The Nerd Reviews: Dragon Ball Xenoverse

It seems like there is just no end to this series; countless re-releases of the anime series, new movies and of course videogames. Dragon Ball Xenoverse is the latest addition to the game franchise and is the most DBZiest DBZ game to ever DBZ (I mean this in the best way possible) and just so happens to be one of the best DBZ games to ever come out; the other of course being the fantastic Budokai 3 game for the PS2/Xbox but we aren't talking about that so why did you even make that comparison? Of course you made that comparison because you def weren't gonna say something like Sagas right? Oh yeah I gotta review the game, sometimes I forget what I'm doing half way and I just- you know what let's just talk about the damn game already.

Right from the opening scene you see that this is not a typical Dragon Ball Z game as there is no training mode, no world tournament or even a story mode;instead, you are greeting with a new game option that leads you to a short little intro and into the character creation screen. That's right, you will be able to create your own saiyan- I mean def not saiyan character because you can choose from 4

This is my Saiyan char

races (Human, Majin, Frieza race and Saiyan) and like who would even wanna play as a saiyan? Only unoriginal people would go for a race that gets stronger after each battle, can go super and are the most op characters of the series, and you are definitely not one of those types so I don't even know why I went on that little spiel. Anyways, after you create your not saiyan character, you are thrusted into the Time Nest, the central hubworld of the game, and there you will learn about the game's mechanics, all the new additions and of course it's where you will progress the story. Normally when you mention story in a DBZ game you would think a series of fights broken up by cutscenes...and you'd be exactly right here but I do have to give it kudos for taking a story that everyone who is playing the game is overly familiar with, and adding a few wrinkles to the plot in order to give DBZ veterans a new-ish perspective which is very well done...well at least for a DBZ game. Normally, you'd play as a Z character and experience the story from the anime/manga as each appropiate character; this time however you are part of the Time Patrol, a group led by the Supreme Kai of Time and Trunks, and are tasked with maintaining an accurate timeline of history. It's kind of like that show Time Squad and if you didn't watch that show (shame on you) you basically team up with various Z warriors in order to help them win fights in order to keep history in check. A lot of the fights happen differently than in the series so  don't expect a whole lot of continuity but I must again say that this is actually a good thing since there is only so many times you can go Super Saiyan against Frieza before it loses it's coolness.Another major addition is the inclusion of Parallel Quests or PQs; they serve as filler content for the story and also double as a great way to earn experience and pretty much the only way to earn all the extra stuff this game has to offer and boy is it a lot of stuff. I actually really enjoyed the PQs because they have enough variety to stop it from feeling like glorified first zone grinding and make you feel accomplished when you clear all the requirements because holy crap do some of these mission require you to have the patience of a God ( not a God like Beerus though because that is the exact opposite of patience).

The battle can get pretty hectic at times

The fighting system is very similar to that of the Tenkaichi series so veterans of those games will feel right at home here. There are only 2 regular attack buttons and combos are context sensitive, but it's a DBZ game you aren't here for a deep combat system and honestly I prefer it this way; when I think Dragon Ball Z I think of a freaking laser show on acid and over the top battles...Xenoverse does not disappoint in either regards. After each battle your character gains exp, access to more PQs, skills, equipment and clothing; normally things like this would be fairly frivolous but DBX is like a fighting MMO so levels play a huge difference this time around, if you are under leveled prepare to have to replay missions repeatedly. At first I was kind of shocked that I lost a battle just because I was not attacking this like I would do an rpg, make sure I'm properly leveled and have the right support items, and I had to retrain myself to come into this like I would any other mmo...something I never thought I'd have to do for a Dragon Ball Z game. I would love to sing this game's praises but this is a review so I do have to mention it's short comings too, starting with the targeting system. When you're in battle it is essential that you see your enemy at all times, unfortunately the developers did not think so as your targeting reticle will sometimes unlock itself, especially during an ultimate attack, and have you taking your rage out on the air as your opponent kamehamehas you in the back. Another issue is the presentation, the lip syncing is almost Speed Racer bad and the voice acting is inconsistent; Goku, Vegeta and Beerus are a few highlights, the others do a serviceable job but there are way too many moments where a line that should have been delivered with excitement sounded like the voice actor couldn't wait to cash their check (like "that wizard came from the moon" level of engagement). Don't expect a kickass soundtrack either as most of the battle music is forgettable and sometimes doesn't match the intensity of the fight you're having, although there is something soothing about the music that plays when you're by the Supreme Kai of Time.

Ok that really never gets old

I meant what I said about this being the most DBZiest DBZ game ever; from the crazy attacks to the inclusion of a massive number of characters from all parts of the series ( including the new film series), you'll be in heaven. Sure there are a few faults with the game but honestly if you love the series you have to play this game, I didn't think I was going to enjoy this as much as I do. You really feel like you are a powerful warrior in the Z universe ( or I guess Xenoverse right?) and I would be lying if I said I didn't smile every time I booted up the game and heard the modernized intro play. This is obviously a buy it  recommendation for all the fans of the series and also for anyone looking for a fun fighting/mmo game. I made it through the whole review without making a reference to that meme, I am very proud of myself, I'm going to reward myself by playing some more Xenoverse.