Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a follow-up title to Dragon Ball Xeneoverse, which is a 3D fighting game RPG that first launched on all major platforms back in early 2015. The Nintendo Switch release of Xenoverse 2 is essentially identical to its console system brethren, but with some technical differences.
For starters, the Nintendo Switch version of Xenoverse 2 runs at 30fps (compared to 60fps on Playstation 4 and Xbox One). Despite the difference in frames per second, the game’s overall performance is rock-solid throughout, even when exploring large environments like Conton City. Surprisingly, Xenoverse 2 is capable of running at 60fps, but only during one-on-one player battles. This is a bit puzzling since Story Mode is locked at 30fps.
Xenoverse 2’s graphics have been slightly downgraded for the Nintendo Switch release. While in portable mode, the game displays its graphics at 720p. The sharp, black outlines of each character – which is prominent in the console version(s) of the game – tend to separate (or partially disappear) when the in-game camera pans or zooms out. Despite this, the game’s graphics are strikingly beautiful on the Switch. The grey filter that was used in the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game has been removed, thus sharpening colors and brightening the game’s environments. When docked, Xenoverse 2 plays at a modest 900p with slightly improved visuals.
Where gameplay is concerned, The Nintendo Switch version of Xenoverse 2 is identical to the console version(s). While in Conton city ( which is seven times larger than Toki Toki City from the previous game), the player can learn the basics of combat by participating in Elder Kai’s ‘Challenge Quests’.
During these training exercises, the player is instructed by other NPC fighters on how to use various fighting techniques. From there, the player can increase their character’s Training Level by completing quests and participating in training. Once enough progress has been made, the Advancement Test Quests will become available. Clearing these tests will result in the player’s character changing its class.
A variety of tests are also available via the ‘Challenge Quest’ menu. These tests all range in difficulty (i.e. easy to advance), and they can teach everything from blocking to executing advanced combo strings. It should be mentioned that each test has a condition that must be met.
The player can select from Parallel Quests (PQs) (also known as ‘Offline Quests’) from the Reception Area’s NPC. Up to three characters (including the player) can participate in a Parallel Quest. When playing offline, there is an option to select other warriors to join as support. Some Parallel Quests can come directly from warriors (i.e. NPCs) found inside Conton City.
During Parallel Quests, the player can use devices called ‘Gates’ to transport to different areas. Some gates will remain closed until the right conditions are met. These gates can be entered by locking on to them. Gates are usually the quickest way to get through a quest area.
Satisfying certain requirements during a Parallel Quest will cause a change in the Time Shard. A “Warning” sign will appear and a powerful enemy (i.e. boss) will emerge to challenge the player. Defeating this boss character will garner better rewards. Xenoverse 2 doesn’t punish the player if they lose, though. Losing against this character is not counted as a failure during a Parallel Quest.
Vendors also play an important role in Xenoverse 2. The Mixing Shop vendor is the game’s crafting system that uses materials known as Z-Souls to create more powerful items. The Mixing Shop recipe menu explains which items are needed for crafting. The system is easy to use, and self-explanatory.
The Skill Shop is where the player can purchase skills to enhance their character. Using the game’s equivalent of currency (i.e. Zeni), the player can purchase a variety of skills to enhance their character’s defensive and offensive capabilities. Some skills are melee-based (i.e. Sledgehammer, Sonic kick, etc.), while others are performance-based (i.e. Giga Boost, Backlip, etc.). The player can also use TP Medals ( a new, secondary currency) to purchase items and skills in-game. Simply put – the player must complete Time Patrol missions to earn these medals. Easier missions reward at least one medal, while Expert Patrols will reward more than one.
As mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch version of Xenoverse 2 has a rock-solid fighting engine. During fights, the player can dart through the air and perform a variety of devastating combos. It is also possible to end a combo with a fierce attack, which will momentarily incapacitate the player’s adversary.
The combat system also provides a ‘targeting’ system that makes it easier for the player to focus on specific enemies. When the player locks on to an enemy with the targeting system, the in-game camera system will follow both the player and NPC enemy as they move from one location to the other.
The player can also press the Right Shoulder button to ‘search’ for enemies that are far away and hiding behind obstacles. The is will reveal the enemy’s power level. Locking on to an enemy will also reveal more detailed information about it.
When standard attacks are not enough, the player can execute ‘Special Attacks’ by pressing the RT (Right Trigger) button, and then pressing the corresponding attack button associated with the attack (i.e. Meteor Blow, Super Guard, etc.). These ‘Special Moves’ can only be used when the KI meter is full.
The player can also press and then hold A button to power up a series of fireballs. When unleashed, these projectiles can do a staggering amount of damage on enemies, especially when they’re airborne and at a great distance away.
To put it simply, the same intense air battles – and all the explosions from the ‘bigger’ console releases – have made a smooth transition to the Nintendo Switch. The only difference here is that you can now bring Xenoverse 2 on the go.
With that said, the Nintendo Switch release of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is every bit as good as its console counterparts. Fans will appreciate the fan service that Bandai-Namco peppered throughout the game, while newcomers will enjoy the intense, fist cuff action and RPG elements that translate into a solid fighting game with plenty of replay value.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Bandai-Namco
Publisher: Bandai-Namco
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: $59.99
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Official Website:
https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-xenoverse-2-for-nintendo-switch/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| The same intense air battles - and all the explosions from the ‘bigger’ console releases - have made a smooth transition to the Nintendo Switch. | |
| Sound | |
| Great music and sound effects. | |
| Gameplay | |
| The Nintendo Switch version of Xenoverse 2 is identical to the console version(s).. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Tiny Barbarian DX exceeds expectations as far as gameplay and replay value are concerned. | |
