Dragon Ball FighterZ Switch Review: Classic Fighting, Reignited on the Go

Hello, Switch gamers! It's your old friend, a veteran gamer who's been navigating the gaming world for over a decade. Today, I want to talk to you about a work that holds a pivotal position in the fighting game genre – the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ. As a hardcore Dragon Ball fan and fighting game enthusiast, I'll delve into this game from various angles, and from the perspective of a Switch player, see if it's worth your purchase. Considering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, we will also look forward to the possibilities of future fighting games on Nintendo's new console.

1. Dragon Ball FighterZ Introduction: A Fighting Feast that Pays Homage to the Classics

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Set in the Dragon Ball universe, it uses the classic 3v3 team-based fighting mode and is presented with Arc System Works' signature exquisite 2.5D graphics. Since its release, the game has won unanimous praise from players worldwide for its smooth controls, gorgeous visual effects, and high degree of faithfulness to the original work. The game is not just a simple fan-oriented work, but also a highly in-depth competitive fighting game.

2. Dragon Ball FighterZ Switch Review: The Pros and Cons of Portable Fighting

2.1 Gameplay: Easy to Pick Up, Difficult to Master

Dragon Ball FighterZ's combat system is simple and easy to understand, even for fighting game beginners. The game employs one-button super moves, simplified combo inputs, and other designs to lower the barrier to entry. However, mastering this game requires a lot of practice, mastering character traits, combo techniques, team combinations, and more. The game's depth lies in its rich strategy, such as how to utilize character assist skills, how to perform aerial combos, and how to counterattack in unfavorable situations.

• Pros:

  • Easy to pick up: Simplified controls allow novices to experience the fun of fighting games.
  • Full of depth: Rich characters, combos, and strategies allow seasoned players to constantly challenge themselves.
  • 3v3 team mode: Increases the game's variables and strategies.

• Cons:

  • Imbalanced strength of some characters: In competitive matches, the advantages of some characters are too obvious.
  • Unstable online battle experience: The network connection quality of the Switch version needs to be improved.

2.2 Graphics: Faithful to the Original, But Limited by the Hardware

The graphics of Dragon Ball FighterZ are one of its biggest highlights. Arc System Works perfectly presents the Dragon Ball series' iconic battle scenes with exquisite 2.5D graphics. The characters' moves and special effects are highly faithful to the original, making players feel as if they are in the Dragon Ball world. However, limited by the Switch's hardware, the graphics of the Switch version are somewhat reduced compared to other platforms, especially in handheld mode, where the jagged edges are more obvious.

If players expect a better visual experience on the handheld, then the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may bring a qualitative leap. From the currently known nintendo switch2 first look, the new console's performance improvement will provide a better operating environment for games like Dragon Ball FighterZ that require higher graphics.

• Pros:

  • Highly faithful to the original: The characters' moves and special effects perfectly reproduce the classic scenes of Dragon Ball.
  • Exquisite 2.5D graphics: Arc System Works' signature technology makes the game graphics extremely expressive.

• Cons:

  • Switch version graphics are reduced: Compared to other platforms, the jagged edges of the Switch version are more obvious.
  • Limited graphics performance in handheld mode: Limited by the Switch's hardware, the graphics performance in handheld mode is reduced.

2.3 Sound: Classic Soundtrack, Blood-Pumping

The sound effects of Dragon Ball FighterZ are also excellent. The game uses the classic soundtrack of the Dragon Ball series, allowing players to feel a blood-pumping atmosphere in battle. The character voice acting is also highly faithful to the original, making players feel like they have returned to their childhood.

• Pros:

  • Classic soundtrack: The classic soundtrack of the Dragon Ball series makes players feel blood-pumping.
  • Highly faithful voice acting to the original: The character voice acting perfectly reproduces the style of the original.

• Cons:

  • Some sound effects are slightly monotonous: After playing for a long time, some sound effects may make people feel monotonous.

2.4 Story: Original Story, a Boon for Fans

The story mode of Dragon Ball FighterZ tells an original story that takes place after the Dragon Ball Super timeline. Players will play as characters such as Goku and Vegeta to fight against the resurrected Android 16 and the mysterious clone army. The story mode not only provides players with more game content but also allows players to understand the world of Dragon Ball more deeply.

• Pros:

  • Original story: Brings players a brand new Dragon Ball experience.
  • A boon for fans: The story takes place after Dragon Ball Super, satisfying fans' expectations for subsequent plots.

• Cons:

  • The story is slightly bland: The overall rhythm of the story is relatively gentle, lacking climaxes.
  • Some story content is repetitive: Some story content requires players to repeat it, which is easy to make people feel bored.

2.5 Handling: Smooth and Fluid, but the Pro Controller is Better

The handling of Dragon Ball FighterZ is very smooth and fluid. The game's button layout is reasonable, and the operating logic is clear, allowing players to easily master various moves and combos. But considering the grip and button feedback of the Switch Joy-Con controller, using the Pro Controller to play the game can get a better operating experience.

