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MONSTER

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Item: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 17, 2020

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

DeveloperCyberConnect2

Overview

Relive the story of Goku in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot! Beyond the epic battles, experience life in the Dragon Ball Z world as you fight, fish, eat, and train with Goku. Explore the new areas and adventures as you advance through the story and form powerful bonds with other heroes from the Dragon Ball Z universe.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot hits nostalgia hard with a faithful adaptation of the anime, covering major arcs and engaging players emotionally. Critics praise its immersive storytelling and added character interactions, but it suffers from pacing issues, rushed narratives, and underwhelming presentation. While it successfully captures the series' essence, mixed reviews highlight significant shortcomings that keep it from fully resonating with fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for its faithful adaptation of the beloved anime series. Many critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and Gamer.no, acknowledge that the game successfully covers the major arcs of Dragon Ball Z, from the Saiyan saga to the Buu saga, allowing players to relive iconic moments. Critics like Push Square and Vandal praise the game for its detailed and immersive approach, emphasizing the emotional engagement and depth it brings to the narrative. Additionally, some reviewers, including Gamers Heroes, highlight the game’s ability to provide new perspectives and enrich the world-building through added side stories and character interactions, which appeal to both fans and newcomers alike. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Gamer.no, point out significant pacing issues and a rushed narrative that skips over key moments, which can detract from the overall experience. Critics like MGG and Worth Playing note that while the game remains faithful to the source material, it lacks the dramatic impact and depth that fans might expect, leading to moments feeling underwhelming. Furthermore, the reliance on still images and text instead of engaging cinematic sequences, as mentioned by Gamer.no, is seen as a drawback that diminishes the storytelling experience. The presence of stiff cutscenes and uneven quality in the presentation, highlighted by IGN, also contributes to the game's mixed reception. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a nostalgic and comprehensive retelling of the Dragon Ball Z saga, but it struggles with pacing and depth. While some reviewers, like Critical Hit and Shacknews, appreciate the effort to condense the extensive storyline into a manageable format, others express frustration over the omissions and lack of emotional weight in certain scenes. Ultimately, while the game captures the essence of the series, the execution leaves room for improvement, resulting in a divided reception among critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot impresses with its engaging combat and faithful anime battles, but critics slam its lack of depth and repetitive gameplay. While the open-world RPG elements offer character development, they fall short of innovation, leading to a monotonous experience. The game is a mixed bag: visually appealing and initially fun, but ultimately uninspired and lacking variety, leaving players craving more complexity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its engaging combat mechanics and the ability to replicate the high-energy battles of the anime. Reviewers like Gamer.nl and GameSpot have noted that the combat system, while simple, effectively captures the essence of Dragon Ball, allowing players to utilize various techniques and character transformations. Additionally, many critics, including PlayStation Universe and PlaySense, appreciated the open-world exploration and the RPG elements that provide opportunities for character development and experimentation with different play styles. The dynamic nature of battles, as highlighted by Areajugones, adds to the excitement, especially during boss encounters where strategy becomes crucial. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out that the gameplay suffers from a lack of depth and variety. Many reviews, such as those from Gamer.no and DualShockers, describe the combat as repetitive and uninspired, with missions that often feel tedious and uninventive. The RPG elements have been criticized for being shallow, with InsideGamer.nl mentioning that character progression is limited and tied to the main story, which restricts player experimentation. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Wccftech also noted issues with the controls and the overall structure of the gameplay, which can lead to a monotonous experience over time. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a visually appealing and enjoyable combat system, it ultimately falls short in terms of depth and variety. Many reviewers, including MGG and GameGrin, echoed sentiments of repetitiveness, particularly in side quests and enemy encounters. The game is seen as a mixed bag, where the initial thrill of combat may diminish due to the lack of innovation and engaging content. Critics like Digital Chumps and Game Rant highlighted that while the game can be fun, it is hampered by its repetitive nature and uninspired side activities, leaving players wanting more complexity and variety in their gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" impresses with cel-shaded visuals that capture Akira Toriyama's art style and brings iconic anime moments to life through quality cutscenes. However, critics are split, citing dated graphics, bland environments, and performance issues that mar the overall experience. While the game shines in certain areas, it struggles with consistency, leaving a mixed impression among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" have garnered a range of opinions from critics, with many praising the game's ability to capture the essence of Akira Toriyama's art style. Critics like Power Unlimited and Digital Chumps highlight the beautiful cel-shaded visuals that effectively mirror the anime's aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience. The cutscenes are often noted for their high quality, with Shacknews and TheGamer emphasizing how they bring iconic moments from the series to life. Additionally, some critics, such as InsideGamer.nl and BaziCenter, commend the improvements seen in the next-gen versions, pointing out enhanced textures and environmental details that contribute to a visually appealing experience. However, despite these positives, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the overall graphical quality, particularly regarding the environments and character models. JeuxActu and GRYOnline.pl describe the visuals as dated and lacking in detail, with poor textures that do not meet current gaming standards. Many reviewers, including MGG and SpazioGames, echo these sentiments by pointing out that while character models may shine, the world design often feels barren and unattractive. Additionally, issues such as inconsistent quality, bland environments, and performance problems during gameplay are highlighted by critics like IGN Spain and GameSpew, further detracting from the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the game's artistic direction and those who find its execution lacking. While the cel-shaded style and cutscenes are frequently praised, the criticism surrounding the environments and graphical inconsistencies cannot be overlooked. Critics such as Critical Hit and Video Chums encapsulate this duality, recognizing the game's potential while acknowledging its shortcomings. Ultimately, "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" is seen as a visually appealing game that captures the spirit of the anime, but it struggles to deliver a consistently high-quality graphical experience across all aspects of its design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot's sound design and music spark nostalgia with original voice actors and authentic effects, earning praise for immersion. However, critics slam the repetitiveness of the soundtrack, awkward dialogue, and technical flaws like missing audio, which detract from the experience. While it nails the nostalgic vibe, it ultimately falls short in quality and variety, leading to a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot have garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for their nostalgic elements and the inclusion of original voice actors. Many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and Everyeye.it, highlighted the authentic sound effects and music as significant contributors to the immersive experience, effectively capturing the essence of the beloved anime. Critics like PlaySense and DualShockers appreciated the quality of the audio effects, while Gamersky noted that the music resonates well with the original series, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of both English and Japanese voice acting options has been positively received, with Windows Central and Critical Hit emphasizing the quality of the performances, particularly in the main missions. Despite the positive aspects, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the sound design and music. A common complaint is the repetitiveness of the soundtrack, with reviewers from New Game Network, Twinfinite, and GamingTrend mentioning that the same musical themes are played frequently, detracting from the overall experience. Dialogue delivery has also been criticized, with IGN and New Game Network noting stilted and awkward exchanges that feel less conversational. Furthermore, issues with sound effects, such as missing audio in cutscenes and inconsistent localization, were highlighted by critics like Stevivor and Vandal, indicating that these flaws hinder immersion and enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot successfully evokes nostalgia through its sound design and music, it struggles with repetitiveness and some technical issues. The soundtrack, while appreciated for its nostalgic value, often lacks the emotional weight and variety that fans might expect, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and 3DJuegos. The dialogue and sound effects also present challenges that impact the overall experience, as highlighted by IGN and Stevivor. Ultimately, while the game succeeds in creating a nostalgic atmosphere, the execution of sound design and music leaves room for improvement, indicating a mixed reception from the gaming community.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

"Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" features impressive voice acting, notably from the original cast, enhancing nostalgia and emotional engagement. Critics praise its immersive quality and dual language options, but some highlight flaws like awkward pacing, inconsistent English delivery, and repetitive lines that disrupt gameplay. Overall, while it strengthens the narrative, it has noticeable shortcomings that leave room for future improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" has received a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Many reviewers, such as GamersRD and Critical Hit, highlight the return of the original voice cast, which adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia for fans of the anime. Masako Nozawa's performance, in particular, is frequently praised for enhancing the emotional connection to the story, as noted by 3DJuegos and App Trigger. Additionally, the availability of both English and Japanese voice options, as mentioned by GamePro Germany and LaPS4, allows players to choose their preferred experience, further contributing to the game's immersive quality. Critics like Softpedia and SpazioGames commend the voice acting for effectively supporting the narrative and character development, making it a strong aspect of the overall gameplay. Despite the many praises, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the voice acting. Issues such as awkward pacing, clunky deliveries, and inconsistent quality, particularly in the English dub, have been highlighted by reviewers like Gameplanet and Push Square. Some critics, including IGN and New Game Network, noted that certain lines felt stilted or lacked the emotional impact expected from key moments, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, the repetition of voice lines during exploration, as mentioned by Twinfinite and GameWatcher, can become grating and disrupt immersion. Furthermore, some side missions lack full voice acting, leading to a less engaging experience, as pointed out by Stevivor and TheXboxHub. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" is generally strong and contributes positively to the game's storytelling and character immersion, it is not without its flaws. The nostalgia factor and the presence of original voice actors create a compelling experience, as noted by critics like Gaming Age and Impulsegamer. However, inconsistencies in delivery and the presence of awkward dialogue detract from the overall quality, leading to a mixed reception. Ultimately, the voice acting serves as a highlight for many players, yet its imperfections suggest room for improvement in future titles.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" shows solid performance on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, with the PS5 version achieving a smooth 60 FPS. However, it is plagued by persistent bugs, long load times, and performance dips, particularly on PS4 and Xbox One. Critics are divided—while the game has potential and enjoyable mechanics, it needs significant polish and optimization to truly shine. Overall, it’s a mixed bag that requires further development to fix its glaring issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

