Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is an ambitious attempt to bring the beloved anime series to life in a video game. Even for someone who has never played a Dragon Ball game or followed the series, this game offers an engaging experience, albeit with some shortcomings.
The game retells the Dragon Ball Z story, splitting it into four sagas that cover the anime’s most iconic arcs. It’s like a summary of the show, giving players an easy way to understand key moments without needing to binge-watch the series.
However, revisiting a story that began over 30 years ago also reveals its outdated aspects, including problematic characters like Mr. Popo, which might feel offensive to modern audiences.
For longtime fans, Kakarot offers nostalgia. But for those already familiar with the series, it might feel repetitive.
While the game trims some of the anime’s lengthy pacing, it still struggles with slow moments that might test your patience. If you enjoy the classic Dragon Ball formula, this might be a strength, but it could deter others.
Gameplay: Exploration and Combat
Kakarot combines open-world exploration and intense combat. The game introduces mechanics like resource collecting, crafting, cooking, and upgrading character abilities. These systems might feel overwhelming at first, but they eventually blend into the gameplay.
Exploration is one of Kakarot’s highlights, especially the flying mechanics. Soaring through the Dragon Ball universe feels fantastic, and the ability to quickly defeat weaker enemies adds convenience.
Collecting resources like Z Orbs and D Medals for upgrades keeps things engaging, but certain features, like the racing minigame, feel unnecessary and underwhelming compared to flying.
Combat is action-packed, taking place in a 3D environment where players must balance attacks, dodges, and iconic moves like the Kamehameha. While satisfying, the system can become repetitive over time, with fights occasionally dragging on longer than they should.
Graphics, Sound, and Performance
Kakarot stays true to Akira Toriyama’s vibrant art style. The bright and colorful world captures the anime’s spirit beautifully. The sound design is equally impressive, with punchy effects that make battles feel impactful. The English dub adds a nostalgic touch, but the repetitive voice clips can become tiresome.
On the technical side, the game runs well within its system requirements, though higher settings are needed to fully enjoy its visuals. Minimum and recommended system specs ensure that even mid-range PCs can handle the game without issues.
The Verdict
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a love letter to fans of the series. It captures the anime’s over-the-top action and style while offering newcomers a chance to experience the story. However, outdated elements, occasional pacing issues, and underwhelming mechanics hold it back from being a must-play for everyone.
For fans, this is a great way to relive the saga. For others, it might serve as a decent introduction to the Dragon Ball universe but probably won’t convert skeptics.
