Dragon Ball story, Xenoverse features an entirely new story, featuring the player's custom character.[3] The 2014 V-Jump #7 issue, in which the game was announced, draws attention to a mysterious figure watching the first battle between Goku and Vegeta from the shadows. With red hair, a scouter, and the Capsule Corporation logo on his sleeve, this character's identity was not clear. However, it was later revealed that this character is in fact a newly created character, confirming character creation feature.[15] Another returning character is Time Patrol Trunks from Dragon Ball Online, who helps the player.[3][16] Two new areas are also showcased: a completely new area named the Time Vault,[17] and the other being a high-tech city with what appears to be a Time Machine landed on it.[3]

The story is revealed to focus on two villains named Towa and Mira manipulating history and Time Patrol Trunks who is set to stop them. Trunks asks Shenron to send him a hero (the player being the hero) who would help him restore the timeline.[3] The story borrows elements from the previous game, Dragon Ball Online, including Towa and Mira manipulating time, and Time Patrol Trunks trying to restore the timeline with the player's help.[18]

Development

Dragon Ball Xenoverse, shortened as Dragon Ball XV, is the 15th Dragon Ball fighting game released on home consoles since Dimps' first Dragon Ball Z: Budokai game, and the first fighting game developed by Dimps to feature full 3D battles similar to the Budokai Tenkaichi and Raging Blast series developed by Spike. It was originally known as Dragon Ball New Project,[19] until the actual title was revealed on June 10, 2014 during E3 2014.[6]

Promotion

Pre-order releases from participating retailers of the game come with the exclusive Shenron Black Metalcase, Super Saiyan 4 Vegeta as a playable character and two exclusive versions of Frieza Soldier's Battle Suits for the player character.[20] A collector's edition, called the Trunks Travel Edition, which includes a figurine of character Trunks, has also been announced.[20][21] Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, a character from the prequel to Dragon Ball, manga Jaco the Galactic Patrolman appears as a Japanese pre-order bonus, along with a Master Roshi costume set to customize the player's character with, a Trunks card for Dragon Ball Heroes, and a code that unlocks Trunks in Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle.[22]

Release

Dragon Ball Xenoverse was originally released on February 5, 2015, in Japan[4] and was slated for release on February 13 elsewhere,[23] before being delayed.[24] Following a two-week delay, it was released on February 24 in North America and February 27 in remaining territories.[24][25]

Downloadable content

Three DLC packs have been released, including:[26]

The packs are available for purchase individually or altogether via season pass.[28][29][42]

Reception

Critical response

Reception
Aggregate scores
AggregatorScore
GameRankings(PS4) 70.26%[43]
(XONE) 66.87%[44]
Metacritic(PS4) 69/100[45]
(XONE) 67/100[46]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Destructoid4.5/10[47]
Famitsu30/40[48]
Game Informer7.5/10[49]
Game Revolution[50]
GameSpot6/10[51]
GameTrailers6/10[52]
IGN6.7/10[53]
Hardcore Gamer3.5/5[54]

Dragon Ball Xenoverse received mixed to positive reviews. On review aggregating websites GameRankings and Metacritic, which assign a normalized rating in the 0–100 range, the PlayStation 4 version holds the scores of 70.26% based on 31 reviews and 69/100 based on 50 reviews[43][45] while the Xbox One version holds 66.87% based on 15 reviews and 67/100 based on 18 reviews.[44][46]

Popular Japanese video game magazine Famitsu gave the game an overall score of 30/40 saying that it "isn’t without its faults and flaws" noting the repetitiveness of in-game missions and lag in team battles as its main drawbacks, concluding that the game is "aimed at Dragon Ball fans" and it might "appeal to fighting game fans and gamers that love fast action games".[48] IGN gave the game a score of 6.7 out of 10, praising its "true-to-form graphics", unique story and customizable characters while criticizing its "shallow combat" and "unfair missions", noting that the game might appeal to "someone who enjoys anime, fighting, and role-playing games".[53] Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 3.5 out of 5, praising the "create-a-character functionality", game mechanics and multiplayer mode, while criticizing the in-game camera movement and distancing from the established Dragon Ball continuity.[54] GameTrailers gave it a slightly lower score of 6.0, noting the same flaws mentioned by both Famitsu and IGN, such as the "shallow combat" and repetitiveness as well as its potential appeal to mainly the franchise's established fan base rather than general audience while also noting that "those without such a strong attachment to the franchise may not be able to stomach the compromise."[52]

