Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle is a free-to-play 2D puzzle and adventure game based on the global phenomenon developed by Akatsuki inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Dokkan Battle is a mobile game compatible with Android and iOS users. The game launched first in Japan before having a worldwide release in 2015. This game would appeal to the franchise’s many fans and evoke reactions from dedicated gamers within the group.

For someone like me who has played many variants of DBZ games in the past, this game feels more like a fresh approach. Fresh because it counters acts the reputation of DBZ being a tense, fast-paced action anime to create a calm, relaxed DBZ themes game. The game is a good attempt to capture the essence of the DBZ franchise, but it doesn’t have much substance to it asides from entertainment. Although it is repetitive in some aspects, it solicits critical thinking like any great puzzle game should.

Simple Gameplay That Works

The Trunks Time Machine has crash-landed on a planet botched with chaos in this timeline. You need to fight iconic villains to secure a victory and return the universe to normal. You have to build a team of powerful heroes and fight through different game modes, events, and world tournaments to do this successfully.

The game combines board games, collectable card games, and puzzle genre elements in a cool package. You get to play through levels that work like board games, where you have spots dedicated to items, power-ups, traps, and fights. The fights are set up such that you fight enemies in a puzzle system.

Multiple orbs are placed in between you and your opponent. The orbs are of different colours; thus, you have to match the orbs by colour to create an attack and unleash your abilities. After battling through a series of orb matches, you unlock “Dokkan Mode.” However, you tap seven targets on a Z-shaped setup while a ki orb passes over the character to unleash this mode. Doing this unleashes a super attack that looks exactly like the Dragon Ball we know and love. 

Interesting Character Development

You get to play as many characters from the anime, and their mannerisms are captured well. I noticed a unique feature that each character had their specific moves. When two characters who have an in-show connection are close to one another, they can link together and boost their powers. The game is entertaining outside the actual in-game story.

King Kai and Future Trunks help you seek out the mysterious personality who summoned Shenron the Dragon and messed the timeline up. The promotional quests are very rewarding as you can earn rare items that help you progress in the game. There is always a possibility of encountering new characters, albeit random. This keeps the game interesting because you can earn a very rare character that upgrades your team from a mediocre one to elite status. 

Stand Out Features Of The Game

A few features make Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle stand out. You get to summon a wide range of heroes and villains from the DBZ universe. You can play as an Android, Saiyan, Human, or a god. You get to play Goku, Vegeta, and Krillin, plus you meet up with side characters like King Kai and Mr Popo.

The combat system is quite unique, using the strategic matching of coloured Ki Spheres to unleash powerful attacks. I loved how there are many game modes to choose from. You can fight through the story mode or participate in special, challenging events and get great rewards. I hoped there would be a multiplayer mode to this game, but the only thing that comes close is the world tournament. In this mode, you compete against other players to be the top-ranking contestant on the ranking board. Leading this board comes with a truckload of rewards.

Graphics Could Have Been Better

This is one of the points where the game struggles to meet the mark. The graphics indicate that not many funds were put into developing this game. The graphics were quite underwhelming. I expected more from the developers.

Interestingly, although the graphics are not exceptional, it works. It properly situates the world in a grounded reality that we can relate to. The characters are recognizable, and the style is uniform to the DBZ universe. However, the images could get a little blurry sometimes, which is a turn-off for many people.

Predictable Score In line with the franchise

The score is reminiscent of the DBZ series, with an antiquated guitar riff playing in the background. There is little to say about the game’s sound asides from the occasional effects that punctuate the game. It is not as spectacular as previous DBZ games that have existed. However, the sound gets the tone right to create a good gaming experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the game is quite impressive. It captures the essence of the Dragon Ball anime franchise so well and gives you the opportunity to play your favourite characters. It is a breath of fresh air in a well-worn genre and comes with pleasant surprises. I particularly liked that I could progress in the game with no need to make in-purchases, unlike many games out there.

To build a strong team, you may need to part with some money. It delivers powerfully on the nostalgia factor, which many DBZ fans will love. It is a simple game but addictive and comes with tutorials that show you what you need to succeed in the game. This simplistic gameplay may be upsetting to advanced gamers. You can take your time and play at your own pace, which is refreshing for new gamers. I think the game is definitely worth the time.