Today we get to peek behind the scenes of one of the most immersive gaming experiences inspired by the iconic Dragon Ball Z franchise. Our spotlight shines brightly on DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT, the action RPG that has taken fans on an unforgettable adventure through the legendary world of Goku and his comrades.
In this Q&A session with the producer of the game, we get some insight over the process of bringing this universe to life, from the inception of the game to its latest downloadable content (DLC).
What were the challenges in creating an RPG adventure game like DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT?
Creating an RPG adventure game like DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT presented several challenges. Our goal was to faithfully reproduce the iconic story of DRAGON BALL Z from Goku’s perspective within an Action-RPG framework.
One significant hurdle was portraying aspects of the narrative that weren’t explicitly shown in the anime. We constantly asked ourselves, ‘What would this character do in this scene?’
To address this, we collaborated closely with the development team. Together, we devised a plan that allowed the game to introduce unique content while remaining true to the original story and characters.
The allure of DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT lies in the opportunity to witness scenes that were absent from the anime—an experience that captivates fans!
Could you remind us the content available in the Season Pass 2 ?
"Season Pass 2 serves as the culmination of the Goku Experience within DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT. Let’s break it down:
- ‘BARDOCK- Alone Against the Fate’: This DLC vividly portrays Goku’s origin as a Saiyan. We play as Goku’s father Bardock and experience his fortitude despite his hopeless situation. This characteristic is inherited to Goku as well, and it’s a powerful scene that adds depth to his character.
- ‘23rd World Tournament’ DLC: Here, we witness Goku during his Dragon Ball era—a prequel to the Z saga. This content introduces a new ground battle system, distinct from the aerial combat typical of DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT.
- ‘Goku’s Next Journey’: The final DLC in Season Pass 2 encapsulates the concluding moments of Dragon Ball Z. With this addition, DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT becomes a complete experience of Z.
Looking back at the Season Pass 2, is there a particular content that left the most lasting impression on you?
Reflecting on Season Pass 2, one particular content that left a lasting impression on me was the epic battle against the giant Ma Junior in the ‘23rd World Tournament’ DLC.
This encounter introduced a captivating blend of ground-based combat and colossal character clashes, setting it apart from the typical aerial fights in DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT.
In the ‘23rd World Tournament’ DLC, we introduced an entirely new ground battle system.
Prior to this, DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT had exclusively featured aerial combat. However, to faithfully replicate the rules of the World Tournament, we meticulously implemented the ground battle mechanics, including ring-outs and the 10-count rules.
Countless discussions were held to fine-tune this innovative system.
Our primary goal was to strike a balance—allowing players to savor the fresh dynamics of ground battles while preserving the familiar essence of DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT’s combat.
The enthusiastic feedback from long-time players who had requested ground battles further fueled our determination.
We sincerely hope that players relished this distinctive and exciting battle system!
Regarding the latest DLC "Goku’s Next Journey" would you happen to have an interesting behind the scenes story when creating this DLC?
One fascinating behind-the-scenes aspect of creating the ‘Goku’s Next Journey’ DLC is the development of its sub-story.
Set a decade after the climactic battle with Majin Buu in the main series, DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT’s sub-stories delve into narratives and character backgrounds that were previously unexplored in the anime.
Imagining how certain characters evolved over those ten years posed a unique challenge.
We made necessary adjustments to craft this distinctive sub-story. I’m confident fans will find it enjoyable, and I encourage them to dive in and experience it firsthand!
Would you have any recommendations to the users regarding the new DLC fighting techniques?
We highly recommend mastering the new special move called ‘Dragon Flash,’ which has been introduced in the ‘Goku’s Next Journey’ DLC.
To truly understand its capabilities, you’ll need to experience it firsthand during gameplay.
This technique packs immense power, granting a significant advantage in battle once acquired.
However, be prepared—it’s no walk in the park to obtain.
In this DLC, we’ve designed adversaries who are considerably stronger than those encountered previously. So, wield the ‘Dragon Flash’ and take on these formidable foes!
In relation to ‘Goku’s Next Journey,’ would you like to share any interesting anecdotes with the players?
I’d like to direct your attention to the title logo.
This DLC presents an additional scenario that faithfully recreates the final episode of the ‘Dragon Ball Z’ anime. For the logo, we drew inspiration from the scene where Goku and Uub soar over the sea at the anime’s conclusion.
We aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and grandeur through this emblem. I encourage players to explore the motifs of the other logos as well, as we put special thought into each one for the DLCs.
Anything else players could discover in the latest "Goku’s Next Journey" DLC?
Beyond the main storyline, players can delve into the intriguing ‘Two Saiyan Arc’ content in the latest ‘Goku’s Next Journey’ DLC.
This additional mode becomes accessible after successfully completing the main game.
While I won’t divulge specific details to avoid spoilers, I assure long-time players of DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT that exciting challenges and intense battles await them. I encourage you to explore this content and discover its secrets!
We hope you've enjoyed this glimpse behind the scenes and gained insight into the creative process behind this beloved game. As always, stay tuned for more updates.
Until next time, keep your controllers charged and your energy high. Thanks for joining us on this fantastic journey!
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT is available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC via STEAM, and compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
For more information about DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT, check the latest news!
