Hi everyone! Today, I’m taking a relaxed look at Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. After spending plenty of time exploring its big, colorful world, I’m excited to share what stood out for me—and what could use a little polish. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s dive right into my thoughts!
Overall Impressions
As a longtime fan of Goku’s adventures who enjoys laid-back gaming sessions, I was immediately struck by how expansive the world feels. Indeed, each hub, from Capsule Corp. to Kami’s Lookout, captures the anime’s charm. Moreover, the blend of main story arcs with side missions ensures there’s always something fresh to tackle. You can battle alongside Z Warriors or recruit new allies. On the flip side, occasional Windows 10 lobby freezes and a few repetitive quests hold the experience back from true perfection.
What Stood Out
Building on that, Xenoverse 2 truly captures the series’ essence with its sprawling, expertly crafted world. For example, every location feels authentic and packed with fan-service details. Additionally, the game boasts an astonishing roster of fighters and even lets you create your own Time Patroller—customizing race, body type, hairstyle, and special moves. Consequently, you can live out brand-new hero fantasies or channel your inner Goku. At the same time, the campaign balances epic story missions with plentiful side activities, keeping the pace brisk and rewarding exploration.
Areas for Improvement
The May 2025 update introduced a frustrating glitch for Windows 10 players. Many get stuck in an endless lobby countdown. They have to force-quit to play multiplayer. That issue is a real shame for those who love teaming up or battling online. Some later parallel quests feel like variations on the same formula. Their repetitive objectives don’t add much new challenge once you’ve mastered the basics. Despite these hiccups, Xenoverse 2’s strengths still shine through for solo adventurers. The multiplayer woes and mission design could be smoother.
Compared to other fighting/RPG hybrids, Xenoverse 2 hits a sweet spot between story-driven quests and arcade-style combat. It’s more relaxed than some high-octane fighters, yet still lets you pull off flashy combos.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core battles are fast, fun, and intuitive. You have light, heavy, and Ki-blast attacks, plus dodge and guard maneuvers. Learning to chain combos and manage your Ki gauge makes fights feel rewarding. I loved discovering new moves and slotting them into my combo list. Progression and personalization feel deep and satisfying. Leveling up your Time Patroller unlocks new skills and signature ultimate moves like Spirit Bomb and Final Flash. Time Patrol missions shine, too—you step into iconic Dragon Ball moments and team up with legends. Whether you’re on keyboard or controller, the controls are intuitive and responsive.
The online experience can be maddening for non–Windows 11 users. Reports say the lobby timer freezes at zero. Players must use ALT + F4 to exit and retry. It’s a significant blow to the multiplayer fun. Some boss encounters also feel unfairly unbalanced. Enemies can turn into damage sponges if your level or gear isn’t perfectly tuned. That interrupts the flow of what is otherwise a pretty smooth adventure.
Story and Characters
Xenoverse 2 picks up after the first game’s events, with the Time Patrol fixing distortions in history. Main villain Towa and her sidekick Mira create an intriguing thread. They tie together moments from Dragon Ball Z, GT, and Super. It’s a nice mix of nostalgia and fresh plot twists. My custom Time Patroller truly stole the show. Standing side-by-side with Goku and facing off alongside Kid Buu felt surreal. The parallel quests let me relive iconic moments like the Cell Games or defending the Saiyans. DLC heroes—Vegito Blue, Jiren, Kale, and more—keep the roster alive and ever-evolving. Xenoverse 2 becomes a vibrant celebration of Dragon Ball’s ever-expanding universe.
World-building shines when you chat with NPCs in the HUB city. You overhear fans geeking out about training. You see the Ginyu Force doing cartwheels in the background. Little touches like that make the world feel cozy and lived-in.
Visuals and Graphics
Even nearly a decade after release, Xenoverse 2’s graphics hold up admirably. The cel-shaded art style perfectly mimics the anime. Character models look crisp on high settings or low-end hardware. The bright, punchy colors make every battle spark and energy blast pop off the screen. Arenas—from windswept wastelands and lush forests to sprawling cityscapes—each boast their own distinct flair. Smooth animations elevate every moment. Combo finishers flow seamlessly, and transformation sequences mirror the show’s iconic style with stunning precision. On my mid-range laptop it ran smoothly. Players report some dips if you crank everything to ultra. Still, its forgiving performance on older hardware is a big plus for casual gamers.
Sound and Music
Speaking of atmosphere, the soundtrack nails that Dragon Ball feel with epic orchestral themes and rock-style battle tracks. Moreover, background music shifts to match the mood: peaceful tunes play while exploring the HUB, and adrenaline-pumping scores kick in for fighting Frieza or Cell. Voice acting is available in English or Japanese. Each iconic line—“Kamehameha!” or “It’s over 9000!”—hits home every time. My personal highlight was the Super Saiyan transformation burst. That triumphant music gave me goosebumps. Even small sound effects, like flying through the air or slashing with a sword, add polish.
Difficulty and Replayability
Xenoverse 2 is easy to pick up but offers depth if you want it. Early missions can be breezy, but endgame boss battles demand smart builds and precise timing. There’s a nice difficulty curve for both newcomers and hardcore fans. Replay value shines through online co-op raids and PvP battles—when the lobby plays nice, teaming up or going head-to-head feels exhilarating. The collect-’em-all drive keeps you hooked as you unlock every costume, skill, and parallel quest over dozens of hours. DLC expansions continually inject fresh missions and characters. You always have new reasons to jump back in and explore the Dragon Ball universe.
User feedback suggests the “potato PC” runs the game well on low settings. Another fan hopes for Xenoverse 3 but still calls this one a “masterpiece” for true Dragon Ball lovers.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a blast flying around, battling villains, and customizing my Time Patroller. Despite the current multiplayer hiccup for Windows 10 players, the single-player content alone is worth dozens of hours. If you’re a Dragon Ball fan—or just looking for a vibrant, action-packed adventure—I’d recommend giving Xenoverse 2 a try.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Trivia & Behind the Scenes
Developer QLOC, based in Poland, has partnered closely with Bandai Namco to bring Xenoverse 2 to PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Since its initial launch in 2016, the team has supported the game with dozens of updates, free events, and DLC packs. Community-driven events frequently coincide with new Dragon Ball anime arcs, whether it’s Broly’s explosive return in Dragon Ball Super: Broly or the high-stakes action of Universe Survival. You’re always stepping into fresh battles alongside the latest heroes and villains.
Thanks for reading my cozy, detailed take on Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard Saiyan, I hope this review helps you decide if you want to jump into the Time Patrol. Until next time, happy gaming!
