Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2

The story of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 is praised by several critics for its nostalgic appeal and fan-service elements, which resonate strongly with long-time enthusiasts of the franchise. Reviewers like Game Rant and Vandal highlight its engaging narrative that revisits iconic moments from the Dragon Ball saga, allowing players to interact with classic scenarios and "what if" alternate timelines. Impulsegamer and Gamers’ Temple commend the game for adding depth through its exploration of the Dragon Ball universe, with Digitally Downloaded noting that the story offers a "welcome change of pace" compared to previous entries. The Time Patrol premise, where players act as time patrollers to correct historical anomalies, is seen as a compelling framework for reliving major battles, as mentioned by GameSpot and RPG Site. Additionally, Cubed3 and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciate the unexpected twists and the ability to alter pivotal events, making it a treat for fans who enjoy reimagining key moments from the series. However, the story is frequently criticized for its lack of originality, repetition, and shallow narrative structure. Critical Hit and Worth Playing describe it as "rubbish" and a "step backward," with recycled content and underdeveloped characters. Hardcore Gamer and NZGamer point out that the plot feels tedious, relying on reused scenes and familiar antagonists without meaningful stakes. Destructoid and Eurogamer Italy note that while the premise had potential, it falls short with predictable elements and missed opportunities for growth. Worth Playing (NINTENDO SWITCH) and InsideGamer.nl emphasize that the story lacks surprises and requires prior knowledge of the series, which may alienate newcomers. Many critics, including Game Revolution and IGN Italia, argue that the game fails to create an entirely new storyline, instead rehashing the first game’s structure with minimal innovation, leading to a sense of "deja vu" for returning players. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the story being a double-edged sword that appeals to fans but frustrates others with its repetition and lack of depth. While Game Rant and Vandal appreciate the unique twists and engaging elements, most reviewers, such as Critical Hit and Hardcore Gamer, view it as a missed opportunity for a more original narrative. The story’s reliance on time travel and revisiting Dragon Ball lore is seen as both a strength and a weakness—offering a nostalgic experience for dedicated fans but failing to innovate beyond the original game’s framework. Hobby Consolas (PS5) acknowledges some progression, but even this is overshadowed by the general sentiment that the narrative feels derivative. Despite these criticisms, the story’s ability to let players "participate directly in crucial battles" (as noted by GameSpot) and its focus on fan service remain its most redeeming qualities, even if they don’t elevate it beyond being a "temporary side-show" (NZGamer).

The gameplay of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 receives praise for its accessible yet technically refined combat system, which retains the series’ signature fast-paced action while introducing improvements that cater to both casual and dedicated players. Critics like GameSpot highlight its "solid fighting engine with responsive controls and customization options," while IGN commends the "satisfying combat" and "wide range of tactical options," emphasizing the game’s focus on combo chaining and freedom of movement in 3D environments. XGN notes a "new fighting system that requires more tactical play," and GameSpew appreciates the balance between simplicity and skill-based mechanics, with quests adding variety. Destructoid and Hobby Consolas also point to enhancements such as the Homing Dash and Aura Burst Dash, which improve fluidity, and Gameblog.fr praises the "endurance system" and limitations on spam attacks, making battles feel more technical. The game’s character customization and RPG elements, including attribute points and unlockable maneuvers, are frequently highlighted as strengths, with GamePro Germany and Hobby Consolas on Switch noting the depth of options and the ability to explore diverse playstyles. However, several critics express concerns about the gameplay’s repetition and lack of depth, which can detract from the experience over time. Wccftech and InsideGamer.nl criticize the "uninspired and repetitive" combat, with the latter pointing to an "unbalanced" system and "lack of depth." Hardcore Gamer and Push Square note that mission structures feel monotonous, and Trusted Reviews and RPG Site describe the combat as "basic" and "not as robust" as other fighting games. Issues like "chaotic" large-scale battles (Nintendojo), "sluggish controls" (Hardcore Gamer), and "camera issues" (Eurogamer Poland) are recurring complaints, while Meristation and Worth Playing mention that the combat can devolve into "button-mashing" without deeper strategy. Additionally, Game Revolution questions the system’s depth, noting that "only a few buttons need to be spammed," and Hobby Consolas on PS5 points to "repetitive and chaotic" combat. These critiques suggest that while the game is fun, its mechanics lack the innovation or complexity to sustain long-term engagement for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 offers a polished, fan-friendly experience with a strong foundation in combat and RPG elements, but it struggles to overcome its repetitive nature and shallow depth. While IGN and GameSpot celebrate its "best in the series" status and "satisfying controls," others like Wccftech and InsideGamer.nl feel it fails to evolve beyond the original’s formula. The game’s strengths—such as character customization, mission variety, and online co-op—coexist with notable flaws, including unbalanced mechanics, tedious side quests, and technical issues like camera control. Despite these shortcomings, many reviewers, including Vgames and Hobby Consolas, acknowledge its value for fans of the franchise, with Xbox Achievements noting that it "hasn’t evolved much" but is still enjoyable. The mixed reception reflects a game that delivers on nostalgia and accessibility but falls short of redefining the genre, leaving it as a solid but imperfect entry in the Dragon Ball series.

The graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 are generally praised for their faithful recreation of the anime’s iconic cel-shaded style, which many critics highlight as a standout feature. Reviews from GameSpot and XboxAddict commend the game’s "stunning visuals" and "beautifully animated fight scenes," noting that the art style effectively immerses players in the Dragon Ball universe. Digital Chumps lauds the "impeccable" art design, emphasizing that the cell-shaded character models and cutscenes "ripped directly out of the anime" are visually jaw-dropping. Game Informer and Eurogamer Italy also celebrate the vibrant, well-designed environments like Conton City, which they describe as "the best part of the game" and a "visually appealing experience." The game’s ability to translate the series’ dynamic, over-the-top battles into 3D is seen as a success, with Wccftech pointing to "stage destruction" as a unique visual element that adds to the excitement. These positives underscore the game’s commitment to capturing the spirit of the original series, even if technical execution varies. However, several critics point to significant technical and design shortcomings that detract from the experience. Vgames and GamingTrend criticize the "inconsistent" graphics, noting that cinematic scenes are "beautiful" but "poor in-game visuals and animations" create a jarring contrast. Areajugones and Hobby Consolas express disappointment with environments that feel "recycled" and "lack detail," while Everyeye.it and RPG Site mention "clunky animation" and "aliasing" issues that reduce polish. The Nintendo Switch port faces particular scrutiny, with Multiplayer.it and Trusted Reviews highlighting performance problems like "frame-rate drops" and "lower resolution," and XGN noting a "downgrade" to 30fps compared to 60fps on other platforms. The Games Machine and God is a Geek also point to "robotic character features" and "lack of emotional expression," while Gameblog.fr and Impulsegamer (on PS4) observe that the visuals "feel dated" compared to newer titles. These criticisms reveal a gap between the game’s artistic vision and its technical execution, especially on less powerful hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s visual style being a strong point for fans of the Dragon Ball series, but its technical limitations and lack of significant improvements over the first title drawing criticism. While GameSpot and XboxAddict praise the "uncanny character resemblance" and "flashing special moves," others like Vandal and Game Rant note that the Switch version’s "downgraded resolution" and "stiff animations" make it feel less refined. LevelUp and GamingTrend acknowledge that the visuals "could have been better" given the developers’ potential, but many still find the art style "satisfactory" or "impressive." The PS4 and Xbox One versions are generally seen as more stable and detailed, while the Switch port’s compromises are a frequent point of contention. Despite these issues, the game’s dedication to the anime aesthetic and its vibrant, nostalgic presentation keep it appealing to core fans, even if it falls short of modern technical expectations.

