DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2

The gameplay of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting improvements over its predecessor, such as smoother mechanics, enhanced combat systems, and a greater variety of character customization options. However, criticisms include repetitive gameplay, clunky mechanics, and issues with online functionality, which detract from the overall experience. While the game offers engaging combat and a wealth of content, some players feel it suffers from balance issues and a lack of depth in its mechanics, making it less appealing for those seeking a competitive fighting game.

The graphics of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the cel-shaded art style captures the essence of the anime, the visuals feel dated compared to newer titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ. Some users appreciate the vibrant colors and smooth animations, while others criticize the graphics for appearing "cheap" or "plastic," and express a desire for a more significant graphical overhaul. Overall, while the game maintains a solid aesthetic for its time, many players feel it could benefit from enhancements to meet modern standards.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and repetitive, particularly in the late game where leveling and unlocking skills can require hours of repetitive missions. While some players appreciate the grind as a means to develop their characters and enjoy the Dragon Ball universe, others criticize it for feeling like an artificial extension of gameplay, often exacerbated by poor AI and frustrating RNG mechanics. Overall, the game is seen as fun but heavily reliant on grinding, which can detract from the overall experience for those who prefer a more streamlined progression system.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the energetic and nostalgic soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, while others criticize the repetitive and often obnoxious hub world music, particularly the "circus" themes. Many players appreciate the ability to customize music settings, but note that the default tracks can be overwhelming and detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, while there are standout tracks, the inconsistency in quality and volume levels leaves a significant portion of the player base dissatisfied.

The stability of the game is widely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches that significantly impact gameplay, especially in online multiplayer modes. Many players have experienced issues such as soft locks in lobbies, unresponsive missions, and character animations failing to execute properly. While some users find the game enjoyable despite these problems, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by instability, making it difficult to recommend without significant patches and fixes.

The humor in "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" is a standout feature, with players enjoying the game's comedic elements, character interactions, and absurd scenarios that often arise during gameplay. Many reviews highlight the amusing character customization options and the funny dialogue, particularly from beloved characters like Goku and Vegeta. However, some players also note that the humor can be overshadowed by gameplay frustrations, such as unbalanced mechanics and repetitive missions, which can detract from the overall experience.

The game boasts high replayability, driven by extensive content, character customization, and engaging multiplayer modes, including co-op missions and competitive battles. Players appreciate the variety of quests and the ability to create unique characters, which keeps the experience fresh even after many hours of play. However, some users note that certain design choices and the reliance on DLC can diminish replay value for those who prefer not to spend extra.

The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with some players reporting smooth performance on high-end systems while others experience significant issues like stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly on PC. Many users suggest that the game requires further optimization, especially for online play, and some have noted that performance can vary widely depending on system specifications and updates. Overall, while there are positive remarks about graphics and gameplay, the consensus indicates that optimization remains a critical area needing improvement.

The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism from users, who describe it as overly aggressive and akin to a cash grab, with numerous overpriced DLCs and microtransactions that detract from the overall experience. Many players express frustration over the reliance on grinding and the introduction of in-game purchases in a title they have already paid for, leading to a perception that the game prioritizes profit over player enjoyment. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as a major flaw, overshadowing the game's positive aspects.

The emotional aspect of the game elicits a mixed response from players, with some expressing deep connections to the characters and moments that evoke strong feelings, while others criticize the narrative for lacking depth and coherence. Many players appreciate the intense battles and emotional highs, but find the story mode tedious and unengaging, leading to frustration. Overall, the game succeeds in creating memorable emotional experiences for some, while leaving others disappointed by its storytelling shortcomings.

Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while the character designs and customization options are praised for their fidelity to the anime aesthetic, many players feel that the actual character development is lacking, with only a few characters receiving meaningful growth. The focus on character design often overshadows the narrative depth, leading some to feel that the game prioritizes aesthetics over substantial character arcs. Overall, while visually appealing, the game falls short in delivering a robust character development experience.

The atmosphere of the game is described as a unique blend of classical and whimsical elements, with music that evokes a questioning mood, though opinions on the soundtrack's fit with the Dragon Ball universe vary. Weather effects influence gameplay and enhance the atmosphere, while the PvP experience offers a distinct vibe compared to the main game. Overall, while the game succeeds in creating an engaging atmosphere, it falls short in content and the execution of its visual style.