Following the initial announcement of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 back in January, Bandai Namco has finally unveiled the first substantial look at the game’s mechanics. The latest trailer provides a deep dive into new combat systems, most notably “Soul Assists” and “Soul Switch,” which allow players to tag in iconic characters like Vegeta to turn the tide of battle.
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<p>However, the reveal has sparked significant backlash regarding a fundamental adjustment to the "Awakening" system—the signature transformation mechanic—which is now restricted by a strict timer.</p>
<p>The game is set in the mysterious "Age 1000," taking place well beyond the events of the core series. Gameplay centers on a customizable protagonist. The trailer highlights a player-created avatar, affectionately dubbed “J. Age” by fans—a nod to the “John Dragon Ball” moniker that gained traction when the project was first teased. After navigating a customizable home base, the player enters a sprawling online social hub before heading into a mission that demonstrates the core combat loop. Familiar mechanics like light and heavy strikes, boost chasing, and massive ultimate attacks remain, though the latter now feature refined cooldown windows.</p>
<p>The innovation lies in the tactical layer: Soul Assist lets you bring in legends like Trunks or Vegeta for temporary support, while Soul Switch grants you brief control over these allies, allowing you to cycle through their unique move-sets and cooldown timers.</p>
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<p>Despite these additions, the community is voicing strong opposition to the new limitations placed on transformations. In previous iterations, players could maintain their powered-up states, such as Super Saiyan, indefinitely. In <em>Xenoverse 3</em>, however, these forms are temporary; for instance, the Saiyan transformation reverts to its base state after just 60 seconds.</p>
<p>“I hope the community keeps the pressure on them until they reconsider,” one disgruntled fan posted on Reddit. Others have echoed this frustration, arguing that if developers insist on a time limit, they should implement a "mastery" system that allows dedicated players to unlock permanent transformations. Many feel that limiting these iconic forms is a regressive step that undermines the power fantasy of the franchise.</p>
<p>While altering this mechanic would represent a substantial balancing shift, there is still time for adjustments. With a release window set for 2027, the development team has a window to process feedback. Some ardent followers are even calling for a coordinated push to get the studio's attention, citing the successful fan campaign that forced a design overhaul for the <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> film.</p>
<p><em>Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3</em> is slated to arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2027, giving the developers ample opportunity to refine the experience based on player reception.</p>Source: Polygon
