Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
{{Short description|2020 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
| image = Dragon Ball Z Kakarot logo.png
| developer = CyberConnect2
| publisher = Bandai Namco Entertainment
| series = Dragon Ball
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|PlayStation 4|Xbox One|Windows|Nintendo Switch|Stadia|PlayStation 5|Xbox Series X/S}}
| genre = Action role-playing, fighting
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|January 16, 2020}}|PS4, Xbox One{{vgrelease|JP|January 16, 2020|WW|January 17, 2020}}Windows{{vgrelease|WW|January 17, 2020|JP|May 23, 2024{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/article/202405/5859|title=『ドラゴンボール』Steam版の3作品が日本で購入可能に。『カカロット』『ゼノバース2』『ファイターズ』の"おま国"状態が解除|magazine=Famitsu|date=May 23, 2024|access-date=May 24, 2024|language=Japanese|archive-date=May 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524142937/https://www.famitsu.com/article/202405/5859|url-status=live}}}} Nintendo Switch{{vgrelease|WW|September 24, 2021}}Stadia{{vgrelease|WW|October 26, 2021}}PlayStation 5{{vgrelease|JP|January 12, 2023|WW|January 13, 2023}}Xbox Series X/S{{vgrelease|WW|February 3, 2023}}}}
| engine = Unreal Engine 4
| director = Akihiro Anai
| producer = {{ubl|Taichiro Miyazaki|Yuki Nishikawa}}
| writer = {{ubl|Yasuhiro Noguchi|Shinsaku Sawamura}}
| composer = {{ubl|Yasushi Asada|Noriko Murakami|Keisuke Ito|Eisei Kudo}}
| modes = Single-player
}}
{{nihongo|Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot|ドラゴンボールZ カカロット|Doragon Bōru Zetto Kakarotto}} is an action role-playing game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, based on the Dragon Ball franchise. It was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows in January 2020, Nintendo Switch in September 2021, Stadia in October 2021, PlayStation 5 in January 2023, and Xbox Series X/S in February 2023. The game follows the main protagonist Goku and the Z-Fighters throughout the events of the Dragon Ball Z anime, including anime-original storylines and moments.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-will-cover-the-cell-saga-and/1100-6469183/|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Will Cover The Cell Saga And Filler Material, Including The Fan-Favourite Driving Test Episode|website=GameSpot|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819024436/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-will-cover-the-cell-saga-and/1100-6469183/|url-status=live}}
The game received mixed reviews upon release. The game has sold over {{nowrap|8 million}} copies worldwide as of July 2024.
Gameplay
Kakarot is primarily an action role-playing game with fighting game elements.{{Citation|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review - IGN|date=21 January 2020|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|access-date=2020-04-18|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627010442/https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|url-status=live}} The player can battle opponents and do activities like fishing, collecting Z orbs, eating, driving in a hover car, training, and putting characters in soul emblems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|title=BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America – More fun for everyone!|website=www.bandainamcoent.com|access-date=2020-04-18|archive-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901132339/https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}} The game's plot follows the progression of the anime series, as the player interacts with the surrounding world as the different playable characters. Players can explore the world and complete side quests to progress the story. The game is broken up into four storylines: the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Cell Saga (where the player acquires their hover car), and the Buu Saga.
Bonus storylines can be purchased as downloadable content; including a retelling of the Battle of Gods and the Resurrection 'F' storylines seen in Dragon Ball Super.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} A DLC original storyline set after the events of Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks, featuring Future Trunks' confrontation with Babidi to prevent Majin Buu's awakening (a scenario briefly covered in both the Super Anime and Manga), was released on June 11, 2021.
There are seven playable characters in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot that the player will guide throughout the story. These include Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Future Trunks, Gotenks, and Vegito.{{Cite web|url=https://gamertweak.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-playable-characters-list/|title=All Playable Characters in Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Guide|date=2020-01-18|website=Gamer Tweak|access-date=2020-04-18|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021012359/https://gamertweak.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-playable-characters-list/|url-status=live}} As the player progresses through the game, they will unlock new characters to play.
