In August of last year, Bandai Namco unveiled an exciting new addition to the Dragon Ball universe: a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game provisionally named “Dragon Ball Project: Multi.” Following a period of relative quietness after the game’s beta test, the title has been officially reintroduced as Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra. This announcement comes with significant updates, including a broader home console release. Now, players can look forward to experiencing the game on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, in addition to the previously confirmed platforms—iOS, Android, and PC (via Steam).
The game’s title, “Gekishin,” incorporates a Japanese term, represented in katakana as ゲキシン across various official Japanese websites. In kanji, the term is written as 激震, which translates to a violent earthquake or tremor. Interestingly, this term has appeared in different contexts within the Dragon Ball series, such as its use in the title of the second Dragon Ball Z game on the Nintendo Famicom, where it was represented as 激神, meaning “Violent God,” in reference to Freeza. Additionally, another spelling, 撃針, pertains to the firing pin mechanism in firearms. The word “Squadra,” stylized with the middle “A” resembling the number “4,” highlights the game’s focus on 4-vs-4 battles, a core feature that is expected to enhance the competitive experience.
To engage players further, a network test for Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra has been scheduled to run from 6:00 a.m. on June 12, 2025, to 5:59 a.m. on June 16, 2025 (UTC). This testing phase will provide an opportunity for fans and players to experience the game ahead of its official launch.
In conjunction with the announcement, additional trailers have been released, showcasing a variety of beloved characters from the Dragon Ball series. These include Super Saiyan Son Goku, Piccolo, Kuririn, first-form Freeza, Dabra, Majin Boo, #18, young Baby from Dragon Ball GT, Super Oob from Dragon Ball GT, Zamasu from Dragon Ball Super, and Super Saiyan 2 Caulifla, also from Dragon Ball Super. Each character brings unique abilities and traits, promising to create dynamic gameplay and strategies during battles.
One of the most anticipated features of Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra is its cross-play capability. According to the game’s official website, players can enjoy cross-platform progression and commerce, allowing them to maintain their progress regardless of the platform they choose to play on. After creating a new account and linking it with a Bandai Namco ID in-game, players will have the ability to carry over their save data when switching platforms. However, it is important to note that Dragon Gems, a form of in-game currency, can only be utilized on the platform where they were originally obtained. Moreover, any Dragon Gems purchased with real money will also be restricted to the platform of purchase. However, content acquired through Dragon Gems can be accessed across all platforms, adding to the flexibility and ease of gameplay.
The development of Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra is in the capable hands of Ganbarion, a studio known for its previous work on Dragon Ball Fusions for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016, as well as other notable titles like Jump Ultimate Stars and Jump Super Stars for the Nintendo DS. Their experience in creating engaging and entertaining games within the Dragon Ball franchise sets high expectations for Gekishin Squadra.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra, excitement is building around the potential for thrilling gameplay experiences and competitive matches. The incorporation of various characters, each with distinct abilities, is likely to attract both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike. The team’s commitment to delivering a well-rounded MOBA experience is evident in their thoughtful design choices, which aim to capture the essence of what makes Dragon Ball so beloved.
Furthermore, the game’s focus on team-based combat allows players to strategize and collaborate, enhancing the social aspect of gaming. This is particularly appealing in the current gaming landscape, where multiplayer experiences have become increasingly popular. Players will need to work together to devise tactics, making use of each character’s strengths to achieve victory in the fast-paced battles that Gekishin Squadra promises.
The anticipation surrounding the network test is palpable, as it presents a unique opportunity for players to get an early glimpse of the game mechanics and features. Feedback from this testing phase will likely play a pivotal role in refining the game’s final version, ensuring that it meets the high standards expected by fans of the franchise.
In summary, the reintroduction of Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra marks an exciting chapter for the Dragon Ball franchise, with its expanded platform availability, the promise of cross-play features, and a roster of beloved characters. With the expertise of Ganbarion behind the development, fans can look forward to a captivating gaming experience that will bring the thrill of Dragon Ball to life in a new and innovative way. As the release date draws closer, the community’s enthusiasm continues to grow, making it a highly anticipated addition to the world of online multiplayer games.
