As we tentatively set foot into a brand-new year, there’s a lot for gamers to look forward to in 2018. This month alone, we’re going to see big-hitters like Dissidia Final Fantasy NT (Jan. 30, 2018) and Monster Hunter World (Jan. 26, 2018), kicking off what looks set to be a good year for PlayStation 4 owners. Fighting fans, however, probably have their eyes on a less mainstream (but no less hype) January release: Dragon Ball FighterZ.
Over the years, the Dragon Ball Z franchise has fared quite well, in terms of video game adaptions. We’re not talking about 10/10 gaming masterpieces, granted, and there have been some stinkers, but overall, Dragon Ball video games have been respectable for sure. Come January 26, Arc System Works is hoping to continue to deliver the goods with their flashy new fighter.
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If you’re familiar with Arc System Works’ pedigree, you’ll know that they’re well equipped for the job. Creators of the Guilty Gear and Blazblue titles, it’s safe to say that these guys can talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to 2D fighters. FighterZ is an amalgamation of mechanics from across the genre, with team play inspired by Marvel vs Capcom, Ki charging from other Dragon Ball fighters, and a system just like Arcana Heart’s Homing.
In gameplay terms, then, everything’s looking rock solid (and flashy, naturally). This is great, of course, but it’s not going to cut it alone. We need a cast of interesting, varied, colorful, fun characters. Rest easy, then, because this is Dragon Ball Z we’re talking about.
In the anime, this guy utilizes the Time Ring he wears to wreak havoc on humanity by messing with the timeline. Does he sound like somebody to screw with? That’s because he isn’t. As the intense trailer shows, he has a lightning fast and explosive battle style, using many brutal moves in combination with his "partner" (we guess you could say), Future Zamasu. Super cool.
Traditionally, as we know, January is a quiet month for game releases. 2017 started off with some style, in the shape of Yakuza 0 and Resident Evil 7, and we’re definitely coming out swinging this year too. If you’re looking to kick off the new year in visually stunning, bombastic fashion, look no further than Goku Black and friends in Dragon Ball FighterZ. It’s coming to PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Jan. 29, 2018.
In the meantime, feast your eyes on the story trailer to get the hype juices pumping even further.