Bandai Namco and Studio Dimps have finally stopped teasing fans and rolled out a full seven-minute gameplay video for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3. This isn’t just “another trailer”—it’s the first real look at how the new era of the Dragon Ball universe is taking shape. And judging by what was shown, the developers have succeeded in one thing: they’ve stirred up the community just as much as the news of Toriyama’s return did.
The story unfolds in Age 1000—an era personally created by Akira Toriyama. It is a tribute to the mangaka’s legacy; he was deeply involved in developing the world, the characters, and even the plot points. The protagonist is a recruit for the Great Saiyaman Squad who arrives in West City from another time, with no idea who they are. New faces quickly enter the picture: Brett, Tap, Rom, and Lilika—a small but lively group of companions alongside whom you’ll attend West City University while simultaneously protecting the world. It sounds crazy, but that’s part of the charm.
The standout feature is the combat system. Ki energy lies at the heart of every skirmish. You can now drain it from opponents using combos, charged attacks, and special moves. When the Ki gauge is depleted, the enemy enters a “Ki Break” state, leaving them vulnerable to a “Break Smash”—a powerful finishing blow that deals more damage than standard super moves. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; the mechanical shifts force players to rethink their tactics. Ki used to be merely a resource for attacks; now, it serves as both a weapon and a vulnerability.
Two major new features are “Soul Assist” and “Soul Switch.” The first mechanic allows you to summon legendary heroes (the trailer features appearances by Trunks, Vegeta, and Piccolo) to unleash their signature attacks. The second feature is a switch mechanic that allows you to temporarily inhabit an ally’s soul, adopt their appearance, and boost their abilities. This isn’t just imitating previous installments—it represents a whole new level of team synergy. On top of that, racial transformations like Super Saiyan are returning, with promises of new races and fighting styles to be added soon.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 vs Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Comparison
Regarding transformation limitations: rumors are circulating on forums that Super Saiyan has been nerfed. While the trailer only showed the base form, the developers have officially confirmed that the full suite of “Awoken” transformations will be available. So, there’s no need to panic just yet.
The release is scheduled for 2027, though no specific date has been set. Target platforms include PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam); the Steam page is already live. Pricing and editions (Deluxe, Collector’s) haven’t been announced yet—we’ll be keeping an eye out for more clues at upcoming presentations.
The Bottom Line: Xenoverse 3 isn’t just another sequel. It’s an ambitious step forward that prioritizes tactical depth, teamwork, and respect for Toriyama’s legacy. If Dimps executes the concept well, we could be looking at the best game in the series. For now, we’ll re-watch the trailer and wait for further details.
