Super Saiyan Furry-ism and Blunt Punches: Why We’re Still Hooked on the 2D Grind
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Jeff dives into the nostalgic wizardry of SS4 Goku's arrival in Dragon Ball FighterZ while finding an odd, charming contrast in the launch of Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch.
Bloody hell, I’ve been staring at these pixels so long I’m starting to see frames of animation in my morning tea. You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well? That’s what Arc System Works did years ago with Dragon Ball FighterZ, and yet, here we are again, staring down the barrel of another trailer. This time, it’s the man, the myth, the monkey—SS4 Goku is making his presence felt, and I’ve got some thoughts.
Now, before you lot start screaming about whether Dragon Ball GT is actually ‘canon’ (spare me the lore lecture, mate, I’ve heard it all), we have to acknowledge the sheer technical wizardry on display here. I reckon Arc System Works has some sort of pact with a digital deity because the way they translate 2D hand-drawn aesthetics into a 3D engine is nothing short of sorcery. Watching SS4 Goku—with that glorious, questionable pinkish-red fur and the 'I-just-woke-up-and-chose-violence' eyeliner—is a nostalgic trip that hits harder than a Final Kamehameha.
But what does this actually mean for us, the players? FighterZ has been out for what feels like an eternity in gaming years. In the Web3 world, we’re always looking for the 'next big thing' or the 'forever game,' but here’s a traditional title that refuses to go down, like a Saiyan at 1% HP holding onto a Sparking burst. It makes me wonder: why are we still so obsessed with these specific iterations of characters? It’s the nostalgia trap, isn't it? We see that red fur, and suddenly we’re ten years old again, eating cereal on a Saturday morning. It’s clever marketing disguised as a love letter, and honestly, I’m not even mad about it.
There is, however, a bit of a skeptic’s itch I need to scratch. We’re seeing these trailers pop up again, and while the visual fidelity is top-notch, I have to ask—are we just reshuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic, or is there a genuine future for this specific fighter? With the industry leaning so heavily into 'live services' and endless seasons, the line between a 'new update' and 'monetizing your childhood memories' gets thinner than a piece of trace paper. I’m cautiously optimistic that the continued support means they’re perfecting the formula for whatever comes next, but a small part of me—the part that’s seen too many 'Roadmaps' lead to nowhere—is keeping a close eye on the bill.
And then, because the universe loves a bit of chaotic irony, we pivot from the high-octane, planet-shattering stakes of Dragon Ball to something… a bit more grounded. Or perhaps ‘underground’ is the better word. Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Blunt Punch has its launch trailer out, and if that isn't a tonal whiplash, I don't know what is. It’s like going from a Michelin-star meal to a greasy kebab at 3 AM. Both have their merits, but you definitely feel different after consuming them.
Chronic Blunt Punch is a 2D brawler that leans heavily into the Kevin Smith cinematic universe (the 'View Askewniverse' for the nerds in the back). It’s got that gritty, hand-drawn indie charm that feels like a middle finger to the polished, corporate sheen of AAA titles. I’ve always had a soft spot for indies that do something genuinely innovative—or in this case, something so unapologetically niche that it loops back around to being brilliant. It’s a community-driven vibe, the kind of project that lives and breathes on the enthusiasm of a very specific fanbase.
In the grand scheme of things, seeing these two titles side-by-side in the news cycle is a bit like a wizard accidentally opening two portals at once. One leads to a world of cosmic warriors and literal gods, and the other leads to a convenience store in New Jersey. But here’s the clever bit: they both represent the same fundamental human desire in gaming. We want to master a system, we want to see cool art, and we want to feel like we’re part of a story—whether that’s saving the universe or just getting a decent blunt.
I’ve been tinkering with these stories all morning, and it strikes me that the 'Why' here is about longevity. Dragon Ball FighterZ stays relevant because it’s a masterpiece of technical execution. Jay and Silent Bob stays relevant (to its fans) because of its soul and its refusal to be anything other than what it is. In an era where big studios are consolidating and 'fixing' things that weren't broken, there’s something heartening about seeing a massive IP and a cult classic both just… existing in the 2D space, punching things.
So, do we reckon SS4 Goku is the final word, or just another stop on the hype train? And can an indie brawler based on 90s stoner icons survive in 2024? I’m leaning towards 'yes' on both, provided we don't let the corporate PR speak drown out the fact that, at the end of the day, we just want to hit buttons and see something cool happen on the screen.
Fair dinkum, it’s a wild time to be a gamer. We’ve got gods and stoners, high-budget sorcery and indie grit. I’ll be keeping my digital tea leaves handy to see where this leads, but for now, I might just go practice my quarter-circle forwards. Just in case a portal opens in my living room.
Tags: Dragon Ball FighterZ, Arc System Works, Indie Games, Fighting Games, Gaming Culture
Original article: IGN South Africa