Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 20,609 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Game Cover
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a highly entertaining game that’s faithful to the franchise. It accurately depicts the nostalgic events of the series' earlier stories, and the gameplay engages the player while doing so.
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"DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT" is an action RPG that follows the story of Goku and the Z Warriors. Experience epic battles, explore open worlds, and interact with characters from the DRAGON BALL Z series. Train, fight, and power up to save the world from powerful enemies.

  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 20,609 reviews
story1,885 positive mentions
grinding473 negative mentions
  • story6,723 mentions

    The story of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" is a faithful retelling of the beloved anime, covering major arcs from the Saiyan Saga to the Buu Saga, with some additional content from the "Dragon Ball Super" series through DLCs. While the main narrative is engaging and visually stunning, many players find the side quests repetitive and lacking depth, often reducing to fetch tasks that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is recommended for fans seeking nostalgia and a chance to relive the iconic moments of the series, though it may not offer much new for those already familiar with the story.

    • “It faithfully recreates the beloved story of Dragon Ball Z, allowing players to relive epic battles and iconic moments from the show.”
    • “The game beautifully captures the essence of the story, allowing players to relive iconic moments from Goku's journey, complete with stunning visuals and faithful voice acting.”
    • “This game is one of the best Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z/Super games to play story-wise I’ve ever played, and I have been playing Dragon Ball games since I was a kid on the PS2.”
    • “There are some things it does really well, but because of how heavily it relies on the story aspect, I can't help but compare it to the anime and it falls short in almost every way.”
    • “If you really want to experience the story of DBZ again, just go rewatch the show and save yourself 60 euros.”
    • “The constant rinse and repeat of telling the same story over and over just wasn't super appealing.”
  • gameplay1,744 mentions

    The gameplay of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its engaging combat mechanics and nostalgic storytelling, while others criticize it for being repetitive and simplistic. The game combines action RPG elements with classic fighting mechanics, allowing players to experience the DBZ storyline through a semi-open world, but some feel that the RPG aspects are underdeveloped and the combat lacks depth compared to other titles in the franchise. Overall, while the visuals and cutscenes are praised, the gameplay can become tedious over time, especially with the reliance on grinding and fetch quests.

    • “Combat is fast-paced and satisfying, blending RPG elements with classic fighting mechanics, allowing players to unleash powerful moves and team up with fan-favorite characters.”
    • “The gameplay is designed beautifully, including the cool combat control system, and the graphics are absolutely beautiful with fluid animation and scenes.”
    • “The storytelling is top-notch, and the gameplay successfully combines engaging combat with RPG elements, making it one of the best anime-to-game adaptations I’ve experienced.”
    • “The gameplay is so boring and uninspired... it's actually sickening.”
    • “This game dangles all that juicy DBZ goodness in front of you, promising an epic Saiyan power fantasy, but then it smacks you upside the head with some of the most frustrating, limp-dicked gameplay I’ve ever seen.”
    • “The gameplay loop is repetitive, the dialogue is even more repetitive, and the animators made no effort to match the face animations to the voice actors.”
  • graphics1,437 mentions

    The graphics of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and faithful recreation of the anime's art style, with many players praising the vibrant colors and detailed character models. However, some critiques highlight a lack of graphical options and optimization issues, particularly on PC, where players noted that the visuals can feel dated compared to other modern titles. Overall, while the graphics are often described as breathtaking and immersive, there are mixed feelings about the game's performance and the depth of its graphical settings.

    • “The graphics shine and look incredible at points.”
    • “The game beautifully captures the essence of the story, allowing players to relive iconic moments from Goku's journey, complete with stunning visuals and faithful voice acting.”
    • “The graphics are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, bringing the Dragon Ball universe to life in all its colorful glory.”
    • “The graphics feel like they are from 5-7 years ago.”
    • “The graphics are not enjoyable to look at.”
    • “The graphics look more like a Nintendo Switch version than a modern PC game.”
  • grinding511 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the abundance of fetch quests and the need to collect orbs for leveling up. While some players appreciate the grind as part of the RPG experience, others feel that the game provides enough experience through story progression, making grinding largely unnecessary. Overall, the consensus suggests that while grinding can enhance character development, it often detracts from the enjoyment of the gameplay due to its repetitive nature.