• Pros:

  • Smooth and fluid handling: Allows players to easily master various moves and combos.
  • Reasonable button layout: The operating logic is clear and easy to get started.

• Cons:

  • The Joy-Con controller does not have a good grip: It is easy to feel tired after using the Joy-Con controller for a long time.
  • The Pro Controller provides a better experience: Using the Pro Controller can get a better operating experience.

2.6 Score: 8.5/10

Considering all aspects of the above, the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ is a very good fighting game. It has excellent graphics, sound, and story, as well as a combat system that is easy to pick up and difficult to master. Although the graphics are reduced due to the limitations of the Switch's hardware, it is still a masterpiece worth buying for Dragon Ball fans and fighting game enthusiasts. I give the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ a score of 8.5/10.

• Pros: Excellent fighting system, gorgeous visual effects, classic characters and stories.
• Cons: Switch version graphics are reduced, online battle experience is unstable.

Authoritative Score Reference:

• IGN: Dragon Ball FighterZ IGN Review (Assuming an IGN review exists)
• Metacritic: Dragon Ball FighterZ Metacritic Score (You can search for ratings on other platforms for reference)

3. Dragon Ball FighterZ Guide: Beginner's Guide and Advanced Techniques

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Choose a character: It is recommended that novices choose characters such as Goku and Vegeta that are easy to get started with.
• Familiarize yourself with the controls: Master basic operations such as movement, attack, and defense.
• Practice combos: Learn the character's basic combos and try to combine them.
• Watch the tutorial: Watch the in-game tutorial to understand the basic mechanics of the game.
• Participate in practice mode: Practice repeatedly in practice mode to master the character's operations.

3.2 Advanced Techniques and Strategies

• Utilize assist skills: Using the character's assist skills reasonably can effectively interrupt the opponent's attack or perform combos.
• Master aerial combos: Aerial combos are an important part of Dragon Ball FighterZ. Mastering aerial combos can effectively increase output.
• Learn neutral game: Neutral game refers to the skill of maintaining distance and finding opportunities in battle.
• Study your opponents: Understanding your opponent's character traits and tactics can help you respond better.
• Watch high-level matches: Watch high-level matches and learn their techniques and strategies.

3.3 Level Guides and Challenges

• Story mode guide: The difficulty of the story mode is moderate. Players can overcome challenges by constantly practicing.
• Arcade mode guide: The difficulty of the arcade mode is high. Players need to choose the right characters and tactics to complete it.
• Challenge mode guide: Challenge mode requires players to complete various specific challenges, such as completing specific combos or defeating specific enemies.

3.4 Best Equipment and Skill Combinations

• Equipment: There is no equipment system in the game.
• Skill combination: Choosing the right skill combination according to the character's traits and tactics can effectively improve the character's combat power.

3.5 Speedrun Techniques and Hidden Elements

• Speedrun techniques: Utilize the character's high-damage combos and assist skills to quickly defeat opponents.
• Hidden elements: There are some hidden elements in the game, such as hidden characters, hidden plots, etc. Players can unlock these hidden elements by completing specific conditions.

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ Recommendation: Is It Worth Buying?

If you are a fan of the Dragon Ball series, or a fighting game enthusiast, then the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ is definitely worth your purchase. It is not only an excellent fighting game but also a work that can let you relive your childhood memories. Even if you are not familiar with fighting games, you can experience the fun of fighting through Dragon Ball FighterZ. Considering the future release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its possible nintendo switch2 compatibility, buying Dragon Ball FighterZ is also preparing to enjoy a higher quality gaming experience on the new console in the future. After all, excellent games are still worth savoring even after a few years.

4.1 Game Purchase Recommendations for Different Budgets

• Sufficient budget: Purchase the complete version of the game, including all DLC characters and content.
• Limited budget: Purchase the standard version of the game, or wait for the game to be on sale before purchasing.
• Not interested in DLC characters: You can only buy the game itself.

4.2 Game Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

The cost-effectiveness of the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ is still relatively high. It not only provides rich game content but also allows you to experience high-quality fighting fun. If you are a fan of the Dragon Ball series, or a fighting game enthusiast, then this game will definitely not disappoint you.

4.3 New Game Release Information and Predicted Evaluation

Currently, there are no new DLC characters or content release plans for Dragon Ball FighterZ. But considering the popularity of the Dragon Ball series, there may be new content updates in the future. At the same time, we also expect Dragon Ball FighterZ to perform better on the future Nintendo Switch 2. Considering that the nintendo switch2 price may be higher than the original Switch, you also need to consider your own budget when purchasing games.

5. Conclusion: Another Evolution of Portable Fighting

All in all, the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ is a successful port that brings the classic fighting experience to the handheld platform. Although the graphics are reduced, it still maintains the essence of the game. With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, we have reason to believe that future fighting games will usher in greater development on the Nintendo platform. I hope this review can help you better understand the Switch version of Dragon Ball FighterZ and make a more informed purchase decision. If you have any questions about the game, please leave a message in the comments section, and I will try my best to answer them. Thank you for reading!