The sound design and music of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 received several positive remarks from critics, highlighting its strong connection to the Dragon Ball series. Many reviewers noted that the game retains familiar sounds from the anime, such as iconic Ki blasts, teleportation effects, and battle themes, which contribute to a nostalgic and immersive experience. For instance, High-Def Digest praised the "well-done and familiar" sound effects and music, while SpazioGames and Gamers' Temple commended the quality of the original Japanese voice acting, which enhances the authenticity and emotional depth of the game. Digitally Downloaded and Push Square both acknowledged the presence of a catchy and energetic soundtrack that aligns with the spirit of the series. Additionally, The Games Machine and NZGamer appreciated the variety of tracks that effectively set the mood and enhance dramatic moments, reinforcing the game’s connection to the Dragon Ball universe. However, the music and sound design also faced several criticisms, with many reviewers pointing out inconsistencies and a lack of originality. Areajugones and LevelUp criticized the soundtrack for being monotonous, repetitive, and reliant on reused tracks from the first game, which failed to elevate the experience. PlaySense and Vgames described the music as irritating or unappealing, with Vgames noting that the mix of carnival and metal music didn’t resonate well with players. Cubed3 pointed out issues with sound mixing, particularly in the hub world, while Impulsegamer and Worth Playing on PC found the soundtrack forgettable and lacking in memorable themes. Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr also mentioned issues with the English voice acting, including poor lip sync and audio quality, which detracted from the overall experience. Some critics, like DarkStation, noted that voice acting could be difficult to hear at times, further highlighting audio-related concerns. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the sound design and music of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 is mixed, with praise for its nostalgic elements and familiarity with the series, but also criticism for its lack of originality and occasional audio issues. While Gamers' Temple and SpazioGames highlighted the quality of Japanese voice acting and the retention of iconic sound effects, others like Areajugones, PlaySense, and Vgames found the soundtrack repetitive or unengaging. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers acknowledged that the audio elements, when done well, effectively enhance immersion and fan satisfaction. The ability to choose between English and Japanese voice tracks was generally seen as a positive, though some noted that the English dub could be inconsistent or poorly mixed. Ultimately, while Xenoverse 2 delivers a solid audio experience that appeals to longtime fans, it falls short in some areas, particularly in terms of musical originality and voice acting consistency.

The voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 receives generally positive feedback, with many critics highlighting its strengths, particularly the inclusion of original Japanese voices. Reviewers like 3DJuegos and SpazioGames praise the Japanese audio for enhancing the experience, noting that it aligns with the anime’s iconic performances and adds authenticity. Digitally Downloaded (PS4) and Worth Playing (PS4) commend the use of veteran voice actors, such as Christopher Sabat, who bring a sense of familiarity and credibility to key characters. Worth Playing (PC) and Cubed3 also emphasize that the voice acting maintains the high standards expected from the Dragon Ball franchise, with well-executed dialogue and a strong atmosphere. Additionally, Hobby Consolas (PS5) acknowledges enhancements for certain characters, further underscoring the effort put into the voice work for major figures. These perspectives collectively suggest that the game’s voice acting, especially in Japanese, is a standout feature that resonates with fans of the series. However, the English dub and some aspects of the voice acting face criticism. GameOver.gr and The Games Machine point out that the English version suffers from poor lip sync, which detracts from immersion, while Impulsegamer compares it unfavorably to older Kung Fu films, calling it "disappointing." Digitally Downloaded (Switch) notes that the English dub isn’t as refined as Dragon Ball Z, and Push Square describes it as "hit and miss." Digital Chumps criticizes the player-created characters’ voices for feeling mismatched, and Meristation mentions that the variety of character sounds during battles could be more frequent. Atomix also expresses disappointment over the absence of Spanish localization, which impacts accessibility for Latin American fans. These critiques reveal that while the core voice acting is strong, the English dub and certain technical or contextual elements fall short of expectations. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a balanced but nuanced view. While the Japanese voice acting is consistently lauded for its expressiveness, authenticity, and synchronization with animations, the English dub is seen as a mixed bag, with some praising its quality and others pointing out flaws like lip sync issues or a lack of polish. Worth Playing (PS4) and IGN Spain note that both languages contribute positively, but Hobby Consolas (PS4) and LaPS4 suggest it doesn’t significantly elevate the experience. Despite these differences, most agree that the voice acting remains a key strength of the game, with Nintendojo and NintendoWorldReport emphasizing its fidelity to the source material. The divide between the two dubs reflects broader debates about localization quality, but the presence of Japanese voices as a default or optional choice is widely appreciated, reinforcing the game’s connection to its anime roots.