In addition to the playable characters, the player is able to select two supporting characters to aid in their battle each with their own special moves. These characters include Krillin, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, Android 18, Goten, and Kid Trunks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesatlas.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/guides/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-characters|title=All Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Playable Characters, Support, and Bosses - Full List - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Guides - Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot|last=Simone|website=Games Atlas|date=January 16, 2020|access-date=2020-04-18|archive-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506121259/https://www.gamesatlas.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/guides/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-characters|url-status=live}}
The bosses that appear in-game include Raditz, Nappa, Vegeta, Cui, Dodoria, Zarbon, Ginyu Force, Frieza, Android 19, Android 20, Android 18, Android 17, Cell, Cell Jr., Pui Pui, Yakon, Dabura, Majin Vegeta, Majin Buu, Super Buu, Kid Buu, Beerus and Mira. {{nihongo|Bonyū|ボニュー}}, an original character designed by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama for the game, also appears as a boss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/all-new-character-bonyu-will-debut-in-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-564526.phtml|title=All-new character Bonyu will debut in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot|last=Moyse|first=Chris|website=Destructoid|date=August 22, 2019|access-date=September 20, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212046/https://www.destructoid.com/all-new-character-bonyu-will-debut-in-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-564526.phtml|url-status=live}}
Development
The game was announced in January 2019 via a trailer during Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour Finals under the working title Dragon Ball Game: Project Z. Described as an action role-playing game, the game was said to be in development by CyberConnect2, known for their work on Asura's Wrath and Naruto Ultimate Ninja series, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC through Steam.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-project-z-game-revealed-check-out-the-/1100-6464615/|title=Dragon Ball Project Z Game Revealed, Check Out The First Trailer|website=GameSpot|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820181649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-project-z-game-revealed-check-out-the-/1100-6464615/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/08/20/its-cell-saga-time-in-the-latest-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-trailer|title=It's Cell Saga Time in the Latest Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Trailer|last=Luster|first=Joseph|website=Crunchyroll|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820182101/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2019/08/20/its-cell-saga-time-in-the-latest-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-trailer|url-status=live}} Although initially targeting 2019 release, the final title, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, and the early 2020 release window were announced during Microsoft's 2019 E3 conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/06/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-launches-early-2020|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot launches early 2020|website=Gematsu|date=June 9, 2019|access-date=October 26, 2021|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026114349/https://www.gematsu.com/2019/06/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-launches-early-2020|url-status=live}}
The game was released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles in Japan on January 16, and for all platforms in the west one day later on January 17, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/09/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-launches-january-17-2020-in-the-west|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot launches January 17, 2020 in the west|website=Gematsu|access-date=September 11, 2019|archive-date=September 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920160207/https://gematsu.com/2019/09/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-launches-january-17-2020-in-the-west|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|title=BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America – More fun for everyone!|website=www.bandainamcoent .com|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901132339/https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}} The Nintendo Switch version of the game was announced in June 2021, and released on September 24, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-a-new-power-awakens-set-coming-to-switch-on-september-24|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set coming to Switch on September 24|website=Gematsu|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=October 26, 2021|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026114350/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-a-new-power-awakens-set-coming-to-switch-on-september-24|url-status=live}} It includes the base game and "A New Power Awakens" DLC. Versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S were announced in September 2022, set to launch in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-is-getting-a-ps5-xbox-series-x-s-upgrade-and-new-story-dlc/1100-6507590/|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Is Getting A PS5/Xbox Series X{{!}}S Upgrade And New Story DLC|first=Darryn|last=Bonthuys|website=GameSpot|date=September 16, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022|archive-date=September 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916222427/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-is-getting-a-ps5-xbox-series-x-s-upgrade-and-new-story-dlc/1100-6507590/|url-status=live}} While the former saw a release on January 12 in Japan, and January 13 worldwide, the launch of Xbox Series X/S upgrade and its coinciding DLC was postponed to February 3 due to a game-breaking technical issue where the save data from the Xbox One version would not readily work with the Series X{{!}}S version without converting it from the original version.{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/meristation_en/2023/01/14/news/1673652275_026267.html|title=Dragon Ball Z Kakarot 'next gen' delayed on Xbox X Series and Xbox Series S "due to a technical issue"|first=Borja|last=Ruete|website=Diario AS|date=January 13, 2023|access-date=January 16, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115222613/https://en.as.com/meristation_en/2023/01/14/news/1673652275_026267.html|url-status=live}}
=Downloadable content=
A downloadable content (DLC) season pass launched alongside the game in January 2020. In addition to a "Steaming-Hot Grilled Fish cooking item", the pass gradually added new modes and storylines over the course of the following year.
