Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, a vibrant and action-packed fighting game set in the beloved Dragon Ball universe, quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This sequel expanded upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, offering a deeper experience, a more expansive roster, and a compelling time-travel narrative. A crucial aspect of any fighting game, especially one as popular as Xenoverse 2, is its initial offering of playable characters. This article delves deep into the Xenoverse 2 release roster, providing a comprehensive guide to the original fighters who graced our screens when the game first launched. We’ll explore the strengths, weaknesses, and iconic moves that defined the initial combatants, painting a portrait of the game’s very first battleground.
Setting the Stage: Xenoverse 2 Launch
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 blasted onto the scene in late October 2016, initially launching on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, before making its way to PC via Steam. The Nintendo Switch version arrived later, in September 2017. The game was met with a generally positive reception from critics and players. Reviewers praised its expansive world, improved combat mechanics compared to the original Xenoverse, and the sheer amount of content it offered. It catered to both casual players and dedicated Dragon Ball aficionados, providing a rich and engaging experience that kept players coming back for more.
Xenoverse 2 wasn’t just a fighting game; it was a celebration of the Dragon Ball saga. Central to its appeal was the opportunity for players to create their own custom avatars and embark on a time-traveling adventure as part of the Time Patrol. This allowed players to rewrite history, team up with their favorite heroes, and battle against formidable villains across different timelines. The game offered a robust single-player campaign, exciting online battles, and a wealth of customization options. All of this would have been nothing without the foundation; the fighters that set the stage.
The Main Roster Breakdown
Goku: The Enduring Saiyan Hero
Goku, the iconic protagonist of the Dragon Ball universe, naturally anchored the Xenoverse 2 release roster. His presence was essential, embodying the spirit of the series: a relentless pursuit of strength, unwavering courage, and an unyielding belief in justice. Goku in the initial roster came in several forms, reflecting the Saiyan’s power progression.
Series/Saga Appearance: Goku was represented across several sagas of Dragon Ball Z, from the Saiyan Saga to the Buu Saga, reflecting his evolution across the series.
Variations: Included base Goku, and, of course, the legendary Super Saiyan transformation, a classic and immediately recognizable form that defines Goku’s power.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Goku in Xenoverse 2 offered a balanced playstyle. He was a versatile fighter capable of both close-range combat and ranged Ki blasts. Signature moves like the Kamehameha, Spirit Bomb, and Super Kamehameha were all available, allowing players to unleash devastating attacks. His speed and agility made him a threat in any situation.
Brief Commentary: Goku was a reliable choice for players of all skill levels. His familiar moveset, and his consistent power made him a mainstay of the Xenoverse 2 release roster.
Vegeta: The Prince of All Saiyans
Vegeta, the proud prince of the Saiyans, was another essential character on the Xenoverse 2 release roster. His rivalry with Goku is legendary, and his determination to surpass his rival has driven him throughout the Dragon Ball saga. Vegeta’s inclusion was a must, as he provided the dynamic and intensity of his Saiyan Pride.
Series/Saga Appearance: Reflecting the character’s evolution, Vegeta’s design spanned from the early Saiyan Saga (in his classic armor) to the Buu Saga (with a glimpse of Super Saiyan 2).
Variations: Base Vegeta and the mighty Super Saiyan form, allowing players to unleash Vegeta’s powerful energy.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Vegeta was all about aggression and power. His gameplay emphasized hard-hitting strikes and powerful Ki blasts. The Galick Gun and Final Flash were his signature attacks, showcasing his incredible energy. Vegeta in Xenoverse 2 also had strong combo strings.
Brief Commentary: Vegeta was a fan-favorite choice for players who preferred a more aggressive playstyle. His powerful attacks and strategic gameplay made him a force to be reckoned with.
Gohan: The Hidden Potential Unleashed
Gohan, Goku’s son, and one of the most powerful characters in the Dragon Ball universe, was also present at launch. His potential was immense, and his transformations were crucial to the story.
Series/Saga Appearance: Gohan’s appearances in the game covered a range of sagas, including the Saiyan Saga, the Cell Saga, and the Buu Saga.
Variations: Gohan could transform into his Super Saiyan form and the formidable Super Saiyan 2.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Gohan was a well-rounded character, known for his excellent ki blasts and decent close combat. His signature move was the Masenko, a powerful beam attack he learned from Piccolo. He also featured strong combos.
Brief Commentary: Gohan offered a good combination of power and versatility, making him a well-rounded character.
