Dragon Ball: The Breakers

Asymmetrical online survival game with a unique Dragon Ball twist.

Gameplay and Core Mechanics

Dragon Ball: The Breakers offers a unique approach to the beloved franchise, shifting from traditional fighting and RPG gameplay into the realm of asymmetrical multiplayer action. Developed by Dimps, this title presents a tense, cat-and-mouse scenario set within the Dragon Ball universe. Players are divided into two roles: seven as ordinary Survivors and one as the formidable Raider, drawn from the franchise's roster of iconic villains.

The Survivors, mostly civilian characters, must work together to gather power keys, activate the Super Time Machine, and escape the map—all while evading a relentless opponent. The Raider, meanwhile, hunts the Survivors, evolving and gaining strength over the course of the match. This premise sets the stage for a blend of stealth, strategy, and urgent collaboration rarely seen in Dragon Ball games.

Survivor Experience

Playing as a Survivor introduces an adrenaline-fueled sense of vulnerability. Unlike franchise protagonists, Survivors don’t possess superhuman abilities from the outset. Instead, they must scavenge for items, use changing kits (Transpheres) that allow temporary transformation into well-known Z fighters, and employ clever tactics to distract or escape from the Raider. Customization options, character skins, and progression systems let players tailor their approach, unlocking new skills and utilities as they play.

The Raider Role

As the Raider, players embody classic villains such as Cell, Freeza, or, introduced in recent content, Baby. Each Raider features distinct abilities and an evolution system where they become more powerful and gain new skills by eliminating Survivors and causing destruction. Playing as the Raider is a very different experience—strategic, predatory, and full of evolving threats for the Survivors.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Dragon Ball: The Breakers leverages a stylized aesthetic reminiscent of recent titles in the series. While the graphics are not top-tier compared to mainline Dragon Ball games, they capture the spirit and charisma of the universe. Environments are destructible and interactive, and fan-favorite locations appear throughout the maps, adding a layer of nostalgia for long-time fans.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Matches are highly dynamic and the unpredictability introduced by human players ensures that no two rounds play out the same. The cooperative aspect among Survivors encourages communication and teamwork, while the Raider offers a solo, power-trip experience. Seasonal updates inject new Raiders, skins, and power-ups, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Seasonal Content and Updates

With the addition of Season 6, the title gains even more depth. Baby joins as a new Raider, capable of manipulating both Survivors and NPCs against players and evolving through several destructive forms. New skins and special skills tied to popular characters bring fan service and practical benefits.

Performance and Technical Aspects

Performance is generally stable, with quick matchmaking and robust netcode. Some users have reported balance concerns, especially regarding Raider strength and Survivors' reliance on teamwork, which can be challenging in solo queue scenarios. Nevertheless, regular patches continue to address these community issues.

Final Thoughts

Dragon Ball: The Breakers stands out as a creative spin-off that fuses beloved elements of the franchise with popular asymmetrical multiplayer gameplay. It's an ideal pick for fans eager to experience a different side of the Dragon Ball world, though its pacing and focus on collaboration may not suit everyone.