GameSpot also gave the game a score of 6 out of 10, praising its detailed character customization system and a "new, interesting take on a tired story" while also criticizing its loose controls, repetitiveness and unbalanced gameplay.[51] Destructoid gave it a score of 4.5 out of 10 or "below average", stating that it "has some high points, however they soon give way to glaring faults". While giving praise for the game's fighting mechanics and aesthetics as well as its similarity to source material, the general game design from balancing issues to repetitiveness is heavily criticized; saying that "Dragon Ball Xenoverse has some of the worst design decisions ever embedded into a video game", going on to conclude that "it certainly has its moments and the core fighting mechanics are great, however the game falls flat in too many other areas to be standout title." The review also specifically noted the lingering online service related technical difficulties and poor performance on certain platforms.[47]

Toonami, during their aired video game review segments, gave the game a more favorable critique, giving it a score of 8 out of 10, stating that compared to the last few Dragon Ball games, Xenoverse "finally got it right" and that it's "a must" for Toriyama fans.[55]

Sales

As of March 17, 2015, 1.5 million copies have been shipped worldwide.[56] The game was the second best-selling for PlayStation 4 on PlayStation Store for the month of February 2015, behind Dying Light.[57] In April 2015, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that more than 2.5 million copies had been sold.[58][59][60][61] In February 2016, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that a total of 3.13 million copies had been shipped worldwide.[62][63]