Positives: Across the various platforms, "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" showcases some commendable technical performance, particularly on the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. Critics like PCMag and GamePro Germany noted that the game runs smoothly on PS4, with some even reporting improved loading times following patches (New Game Network). The PS5 version has been praised for its enhanced performance, achieving a stable 60 FPS, which allows for a more fluid gameplay experience, as highlighted by GamersRD and Push Square. On PC, Atomix reported a well-optimized experience with minimal frame drops, and PC Gamer mentioned smooth performance with only minor screen tearing that could be resolved with V-sync. Overall, while there are issues, the game does manage to deliver a satisfactory experience on higher-end hardware. Negatives: However, the technical performance of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" is marred by numerous issues across all platforms. For PS4, critics like JeuxActu and Gamer.nl pointed out persistent bugs, long loading times, and performance issues such as freezing and graphical glitches. On Xbox One, several reviewers, including SomosXbox and IGN Spain, reported significant frame drops during intense battles and long load times that detract from immersion. The PC version, while generally stable, is not without its flaws; USgamer and IGN noted character glitches and screen tearing that indicate stability problems. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has potential, it suffers from a lack of polish and optimization across all platforms. Overall Consensus: The overall sentiment among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between the game's potential and its execution. While there are positive aspects, such as stable performance on upgraded consoles and generally good gameplay mechanics, the technical issues—especially on PS4 and Xbox One—create a frustrating experience for many players. Critics like Meristation and DarkStation noted that while the game runs well enough, it is burdened by issues that need addressing to enhance the overall experience. The frequent loading screens, bugs, and performance inconsistencies highlighted by multiple reviewers suggest that "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" could benefit from further development and patches to reach its full potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot impresses fans with 40-50 hours of gameplay, rich content, and character customization. However, critics flag its replay value as problematic, citing repetitive side quests and monotonous mechanics that undermine the experience. While nostalgic for fans, many reviewers agree that the lack of variety could deter long-term engagement, making it a fun yet fleeting journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot reveal a mix of positive sentiments, particularly among fans of the series. Critics like MondoXbox and Gameblog.fr highlight the substantial amount of content available, with gameplay clocking in at around 40-50 hours, which includes engaging main missions and a variety of side quests. Some reviewers, such as PlaySense and COGconnected, emphasize that the game provides significant replay value for dedicated fans who enjoy exploring the Dragon Ball universe and engaging with character customization options. Additionally, RPG Site mentions the presence of post-game content and character leveling, which can enhance the experience for players seeking to delve deeper into the game. However, a considerable number of critics express concerns about the limitations of replay value due to repetitive gameplay mechanics and the lack of engaging content. Reviewers like Gamer.no and Hardcore Gamer point out that the game suffers from a lack of variety in side quests, which often feel tedious and repetitive. Similarly, App Trigger and CGMagazine note that the enjoyment derived from combat and story is undermined by the monotonous nature of side activities. This sentiment is echoed by critics such as IGN and Game Revolution, who highlight that while the game offers a nostalgic experience, the repetitive tasks and lack of depth in progression systems may deter players from returning after completing the main storyline. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a wealth of content and can be enjoyable for fans, its replay value is significantly hampered by the repetitive nature of side quests and gameplay mechanics. Critics like Player 2 and Xbox Tavern reinforce this view, indicating that despite the game's length and some engaging elements, the lack of meaningful variety and engaging activities may limit long-term engagement for many players. Ultimately, the game is seen as a nostalgic journey that may appeal to fans, but its replayability is questioned due to the repetitive design choices that dominate the experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the overall sentiment regarding Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, it is evident that many reviewers appreciate the nostalgic elements and the strong narrative that the game offers. Critics like Game Rant and GAMINGbible commend the game for being a heartfelt homage to the franchise, with GAMINGbible even labeling it as the game that the series deserves, scoring it 9 out of 10. The visuals and combat mechanics have also received praise, with Video Chums highlighting the exciting combat and impressive graphics, while Meristation notes the rich narrative and substantial content available. Many reviewers, such as Gamers Heroes and LaPS4, find the game to be a worthy experience for both fans and newcomers, emphasizing its engaging gameplay and the successful recreation of iconic moments from the anime. However, the game is not without its criticisms. A significant number of reviewers point out the repetitive gameplay and lack of depth in RPG elements as major drawbacks. For instance, Gamer.nl and Gamer.no express disappointment, describing the game as tedious and lacking excitement, particularly for those who are not already fans of the series. Technical issues and pacing problems are also noted by critics like Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Spain, who feel that these flaws detract from the overall experience. The general consensus is that while the game succeeds in evoking nostalgia and delivering a solid narrative, it struggles to engage players with its gameplay mechanics and variety, leading to a sense of missed potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot serves as a nostalgic experience primarily aimed at fans of the franchise, but it falls short in delivering a compelling RPG experience for newcomers. While some reviews, such as those from Hobby Consolas and GameSpot, highlight the game's enjoyable aspects and recommend it for fans, others like Wccftech and New Game Network suggest that it may be better suited for purchase on sale rather than at full price. The mixed reception indicates that while the game has its merits, it ultimately leaves room for improvement, particularly in gameplay depth and innovation.