The first DLC for the game, titled A New Power Awakens - Part 1, was released on April 28, 2020. The DLC introduces transformations and characters seen in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods and covers the events of the movie.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarots-dragon-ball-super-dlc-is-ou/1100-6475062/|title=Dragon Ball Super DLC Is Coming To Kakarot RPG This Spring|website=GameSpot|access-date=2020-04-18|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610083127/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarots-dragon-ball-super-dlc-is-ou/1100-6475062/|url-status=live}}
A free update was released on the October 27, 2020, which added Dragon Ball Card Warriors, a card battle mode with online multiplayer support. Service for the mode was ended in 2023, with an offline version releasing following the server shut down.{{cite web|last=Tu|first=Trumann|title=Dragon Ball Card Warriors is Shutting Down|url=https://gamerant.com/dragon-ball-card-warriors-shut-down-when/|website=GameRant|access-date=September 11, 2023|date=December 10, 2022|archive-date=July 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715162659/https://gamerant.com/dragon-ball-card-warriors-shut-down-when/|url-status=live}}
The second DLC, titled A New Power Awakens - Part 2, was released on November 17, 2020. The DLC introduces a new mode where players battle 1000 enemies, including Golden Frieza, and is based on the events of Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'.
The final DLC of the season pass, Trunks: The Warrior of Hope, was released on June 10, 2021.{{cite web| url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1144582/DRAGON_BALL_Z_KAKAROT__TRUNKS__THE_WARRIOR_OF_HOPE/| title=DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT - TRUNKS - THE WARRIOR OF HOPE on Steam| access-date=August 11, 2022| archive-date=August 11, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811023608/https://store.steampowered.com/app/1144582/DRAGON_BALL_Z_KAKAROT__TRUNKS__THE_WARRIOR_OF_HOPE/| url-status=live}} The DLC adds a new storyline set in Future Trunks' timeline seen in Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks as well as an extra saga featuring Babidi and Dabura, briefly covered in the manga version of Dragon Ball Super.{{Cite web|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – Next DLC Features Brand New Story Arc|url=https://gamingbolt.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-next-dlc-features-brand-new-story-arc|access-date=2020-11-23|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009180519/https://gamingbolt.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-next-dlc-features-brand-new-story-arc|url-status=live}}
During Tokyo Game Show 2022, a second season pass with three DLCs was announced for the game along with a free next-gen update for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S users. The first DLC, Bardock: Alone Against Fate, was released on January 13, 2023, and covers the events of Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku along with a side story focusing on a child Vegeta.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/12/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-bardock-alone-against-fate-launches-january-13-2023|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC '-Bardock- Alone Against Fate' launches January 13, 2023|date=December 13, 2022|access-date=July 26, 2023|archive-date=July 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726025358/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/12/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-bardock-alone-against-fate-launches-january-13-2023|url-status=live }} The second, The 23rd World Tournament, released on August 17, 2023, adds a new "Ground Battle" mode covering the Piccolo Jr. saga of the original Dragon Ball anime.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-the-23rd-world-tournament-ground-battle-trailer|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC 'The 23rd World Tournament' – 'Ground Battle' trailer|date=July 13, 2023|access-date=July 26, 2023|archive-date=July 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715022205/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-the-23rd-world-tournament-ground-battle-trailer|url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Game's 23rd World Tournament DLC Launches on August 17|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2023-08-09/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-game-23rd-world-tournament-dlc-launches-on-august-17/.201141|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 7, 2024|date=August 9, 2023|archive-date=August 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813003828/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2023-08-09/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-game-23rd-world-tournament-dlc-launches-on-august-17/.201141|url-status=live}} The third and final part, Goku's Next Journey, cover the battle between Goku and Uub, and was released on February 21, 2024.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Game Reveals 'Goku's Next Journey' DLC|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-28/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-game-reveals-goku-next-journey-dlc/.206958|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 29, 2024|date=January 28, 2024|archive-date=January 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129022256/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-28/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-game-reveals-goku-next-journey-dlc/.206958|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC 'Goku's Next Journey' launches February 21|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-gokus-next-journey-launches-february-21|website=Gematsu|access-date=December 7, 2024|date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=July 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721041829/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-dlc-gokus-next-journey-launches-february-21|url-status=live}}
