2/13/18
God this game, I can't believe it actually came together. One of, if not the best, fighting game developers around putting their mark on one of the biggest franchises, it's like a dream come true. Not only that, but Arc somehow made a tag style fighting game extremely approachable with a mixture of simplified move sets, the use of multiple and different auto combos and a somewhat smaller roster. I say this as someone who's look at the Marvel vs. Capcom series from afar and thought it's just looked like nonsense. And even after playing this I still think it does, and I won't argue that there will be a bit of a curve when dipping your toes into DBFZ, but the game makes an attempt to help you out. Unfortunately, the game has some ways to go when it comes to introducing players to this style of fighter. While the game has a solid tutorial teaching the player all the basics you need to know, and even showing basic combo's for all characters, it doesn't do much in showing how the tag system really works. You'll have no idea what a characters tag attack will be until you either use it in training mode or in a fight, and how to properly and successfully pull off a tag in a match either by itself or into a combo. This may seem like some lofty expectations but I'd argue the game goes out of it's to help bring new players in, it just seems like an odd omission to me. I'm not saying this is a huge grievance against the game, it's just something I've noticed and has stuck with me. One other small gripe I have is with the online and lobbies. Now, when I'm online actually playing against someone, the game runs great and I have no issues which is key when it comes to a game like this. However, where the online comes into question is whenever I'm in a lobby. Constant disconnects from the lobby when I'm trying to practice in the training mode, playing the story, or even go through the arcade mode, it just all feels unnecessary. It seems as if a central hub, similar to what you'd see in a Destiny or the most recent Call of Duty what pasted into the game. I won't deny that it has a lot of charm seeing cute, chibi versions of all my favorite Dragaonball characters and some locales, but when there's no way of inviting a friend to match, outside of making sure we're in the right lobby together and setting up a fight ring, seems like a small oversight. One huge caveat here is that this game has only been out for a week or so, and while former may not be as easily addressed, there could be a possibility of the latter being fixed later down the line. With all that out of the way, what a hell of the game. A Dragonball game has never looked or played this good, and the attention to detail is outstanding. Not even in just the visuals because those are just incredible, all the character interactions, depending on who's fighting, or what move is being used is such a delight. While it can all feel on the nose and occasionally over the top, that's what Dragonball is and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Now at the time of writing this, I've spent most of time either in the training mode or online, I've finished the first arc of the story and I'll note when I eventually do finish it. Even if there is a little too much padding. But I cannot wait to keep digging into this one. Honestly, I haven't wanted to learn a fighter like this since 2014 and the release of Persona 4 Area Ultimax. My love for Android 16 grows stronger after to every match and I can't wait to see my beautiful android son grab his way to victory.
So I've finished the story, it's pretty dumb. Like extremely dumb, it just drags on with boring fight after boring fight, but at least the writing and voice acting for the characters was quite well done. I unlocked the three unlockable characters which was a little much to accomplish. However, I can't stop thinking about this game. Finally getting my team together (Android 16, SSGSS Vegeta and Tien currently), putting some work in the lab, and trying to hold my own online, one of favorite experiences in a good while.
I'm now about 100 hours, 250 ranked matches, 300 ring matches in with a ranking of Supreme Kai. I was worried I starting to plateau a bit with my play, but with the introduction of the new dlc characters, plus me getting out of my comfort zone, I'm still improving, and more importantly, enjoying my time.
