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Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2
Item: Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, RPG, Fighting, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 25, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperDimps Corporation

Overview

DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 builds upon the highly popular DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE with enhanced graphics that will further immerse players into the largest and most detailed Dragon Ball world ever developed. DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 will deliver a new hub city and the most character customization choices to date among a multitude of new features and special upgrades.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Attack of the Fanboy and PlayStation LifeStyle, appreciated the fresh take on the classic Dragon Ball story, with elements of time altering and movie villains providing a new perspective on the franchise's timeline. The inclusion of new twists and 'what if' scenarios, as highlighted by GamingTrend and ZTGD, added depth and excitement to the narrative, allowing players to revisit iconic moments from the series in a compelling way. The concept of players participating directly in crucial battles and impacting the narrative world, as noted by GameSpot, was also praised for enhancing the overall storytelling experience. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the repetitiveness and lack of innovation in the story of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. COGconnected and Worth Playing pointed out that the plot felt hokey, drawn out, and familiar compared to the first installment, leading to a sense of deja vu for players. Some critics, like NZGamer and Critical Hit, criticized the lack of meaningful character interactions and development, with the story being perceived as a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling and consequences. Additionally, Game Revolution and ICXM highlighted the recycled materials and predictable elements in the narrative, suggesting a lack of novelty in the storytelling approach. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 leans towards a somewhat positive but mixed reception. While the game succeeds in offering an engaging and enjoyable experience for fans of the series, as acknowledged by Game Informer and God is a Geek, there are notable drawbacks in terms of originality and depth, as mentioned by PlaySense and Wccftech. The game's ability to blend familiar Dragon Ball sagas with new narrative offshoots and 'what if' scenarios was generally well-received, but the lack of significant character development and the feeling of repetition were common points of criticism. Despite these shortcomings, the overall sentiment suggests that Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 manages to deliver a satisfactory narrative experience that caters to both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed views on Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2's story. Positive feedback praises the fresh take on the classic Dragon Ball narrative, with new twists and 'what if' scenarios adding depth and excitement. However, concerns were raised about repetitiveness, lack of innovation, and shallow character development. While the game offers an engaging experience blending familiar sagas with new elements, there are drawbacks in originality and depth. Overall, Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 delivers a satisfactory narrative experience but falls short in some areas according to critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the fast-paced combat mechanics, with IGN highlighting the game's satisfying combat that combines fan service, arena brawling, and long-term progression. Digital Chumps also commended the fun and exciting combat, while High-Def Digest appreciated the engaging defensive options in the combat system. The RPG elements integrated into the battles, as mentioned by Gamers' Temple and Digitally Downloaded, were also well-received, providing a mix of depth and progression to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out various negatives regarding the gameplay of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. PlaySense criticized the gameplay for being too simple and lacking depth in combo mechanics, overshadowed by the focus on RPG elements. Game Informer highlighted the lack of depth in the combat system, stating that it can feel unfair at times, especially in online modes. RPG Site mentioned downsides such as repetitive battles and camera issues, which detracted from the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, Worth Playing noted that while the combat system becomes natural with practice, the gameplay can become repetitive over time due to the need for grinding. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 leans towards a positive outlook. While there are criticisms about the simplicity and lack of depth in the combat system from some reviewers like PlaySense and Game Informer, the majority of critics appreciate the improvements in gameplay mechanics, such as enhanced combat systems and RPG elements. The game's fast-paced and engaging combat, coupled with the integration of RPG elements and character customization, seems to have resonated well with many critics, making Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 an enjoyable experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 gameplay praised for fast-paced combat and RPG elements, but criticized for simplicity and repetitiveness. Overall, critics lean towards positive feedback for its satisfying combat and engaging mechanics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics generally praised the graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 for successfully capturing the essence of the anime. Attack of the Fanboy commended the game for transferring the visual style of the anime to a 3D game look, while COGconnected and Digital Chumps highlighted the fantastic cell-shaded characters and environments that closely resemble the anime. Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict appreciated the game's art style for closely resembling the anime and providing crisp representations of the characters in epic battles. Additionally, GameSpot and PlaySense lauded the stunning visuals, attention to detail, and the game's ability to capture the anime aesthetic in a visually appealing way. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the graphics and visual presentation of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. GamingTrend and PlayStation LifeStyle criticized the low-quality animation in cutscenes, with jerky character movements and poor lip-syncing, which could be distracting. Game Rant mentioned stiff animations and worse-than-normal lip-syncing, while TheSixthAxis noted that the majority of cutscenes being done in-engine cheapened the storytelling at times. Worth Playing highlighted that the Switch version suffered from a halved framerate at 30 fps and occasional choppy framerates, especially during online play, lacking certain graphical feats like anti-aliasing. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. The game successfully captures the anime aesthetic, with colorful and stylish visuals that resemble the anime, immersing players in the world of Dragon Ball. While there were criticisms regarding animation quality, lip-syncing issues, and occasional graphical shortcomings, the majority of reviewers appreciated the faithful adaptation of the anime's art style, impressive battle sequences, and the overall visual appeal of the game. Despite some minor flaws, the graphics of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 were generally well-received by critics, contributing to an immersive and visually engaging experience for fans of the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 impresses critics with its stunning graphics that faithfully capture the anime's essence, featuring fantastic cell-shaded characters and environments. While some flaws like low-quality animation and occasional framerate issues were noted, overall, the game offers a visually appealing and immersive experience for fans.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the authenticity of the sound effects, with COGconnected noting that they are ripped right from the source material. Gamers' Temple praised the option to switch between American dub and original Japanese voice tracks, enhancing the overall experience. High-Def Digest and Xbox Achievements both commended the use of North American voice actors and authentic sound effects, such as iconic Ki blasts and guitar riffs, familiar to fans of the series. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the game's audio elements. Digital Chumps mentioned that while the audio is distinctly "DragonBall", some dialogue left them confused. PlaySense and Impulsegamer criticized the music, with PlaySense describing it as irritating and a notable downside for players. Digitally Downloaded highlighted issues with the English dub voices, suggesting that the Japanese voices are superior, depending on the server chosen. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive view of the sound design and music in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. The inclusion of familiar sound effects and voice actors, as noted by critics like Gamers' Temple and High-Def Digest, contributes to an immersive experience for fans of the franchise. However, concerns raised by reviewers like PlaySense and Digitally Downloaded regarding certain aspects of the audio indicate that there are areas for improvement. Despite some criticisms, the majority of critics appreciate the efforts put into capturing the essence of the Dragon Ball universe through sound design and music, making Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 a largely enjoyable auditory experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. Many praise the authentic sound effects and voice options, while some find the dialogue confusing and the music irritating. Overall, the game captures the essence of the Dragon Ball universe well, but there are areas that could be improved according to some critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions on the voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 are quite varied among the critics. Digital Chumps and God is a Geek praise the voice acting, with Digital Chumps specifically highlighting the fantastic performances of the main characters, many of whom are voiced by the original anime voice actors. NintendoWorldReport also commends the voices, stating that they are spot-on and true to the original. These positive remarks indicate that the game successfully captures the essence of the beloved Dragon Ball series through its voice acting, resonating well with fans of the franchise. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in the game. PlayStation LifeStyle points out the poor lip-syncing with the dub, which can detract from the overall immersion. Push Square mentions that the English voice work is hit and miss, with some lip-syncing issues, although they do acknowledge the availability of the Japanese voice option for players who prefer it. Digitally Downloaded expresses that the voices felt a little off at times, with the English dub not reaching the same level of quality as the dub for Dragon Ball Z. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting may have its flaws, such as inconsistencies and lip-syncing issues, it still manages to deliver an acceptable performance overall. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive view of the voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. While there are some shortcomings noted by critics like Push Square and Digitally Downloaded, the majority of reviewers appreciate the efforts put into the voice performances, especially in capturing the essence of the original characters. The return of many anime voice actors and the solid performances from the cast, as mentioned by DarkStation, contribute to the overall appeal of the voice acting in the game. Despite some minor issues, the voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 seems to have resonated well with most critics, striking a balance between authenticity and performance quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. Some praise the performances of the main characters by original anime voice actors, while others criticize poor lip-syncing and inconsistencies in the English dub. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the efforts put into capturing the essence of the characters, with some minor flaws noted. Despite some shortcomings, the voice acting in the game strikes a balance between authenticity and performance quality, resonating well with fans of the franchise.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 generally received positive feedback. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, and RPG Site praised the game for running smoothly at 60 frames per second, providing a stable performance overall. Additionally, PlayStation Universe noted that initial long loading screens were patched post-launch, addressing a major concern. Despite some minor issues like lengthy load times and occasional technical hiccups during battles, the game on PS4 seems to offer a solid experience for players. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 faced more challenges in terms of technical performance. Critics like CGMagazine, Digitally Downloaded, and Worth Playing highlighted issues such as reduced visuals, halved framerate, occasional choppy framerates, and problems with online play. While some reviewers noted that the game runs well on the Switch, there were concerns about visual compromises and performance inconsistencies, especially when compared to other platforms. God is a Geek mentioned rough edges in certain areas when playing docked, impacting the overall experience on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 delivers a better technical performance on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One, with smoother gameplay experiences and stable framerates. However, the Nintendo Switch version falls short in terms of visuals and performance, facing challenges like framerate issues and online play concerns. Despite some platform-specific drawbacks, the game seems to have made improvements over its predecessor in terms of technical performance, with most critics acknowledging the game's strengths while also highlighting areas that could be further optimized for a more consistent experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 shines on PS4 with smooth gameplay at 60fps and improved loading times post-launch. However, the Nintendo Switch version struggles with reduced visuals, halved framerate, and online play issues. While the PS4 and Xbox One offer a solid experience, the Switch falls short in performance and visuals, needing optimization for a better gameplay experience across all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 has received praise from several critics for offering a plethora of content and activities to keep players engaged. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Digital Chumps appreciate the variety of missions, side quests, and multiplayer battles available in the game. Destructoid also highlights the multiple character creation options and the promise of DLC support for post-release content, which adds to the replayability factor. High-Def Digest commends the game for its significant amount of content beyond the main story, including parallel quests, side quests, cooperative online play, and competitive multiplayer, ensuring long-term engagement. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks that hinder the overall replay value of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis mention that the game can feel stale quickly due to repetitive gameplay and lack of variety in enemy encounters. PlayStation LifeStyle notes that players who have experienced the previous installment may find the quests repetitive and lacking in innovation, which could impact the long-term replayability for returning players. DarkStation raises concerns about unavoidable grinding due to difficulty spikes and RNG elements, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 offering a substantial amount of content and activities for players to explore, with varying opinions on the level of replay value it provides. While some critics appreciate the game's extensive character customization options, online modes, and additional content updates, others express concerns about the repetitive nature of quests and lack of innovation in gameplay. Despite these mixed opinions, the general sentiment suggests that Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 caters well to fans of the series and newcomers looking for an immersive experience, albeit with some room for improvement in terms of enhancing replayability for all types of players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 for its extensive content and activities, including missions, side quests, and multiplayer battles. The game offers significant replay value with character customization options and DLC support. However, some critics find the gameplay repetitive, lacking variety in enemy encounters, and requiring unavoidable grinding. Overall, opinions are mixed on the game's replay value, with some appreciating its depth while others highlight areas for improvement.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 has received praise from several critics for various positive aspects. Critics like Gamers' Temple and High-Def Digest commend the game for being a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering engaging gameplay, upgraded visuals, and packed content that cater to Dragon Ball fans. Additionally, the game is lauded for its attention to detail, wealth of content, and accessible gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the series, as noted by DarkStation. The inclusion of new customization options, improved combat systems, and a vast amount of content, as highlighted by Push Square, also contribute to the positive reception of the game. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. PlaySense criticizes the game for feeling like a rehash of the previous installment, focusing more on RPG elements rather than satisfying fighting gameplay. The repetitive nature of the gameplay, as mentioned by GamingTrend and ICXM, can lead to a lack of engagement and may turn players away due to constant grinding and simplistic gameplay. The tutorial and camera controls are highlighted as issues that need improvement by Hooked Gamers, affecting the overall gameplay experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is generally positive, with many acknowledging it as a significant improvement over the original game. Critics like Destructoid and Game Rant appreciate the game's enhancements and better experience for Dragon Ball fans, while others like COGconnected and PlaySense express concerns about the convoluted structure and repetitive gameplay. Despite some criticisms, the game is widely regarded as a solid entry in the Dragon Ball franchise, offering a mix of engaging gameplay, fan service, and content that appeals to both newcomers and long-time fans. The varied opinions from different critics highlight the game's strengths and weaknesses, ultimately making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

