Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2

The story of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 receives mixed praise for its nostalgic appeal and fan-service elements, with several critics highlighting its engaging time-travel mechanics and homage to the Dragon Ball universe. IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr commend the narrative for its ability to tie into established lore, allowing players to relive iconic moments while introducing new villains like Mira and Towa. The concept of players as Time Patrollers correcting historical anomalies is praised by critics like ZTGD, who finds the "what if" scenarios compelling, and Impulsegamer, who notes the depth added to the Dragon Ball universe through pivotal lore changes. Additionally, GameSpot and Nintendo Life appreciate the game’s structure, which lets players participate in crucial battles and explore expanded content from Battle of the Gods and Resurrection F. The inclusion of Conton City as a dynamic hub is also noted for its potential to enhance player freedom, as highlighted by God is a Geek and Vandal. However, many critics criticize the story for being repetitive, underdeveloped, and lacking originality. Everyeye.it and Hardcore Gamer (PS4) describe the plot as a "rehash" of the first game, with reused scenes and minimal stakes that make it feel tedious. Worth Playing and Eurogamer Poland argue that the narrative lacks creativity, with underutilized characters and a weak storyline that fails to evolve beyond familiar tropes. The repetitive nature of time-travel missions is a recurring complaint, as noted by Push Square, which points to slow pacing and awkward cutscenes, and PlaySense, who mentions the "deja vu" effect from similar quests. Additionally, several reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and Game Revolution, highlight inconsistencies in storytelling and a lack of depth, with some narratives feeling like mere fan-service rather than a cohesive plot. The MMO-style training systems also detract from the main story for critics like JeuxActu, who find them tedious and disruptive to immersion. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Xenoverse 2’s story is a mixed bag of nostalgia-driven mechanics and creative ideas, but ultimately falls short of being groundbreaking. While some praise its ability to engage fans with familiar characters and time-travel concepts—such as IGN Italia’s observation of "a fun way to learn about the anime’s iconic battles"—others feel it relies too heavily on recycled elements. The game’s narrative is seen as a double-edged sword: it offers rewarding experiences for dedicated fans (as noted by Gameblog.fr and Areajugones) but struggles with pacing, originality, and emotional stakes. Critics like MondoXbox and XGN acknowledge that while the story starts similarly to its predecessor, it eventually introduces twists that elevate the experience. Ultimately, the reviews suggest that Xenoverse 2’s story is more of a nostalgic trip than a revolutionary narrative, appealing primarily to long-time Dragon Ball enthusiasts who prioritize fan-service over innovation.

The gameplay of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 receives praise for its engaging character customization, dynamic combat mechanics, and RPG-driven progression. Critics like IGN highlight the game’s "fast-paced arena brawling" and "wide range of tactical options," emphasizing its appeal to fans of the series. The introduction of a central hub world with diverse missions and side quests, as noted by Nintendo Life, adds depth, while Cubed3 commends the strategic battle system involving Ki and stamina meters. Vgames and XGN praise improvements in combat mechanics, such as refined controls and new fighting systems that encourage tactical play. Additionally, the ability to create custom characters from unique races (as highlighted by Game Revolution) and the inclusion of diverse missions (e.g., Areajugones) contribute to a satisfying blend of RPG and action elements. However, several critics criticize the game’s repetitive nature and lack of depth in combat mechanics. Wccftech and GamingTrend describe the combat as "uninspired" and "repetitive," with limited variation in enemy attacks and combos. Eurogamer Italy and PlaySense note that the gameplay feels overly simplistic, relying on basic combos and flashy battles rather than complex mechanics. Push Square and Hobby Consolas point to grinding for loot and chaotic, repetitive combat as drawbacks, while Game Revolution questions whether the combat’s simplicity undermines its depth. Technical issues, such as problematic lock-on systems (JeuxActu) and AI shortcomings in multi-enemy scenarios (SpazioGames), further detract from the experience. Many also mention that the RPG elements overshadow the fighting gameplay fans expect, with PlaySense and NZGamer noting this imbalance. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the game’s improvements over its predecessor and its robust customization options, despite recurring complaints about repetition and depth. While IGN, Cubed3, and XGN celebrate the refined combat systems and strategic elements, others like Wccftech and Game Revolution emphasize that the gameplay feels derivative and lacks innovation. The game’s ability to blend RPG progression with 3D fighting is a strong suit, but its reliance on familiar mechanics and repetitive structures limits its appeal for some players. Ultimately, Xenoverse 2 is seen as a solid entry in the series with notable strengths, but its flaws—particularly in combat variety and technical execution—prevent it from being universally acclaimed.

The graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 received praise for their faithful recreation of the anime’s cel-shaded aesthetic, which many critics highlighted as a strength. Reviewers like Digital Chumps and COGconnected lauded the game’s “impeccable art-style,” noting that cell-shaded character models and cutscenes felt “jaw-droppingly amazing” and “spot-on” for the Dragon Ball universe. The Switch version, despite technical limitations, was commended for its vibrant color palette (Digitally Downloaded, Nintendo Life), while XboxAddict praised the “beautifully animated fight scenes” and “flashy special moves” that immersed players in the series’ energy. Additionally, some critics noted improvements in character detail and frame rates, with IGN Spain highlighting stable performance at 900p resolution and XGN citing a “visually superior” experience compared to its predecessor. The game’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its art style was a recurring positive, as seen in NintendoWorldReport’s observation that it “looks and feels like Dragon Ball Z.” However, the visual design faced significant criticism for lacking substantial innovation and suffering from technical shortcomings. Many reviewers, including Areajugones, LaPS4, and Gameblog.fr, pointed out that the game’s environments felt recycled or underdeveloped, with “large but detail-poor” spaces and “static areas” that failed to match expectations for a 2016 release. Performance issues on the Switch, such as frame-rate drops, aliasing, and lower resolution (Multiplayer.it, Everyeye.it), were frequently cited as detractors. Additionally, animation quality was inconsistent: TheSixthAxis criticized “stiff” character movements, while GamingTrend and PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted poor lip-syncing and jerky cutscenes that disrupted immersion. Critics like Vgames and Hobby Consolas also noted a stark contrast between cinematic scenes and in-game visuals, with the latter often feeling dated or poorly optimized. Overall, the consensus among critics was mixed but leaned toward appreciation for the game’s nostalgic art style tempered by frustration over its technical limitations and lack of visual progression. While Digital Chumps and COGconnected celebrated the game as a “polished cel-shaded look” and “best visual adaptation” of the Dragon Ball series, others like Areajugones and Vgames found it unimpressive compared to newer titles. The Switch version’s portability was a plus for some (Trusted Reviews, Nintendo Life), but its graphical downgrades (Everyeye.it, Gameblog.fr) were a drawback. Despite these issues, many acknowledged that Xenoverse 2 successfully captured the spirit of Dragon Ball through its art style, even if it fell short in pushing visual boundaries. The game’s visuals remained a polarizing aspect, with fans valuing its authenticity and critics pointing to its dated execution.