Sequel

Bandai Namco has announced a sequel titled Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.[8][9] It was released on said consoles and Steam in late October 2016.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Carmen (March 26, 2015). "The Dragon Ball XenoVerse Resurrection F Pack 3 DLC will include Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection of F's Golden Frieza!". scifimonkeys.com. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  2. ↑ McFadden, Mary (November 3, 2014). "Interview: Masahiro Kashino, Dragon Ball Xenoverse". the-arcade.ie. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pitcher, Jenna (January 22, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Distorts The Canon So Fans Can Make It Right". IGN. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "DDragon Ball Xenoverse Slated for February 5 in Japan". October 17, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 "New XenoVerse release dates". Bandai Namco Entertainment America. January 9, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 Te, Zorine (June 11, 2014). "E3 2014: Powering Up Dragon Ball Xenoverse to the Next Generation". GameSpot. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  7. ↑ Reparaz, Mikel (June 30, 2014). "DBZ Goes Next-Gen With Dragon Ball Xenoverse". IGN. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  8. 1 2 Frank, Allegra (May 17, 2016). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 headed stateside this year". Polygon. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  9. 1 2 Romano, Sal (17 May 2016). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 announced for PS4, Xbox One, and PC". Gematsu. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 McWhertor, Michael (September 19, 2014). "The new Dragon Ball game lets you create your own custom Super Saiyan". Polygon. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  11. ↑ Buzzi, Matthew (January 26, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Character Number And Skill Details Leaked In Online Posting For Guidebook". GameNGuide. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  12. ↑ Pradhan, Roocha (February 27, 2015). "Dragon Ball XenoVerse Arrived with Eight amazing Playable Characters, Trailer available". gamepur.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  13. ↑ Sinha, Ravi (June 11, 2014). "Bandai Namco E3 Blowout: Tales of Xillia 2, Dragon Ball Xenoverse, Rise of Incarnates and More". gamingbolt.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  14. ↑ Dawson, Bryan. "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Race Comparison". primagames.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  15. ↑ Fahey, Mike (August 13, 2014). "Surprise! That Mysterious New Dragon Ball Character Is You". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  16. ↑ Dyer, Mitch (September 19, 2014). "TGS 2014: How Dragon Ball Xenoverse's Story Changes Everything". IGN. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  17. ↑ V-Jump Issue #8, 2014
  18. ↑ Nakamura, Toshi (September 20, 2014). "The Latest Dragon Ball Game Has Something in Common With its MMO". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  19. ↑ V-Jump Issue #7, 2014
  20. 1 2 Damian, Skinner (October 23, 2014). "Pre-order the new Dragon Ball Xenoverse Trunk's Travel Edition and get an exclusive 25cm Figurine". gamerheadlines.com. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Trunks Brings Dragon Ball Xenoverse To Europe This February". siliconera.com. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Jaco The Galactic Patrolman Appears In Dragon Ball Xenoverse As A Pre-Order Bonus". siliconera.com. November 23, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  23. ↑ Macy, Seth G. (October 24, 2014). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Gets Release Date, Pre-Order Bonuses". IGN. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  24. 1 2 Campbell, Evan (January 9, 2014). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Sees A Slight Delay". IGN. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  25. ↑ Te, Zorine (January 11, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Release Date Delayed". GameSpot. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  26. ↑ Winslett, Ryan. "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Season Pass Includes These DLC Packs". cinemablend.com. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  27. ↑ Seeto, Damian (March 16, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC Gets Official Release Dates". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  28. 1 2 Williams, Katie (January 21, 2015). "Season Pass Details Revealed for Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC". IGN. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  29. 1 2 3 Ledford, Jon (January 23, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Season Pass Takes a Grand Tour". Arcade Sushi. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
  30. ↑ DeCicco, Anthony (April 3, 2015). "New Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC Coming Later This Month". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  31. ↑ Winslett, Ryan (March 20, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC Pack 2 Details Revealed". cinemablend.com. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  32. ↑ Hagen, Davis (March 20, 2015). "Dragonball Xenoverse GT Pack 2 Announced". gamespresso.com. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  33. ↑ Walker, Richard (March 20, 2015). "Second DLC Pack Announced For Dragon Ball Xenoverse". xboxachievements.com. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  34. ↑ Craft, Scott (April 2, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC 2 Release Date Confirmed For April 8...But Only In Japan". iDigitalTimes. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  35. ↑ Barder, Ollie (May 24, 2015). "Third And Final 'Dragon Ball Xenoverse' DLC Scheduled For Release". Forbes. Forbes Inc. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  36. ↑ Ramsey, Robert (May 26, 2015). "Dragon Ball XenoVerse's Third and Final DLC Pack Blasts onto PS4 and PS3 in June". pushsquare.com. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  37. 1 2 Porter, Matt (April 20, 2015). "Super Saiyan God Goku and Vegeta Coming In DB Xenoverse DLC". IGN. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  38. 1 2 Seeto, Damian (April 17, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC Pack 3 Includes Resurrection of F Content". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  39. ↑ V Jump. May 2015 issue. Shueisha. Retrieved 2015-03-21.
  40. ↑ Craft, Scott (March 27, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse DLC 3 Will Add Golden Frieza, New Masters And More". iDigitalTimes. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  41. ↑ Osborn, Alex (March 27, 2015). "Golden Frieza coming to Dragon Ball Xenoverse". IGN. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  42. ↑ "Dragon Ball Xenoverse - Season Pass - Microsoft Store". Microsoft Store. Retrieved 2016-08-27.
  43. 1 2 "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse". CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  44. 1 2 "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse". CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  45. 1 2 "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse". CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  46. 1 2 "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse". CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  47. 1 2 Hancock, Patrick (March 14, 2015). "Is this the final form?". Destructoid. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  48. 1 2 Seeto, Damian (January 29, 2015). "First Dragon Ball Xenoverse Review Reveals Story Length And More". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  49. ↑ "A New Face In A Familiar Setting". GameInformer. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  50. ↑ Haught, Jeb (February 26, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Review". Game Revolution. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  51. 1 2 Renaudin, Josiah (March 9, 2015). "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse Review". GameSpot. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  52. 1 2 Huber, Michael (March 2, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse - Review". GameTrailers. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  53. 1 2 Magee, Jake (March 4, 2015). "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse". IGN. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  54. 1 2 Carlson, Alex (March 3, 2014). "Review: Dragon Ball Xenoverse". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  55. ↑ "GAME REVIEW: DRAGONBALL XENOVERSE". Adult Swim. April 4, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  56. ↑ Karmali, Luke (March 17, 2015). "Dragon Ball: Xenoverse ships 1.5 million copies". IGN. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  57. ↑ Pereira, Chris (March 14, 2015). "Best-Selling PS4, PS3, and PS Vita Games on PSN in February Revealed". GameSpot. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  58. ↑ Seeto, Damian (April 13, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Now Sells Over 2 Million Copies". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  59. ↑ DeCicco, Anthony (April 15, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse & Dark Souls II Have Sold Over 2.5 Million Units". attackofthefanboy.com. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  60. ↑ Forte, Di Luca (April 15, 2015). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse ha superato le 2 milioni di copie vendute" (in Italian). VG24/7.it. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  61. ↑ Labbe, Mark (April 16, 2015). "Dark Souls II Sold Over 2.5 Million Copies, Dragon Ball XenoVerse at 2 Million". playstationlifestyle.net. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  62. ↑ Romano, Sal (February 5, 2016). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse shipments top 3.13 million". gematsu.com. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  63. ↑ Seeto, Damian (5 February 2016). "Dragon Ball Xenoverse Ships Over 3.13 Million; Sequel Now Looking Likely". Attack of the Fanboy. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
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