    • “Little to no grinding is necessary as progressing the story provides you with massive amounts of experience to stay relevant; enhances the story experience as you will be able to finish complete arcs without breaking immersion to grind.”
    • “The very good thing is that no grinding is needed whatsoever in order to progress the main story line.”
    • “Not grindy for a JRPG and the fighting system, although simple, is definitely satisfying.”
    • “The open world felt bland, the side-quests grindy, and the combat system is basically 'smash one button and use super attacks when you have charged up ki'.”
    • “Gameplay is a lot of fun, but having to go to the map, choose a location, wait on a loading screen, find an item or person, then repeat to go back to the initial location got very tedious by the end of the game.”
    • “The quest design is bad, the gameplay is serviceable at best, the RPG mechanics are convoluted and grindy.”
  • music450 mentions

    The music in "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the nostalgic elements drawn from the original anime soundtrack, particularly the iconic "Cha-La Head-Cha-La." However, criticisms often focus on the repetitiveness of the tracks and the absence of the beloved Bruce Faulconer score, which some fans feel diminishes the emotional impact of key scenes. While mods exist to enhance the musical experience, the base soundtrack is seen as lacking in variety and depth, leading to a somewhat underwhelming auditory experience for some players.

    • “The music is nostalgic and epic, perfectly setting the mood for every scene.”
    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the intense battles and emotional moments, enhancing the immersion and invoking a sense of nostalgia.”
    • “The soundtrack is a beautiful homage to the original Japanese score, which I'm very thankful for, because having grown up watching the show in Japanese, the U.S. soundtrack always felt too aggressive or rough and never really conveyed the same feelings for the same parts of the show.”
    • “The music is downright bad and out of place in most scenes, not fitting the tone.”
    • “The music is repetitive and gets old fast, so you might want to play your own.”
    • “In a series with as much music and variety as Dragon Ball, the amount of music in this game is incredibly disappointing.”
  • stability150 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a significant number of bugs and glitches, including crashes, freezing, and issues with save files. While some users noted that the game runs well on specific platforms like the Steam Deck, others experienced frustrating technical problems that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," but many fans still find enjoyment in its content and gameplay despite these issues.

    • “Game runs great, feels great and is truthful to the series.”
    • “The fighting style is simple yet entertaining, the game runs great, and looks beautiful.”
    • “If you want to experience the DBZ story in fantastic 4K graphics that runs great, there is no reason not to pick this up.”
    • “Furthermore, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot suffers from technical issues and poor optimization, with frequent framerate drops, texture pop-in, and other graphical glitches detracting from the overall experience.”
    • “I'll also regard the horrible glitches the game has had before, such as saves deleting themselves after updating, fatal errors causing your save to corrupt sometimes, and the game making you go through many cutscenes and fights without a free roam portion so you don't even get a chance to save, and then fatally crashing making you need to do everything again.”
    • “The game itself is good but has a ton of bugs and glitches; I got my file deleted 3 times, I got stuck in a lot of places and even underground, and my autosave didn't save me so I needed to do 2 whole sagas again, really lowering the quality of the game.”
  • humor133 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending nostalgic references with quirky, often absurd moments that resonate well with fans of the Dragon Ball series. Players appreciate the comedic side quests and character interactions, although some humor can feel repetitive or hit-or-miss. While the game has its share of bugs that can lead to unintentional hilarity, the overall comedic tone enhances the experience, making it enjoyable for both casual players and die-hard fans.

    • “In short, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is the perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, and over-the-top action.”
    • “It's like they crammed every episode of the anime into one game and sprinkled it with a healthy dose of humor (and ki blasts, of course).”
    • “The side quests, while all typically the same formula, were all incredibly entertaining with self-aware writing and hilarious moments sprinkled throughout.”
    • “Thus, it's not funny at all.”
  • optimization92 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, particularly on PC where it is poorly optimized for mouse and keyboard controls. While some users report smooth performance on consoles and the Steam Deck, others experience frequent bugs, framerate drops, and graphical glitches that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the game can run well under certain conditions, it is generally considered unpolished and lacking in proper optimization for PC users.

    • “Super fun and well-optimized!”
    • “The game is top-notch optimized.”
    • “Incredibly well optimized and the cell shading looks great, the dev team did a great job matching the anime art styles, including the changes in animation and style that occurred over time.”
    • “This game is very poorly optimized for mouse and keyboard, leading to a frustrating experience on PC if you don't have a controller.”
    • “Furthermore, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot suffers from technical issues and poor optimization, with frequent framerate drops, texture pop-in, and other graphical glitches detracting from the overall experience.”
    • “The PC optimization for this game isn't the greatest.”
  • replayability87 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players noting a lack of significant replay value due to its linear story and limited character options, while others appreciate the depth added by side quests, character variety, and modding capabilities. Many reviews highlight that while the main story can be enjoyed in a single playthrough, the absence of features like New Game+ and multiplayer modes diminishes long-term engagement. Overall, the game offers some replayability, particularly with DLC and mods, but it may not satisfy those seeking extensive replay options.

