Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is an action game where you get to relive the story of Goku throughout the events of the Dragon Ball series. The game was initially released back in January 16th, 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Now, the game has gotten another release for the next generation console with improved performance and higher quality visuals. The game was released for PlayStation 5 on January 13th while the Xbox Series X/S version will be releasing on a later date.
The Z-Fighters Gameplay
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot in PS5 still plays the same way it would in previous generations. There’s nothing new in terms of gameplay. If anything, the PS5 version does not seem to make use of the features present in the DualSense controllers.
It would have been very cool to feel the pulse of a Kamehameha through the controller or even just a tiny bit of haptic feedback from such a strong attack but unfortunately, there was nothing of that manner. It is a definitely a miss in that aspect since they’ve went out of their way to port the game into the PS5.
How Good is Goku’s Performances
One major thing that you would notice as soon as you boot up the PS5 edition is that its loads much faster now. Gone were the days of going of to grab a snack while waiting for the game to load. Now, I can just grab new missions smoothly and quickly.
Another plus to the PS5 edition is the new Performance visual mode. It cranks up the previous generation’s framerate of 30 to 60 frames per second. Considering how fast-paced Dragon Ball is, the increase in fluidity and response time is just amazing.
Shame it is not the default performance so you’ll need to manually switch it up on the settings. Nevertheless, it’s just a simple click here and there for a massive improvement in game experience. In fact, the game keeps on running flawlessly regardless of how many Saibamen or Ginyu Forces are on the field, something that the previous editions cannot do.
The Visuals of Kakarot’s World
I mentioned earlier how the gameplay is pretty much the same as on previous consoles. Well, that is because the PS5 edition focuses more on the visuals and performance of the game. CyberConnect2 went back into this game and reworked almost all of the visuals of the game, be it the environment and even the effects as they want to make the most out of PS5’s potential.
The lighting in the PS5 version are vastly improved upon, making the landscape not only look much richer in life but also having a more dynamic feel to it through realistic shadows, longer draw distances and warmer sunlight.
Before, the plains stage looked a tad bit flat but now, grasses are now visible everywhere and there’s more fauna all around that just makes the environment looking far more lively now. It almost makes me feel bad for destroying it during battle. Just a tiny bit.
Character models wise though, it was already good during the PS4 days but there were some improvements albeit minimal. They look more clearer and less crispier than before, especially during combat with all those blows being thrown around.
The Dragon’s Verdict
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for the PS5 is definitely the best way to enjoy the game. Faster framerate, better visuals and performance and all around far more content available considering there are now DLCs for the game.
Sure, the game is three years old but nevertheless, it is still an amazing game within the Dragon Ball video game series and you’ll sure to enjoy it. In fact, those that have already owned the game on older consoles gets a free upgrade for the next gen console edition and you can even carry over your progress. Those who don’t have it can get a fresh experience and relive the events of Dragon Ball now with better quality.
If you’re interested in learning more about the game, give our review of the game a read and see what it’s like to be Earth’s mightiest warrior.