Dragon Ball Z Kakarot: PC Gameplay & Review

Hey Saiyan fans! Ready to dive into the world of Dragon Ball Z Kakarot on PC? This game isn't just another anime tie-in; it’s a full-blown action RPG that lets you relive the epic saga of Goku and his friends. Let's break down what makes the PC version of Kakarot a must-play for any DBZ enthusiast.

First Impressions: Graphics and Performance

When you fire up Dragon Ball Z Kakarot on your PC, the first thing that'll probably hit you is the visual fidelity. The character models are incredibly faithful to the anime, and the environments are vibrant and detailed. Seeing Goku power up to Super Saiyan Blue is a real treat, with the aura effects and energy blasts looking absolutely stunning. But, of course, graphics aren't everything. How does it run?

Thankfully, Kakarot is pretty well-optimized for PC. Even on mid-range hardware, you can expect to hit a smooth 60 frames per second at 1080p with high settings. If you're rocking a beefier rig, you can crank up the resolution to 1440p or even 4K for an even more immersive experience. Just be sure to tweak the settings to find the sweet spot for your particular setup. Things like shadow quality and anti-aliasing can have a significant impact on performance, so don't be afraid to experiment.

One of the great things about playing on PC is the flexibility. You can use a controller for that classic console feel, or you can stick with a keyboard and mouse if that's more your style. The game offers full control remapping, so you can customize the controls to your liking. Plus, with support for ultra-wide monitors, you can get an even wider view of the action. Imagine flying around the open world, taking in the sights with that extra screen real estate – it's pretty epic.

Reliving the Saga: Story and Content

Dragon Ball Z Kakarot covers the main story arcs of DBZ, from the Saiyan Saga all the way through the Buu Saga. This means you get to experience all the iconic moments, from Goku's first battle with Vegeta to the climactic showdown with Kid Buu. The game does a great job of recreating these scenes, with faithful recreations of the anime's key events and dialogue.

But it's not just about reliving the main story. Kakarot also features a ton of side content to keep you busy. You can go fishing, hunt dinosaurs, collect Dragon Balls, and even train with various characters to unlock new abilities. These side activities add a lot of depth to the game and give you a reason to explore the world beyond the main story missions.

The open-world is another standout feature. While it's not a seamless, interconnected world like in some other open-world games, the various zones are large and filled with things to discover. You can fly around, explore different locations, and interact with familiar characters from the DBZ universe. It really feels like you're stepping into the world of Dragon Ball.

Combat System: Fast-Paced and Flashy

The combat in Dragon Ball Z Kakarot is fast-paced and action-packed. You'll be engaging in intense aerial battles, unleashing devastating special moves, and dodging enemy attacks with lightning-fast reflexes. The combat system is relatively simple to pick up, but it offers enough depth to keep you engaged. You can string together combos, charge your Ki to unleash powerful attacks, and even transform into Super Saiyan forms to gain an edge in battle.

Each character has their own unique moveset and playstyle. Goku is a well-rounded fighter who excels at close-quarters combat, while Vegeta is more of a ranged attacker who relies on Ki blasts. Gohan is a versatile character who can switch between different fighting styles depending on the situation. Experimenting with different characters and finding your favorite playstyle is part of the fun.

The special moves are where the combat really shines. Unleashing a Kamehameha or a Galick Gun is incredibly satisfying, with flashy animations and devastating effects. You can also learn new special moves as you progress through the game, adding even more variety to your arsenal. The combat is not without its flaws. It can sometimes feel a bit repetitive, especially during longer battles. And the enemy AI isn't always the smartest, which can make some encounters feel a bit too easy. But overall, the combat is a fun and engaging experience that captures the spirit of Dragon Ball Z.

RPG Elements: Leveling Up and Customization

Dragon Ball Z Kakarot isn't just an action game; it also has a lot of RPG elements. You'll be leveling up your characters, learning new skills, and equipping items to boost your stats. These RPG elements add a layer of depth to the game and give you a sense of progression as you become stronger and more powerful.

The skill tree is where you'll spend most of your time when it comes to character progression. You can unlock new abilities, upgrade existing ones, and even learn passive skills that provide various bonuses. The skill tree is fairly extensive, and it allows you to customize your characters to fit your playstyle. For example, you can focus on increasing your attack power, improving your Ki regeneration, or boosting your defense.

The equipment system is relatively simple. You can equip various items to boost your stats, such as attack power, defense, and Ki. These items can be found throughout the world or crafted using materials you collect. While the equipment system isn't the most complex, it does add another layer of customization to your characters.

PC-Specific Features and Mods

Playing Dragon Ball Z Kakarot on PC has some advantages over the console versions. One of the biggest is the ability to mod the game. The PC modding community is incredibly active, and there are already tons of mods available for Kakarot. These mods can do everything from improving the graphics to adding new characters and storylines.

For example, there are mods that replace the character models with higher-resolution versions, making the game look even better. There are also mods that add new costumes, allowing you to dress up your characters in different outfits. And there are even mods that add entirely new storylines, expanding the game beyond the main DBZ saga.

Another advantage of playing on PC is the ability to tweak the graphics settings to your liking. You can adjust the resolution, shadow quality, anti-aliasing, and other settings to find the perfect balance between visual fidelity and performance. This is especially useful if you have a high-end PC and want to push the game to its limits.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is Dragon Ball Z Kakarot worth playing on PC? If you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, then the answer is a resounding yes. The game does a great job of reliving the iconic saga, with faithful recreations of the anime's key moments and characters. The combat is fast-paced and engaging, and the RPG elements add a layer of depth to the game.

The PC version of Kakarot offers several advantages over the console versions, including better graphics, mod support, and customizable settings. If you have a decent gaming PC, then this is the best way to experience Dragon Ball Z Kakarot. Even with the occasional repetitive quest or minor graphical hiccup, the overall experience is a blast for any DBZ fan. So, grab your copy, power up, and get ready to relive the legend!