The Evolution of Dragon Ball Fighter Z: From Anime to Video Game

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fighting game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Developed by Arc System Works, the game was released in 2018 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The game was an instant hit, with its beautiful graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and the inclusion of nearly all the characters from the Dragon Ball series. This article will discuss the evolution of Dragon Ball FighterZ, from the anime to the video game.

The Dragon Ball series began as a manga series created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. The manga was later adapted into an anime series, which aired in Japan from 1986 to 1989. The series was a massive success and was later dubbed into English and aired in the United States in 1995. Since then, the Dragon Ball franchise has expanded to include video games, movies, and merchandise.

Dragon Ball games have been around since the 1980s, with the first game being Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō, released in 1986. Since then, there have been more than 50 Dragon Ball games released for various platforms, including consoles, handhelds, and mobile devices. However, it was not until Dragon Ball FighterZ that the franchise had a game that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

The development of Dragon Ball FighterZ began in 2016, with Arc System Works being the chosen developer. The company is known for its work on other fighting games, such as Guilty Gear and BlazBlue. Dragon Ball FighterZ was a departure for the company, as it had never worked on a licensed game before. However, the company’s experience in developing fighting games proved to be invaluable in the development of Dragon Ball FighterZ.

One of the main reasons why Dragon Ball FighterZ was so successful was due to its visuals. The game features 3D character models that are designed to look like 2D sprites. This design choice was intentional, as it allowed the game to be faithful to the anime while also allowing for more dynamic and fluid animations. The game’s graphics were so impressive that it won Best Fighting Game and Best Graphics at The Game Awards 2018.

The gameplay of Dragon Ball FighterZ is also one of its strongest features. The game is a 2D fighting game that features three-on-three battles. Players can choose from a roster of 21 characters, each with their own unique moves and abilities. The game’s controls are simple enough for newcomers to pick up, but there is also a high skill ceiling for more experienced players. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and flashy special moves make it a joy to watch and play.

One of the most significant aspects of Dragon Ball FighterZ is how faithful it is to the anime. The game’s story mode follows the events of the anime, with players controlling a customizable character known as a “Z Fighter.” The story mode features cutscenes that are animated in the style of the anime, and the voice actors from the anime reprise their roles in the game. The game also features an “Anime Music Pack,” which includes music from the anime that can be played during battles.

Overall, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fantastic game that has done justice to the Dragon Ball franchise. The game’s visuals, gameplay, and faithful adaptation of the anime have made it a fan-favorite. The game has also become a staple in the fighting game community, with its inclusion in major tournaments such as EVO and CEO. The game’s success has also led to the development of a second season of DLC, which includes new characters and stages.

In conclusion, the evolution of Dragon Ball FighterZ from anime to video game has been a remarkable one. The game is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Arc System Works, who were able to create a game that was both faithful to the source material and a fantastic fighting game. The game’s success has also shown that there is still a demand for Dragon Ball games, even after more than three decades since the release of the manga. Dragon Ball FighterZ is a game that will undoubtedly continue to be enjoyed by fans of the franchise and fighting game enthusiasts for years to come.

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