During New York Comic Con 2024, a DLC focusing on Dragon Ball Daima, called Adventure Through the Demon Realm Part 1, was announced.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Game Reveals Vegeta (Mini), Glorio DLC; Kakarot/Xenoverse 2 Games Add Goku (Mini)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-10-17/dragon-ball-sparking-zero-game-reveals-vegeta-glorio-dlc-kakarot-xenoverse-2-games-add-goku/.216855|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 18, 2024|date=October 17, 2024}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 73/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for PC Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|access-date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512101853/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}}
PS4: 73/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for PlayStation 4 Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|access-date=February 1, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705080004/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}}
XONE: 73/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for Xbox One Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|access-date=March 8, 2020|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707011215/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}}
NS: 78/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-plus-a-new-power-awakens-set/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set for Switch Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|access-date=April 9, 2022|archive-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108055722/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-+-a-new-power-awakens-set|url-status=live}}
PS5: 76/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot for PlayStation 5 Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures|access-date=March 14, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135920/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}}
| Destruct = 7/10{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|title=Review: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-577963.phtml|website=Destructoid|date=January 21, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120015726/https://www.destructoid.com/review-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-577963.phtml|url-status=live}}
| GI = 8/10{{cite magazine|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review – Flawed But Still Enthralling|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-flawed-but-still-enthralling|magazine=Game Informer|date=January 24, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506061250/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-flawed-but-still-enthralling|url-status=live}}
| GameRev = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Faulkner|first=Jason|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review – This dragon still rocks|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/629963-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-this-dragon-still-rocks|publisher=Game Revolution|date=January 24, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043032/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/629963-dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-this-dragon-still-rocks|url-status=live}}
| GSpot = 7/10{{cite web|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review - Mondo Cool|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-mondo-cool/1900-6417393/|website=GameSpot|date=January 24, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513232359/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review-mondo-cool/1900-6417393/|url-status=live}}
| GRadar = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web|last=Coles|first=Jason|title=DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT REVIEW: "NOSTALGIA'S NOT ENOUGH"|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review/|website=GamesRadar|date=January 21, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043031/https://www.gamesradar.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review/|url-status=live}}
| IGN = 7/10{{cite web|last=Saltzman|first=Mitchell|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|website=IGN|date=January 21, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627010442/https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|url-status=live}}
| NLife = {{Rating|7|10}}{{cite web|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set Review (Switch)|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dragon_ball_z_kakarot_plus_a_new_power_awakens_set|website=Nintendo Life|date=September 30, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107005705/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/dragon_ball_z_kakarot_plus_a_new_power_awakens_set|url-status=live}}
| PCGUK = 76%{{cite magazine|last=Henges|first=Liz|title=DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT REVIEW|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review/|magazine=PC Gamer|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043237/https://www.pcgamer.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review/|url-status=live}}
| rev1 = Slant Magazine
| rev2 = Trusted Reviews
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review|last=Ahmed|first=Sayem|date=January 16, 2020|website=Trusted Reviews|publisher=TI Media|access-date=February 14, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043051/https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/dragon-ball-z-kakarot|url-status=live}}
| rev3 = Vandal
}}
Kakarot received "mixed or average" reviews for the Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One versions and "generally favorable" reviews for the Switch and PlayStation 5 versions according to review aggregator Metacritic. IGN{{'s}} Michael Saltzman gave Kakarot a score of 7, praising its combat and story presentation, but criticized its poor RPG elements.{{Cite web|last=Saltzman|first=Mitchell|date=2020-01-21|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Review|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|access-date=2023-12-02|website=IGN|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627010442/https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-review|url-status=live}}