The sound design and music of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 received several positive remarks, particularly for its nostalgic ties to the franchise and immersive audio elements. Critics like 3DJuegos highlighted the "notable" sound design with original voice acting options and "good sound effects," while Atomix praised the familiar anime-inspired sounds that enhanced immersion. Gamers’ Temple commended the top-notch sound design, noting the availability of both American dub voices and Japanese tracks, which they deemed "great." High-Def Digest appreciated the "well-done" music and sound effects, emphasizing their familiarity to series fans, while SpazioGames celebrated the original Japanese voice acting as a key strength. Additionally, Push Square noted the "catchy soundtrack" with upbeat tunes, and Vandal praised the combat-oriented music that complemented gameplay. These reviews underscore the game’s ability to evoke nostalgia through its audio design. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the soundtrack and sound implementation. Areajugones criticized the "monotonous and repetitive" music, citing repeated tracks from previous games, while LevelUp lamented the lack of original compositions despite the anime’s high-quality soundtrack. PlaySense found the music "irritating," and TheSixthAxis noted that perky, looped themes could become tedious. Vgames and Eurogamer Italy similarly criticized the soundtrack for failing to resonate with players, with the latter specifically disliking Conton City’s theme. Issues with voice acting also emerged, as GameOver.gr and Everyeye.it highlighted poor lip sync in English dubs, while Impulsegamer called the audio "disappointing" due to subpar dubbing. Cubed3 mentioned sound mixing issues between dialogue and music, further detracting from the experience. These critiques reveal a disconnect between the game’s ambition and its execution in key audio areas. Overall, the reception of Xenoverse 2’s sound design and music was mixed, with praise for its nostalgic appeal and technical execution offset by criticisms of repetition and lack of innovation. While Digitally Downloaded and The Games Machine appreciated the soundtrack’s variety and dramatic moments, others like Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer found it inconsistent or underwhelming. The voice acting received polarized feedback: Gamers’ Temple and SpazioGames celebrated Japanese options, while Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr pointed to flaws in English dubs. Despite these contradictions, the consensus leaned toward acknowledging the game’s commitment to honoring the Dragon Ball legacy through its audio, even if it fell short in originality or polish. As Vandal noted, the retention of iconic soundtracks and effects provided a "solid" experience, but many felt the music and voice work needed more refinement to match the series’ potential.

The voice acting in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 receives generally positive acclaim, particularly for its faithful recreation of the anime’s original Japanese audio and the inclusion of returning voice actors. Critics like 3DJuegos and SpazioGames highlight the value of hearing characters in their native Japanese voices, which enhances immersion for fans. Digital Chumps praises the "fantastic" voice work for main characters, noting that many anime voice actors reprised their roles, adding authenticity. Similarly, The Games Machine and Vandal commend the Japanese dub for its synchronization with animations, while Worth Playing (on PC) and IGN Spain (on Switch) note that both English and Japanese tracks are well-executed, contributing positively to the experience. The presence of veteran actors like Christopher Sabat, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded, further reinforces the quality of the voice work for key roles. However, several critics point out flaws in the English dubbing and localization. Impulsegamer criticizes the English voice acting as "poor" and compares it to an "old Kung Fu film," while The Games Machine and Push Square note issues with lip sync that detract from immersion. Atomix expresses disappointment over the lack of Spanish localization, which limits accessibility for Latin American fans. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded (on Switch) mentions that the English dub "isn’t as good as Dragon Ball Z’s," and Meristation notes that character sounds during battles could be more varied. These critiques highlight inconsistencies in the English voice work and gaps in regional support, which some players find jarring or underwhelming. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the Japanese voice acting, with many preferring it over the English version due to its expressiveness and authenticity. While Worth Playing (on PC) and Hobby Consolas (on PS5) acknowledge that both languages are "acceptable," the majority of reviews emphasize that the Japanese dub sets a higher standard. The English voice work, though occasionally praised for its effort (e.g., by NintendoWorldReport), faces criticism for technical issues like poor lip sync and uneven delivery. Despite these drawbacks, most critics agree that the voice acting—particularly in its original form—enhances the game’s atmosphere and connects players to the Dragon Ball universe, making it a standout feature despite its imperfections.

