Dragon Ball: Xenoverse

About Dragon Ball: Xenoverse

Dragon Ball: Xenoverse is a role-playing fighting game developed by Dimps and published by Bandai Namco in 2015. It blends character creation, story-driven quests, and free-roaming 3D combat. Set in the Dragon Ball universe, players build a custom hero to aid Time Patrol Trunks in fixing a timeline disrupted by villains Towa and Mira. Borrowing elements from the Dragon Ball Online MMO, the game lets you battle on land, in the air, and underwater while exploring limited versions of Earth and other key locations. It’s a sequel-friendly title with a focus on customization and classic Dragon Ball lore, but it leans heavily on existing IP rather than innovating the genre.

Gameplay

Combat is the core, with fast-paced 3D fights that feel more open than previous Budokai titles. Players use button-mash combos, charged attacks, and context-sensitive moves to take down foes in battles that span varied environments. Outside fights, you can cross open areas like Capsule Corp or West City, picking up quests to unlock new skills and gear. Controls are standard for a 2D-to-3D fighter, with occasional clunky camera work. Multiplayer modes include co-op against AI or ranked duels. The game’s RPG elements involve managing a skill tree, collecting Dragon Balls, and completing side missions to enhance your character. Sessions often mix story progression with repetitive grinding for upgrades.

What Players Think

PlayPile’s data shows mixed reactions: IGDB scores it 70.7/100 with 160 user ratings. Average playtime peaks around 20 hours, but 24.2% of players unlock achievements. The rarest, “If You Show Me Your Courage,” sits at 1.2%, likely tied to a hidden boss or time-sensitive event. Community moods split between nostalgia-driven fans (“Great for DBZ loreheads”) and critics annoyed by repetitive missions (“Tired mechanics in a fresh coat”). While 50 achievements exist, many are easy collectibles, with harder ones reserved for endgame content. The game holds a cult following but rarely tops modern fighting or RPG lists.

PlayPile's Take

Xenoverse is a solid pick for Dragon Ball veterans craving a customizable fighter with a light story. At its base price of $39.99 (if still available), it offers decent value for the franchise’s diehards. However, the combat feels dated compared to newer titles, and its RPG elements are shallow. Achievements pad the experience but rarely push beyond optional challenges. If you missed the wave of 2015 Dragon Ball games or want to play as a made-up Saiyan, it’s worth a shot. Otherwise, newer entries in the Xenoverse series might serve better.

Storyline

Xenoverse features an entirely original story starring the player's custom character. The story itself borrows elements from the Dragon Ball Online MMO, which sees returning villains Towa and Mira manipulating the history of the Dragon Ball universe. Time Patrol Trunks asks Shenron to send him a hero who would help him restore the timeline.