Kakarot was awarded 7/10 in GameSpot{{'s}} review, with Heidi Kemps saying that its "modern, semi-open approach to telling the saga of DBZ - despite some minor issues - is a good one." Kemps concluded that "[i]f you're looking for an enjoyable way to see the life and times of adult Goku through a new perspective, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will grant your wish."{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-is-an-early-success/1100-6473540/|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Is An Early Success|website=GameSpot|access-date=2020-02-11|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009180459/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-is-an-early-success-so-far/1100-6473540/|url-status=live}}
The game was the second best-selling game during its first week on sale in Japan, with 89,537 copies being sold, behind Yakuza: Like a Dragon.{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=January 22, 2020|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/01/famitsu-sales-1-13-19-1-19-20|title=Famitsu Sales: 1/13/19 – 1/19/20|publisher=Gematsu|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123164450/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/01/famitsu-sales-1-13-19-1-19-20|url-status=live}} In the United Kingdom, Kakarot debuted at number one on the sales chart.{{cite news|title=UK Sales Charts: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Goes Super Saiyan with Number One Debut|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/01/uk_sales_charts_dragon_ball_z_kakarot_goes_super_saiyan_with_number_one_debut|access-date=24 January 2020|work=Push Square|publisher=Gamer Network|date=20 January 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127134427/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/01/uk_sales_charts_dragon_ball_z_kakarot_goes_super_saiyan_with_number_one_debut|url-status=live}}
In a conference call, Bandai Namco revealed that the game sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide in its first week release, rendering it a commercial success.{{Cite web|url = https://wccftech.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-sales-1-5-million/|title = Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Sales Surpass 1.5 Million in Its First Week, Bandai Namco Announces|date = 2020-02-10|access-date = February 10, 2020|archive-date = June 16, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043307/https://wccftech.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-sales-1-5-million/|url-status = live}}{{cite web|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Sells Over 1.5 Million in First Week|url=https://screenrant.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-sales-first-week/|website=SCREENRANT|date=February 10, 2020|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043012/https://screenrant.com/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-sales-first-week/|url-status=live}} By March 2020, the game had sold over {{nowrap|2 million}} copies worldwide, combining total shipments and digital sales.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-two-million|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot shipments and digital sales top two million|date=2020-03-10|website=Gematsu|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043134/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-two-million|url-status=live}} By December 2021, it had sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.{{Cite web|date=2022-01-02|title=CyberConnect2 to announce new game in February|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/01/cyberconnect2-to-announce-new-game-in-february|access-date=2022-01-03|website=Gematsu|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102214429/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/01/cyberconnect2-to-announce-new-game-in-february|url-status=live}} Total shipments and digital sales surpassed 8 million units worldwide by July 2024.{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot shipments and digital sales top eight million|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/07/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-eight-million|website=Gematsu|access-date=July 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704214637/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/07/dragon-ball-z-kakarot-shipments-and-digital-sales-top-eight-million|archive-date=July 4, 2024|date=July 4, 2024|url-status=live}}
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot was the best-selling game of January 2020 in the United States, and had the third highest-selling launch month for a game in the Dragon Ball franchise, behind Dragon Ball FighterZ and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/14/january-2020-npd-even-goku-cant-rescue-game-spending/|title=January 2020 NPD: Even Goku can't rescue game spending|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|date=February 14, 2020|access-date=February 15, 2020|website=VentureBeat|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215091519/https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/14/january-2020-npd-even-goku-cant-rescue-game-spending/|url-status=live}}
{{clear}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-z-kakarot}}
- {{Official website|https://dbar.bn-ent.net/}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{Dragon Ball games}}
{{CyberConnect2}}
Category:Action role-playing video games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:Open-world video games
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Unreal Engine 4 games
Category:Video games developed in Japan
Category:Video games featuring artwork by Akira Toriyama
Category:Video games scored by Yasushi Asada