Dragon Ball Awakening offers a specific proposition for fans: a streamlined, cinematic retelling of the Dragon Ball Z saga, from the arrival of the Saiyan warrior Raditz to the cataclysmic confrontation with the monstrous Cell. Developed by CMGE, this narrative RPG prioritizes spectacle and collection over intricate manual control, framing the legendary story through a series of semi-automated battles. The core gameplay loop involves assembling a team of heroes and villains, then guiding them through key narrative chapters where combat unfolds automatically. Player agency comes from strategic timing, as you must manually trigger each character's signature special attacks and, in a distinctive touch, execute their iconic transformations through precise vertical swipes on the screen during battle. This design creates a rhythm that feels more like conducting a super-powered orchestra than engaging in a traditional fighting game, allowing you to focus on the cinematic payoff of each energy blast and transformation sequence.
The game's primary strength lies in its presentation of the source material's most dramatic moments. While the story mode occasionally takes creative liberties with manga chronology—such as featuring Master Roshi in battles where he originally did not appear—these deviations are offset by fully rendered 3D animations for pivotal scenes. You will witness Goku's tragic sacrifice against his brother Raditz, the legendary first transformation into a Super Saiyan during the battle with Frieza on Namek, and the explosive climax of the Cell Games. These sequences serve as the game's true reward, effectively capturing the emotional weight of the anime. However, the experience is punctuated by a grind-heavy progression system typical of the genre. Unlocking new characters and their full potential often requires repetitive gameplay and the collection of numerous in-game resources, a process that can test the patience of even dedicated fans. Furthermore, some original character designs and systems implemented by the developers feel like they stretch beyond the established Dragon Ball license, creating occasional tonal inconsistencies within the fan service.
For players seeking a visually impressive, story-driven companion to the Dragon Ball Z narrative that minimizes complex fighting game inputs, Dragon Ball Awakening delivers a competent and often spectacular experience. Consider downloading the game to command your own dream team through the anime's greatest battles.
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Heads up: you'll need wifi for most features. Some cool stuff is extra.