    • “The game offers a wide range of side quests, open-world exploration, and upgrade systems that add depth and replayability to the experience.”
    • “It has a lot of replayability, with many substories that show the love of Dragon Ball that was put into them, showcasing different instances that reward the biggest DBZ and original DB fans.”
    • “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a fun and engaging game that offers a lot of content and replay value.”
    • “No replay value whatsoever.”
    • “No new game+ and the game has almost 0 replayability.”
    • “My major gripe is the lack of replay value; there is no new game+, post-game content outside of DLC is very limited, and if you replay story missions via the post-game time machine you're locked into your current level so old fights will be a breeze rather than being intense.”
  • emotional85 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot" resonates strongly with players, who appreciate its ability to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of the beloved anime through stunning cutscenes and heartfelt moments. While many players feel a deep connection to iconic scenes and character arcs, some critique the game for glossing over significant emotional weight and character development compared to the original series. Overall, it is seen as a heartfelt tribute that successfully immerses fans in the emotional highs and lows of Goku's journey, despite some narrative shortcomings.

    • “From legendary battles to heartfelt moments, the game captures the spirit of Dragon Ball Z beautifully.”
    • “Whether it's witnessing Vegeta's internal conflict or experiencing Gohan's journey from a timid child to a powerful warrior, the game succeeds in adding layers of emotional resonance to the familiar storylines.”
    • “As a lifelong Dragon Ball fan, I must say that Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is nothing short of a heartwarming masterpiece that not only captures the essence of the beloved series but elevates it to a whole new level.”
    • “Same boring story that we know.”
    • “The best part is you could just start small, but who wants to play as Goku and follow the same old boring storyline?”
  • monetization39 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many reviewers labeling it as a blatant cash grab that prioritizes profit over quality. While some DLC is seen as adding value, the introduction of microtransactions and unnecessary features, such as a card game, has left players feeling exploited and disappointed. Overall, the sentiment suggests that the game is more focused on milking nostalgia and fans' wallets than delivering a polished and engaging experience.

    • “The only acceptable reason in my eyes for them to shoehorn in an unwanted card game riddled with microtransactions would be to raise additional funding to bring the voice actors back in to record quality audio for all of the quests and dialogue...but I seriously doubt that's what the publisher has in mind, which is most unfortunate as I was very optimistic about this game before launch.”
    • “The driving mini games, baseball with Gohan, and an entire DBZ card game with online and in-game purchases?”
    • “Edit: so they added a card game with microtransactions on a single-player game.”
    • “Desperate cash grab.”
    • “This game is a blatant DLC cash grab on a foundation of nostalgia.”
    • “The paid DLC is unethical and nothing more than a lazy cash grab, totally disrespectful to the fans.”
  • character development18 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while it incorporates RPG elements like leveling up and skill acquisition, many reviewers feel that the emotional depth and narrative complexity are lacking. Although some side quests enhance character arcs and provide humor, the main story is criticized for being rushed and shallow, failing to capture the depth of character relationships seen in the original series. Overall, while there are moments of good character development, particularly for key figures like Gohan and Vegeta, the game does not fully realize its potential in this area.

    • “I loved sub quests that were actually funny, interesting and built upon the character development of the 'Dragon Ball' characters.”
    • “There was clearly a lot of love put into it and they did an excellent job of consolidating the 3 main DBZ sagas in keeping with all the important story beats and eliminating anything that doesn't contribute to the overall feel/character development.”
    • “While the game attempts to inject some emotional depth into the proceedings with dramatic cutscenes and character interactions, the story ultimately feels shallow and underdeveloped, with little in the way of meaningful character development or narrative depth.”
    • “The story is hardcore rushed in a way that focuses on the fights and fighting without the character development and situational depth necessary to flesh out the feelings you get when you watch the show.”
    • “I understand that Dragon Ball isn't exactly out to tell a heart-wrenching narrative, but considering how much I genuinely loved Gohan, Piccolo, and Vegeta's arcs in this game, I feel like Toriyama only cripples himself by constantly erasing much of the stimuli for more character development.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball world, effectively capturing the aesthetics, sound effects, and music from the anime. Reviewers commend the incredible animations and overall graphical quality, which enhance the immersive experience while maintaining the essence of the original series. However, some players feel that certain collectibles detract from the overall atmosphere.

    • “This game really does it very well regarding storytelling, graphics, mechanics, and atmosphere.”
    • “The game atmosphere recreates the original feeling and aesthetics of the anime without the slow and cumbersome parts of it.”
    • “Graphically, this game is amazing and definitely captures the atmosphere of the show from the world to the characters.”
    • “They take away from the atmosphere and are the most obnoxious 'collectibles' in any game ever.”
    • “The atmosphere is just like the show.”
    • “The sound effects, the music, and the atmosphere are all like you'd remember from the TV show.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

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Play time

26hMedian play time
34hAverage play time
10-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 127 analyzed playthroughs

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