TL;DR

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 impresses critics with its engaging gameplay, improved visuals, and packed content that caters to fans. While some criticize its repetitive nature and lack of innovation, overall, it's considered a solid entry in the franchise, offering a mix of fan service and gameplay that appeals to both newcomers and long-time fans.

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Reviews

131 reviews found

Gamers' Temple

Nintendo Switch

Sep 30, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a final rating of 93%, deducting two points for paid DLC and minor graphical downgrade, but adding five points for the inclusion of content from the first game and the portability of the Switch.

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Gamers' Temple

PlayStation 4

Dec 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a noticeable step up from the original, offering a dream title for Dragon Ball fans with engaging gameplay, upgraded visuals, top-notch sound design, and significant replay value in multiplayer. It receives a final rating of 91% in the review.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Oct 31, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a love letter to Dragon Ball Z and offers something fun for anyone who enjoyed the show. It has a few flaws, but overall it captures the essence of the series.

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XboxAddict

Xbox One

Nov 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a delight for Dragon Ball fans, offering an immersive experience that builds upon the formula of the first game while addressing its shortcomings, resulting in a solid score of 8.5.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Oct 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball XenoVerse 2 is a bigger and better sequel that builds upon the foundations of the first game. With a vast amount of content, improved combat system, and new customization options, it's a must-play for fans of the Dragon Ball series.

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DarkStation

Oct 31, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a love letter to the series' biggest fans. The attention to detail, wealth of content, and accessible gameplay make it a must-play for Dragon Ball Z fans. Newcomers might not understand everything, but fans will appreciate the high-octane supernatural martial arts.

Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 4

Oct 25, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 mostly lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor, providing a satisfying experience for Dragon Ball fans with fresh elements and improvements.

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Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Oct 30, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a vast improvement over the original, with plenty of content for Dragon Ball fans to enjoy.

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Hooked Gamers

Dec 12, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a fun game that stands out from its competitors, but it has some issues that need improvement, such as the tutorial and camera controls.

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ZTGD

Nov 7, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite the issues with crashes and dumb AI, the reviewer highly recommends Xenoverse 2 for Dragon Ball fans.

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