Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

The critical reception of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot highlights its strengths as a nostalgic, faithful adaptation of the iconic anime series. Many reviewers praise its comprehensive retelling of key arcs, such as the Saiyan Saga to the Buu Saga, with attention to detail that resonates with fans. Critics like IGN and Game Informer commend the game for capturing the essence of Dragon Ball Z through character development, emotional moments, and a structured narrative that balances major battles with quieter, intimate scenes. Easy Allies and COGconnected emphasize its nostalgic appeal, noting how it brings the spirit of the original series to life, while TheGamer and 3DJuegos appreciate added content like Sub Stories and new character interactions that enrich the experience. The game’s ability to condense over 100 episodes into a cohesive 40-hour adventure is also highlighted as a significant achievement by Shacknews and IGN Japan, who praise its accessibility for newcomers while satisfying long-time fans. However, several critics point to notable flaws in the storytelling approach. Issues with pacing and structure dominate the critiques, with Hardcore Gamer and USgamer criticizing the rushed execution of major moments, which feel compressed or omitted entirely. Gamer.no and DualShockers argue that the reliance on still images and text over cinematic sequences weakens immersion, while Wccftech and JeuxActu note repetitive backtracking and filler content that detracts from the narrative flow. MGG and RPG Site highlight a lack of depth in key moments, with some iconic scenes or dialogue missing, and Game Rant mentions emotional beats being diluted by omissions. Additionally, XGN and PLAY! Zine observe that the streamlined narrative may feel less satisfying for veteran fans, despite its engaging exploration of character relationships and worldbuilding. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is celebrated as a heartfelt tribute to the franchise’s legacy, it faces criticism for its uneven pacing, repetitive mechanics, and occasional narrative shortcomings. Critical Hit and GameSpot acknowledge its sincerity in capturing the series’ essence, even with flaws, while Destructoid and Twinfinite note that fans of the source material will find value despite its imperfections. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on its target audience—dedicated fans appreciate its depth and nostalgia, whereas newcomers might struggle with its pacing or repetitive elements. Despite mixed feedback, the majority agree it succeeds as a lovingly crafted RPG experience that honors Dragon Ball Z while offering room for growth in future iterations.

The gameplay of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its dynamic combat and open-world exploration. IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game’s semi-open world, noting that it balances accessibility with strategic depth in combat, particularly through ki management and reactive mechanics. The ability to control multiple characters, as emphasized by IGN Spain, adds variety, while GameSpew praises the “fun” yet simple fights and missions. Critics like GameStar and PlayStation Universe also appreciate the dynamic battles, especially when playing as iconic characters like Vegeta or Gohan, with the latter noting that “support characters add to the atmosphere.” Additionally, the Community Board system, mentioned by TheGamer, is seen as a unique touch that enhances character interactions, offering a layer of engagement beyond traditional RPG mechanics. However, the majority of reviews criticize the game’s repetitive and shallow gameplay. Multiple critics, including Gamer.no and Hardcore Gamer, describe the combat as “repetitive,” “dull,” or “uninspired,” with many pointing to simplistic button-mashing mechanics and a lack of depth. PCMag and Vgames note that battles often rely on spamming melee attacks, while DualShockers and Meristation highlight the game’s failure to diversify enemy patterns or combat options. Side quests are frequently criticized as fetch quests or tedious busywork, with CGMagazine and Wccftech pointing out their lack of variety and depth. The RPG elements also face scrutiny: Slant Magazine mentions “padding” and unrelated tasks, while GamePro Germany calls the combat “monotonous over time.” Even positive aspects like flight mechanics (noted by GameWatcher) are overshadowed by issues like awkward controls and unintuitive menus. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but largely critical assessment of Kakarot’s gameplay. While some critics, such as IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle, acknowledge its engaging combat and open-world design, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game struggles with repetition and underdeveloped mechanics. The positives—like dynamic battles and character progression—are often overshadowed by criticisms of shallow RPG systems, uninspired side content, and a lack of innovation. Despite this, there’s a shared recognition of its nostalgic appeal and moments of fun, as seen in reviews from GameSpew and Areajugones, who highlight the game’s ability to capture the spirit of Dragon Ball Z through fast-paced combat. However, the recurring complaints about monotony and design flaws suggest that while Kakarot has potential, it fails to fully realize its vision for many players.

The graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot received widespread praise for their faithful recreation of Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style and the anime’s vibrant aesthetic. Many critics highlighted the game’s cel-shaded visuals, which closely mirror the original series’ look, creating a nostalgic and immersive experience for fans. For instance, Push Square noted that the fully animated cinematics are “a sight to behold,” while We Got This Covered described the presentation as resembling an “interactive animated feature.” The game’s combat sequences were particularly lauded for their dynamic effects and detailed animations, with GameStar praising “screen-filling explosions” and Twinfinite noting that “stunning visuals” recreate scenes from the anime in remarkable detail. Additionally, GameSpot highlighted the “gorgeous in-engine renditions” of environments, including “giant fish, rampaging dinosaurs, and futuristic cities,” emphasizing the game’s ability to bring the Dragon Ball universe to life with a sense of scale and creativity. However, several critics pointed out technical and design shortcomings that detracted from the overall visual experience. Issues such as outdated textures, inconsistent character models, and barren open-world environments were frequently mentioned. MGG criticized the “poor textures and uneven character models,” while GRYOnline.pl and JeuxActu described the visual design as “outdated” and “bland.” New Game Network noted that the open world felt “flat, boring, and dull,” with “massive expanses of barren space,” and GameSpew pointed out that some NPCs looked “angular” while environments appeared “barren” or “blurry.” Performance issues also arose, such as screen tearing in cutscenes (PC Gamer) and frame drops during gameplay (Gameplanet). Additionally, Xbox Tavern acknowledged improved graphics but noted that “some animations are reused” and GameCrate highlighted stiff conversations with “lip-syncing issues,” underscoring a disconnect between the game’s visual ambition and its execution in certain areas. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans positive, with many recognizing Kakarot as a visually impressive adaptation that captures the spirit of the Dragon Ball series. While some critics, like GameStar and Eurogamer Italy, acknowledged technical limitations, they also praised the game’s “beautiful animations” and “faithful homage to Toriyama’s art style.” The mixed reception reflects a balance between the game’s strengths in artistic direction and its shortcomings in graphical polish and environmental design. For example, GameSkinny called it “one of the best-looking anime adaptation games,” while Gamer.no noted that the visuals “feel outdated” despite their charm. Ultimately, Kakarot is seen as a passionate tribute to the franchise’s legacy, with its visual design resonating strongly with fans even if it falls short of modern technical standards in some areas.

The critical reception of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s sound design and music highlights a strong emphasis on nostalgia and authenticity, with many reviewers praising its ability to evoke the spirit of the original anime. Critics like Vandal and IGN noted that the soundtrack blends remixed themes from the series with new compositions that align well with the game’s tone, while GameOver.gr and Multiplayer.it emphasized how iconic music enhances the experience, particularly during key scenes. The use of original voice actors, such as Sean Schemmel and Chris Sabat, was frequently highlighted for adding authenticity (Hardcore Gamer, GamingTrend), with VG247 appreciating the “proper voice acting” that brings characters to life. Additionally, GameWatcher and Gamersky praised the sound effects and music for their crisp, immersive quality, while COGconnected and We Got This Covered lauded the nostalgic score as a standout element that complements the game’s action. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the audio design, particularly around repetition and technical shortcomings. New Game Network and Jeuxvideo.com (twice) criticized the overuse of repetitive musical themes, noting that the lack of variation dulled the emotional impact of key moments. IGN and TheSixthAxis also mentioned issues like missing sound effects in cutscenes and awkward pauses in dialogue, while GamingTrend and Twinfinite highlighted the limited selection of music that feels repetitive. Vandal noted inconsistencies in localization, and Windows Central pointed out uneven voice acting in side quests. These critiques suggest that while the game’s audio successfully channels the anime’s essence, its execution sometimes falls short in terms of variety and polish. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced but mixed assessment. While the majority of critics celebrated the nostalgic value, authentic voice work, and faithful recreation of the anime’s soundscapes (Vandal, IGN, GameOver.gr), several emphasized that repetition and technical issues detracted from the experience. Jeuxvideo.com and TheSixthAxis noted that the music often felt underwhelming or disjointed, while VG247 and RPGamer acknowledged the effort but pointed to specific flaws like lip-syncing errors or missing iconic tracks. Despite these criticisms, the game’s sound design is widely seen as a strong pillar of its appeal, with many reviewers agreeing that it successfully captures the essence of Dragon Ball Z while offering a satisfying auditory experience for fans.

The voice acting in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is widely praised for its authenticity and nostalgic value, with many critics highlighting the return of original anime voice actors. GamersRD and Areajugones emphasize the availability of both English and Japanese tracks, noting that most cast members reprise their roles, which adds a layer of familiarity for fans. 3DJuegos commends Masako Nozawa’s performance, while App Trigger and Gameblog.fr praise the emotional depth and storytelling enhancement provided by the voice work. The original Japanese cast’s contributions are frequently lauded for their authenticity, with critics like Areajugones and XGN noting that the performances evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Additionally, the English dub is often highlighted as solid, with Critical Hit and Vgames pointing out its quality in capturing the characters’ personalities, though some inconsistencies exist. Despite these positives, several criticisms emerge regarding technical and creative shortcomings. IGN and New Game Network note awkward or underwhelming delivery in certain lines, particularly during less critical moments, while Push Square and GameCrate criticize pacing issues and lip-syncing problems in the English version. RPGamer and Vandal highlight that the English dub lacks consistency, with mismatched mouth movements and translation flaws detracting from immersion. Twinfinite and GameWatcher point out repetitive voice clips during exploration, which can become grating, while Stevivor and TheXboxHub mention limited voice acting in side quests, creating an uneven experience. Additionally, some critics, like GameSkinny and VG247, observe that dialogue outside of cutscenes feels stiff or disconnected from the game’s visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s voice acting is a standout feature, particularly for its dedication to the original anime’s legacy. While technical issues like repetition, lip-syncing, and translation inconsistencies are noted, the majority of reviews celebrate the return of iconic voice actors and the emotional resonance they bring. Critics like Critical Hit and Vgames acknowledge the quality of both English and Japanese dubs, while others, such as Gameplanet and MGG, recognize the effort to balance nostalgia with modern gaming expectations. Despite its flaws, the voice acting is seen as a key strength that enhances the game’s connection to its source material, even if it occasionally falters in execution.

