Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3: A Decade in the Making and a Future That’s (Hopefully) Not on Fire
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Jeff dives into the long-awaited reveal of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, questioning if the 'Age 1000' setting and a 2027 release date can finally deliver a future that feels genuinely fresh for the franchise.
Right, so I’ve spent the better part of the morning poking at the digital ley lines and trying to make sense of the latest blast from the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour in Los Angeles. Honestly, you wait nearly ten years for a sequel, and then Bandai Namco drops a trailer that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally teleported into a different timeline altogether. As first reported by Fran Ruiz over at Eurogamer, the mystery project we’ve been squinting at under the codename 'Age 1000' has finally dropped its mask. Surprise, surprise: it’s Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3.
Now, before we get all misty-eyed and start charging our ki, let’s take a breath. 2027. That’s the release window. I reckon by the time this game actually lands on our consoles and PCs, we might actually have real flying cars, or at least a version of the internet that doesn't feel like it’s being held together by duct tape and prayers. But bloody hell, a decade between entries? Xenoverse 2 came out in 2016. In gaming years, that’s practically the Paleolithic era. To put it in perspective, I’ve seen entire console generations rise and fall in the time it’s taken them to count to three.
The reveal trailer—which you should definitely track down if you fancy a mix of slick animation and that crisp, in-engine gloss—sets the stage in 'West City.' But this isn't the West City your grandad remembers. We’re talking about the Age 1000, a vibrant, futuristic leap forward. Bandai Namco is being a bit cagey about the specifics, but the vibe is very much 'Original Vision.' I’m cautiously optimistic here, mates. Usually, when a franchise says they’re going into the distant future, it means they’ve run out of ways to retell the Raditz fight for the thousandth time. If this means we get a break from the 'Androids ruined everything' trope, I am absolutely here for it.
The big hook this time around is something called the 'Great Saiyan Squad.' The press release—bless their corporate hearts—promises we’ll be fighting alongside allies as events 'begin to take shape.' Now, I’ve read enough digital tea leaves to know that 'events taking shape' is often PR-speak for 'we haven’t finished the script yet,' but the focus on a squad-based RPG experience is an interesting pivot. It sounds like they’re leaning heavily into the RPG side of things, promising an 'epic story-driven journey.' I’m gently skeptical, though. Every time a publisher uses the word 'unforgettable,' I find myself checking my inventory for actual substance. But, if they can capture that feeling of being a small part of a massive, evolving world—maybe even one where our digital legacies feel like they actually matter—they might be onto something special.
What really tickles my curiosity is the roster. The pitch seems to be focusing on this new setting with fresh characters. Does this mean we’re finally moving past the 'Goku and Friends' Greatest Hits tour? Probably not. You can’t have a Dragon Ball game without the big hitters; it’d be like having a wizard without a staff—technically possible, but you look a bit silly doing it. However, the idea of exploring a distant future with a custom character who actually has a stake in a new world? That’s where the magic is. It reminds me of the early days of Web3 gaming dreams—the idea of a persistent identity in a world that evolves. While there’s no official word on blockchain elements here, the structure of a long-term, evolving RPG in a brand-new era certainly leaves the door ajar for some interesting tech if they're feeling brave.
Developer Dimps is back at the helm, which is fair dinkum. They’re the veterans of the franchise, and they know how to make a Kamehameha feel like it’s actually cracking your TV screen. But I do wonder if ten years is enough time for them to have learned some new tricks. The 'Age 1000' setting feels like a blank canvas. I’m hoping they use it to paint something more than just another 'fix the timeline' simulator. Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing Time Patrol as much as the next bloke, but after a decade, I’m ready for a story that moves forward rather than just tidying up the past.
So, we’ve got a long road to 2027. It’s a bit of a tease, isn't it? Announcing a game three years out feels like casting a high-level fireball and then realizing the casting time is several thousand frames. But if it gives them the time to actually innovate—to make West City feel like a living, breathing hub and not just a menu with extra steps—then I’m willing to wait.
In the meantime, keep an eye on those 'Battle Hour' updates. Bandai Namco says more news is coming in the months ahead, and you can bet your last Zeni I’ll be here to pick it apart. Is this the revolutionary leap the franchise needs, or just a very shiny coat of paint on a very old ship? Only time—and maybe a bit of time travel—will tell. For now, I’m keeping my scouter on 'low' and my expectations at 'cautiously hyped.' After all, in a world where we can blow up planets with our index fingers, surely we can manage to make a sequel that feels truly new.
Tags: Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3, Bandai Namco, Gaming News, RPG, Future Gaming
Original article: Eurogamer