TL;DR

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a nostalgic homage that delivers a strong narrative and impressive visuals, earning praise from critics like GAMINGbible (9/10). However, it suffers from repetitive gameplay, shallow RPG elements, and technical issues, making it less engaging for newcomers. While fans may enjoy the experience, many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale due to the game's missed potential and shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

203 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Jan 31, 2020

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a thoroughly enjoyable game for fans, providing the best retelling of the sagas to date. Despite minor flaws, it offers a fun experience with a blend of RPG and action elements.

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GameCrate

Xbox One

Jan 23, 2020

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is praised for its engaging gameplay and story, standing out as the best DBZ story game, appealing even to hardcore fans.

GAMINGbible

PlayStation 4

Jan 16, 2020

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is the Dragon Ball Z game the series deserves, delivering a timeless tale and enjoyable gameplay. It receives a score of 9 out of 10.

GameCritics

Feb 19, 2020

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

The review praises the game for its faithful adaptation of the source material and suggests that it may be the definitive Dragon Ball Z videogame.

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PLAY! Zine

PlayStation 4

Mar 16, 2020

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

Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a great game filled with love for the series, appealing primarily to fans while still being accessible to newcomers.

IGN Japan

PlayStation 4

Feb 10, 2020

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

Overall, the game is a treasure trove for Dragon Ball fans, successfully blending nostalgia with engaging gameplay, despite some shortcomings in quest design and enemy variety.

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We Got This Covered

Xbox One

Jan 30, 2020

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

Despite some technical issues and repetitive gameplay, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a colorful and engaging experience that appeals to both fans and newcomers.

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DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Jan 28, 2020

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a love letter to fans of the franchise, delivering an engaging experience that captures the spirit of the series, despite some minor flaws.

Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Jan 20, 2020

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a highly recommended game for fans of the anime, successfully recreating iconic moments and providing an engaging RPG experience, despite some shortcomings in side activities and enemy variety.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Feb 16, 2023

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

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for PS5 is the ideal version to play, with improved graphics, stable performance, and a satisfying gameplay experience.

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