The technical performance of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PS4, several reviewers highlighted stability, such as Cubed3 noting no technical issues or stability concerns, while TheSixthAxis praised a stable framerate and vivid visuals. Xbox One saw praise for cel-shading graphics (MondoXbox) and a consistent 30 FPS on Xbox One X (Windows Central). On PC, the game was lauded for optimization, with Atomix calling it "well-optimized" and PC Gamer noting smooth performance despite minor screen tearing. The PS5 version received acclaim for improved frame rates, with Push Square highlighting a 60fps mode and GamersRD emphasizing fluid combat. These positives suggest that while the game has technical flaws, its core mechanics and visuals were well-received on higher-end hardware. However, technical issues plagued multiple platforms. On PS4, critics like JeuxActu and Gameplanet cited long loading times, frame drops, and glitches, with RPG Site calling them "minor inconveniences" but others like Eurogamer Italy criticizing chaotic battles. Xbox One faced similar challenges, including frame drops (SomosXbox) and stiff animations (Windows Central), while USgamer noted PC-specific issues like character glitches and screen tearing. PC had mixed feedback: while Atomix praised optimization, PC Invasion mentioned quest marker bugs and crashes. The PS5, though improved, still faced texture issues (Push Square). These problems were often tied to hardware limitations or unpolished mechanics, with critics like Gameplanet and IGN pointing to "frequent frame drops" and "technical inconsistencies." Overall, the consensus is that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot had significant technical shortcomings across all platforms, but these varied in severity. PS4 and Xbox One users faced more frequent issues like loading times and glitches, while PC and PS5 versions showed better optimization, albeit with some lingering bugs. Critics like PC Gamer and Atomix acknowledged the game's smooth performance on capable hardware, while others, such as JeuxActu and SomosXbox, emphasized the need for patches to address stability. Despite these flaws, many reviewers noted that the core experience remained enjoyable, suggesting that technical issues were more of a hindrance than a dealbreaker. The PS5’s improvements, in particular, highlighted potential for better performance with future updates or hardware upgrades.

The overall sentiment toward Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s replay value is mixed, with several critics highlighting its substantial content and fan-focused appeal. Reviewers like Game Informer and PlayStation LifeStyle praise the game’s extensive post-game activities, such as character leveling, Soul Emblems, and 100% completion challenges, which extend playtime significantly. Areajugones emphasizes the game’s side missions and progression systems that encourage exploration and customization, while Vandal and God is a Geek note that unlocking new post-game content provides meaningful incentives for returning. Additionally, GameCrate and RPG Site argue that the variety of side quests, character development, and optional activities create enough depth to justify multiple playthroughs, particularly for dedicated fans. These positives suggest the game offers a robust foundation for replayability, especially for those invested in the Dragon Ball universe. However, numerous critics criticize the repetitive mechanics and lack of engaging content that undermine replay value. Gamer.no and MGG argue that the limited side quests and monotonous gameplay reduce motivation to revisit the game after completion. CGMagazine and Slant Magazine point to bland, repetitive tasks and “padding” that feel unnecessary, while PCMag and GameStar note that side content lacks meaningful rewards or innovation. Destructoid and Wccftech highlight the tedium of grinding and forced open-world elements, which can make long play sessions feel burdensome. Even Cheat Code Central acknowledges that while some side quests tie into the story, the main narrative’s lack of depth diminishes overall engagement. These critiques collectively suggest that the game’s reliance on repetitive structures and filler content detracts from its replayability for broader audiences. The consensus among critics is divided, with a clear split between fan-focused praise and general criticism. While PlayStation LifeStyle and M3 argue that the game’s length and depth cater to Dragon Ball enthusiasts, many others, including Gamer.no, Slant Magazine, and GamePro Germany, find its repetition and lack of variety unappealing. Some reviewers, like Critical Hit and Cultured Vultures, acknowledge that while the game has flaws, its world-building and character development can sustain engagement for dedicated players. Ultimately, the replay value of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot seems to hinge on player expectations: fans may appreciate its nostalgic depth and content, but casual or general audiences are likely to find it repetitive and underwhelming. The mixed reception reflects a game that excels in quantity but struggles with quality in its repeated mechanics.