Review by Samuele Zaboi
The Dragon Ball universe is perhaps the one that has suffered the greatest tie-ins in the videogame field with alternating results. The beginning, awaited by the fans, was successful and then fell into a constant decline, until the almost total repudiation by the most ardent and purist supporters of the series created by Akira Toriyama.
With the debut of Xenoverse the videogame saga has undergone a partial rebirth to the point that the development of the sequel, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, has started immediately, which has now also landed on Nintendo Switch. If the basic version of the game for the Nintendo console does not differ too much from what has already been found by other platforms, it is true that Switch owners will be able to have exclusive content, especially in terms of gameplay.
Are you ready for a new time travel?
Here we go again
The events of Dragon Ball Xenoverse seemed to have opened the doors to the much sought-after peace but the truth, as often happens, is that the reality is more raw and merciless than you can ever hope and imagine. In fact, in Xenoverse 2 our character, who will be highly customizable, will soon find himself involved in a series of missions alongside the Time Patrol, to once again restore peace and order in the universe.
First of all we will have to choose between the five races available (terrestrial, Saiyan, Majin, Namekians or Freeza's clan) and then create our character ad hoc by choosing the voice as well as the physical features. Of course, each class will be equipped with certain specifications that will influence and modify the gameplay and, consequently, your style of play.
After this first obstacle, after a series of introductory movies, the adventure in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 can begin and it is here that you will immediately come into contact with the strengths and weaknesses of this version of the game. In fact, in the Switch version there will be two different types of gameplay that will substantially change the approach to the title developed by Dimps. As often happens in these cases, we will not dwell too much on the story (HERE you can find our review of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 for PS4, Xbox One and PC) which may already be known to most, since the game has already landed on other platforms. It should be emphasized, however, that by walking through the history of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 on the Switch it will be possible to unlock and relive some episodes of the first chapter, a certainly welcome addition that adds to the most iconic events of the series that fans have already admired on the small screen.
The beating heart of the title, always marked by a strong fighting game component, is of course the gameplay and the time has finally come to see what has been designed and reserved for Switch owners.
Kamehameha
Players will be able to choose between two different fighting styles. The first is what can be defined as "classic", with the typical commands on the buttons while the second uses the motion sensors that are equipped with the two Joy-Con of the console. Here lies the great news of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and it is a novelty that surely can only make all fans content. In fact, just think that to perform the infamous "Energy Wave" it will be necessary to move your hands and arms just like Goku, as if it were really inside the game. This feature also extends to other hits and somewhat reduces the frustration of having to master certain commands perfectly to perform these special attacks.
Overall, however, the combat system, in the face of an immediate and overall simple feeling (there is no lack of pitfalls for attacks, parries and the right key combinations at the right moments, ed) has the same uncertainties found in other versions of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, with a slightly dancing camera that makes it difficult to follow the progress of the battle perfectly and making it more complex to effectively direct your shots. In the same way, even the game environments, as much as they portray the different worlds of the Dragon Ball universe, are in the end a mere outline rather than a truly integral element of the gameplay as perhaps one would expect from a title of this tenor.
Returning to the contents, Switch owners will be able to spend many hours to complete all these and thoroughly dissect Xenoverse 2 even if the story, especially for the most purists, can make you turn up your nose. The sudden arrival of this new character seems to be normal without causing too many upheavals in the chronological and historical thread of the Dragon Ball universe. It is also true, however, that a forcing had to be carried out, willy-nilly, to justify the presence of our new character.
Final comments
Overall Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 confirms the good things seen on other platforms with pleasant additions, also in terms of gameplay, which will justify the purchase of the game in this version for Switch, especially if you have never had the opportunity to get on with it.
The chance to meet all the Dragon Ball characters and totally immerse yourself in the universe of the series complete a discreet product that will surely satisfy, even if perhaps not completely, the fans of Goku & Co.