The technical performance of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 varies significantly across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread issues. On PS4, many critics praised its stability, with Eurogamer Italy highlighting smooth gameplay without noticeable slowdowns, while RPG Site emphasized rock-solid performance at 60fps. IGN Spain acknowledged commendable performance on the Nintendo Switch, and Generación Xbox noted improved load times and frame rates on the Xbox Series X. The PC version saw mixed reviews: ZTGD praised its ability to run smoothly at 60FPS on high settings, though crashes were reported, while Worth Playing criticized limited online play. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life highlighted mostly lag-free online play, and some reviewers (e.g., Hobby Consolas) noted improved loading times despite frame rate drops in handheld mode. The Xbox One version had pockets of praise for smooth online performance (Xbox Achievements), though ICXM mentioned server crashes from the original game. However, technical issues plagued most platforms. On PS4, long loading times were a recurring complaint (LaPS4, Eurogamer Poland), alongside camera problems during fast-paced combat (Impulsegamer) and online connectivity hiccups (Atomix). The PC version faced crashes (ZTGD) and limited online functionality (Worth Playing), while the Nintendo Switch struggled with frame rate instability in handheld mode (Hardcore Gamer, Cubed3) and lower resolution compared to other platforms (Trusted Reviews). XGN noted unresponsive controls during intense battles on Switch, and Gameblog.fr reported frame drops in Conton City. On Xbox One, Vgames criticized cumbersome menus and gameplay interruptions, while ICXM highlighted unresolved server issues from the original game. The PS5 version saw reduced loading times (Hobby Consolas) but lacked major technical advancements for the new generation. Overall, critics generally agreed that Xenoverse 2 had a solid foundation but suffered from persistent technical flaws across platforms. While PS4 and PC versions received praise for their stability and performance (RPG Site, ZTGD), issues like long load times and camera glitches remained frustrating. The Nintendo Switch version faced the most criticism for its lower frame rates and resolution, though some reviewers (e.g., Nintendo Life) noted acceptable online play. Xbox One’s performance was mixed, with both smooth experiences and server-related problems. Despite these challenges, many critics acknowledged that the game’s core mechanics and content outweighed its technical shortcomings, suggesting that while not perfect, Xenoverse 2 delivered a largely enjoyable experience across platforms (e.g., LevelUp’s positive take on PS4 online play). The consensus leaned toward it being a worthwhile title despite its flaws.

The replay value of Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 is largely praised for its expansive content and creative opportunities. Multiple critics highlight the game’s robust character customization, side missions, and multiplayer modes as key draws. For instance, Push Square notes that the "massive content and grindy nature" encourage players to retry missions for loot, while Vandal emphasizes the "vast amount of content" including side quests and customization options. The inclusion of original story elements from the first game (as noted by Meristation on Switch) and the ability to revisit parallel quests (Gaming Age) further enhance its appeal. Additionally, Game Rant and 3DJuegos commend the game’s potential for long-term engagement through character creation, DLC plans, and online challenges. The variety of missions, such as time rifts and raids (NintendoWorldReport), along with cooperative play (Gameblog.fr), also contributes to a sense of depth that keeps players invested. However, repetition and lack of innovation are recurring criticisms. Many reviewers argue that the game’s side missions and combat mechanics feel recycled or overly similar to the original Xenoverse. ICXM and Everyeye.it (on Switch) note that new content often feels like DLC, with repetitive quests diminishing appeal for returning players. Trusted Reviews and Eurogamer Poland point out that the "lack of variety in missions" and "repetitive side quests" can lead to burnout, while Hardcore Gamer (PS4) and MondoXbox criticize the mission structure as stagnant despite new modes. The grind for gear (PlayStation Universe) and the ease of combat (Digital Chumps) also detract from long-term engagement, with some finding the gameplay "too easy" or "grindy" without sufficient rewards. Even GameSpot acknowledges that the "overall grind can feel repetitive," though it credits multiplayer quests for adding variety. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s substantial content despite its flaws. While many praise its accessibility, customization, and online features (Worth Playing, Eurogamer Italy), others caution that repetition and recycled mechanics may limit long-term appeal. Gameblog.fr and SpazioGames argue that the game’s "substantial replay value" is balanced by its repetitive nature, while IGN Spain and High-Def Digest highlight its potential for extended playthroughs through parallel quests and cooperative modes. Ultimately, Xenoverse 2 seems to cater most to fans of the series who prioritize lore and customization, but its reliance on familiar structures and grind may deter players seeking fresh experiences. As Worth Playing (PS4) notes, it feels more like an expansion than a full sequel, leaving some questioning its replayability for those already invested in the franchise.