Piccolo: The Namekian Warrior
Piccolo, formerly a deadly enemy, and eventually, a loyal ally of Goku, had to be included on the Xenoverse 2 release roster. His wisdom and strength were essential to the team.
Series/Saga Appearance: Included his original appearance, as well as the version from the Cell Saga.
Variations: Base Form, no transformations.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Piccolo’s gameplay relied on tricky moves, including special attacks that involved stretching his limbs. His Hellzone Grenade was a powerful area-of-effect attack, and he has a range of other Ki blasts.
Brief Commentary: Piccolo offered a unique playstyle, and was a popular choice for those who enjoyed a more technical approach to combat.
Krillin: The Unwavering Human
Krillin, Goku’s best friend and a resilient Earthling, was a character no player could forget. He was the underdog, representing the spirit of determination and self-improvement.
Series/Saga Appearance: From the early days of Dragon Ball to the later sagas.
Variations: Base form.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Krillin was not the strongest character but utilized his speed and unique techniques. His signature move was the Destructo Disc, a fast and dangerous Ki-based attack.
Brief Commentary: Krillin’s inclusion added to the roster’s diversity, and gave players a different play style.
Frieza: The Galactic Emperor
Frieza, the tyrannical galactic emperor, was one of the most iconic villains of the Dragon Ball saga, and his presence on the Xenoverse 2 release roster was expected. He provided the core villainy that Dragon Ball is known for.
Series/Saga Appearance: Frieza appeared in multiple forms, from his first, less intimidating appearance, all the way up to his Golden form.
Variations: included his first form, second form, third form, final form, and Golden Frieza.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Frieza utilized his speed, and a range of powerful Ki blasts and melee attacks. His Death Beam was a quick and deadly attack.
Brief Commentary: Frieza provided players with a powerful, and aggressive, play style.
Cell: The Perfect Android
Cell, the ultimate android, brought a different kind of menace to the Xenoverse 2 release roster, embodying the combination of martial arts techniques and android strength.
Series/Saga Appearance: Included his perfect form.
Variations: Perfect Cell was the primary form available.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Cell’s gameplay style involved a blend of powerful melee attacks and energy blasts. His signature move was the Kamehameha, and his special moves could inflict significant damage.
Brief Commentary: Cell, in his Perfect Form, was a powerful force, capable of matching the strength of the Saiyans.
Majin Buu: The Chaotic Entity
Majin Buu, the pink, chaotic entity, added a layer of unpredictability and sheer power to the Xenoverse 2 release roster.
Series/Saga Appearance: Represented in his Good Buu form.
Variations: Good Buu was the initial playable form.
Gameplay Style/Special Moves: Majin Buu was known for his resilience and unique attacks. His Candy Beam was a memorable move.
Brief Commentary: Buu’s presence gave the game a sense of the unpredictable, allowing players to explore a unique play style.
Hidden Characters and Unlockables
While the core roster was the foundation, Xenoverse 2 also included secrets to discover. Hidden characters were a part of the Xenoverse 2 release roster experience. Players had to meet certain conditions, which could involve progressing through the story, completing specific side quests, or meeting certain requirements in online battles. Unlocking these characters gave players more reasons to explore the game’s content, incentivizing replayability. Also, players could unlock costumes, transformations, and other items, that added depth and replayability to the game.
Character Analysis and Meta
The Xenoverse 2 release roster was a strong one overall, but each character offered its own strengths and weaknesses. Goku and Vegeta, as expected, were always high-tier choices. However, the overall metagame evolved as players discovered the nuances of each fighter. Certain characters quickly became popular, while others were considered niche picks. Balance was a key area, with certain characters exhibiting unique abilities. This led to lively discussions in the community.
Legacy and Impact
The Xenoverse 2 release roster established the game’s initial identity. Those original fighters became iconic, and are still remembered, and played today. The initial roster served as a baseline for future character additions, providing a point of comparison. Each character added to the roster had a unique fighting style, movesets, and gameplay features. All of this gave Xenoverse 2 incredible longevity.
Conclusion
The Xenoverse 2 release roster was an essential part of its launch. It laid the groundwork for a game that would become one of the most beloved Dragon Ball games ever made. The variety of characters, their iconic moves, and their familiar faces gave players a solid foundation. Whether you preferred the raw power of Goku or the cunning techniques of Cell, the initial roster offered something for every fan.
What were your favorite characters on the Xenoverse 2 release roster? What memories do you have of battling with these original fighters? Share your experiences in the comments below!