The technical performance of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 varies across platforms, with several positives noted. On the PlayStation 4, critics like Gameblog.fr and RPG Site highlighted stable 60fps performance and improved movement in the city hub, while SpazioGames praised a patch that resolved loading issues. The Xbox One and Xbox Series X versions received commendations for smooth online play, with GameSpew noting a doubled framerate for a 60fps experience and Generación Xbox emphasizing improved load times and frame rates. The Nintendo Switch version, despite some drawbacks, was described as generally stable by Trusted Reviews, XGN, and Gamers’ Temple, with Switch Player and Gamers’ Temple affirming its overall playability. On PC, ZTGD reported smooth performance at 60FPS with high settings, and CGMagazine acknowledged solid technical execution despite occasional camera issues. These platforms collectively saw improvements over time, with patches and optimizations addressing some initial concerns. However, technical shortcomings were prevalent across all platforms. The PS4 faced persistent issues like long loading times (JeuxActu, Twinfinite, LaPS4, Hobby Consolas), camera problems during fast-paced combat (Impulsegamer, Eurogamer Italy), and online connectivity hiccups (Atomix, GameSpot, TheSixthAxis). The Nintendo Switch version struggled with frame rate drops, particularly in handheld mode (Cubed3, Everyeye.it, XGN), reduced visuals compared to other platforms (Trusted Reviews, CGMagazine), and motion control lag (Digitally Downloaded). PC critics like Worth Playing and ZTGD highlighted crashes and limited online functionality, while Xbox One reviewers (Vgames, MondoXbox) noted cumbersome menus and occasional gameplay interruptions. Online play was a recurring pain point, with Eurogamer Poland and Vandal citing disconnections and matchmaking issues, and Worth Playing expressing concern over a lack of online players. These flaws, while less severe on some platforms, consistently impacted immersion and flow. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Xenoverse 2 has technical issues that, while not insurmountable, detract from the experience. PS4 and Switch versions saw mixed feedback, with the former benefiting from patches but still plagued by load times and camera quirks, and the latter facing performance limitations despite stable combat. Xbox platforms, especially the Series X, showed stronger performance, though Xbox One had minor menu and loading hiccups. PC received praise for graphical fidelity but struggled with online stability and crashes. While many reviewers acknowledged that the game’s core mechanics and content outweigh its technical flaws, the recurring complaints about loading times, frame rate inconsistencies, and online connectivity suggest that the technical performance remains a critical area for improvement. Despite this, the game’s ability to run smoothly on most platforms—particularly with updates—indicates a generally solid foundation, even if not without its share of bugs and optimizations to address.

The replay value of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 is highlighted by several critics as a strong point, particularly for newcomers and fans of the series. Reviewers like Worth Playing (PS4) and Xbox Achievements (Xbox One) praise the game’s expanded content, including a larger variety of side missions, character customization options, and online multiplayer features. Eurogamer Poland and SpazioGames note that the game’s hub city, combat mechanics, and creative use of Dragon Ball lore provide enough activities to keep players engaged, while GameSpew (Xbox One) emphasizes the addictive nature of character development and the sheer volume of things to do. The inclusion of the original game’s story in some versions, as mentioned by Meristation (Switch/PS4), and the ability to revisit missions for loot or challenges, as pointed out by Push Square (PS5), further enhance its appeal. For those who enjoy the series’ fan service, Digital Chumps (PS4) and Vandal (PS4) acknowledge the game’s depth, with its robust multiplayer and side activities offering substantial playtime, even if the core experience is familiar. However, the replay value faces criticism for being repetitive and lacking innovation, especially for players who have already experienced the first game. ICXM (Xbox One) and Everyeye.it (Switch/PS4) argue that the new content feels like DLC or recycled material, with side missions and enemy encounters offering little variety. GamingTrend (PS4) and Trusted Reviews (PS4) note that the grind and repetitive gameplay can make the experience feel stale, while PlaySense (PS4) and XboxAddict (Xbox One) point to the need for backtracking and the unexciting nature of some quests. PlayStation Universe (PS4) and Worth Playing (PC) also mention that once players acquire all gear or complete main storylines, the incentive to return diminishes. Vandal (Switch) and GameOver.gr (PS4) acknowledge that while there is a wealth of content, the lack of significant changes and the grindy mechanics may deter long-term engagement, particularly for veterans. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between new players and returning fans. While many praise the game’s extensive content, including side missions, character customization, and online features, as noted by Worth Playing (PC) and Cubed3 (Switch), the repetition and recycled elements are a recurring concern. Eurogamer Italy (Switch) and Vandal (PS4) highlight that the game’s replay value is more appealing to newcomers, who can enjoy the expanded world and lore, whereas veterans may find it underwhelming. Despite this, GameSpot (PS4) and High-Def Digest (PS4) suggest that the multiplayer and parallel missions provide enough variety to keep players invested, even if the core gameplay feels familiar. Ultimately, the game is seen as a solid expansion for the series, but its replayability hinges on player tolerance for repetition and the desire to explore its customization and online features, which some critics argue are not enough to fully justify a second playthrough for those already familiar with the original.