DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT
" Faithful action RPG with vibrant cel-shaded graphics but repetitive side quests "
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT Review
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers a unique blend of RPG and action, delivering a heartfelt and immersive experience for fans of the franchise. The game faithfully retells the entire Dragon Ball Z saga, from Raditz's arrival to Majin Buu's finale, while allowing players to engage in exploration, cooking, training, and side quests that enrich the world. The combat system is accessible with flashy super attacks and cinematic boss fights, though it may feel simplified for hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. Visually, the cel-shaded graphics and expressive animations stand out as some of the best in any Dragon Ball game, complemented by strong voice acting in both English and Japanese and a nostalgic soundtrack.
Players appreciate the game's atmosphere and narrative focus, with DLC expansions adding meaningful story content beyond the main Z arcs. However, some side quests are repetitive, and the segmented open world along with occasional technical issues slightly detract from the experience. Overall, Kakarot is a soulful tribute to Dragon Ball Z that balances nostalgia with engaging gameplay.
Highlights
Players praise the faithful and emotional retelling of the Dragon Ball Z saga, appreciating the depth added by RPG elements like character leveling, cooking, and exploration.
The cel-shaded graphics and dynamic cutscenes receive high marks for their vibrancy and anime-like quality. The combat, although simplified, is satisfying and features dramatic boss fights that capture the series' power fantasy.
DLC content, especially the Future Trunks and Bardock arcs, is highlighted as enriching the overall experience and expanding the story beyond the main game.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include repetitive and sometimes bland side quests that disrupt pacing. The combat system, while accessible, is viewed as shallow by some players seeking deeper fighting mechanics.
The open world is described as segmented rather than truly open, with some areas feeling barren or repetitive in terms of enemy and resource variety.
Technical issues such as stuttering on PC and occasional animation or voice sync problems were reported. Additionally, some narrative scenes are condensed or missing, which may disappoint fans seeking a fully detailed story.
Pros
- • Faithful and emotional retelling of the entire Dragon Ball Z saga.
- • Engaging blend of RPG and action gameplay mechanics.
- • Vibrant cel-shaded graphics with expressive character animations.
- • Strong voice acting in both English and Japanese versions.
- • Immersive open world with exploration and side activities.
- • DLC expansions add meaningful story content and lore depth.
- • Satisfying and cinematic boss fights that capture series essence.
Cons
- • Side quests can feel repetitive and lack engaging variety.
- • Combat system may feel shallow and too simplified for some.
- • Open world is segmented rather than fully open and dynamic.
- • Technical issues such as stuttering and sync problems on PC.
- • Some key story scenes are condensed or missing entirely.
- • Enemy AI outside bosses is often too easy and predictable.
- • DLC pricing criticized; some content feels like it should be base game.
Rating Criteria
The Dragon Ball RPG of your dreams! For the first time, you can play the rest of the story. Step into the universe of Dragon Ball Z in all its iconic glory and become the hero you were always meant to be!
