How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 78 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 80 | 63 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 11h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (26)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 85
“DBZ: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set is packed full of epic fights, side quests, and a good amount of free DLC. The game looks and plays great on the Switch. I highly recommend it for fans of the series.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot might not do much more than retelling the story of Dragon Ball, but it does that well enough that existing fans will find joy in exploring the world and fighting iconic villains from the franchise. Despite the lack of depth to its combat and a minor internet-based technical inconvenience to work around, the game saves itself by expanding on the already massive amount of Dragon Ball lore available and giving fans the slice-of-life moments we've so sorely needed. Non-fans won't find much to love here, but it's a more than serviceable retelling of an iconic story.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“While far from bad, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens is a hard sell for anyone who is not already a fan of the series. Even then, franchise diehards will likely notice the changes and omissions in adaptation to the point of annoyance. Combat also leaves much to be desired, lacking in depth and devoid of real strategy more often than not. At the same time, overworld exploration is surprisingly relaxing, side content outside of side quests is engaging, and the story mode does make for an enjoyable way to revisit Dragon Ball Z thanks to stellar cutscene direction. Those who connect with the gameplay will also be delighted at the sheer amount of content available, from the three DLC packs to new playable characters. Kakarot is a Dragon Ball love letter that often forgets to be an action RPG, but never loses the unique charm that has defined the series.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot was a gorgeous game on other platforms and one of the better Dragon Ball games when it launched a little while ago. It's great to see it translate so well to Nintendo's hybrid system in a better-than-expected conversion that includes new features, and some DLC right from the get go.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“For people that are already big fans of Dragon Ball Z, as a whole, Kakarot has some value as a walk down memory lane and a way to re-experience the show in an entirely different manner. However, if you’re not already a big fan of Goku and Co’s adventures, Kakarot sadly has absolutely nothing for you. Without the nostalgia factor this game ends up being a slow slog of samey gameplay that likely won’t keep your attention for very long.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Overall, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens Set is a solid enough port of one of the more enjoyable Dragon Ball games. It's not quite as smooth or shiny as its bigger brothers, but it does the job well enough and has the advantage of being portable. The added DLCs are nice bonus content, but only Trunk's story stands well enough on its own. Fans of the franchise who haven't yet played Kakarot will find the Switch version a perfectly fun experience. Just don't be surprised when you're only playing the title character for short periods of time.”
read full review ↗ - 74
“Although it is the weakest choice in terms of graphics among the platforms, it has the advantage of experiencing the Dragon Ball Z adventure on a portable console. Anime lovers should not miss it.”
read full review ↗ - 70
- 70
“While its game world is not as fully explored as in other JRPGs, what we have here is a real work of fan service, topped off with praiseworthy graphics and art style, and a fantastic audio work. All this might not be enough to convince those who are not keen on Dragon Ball, but its fans will be delighted with Kakarot.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has wonderful characters, an amazing story, and makes me incredibly nostalgic. I would wholeheartedly recommend this title to anyone who asks about it. Oh boy, I just really love Dragon Ball Z.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“In the epic battle between the forces of bad Switch ports and great Switch ports, Goku and his friends take the size of the good guys, with this game being a great port of a good game with loads of extra content and good performance on Nintendo's small hybrid console.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Despite some issues here and there, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a worthwhile investment for fans of the series on Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
Starbit
Pocket Tactics
Nintendo Enthusiast…and 14 more tracked reviews.