DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT review

Living the life of Goku or one of the other Z fighters in all its glory, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot brings you closer than ever to the world of the legendary anime series. Developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a semi-open-world action role-playing game that offers players a captivating plunge into the Dragon Ball universe.

Beyond the mind-blowing battles that the Dragon Ball series is known for, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot encourages in-depth exploration of its expansive world. Players can explore new areas, participate in side quests, engage with well-loved characters, and even hunt and train between battles to boost their power levels. It's like stepping right into an episode of Dragon Ball Z and living out the extraordinary experiences of its notable characters.

NAVIGATING THE MYRIAD OF CHALLENGES IN DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT

Despite all its triumphs, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot does have its fair share of flaws. The RPG elements, for instance, seem rather shallow compared to other games in the same genre. The side quests are frequently repetitive, and often, they feel more like fillers rather than an integral part of the game.

Combat, while flashy and true to the series with its bombastic abilities and transformations, could come off as too simplistic for seasoned action RPG players, lacking the depth and variety seen in other combat-driven games. Balancing the power levels of characters also seems skewed at times.

While the semi-open-world feature has been largely commended, players lament the limited interaction they can have within this world. There's a feeling that the developers could have done more to make the world more relevant to the overall gameplay.

READ BETWEEN THE LINES: GAMER IMPRESSIONS

Feedback on Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot usually swings between extreme elation and slight disappointment. Many players appreciated reliving iconic moments from the anime, with the game's story portrayal widely praised. The game's graphics, particularly during battles, have been lauded for bringing Dragon Ball's visual splendor alive splendidly.

However, the limited depth in RPG elements and combat mechanics, paired with the less-than-satisfactory implementation of open-world interaction, has left some fans wanting. Despite these drawbacks, for die-hard Dragon Ball fans, the game serves as a nostalgic, enjoyable journey through the cherished Dragon Ball Z story, blending combat, exploration, and character progression into one anime-loving package.

Pros

• In-depth retelling of the iconic Dragon Ball Z story;
• Engaging and familiar characters and battles;
• Detailed semi-open-world element;
• Stunning graphics that capture the essence of the anime beautifully;

Cons

• Repetitive and shallow side quests;
• Simplistic combat mechanics;
• Limited interactivity within the open world;
• Power level balancing seems unbalanced at times.