Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is an interesting combination of an arena fighter and role-playing game. The offline Story Mode allows for fans of the Dragon Ball lore to see an original and compelling story. Players looking for more opponents can go online into a hub world where players can fight each other or take quests together, an interesting mixture of a fighting game and MMORPG.

Role-playing game fans who enjoy the Dragon Ball lore will find core elements of an RPG in this game: the ability to customize the skills and develop a character, rewards for difficult quests to further increase your strength, and an expansive, online world where players can interact with each other. Those looking for a more competitive experience can fight friends online or offline in a non-split-screen format using the unique Nintendo Switch features.

The controls are pretty simple and none of the Nintendo Switch hardware proves cumbersome, a fortunate and important consideration given the game's emphasis on fighting. The buttons are all similar to the previous iterations of Xenoverse 2. To clarify, the face buttons are Weak Attack, Strong Attack, Ki Blast, and Jump. The R button enables Lock On and the ZR button displays your skills. The L button allows you to guard and the ZL button lets you boost towards your opponent. Nothing too confusing, but you must be wondering, where are the extra features?

The Nintendo Switch, besides allowing offline players to play comfortably, also gives two more unique features. Perhaps not too exciting but still a welcome addition is the vibration feature on the controller. Attacks thrown and received will resonate in your hands. The second addition to the Nintendo Switch Edition, which is still being developed, is the inclusion of motion-detected moves. You will be able to throw blasts based on how you throw out the controller, although a general warning is advised: don’t lob the controller like its fire from your hands. More serious battles will probably not use this feature, as a quick selection of a skill might be quicker than throwing out your hands--although I really want to know if the Spirit Bomb will require everyone’s collective hands to reach the skies.

The demo of the game only allowed you to fight a single opponent, but I was assured that every other feature that is core to Xenoverse 2 will remain. For those unaware of how Xenoverse 2 works. Generally, in a versus format, players are restricted to an arena-like setting. Movement vertically and horizontally is unrestricted, as characters in Dragon Ball lore have the ability to fly, so do you. Players new to the game can get by with mashing the Light Attack button, which finishes combos nicely enough, but more seasoned players will want to know when to throw in a Strong Attack and extend combos with either customizable skills (if you are playing custom character versus) or Ki Blasts. Since this is a fighter, your goal is to deplete the health of your opponent, so an understanding of their character limitations and your strengths will allow you to grasp victory.

I think I have to state again that the Nintendo Switch controls feel very comfortable, so veterans of Xenoverse 2 should take very little time getting readjusted. I believe the Nintendo Switch port will favor newer players who’ve never played the game before, but those who already own the game might find the portability as an intriguing option for their gaming needs. Whether you’re looking for an RPG or an arena to test your fighting skills, Xenoverse 2 promises to stay true to its roots.

The Xenoverse 2 demo was pretty limited, but it was promising, especially for those thinking about owning a Nintendo Switch. I think as the game library grows, players who only own a Switch console will want to try this game out, but for those who already own the game or don’t own a Nintendo Switch, a bit more incentive would be preferable. Luckily, the game is still being developed, so maybe exclusive content will be available in the future.

Let me know what you thought of the article. For seasoned players, what do you think might incentivize you to play the port? For newer players, were you contemplating trying out Xenoverse 2 on the Nintendo Switch? Comments are always appreciated!