Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

 Xbox One
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. ZTGD
    Feb 21, 2020
    70
    My only gripe is that for how much this game wants to be seen like an RPG it never really does anything of interest with it. If the world is going to be big, fill it with quests. Fill it with more side activities. Even if the main focus is combat, give me a reason to explore the world more than just Dragon Ball flashbacks and collectibles I am required to have to upgrade skills. I think the Yakuza games and more importantly the Fist of the North Star game from the Yakuza team shows that the game can still have heavy emphasis on combat and still be a role playing game. Kakarot unfortunately just doesn’t hit that mark.
  2. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Jan 28, 2020
    70
    The studio shows a clear love for the source material and a devotion to creating the most faithful adaptation, however the experience is marred by too many poorly executed parts. Ardent fans will, of course, be able to overlook the game’s disappointments to appreciate the story and combat – this is the most impressive way to experience the DBZ saga, after all. As an action game, this would be fine, but as an RPG it hasn’t quite scratched that itch just yet. [Issue#187, p.77]
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  3. TheGamer
    Jan 23, 2020
    70
    A theoretical Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot 2 could be a masterpiece if it had more complex combat, and more varied enemy and quest types. Yet, while Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot isn't in its final form, it's still making good use of its potential. The cut-scenes are the most visually stunning version of Goku's saga I've seen. The Sub Stories give the franchise's bit players a chance to shine. There are even crazy deep references that even longtime fans might miss. It's clear the developers love Dragon Ball as much as we do. Next time, Bandai Namco, just let them put some of that love into the progression and fighting mechanics.
  5. GameSpot
    Jan 23, 2020
    70
    Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot's modern, semi-open approach to telling the saga of DBZ--despite some minor issues--is a good one. Zooming around the environments and seeing the world up close is a blast, and it's great being able to interact with so many fun DBZ characters and see stories that usually get passed over for game adaptations. And even though combat can be a bit lacking, when the big battles happen, they feel suitably epic and engaging. If you're looking for an enjoyable way to see the life and times of adult Goku through a new perspective, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will grant your wish.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    Jan 22, 2020
    70
    The action is solid and better than plenty of past Dragon Ball video game adventures, but the wholesome fan service is the real offering here. There isn’t enough of that, but what you do get is a great reminder of why Dragon Ball is still here.
  7. IGN
    Jan 21, 2020
    70
    When Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is at its best, it’s incredible. The big moments of each saga are brought to life impeccably with beautiful visuals and effects – but more than that, Kakarot also shows love to the smaller, more character driven moments that made fans fall in love with the anime in the first place. As a result, Kakarot is a wonderful way to revisit the story of Dragon Ball Z, whether you’re a fan or looking to jump in for the first time. However, while it’s backed by extremely solid combat, it also comes with major drawbacks like poorly implemented RPG mechanics, a general lack of polish, and some disappointingly shallow and repetitive sidequests.
  8. Windows Central
    Jan 16, 2020
    70
    Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a good fighting game that needs more polish.
  9. IGN Spain
    Jan 16, 2020
    70
    It's always great to relive some of the most important moments of the best Dragon Ball series. However, its mechanics and depth as RPG do not fit in this context. We will feel that we have wasted a lot of hours artificially, but at least its combat does know how to reflect the spectacularity and magnitude expected.
  10. Jeuxvideo.com
    Jan 16, 2020
    65
    In itself, nothing is really bad and if we do even find some excellent things, many elements are unfortunately average. However, we will experience a lot of pleasure in reliving all of the iconic face-to-face saga especially as the clashes are dynamic and based on an instinctive playability.
  11. DualShockers
    Jan 24, 2020
    60
    While it may remind you of your fond memories of the anime, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a drag that fails to entertain for its duration. Its repetitious gameplay, odd systems, and abridged storytelling lack the heart the anime had. If you’re a big fan of Dragon Ball Z, you might have some fun with Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. But if you’ve never experienced the Z Fighters’ epic adventures, there are better action RPGs out there to play.
  12. Player 2
    Mar 2, 2020
    50
    While DBZ:K is a great way to relive the original series with enjoyable combat and dead-on aesthetics, it’s saddled with an open world two generations behind that detracts from the promise it shows.
  13. Slant Magazine
    Jan 30, 2020
    50
    The world here is littered with side missions out in the wild, and most of them amount to uninspired fetch quests.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Xbox One Game of 2020
25
#25 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 135 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 135
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 135
  3. Negative: 17 out of 135
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jan 30, 2020
    10
    Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a Story-Driven Fighting Exploration Game featuring the Story and Characters we've loved for years. DBZ:K FollowsDragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a Story-Driven Fighting Exploration Game featuring the Story and Characters we've loved for years. DBZ:K Follows Goku's tale throughout the DBZ story, from the Saiyans to Majin Buu. With extraordinary cell shading, the graphics feel as close to watching an anime as I've yet to experience. The classic sound of DBZ Music has been remixed, and well placed keeping the feel of the Dragon Ball universe with every moment of gameplay. The Fighting Physics are reminiscent of the Tenkaichi Series from years past, simple to learn but takes some time to master. Now you even have some control over your teammates in battle, being able to activate special moves from them, adding a deeper element of strategy to battle. The fighting is just as intense and fast-paced as it should be, lending the feeling of moving at extreme speeds, and hitting harder than a train. The different areas of the game are open to explore, providing crafting supplies, random battles, and side quests for you to complete. The story has been polished up nicely, adding new instances, making some of the moments feel deeper, and removing almost all of the fluff, without harming the core of the story. With original voices, including the Narration voice of Doc Morgan. There is so much more to the game like the community board, where you can gather characters from the series, and unite them in thematic communities to enhance different aspects of play, from fighting and training to cooking and making Zeni! Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is hands down, the best installment of the Dragon Ball Video Game series!… Full Review »
  2. ecks0
    Jan 20, 2020
    9
    Ok, this game starts off pretty slow. I was worried in the beginning and thinking to myself if this is how the entire game is going toOk, this game starts off pretty slow. I was worried in the beginning and thinking to myself if this is how the entire game is going to progress. But after about an hour, and getting used to the mechanics, it's absolutely incredible.
    Graphics are the best I've seen from any DBZ title, and can contend with some of the top current games at the moment in that regard.
    The game play and fighting is incredible. I am engaged in every fight. Bosses all have different fighting styles and their supers are all different, which requires different tactics for dodging or blocking them.
    The fact it's an rpg and i can go at my own pace and loot around is fantastic.

    i love this game and could potentially put 100+ hours into it. I'm 20 in so far and its addicting.

    The only downside is this is a game based off of Goku. But in the beginning you RARELY play him. maybe 1-2 hours of my 20 has been goku, which kind of stinks.

    But other than that, its an A+ title and the best DBZ game of the franchise. It's a breath of fresh air compared to the other online titles.    … Full Review »
  3. Rexmaster
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    It's a dream that came true for me, I've been waiting for a game that doesn't quite 80% of the history and only put the important fights ofIt's a dream that came true for me, I've been waiting for a game that doesn't quite 80% of the history and only put the important fights of each saga, for me it's amazing.… Full Review »
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