Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra Launches Sept 10 — New 4v4 Game with MOBA Elements and Bonus Mini Goku

🗓️ Launch Announcement:
On August 29, 2025, Bandai Namco held a special launch event for Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra at the Apple Store in Omotesando, Tokyo. The event featured live gameplay, a cinematic trailer reveal, and official confirmation that the game will launch worldwide on September 10, 2025. Pre-registration has already surpassed 3 million players, and all early registrants will receive a free bonus character: Mini Goku.

🎮 Introduction: A Different Kind of Power Level

If you thought you’d seen everything Dragon Ball games had to offer — arena fighters, card battlers, legacy RPGs — think again.

Enter Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra, a fast-paced 4v4 team battle game that drops you into chaotic team-based matches across multiple platforms — from PlayStation to Nintendo Switch to PC and even mobile. With a blend of MOBA-like structure, traditional fighting elements, and customizable strategies, it’s clear this game is trying to expand the franchise into a new genre space.

But is it any good? Is it just another flashy name with fan service? Or does it have the potential to grow into something substantial — competitively and culturally?

This article explores Gekishin Squadra‘s core gameplay, community reactions, structural design, and whether it lives up to its bold debut.

🔍 Section 1: What Is “Gekishin Squadra”?

Officially unveiled by Bandai Namco in June 2025, Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra is a cross-platform team battler featuring:

• 4v4 battles
• Role-based characters (Damage, Tank, Technical)
• Iconic fighters from DBZ, GT, Super, and movies
• Fast-paced matches with a competitive angle

While originally introduced under the name “Project Z: Multi,” the title was rebranded to “Gekishin Squadra” to signal its focus on team synergy and kinetic gameplay.
“ゲキシン (Gekishin)” translates to “tremor” or “shockwave,” while “Squadra” (Italian for “team”) suggests the collaborative, squad-based nature of the combat.

Early impressions painted it as Dragon Ball’s response to the MOBA phenomenon, fused with classic anime aesthetics.

🕹 Section 2: Gameplay Mechanics – MOBA Meets Dragon Ball?

From hands-on reports by Dengeki Online and official test streams, the gameplay differs from standard arena fighters:

🧩 Core Features:

• Role System: Players select characters assigned to classes like Damage, Tank, or Technical — similar to Overwatch or LoL.
• Skill Synergy: Some fighters enhance others’ abilities (e.g., Bojack’s speed boost buffs Zamasu’s teleportation).
• Match Length: Fast 5-minute matches that prioritize momentum over micro.

💥 Character Variety:

• Launch roster includes Bojack, Zamasu, Super 17, GT Pan, Gohan (Future), and more — emphasizing characters not often spotlighted in DB games.
• Each has distinct active/passive abilities and custom gear slots.

📱 Platforms:

• Available on PS4/PS5, Switch, Steam, Android, iOS
• Cross-play is enabled, though platform-based matchmaking may apply in ranked play.

💬 Section 3: Real Player Reactions — What’s the Hype?

From Reddit Threads:

“Finally! A Dragon Ball game that’s not just another Budokai rehash. Squadra feels chaotic, yes — but it’s fun chaos.”
— u/KakarottoTakes

“This game slaps. Played the beta for 5 hours straight. Just buff the matchmaking speed and it’ll be 🔥.”
— u/PowerLevel9001

From Steam Community:

• Positive:
  • “Fun as hell. Matches are short but addictive. Can’t wait for ranked.”
• Critical:
  • “Some team comps are OP. Tech types dominate. And bugs need squashing.”
  • “Too much screen clutter. Hoping for a clean UI mode soon.”

Many players noted surprise at the roster diversity, praising the inclusion of lesser-known characters rather than relying solely on Goku/Vegeta staples.

🧠 Section 4: Critical Analysis – Is Squadra Actually Doing Something New?

Let’s break down where Gekishin Squadra shines — and where it shakes.

✅ What It Gets Right

• Genre Shift: The franchise needed fresh mechanics. Team-based gameplay offers replay value beyond 1v1 matchups.
• Role Depth: Tactical synergy between characters (e.g., crowd control tanks + burst DPS) adds layers of strategy.
• Broad Accessibility: Low learning curve means casual fans can enjoy without competitive stress.

❗What’s Still Risky

• Match Speed vs. Depth: 5-minute matches may be too quick for tactical pacing. Long-term depth remains uncertain.
• Balance Issues: Reports suggest Technical-type characters are overtuned. Meta may be narrow at launch.
• Visual Noise: Several testers complained about UI clutter, with too many effects on screen during team fights.

📚 Section 5: Expert Impressions and Media Reviews

A. Dengeki Online – Hands-on Review

Japanese gaming outlet Dengeki Online praised Gekishin Squadra for being “surprisingly accessible” even for MOBA-averse players:

• Commended the structured tutorials and clear role design
• Highlighted team synergy, especially in 2–2 role splits (e.g., 2 Tech + 2 Damage)
• Noted some early beta bugs but said overall “the foundation is solid”

Their verdict: “A fresh take on Dragon Ball action, with potential to evolve.”

B. Los40 (Spain) – Global Context

Spanish media outlet Los40 positioned Squadra as an attempt to bridge Eastern IP with Western genre expectations:

• Compared it to Pokémon Unite and Brawl Stars in terms of length, flow, and rhythm
• Emphasized character customization and gear-based depth
• Praised the inclusion of lesser-known fighters for fanbase appeal

Their conclusion: “Not a full MOBA — but a team-action hybrid that works.“

🌐 Section 6: Genre Identity – What Is Squadra, Really?

Despite comparisons to MOBAs, Gekishin Squadra is not a full traditional MOBA. It has:

• No towers or lanes
• No economy/farming system
• Minimal cooldown cycling

Instead, it’s closer to what might be called an “Action MOBA-lite” — think:

• Overwatch meets Smash Bros
• 3D fighter pace with hero synergy depth

This hybrid identity could be a strength — or a risk.
MOBA fans might find it shallow. Fighting game fans might find it too chaotic.
But casual players? They might love it.

💡 Section 7: What Squadra Needs to Succeed

Based on community feedback and expert insights, Gekishin Squadra needs to address a few things post-launch:

✅ 1. Balance Patch at Launch

• Tech characters (like Zamasu) feel overtuned
• Meta compositions are already forming — devs need agility

✅ 2. Improved Visual Clarity

• FX clutter makes combat hard to follow in 4v4 chaos
• Optional “clean HUD” toggle could improve accessibility

✅ 3. Rewarding Progression Loop

• Players want more customization and unlocks (skins, voice packs, emotes)
• A clear progression system — even cosmetic — will retain non-hardcore players

✅ 4. Community Features

• Ranked mode
• Replay tools or spectator mode
• Seasonal events or limited-time characters

These aren’t “nice to have” — they’ll determine retention vs. drop-off.

🧠 Section 8: Final Analysis – Is the Hype Justified?

🎯 The Good:

• Fresh genre direction for a legacy franchise
• Strong stylistic polish
• Appealing to mobile and console audiences alike

⚠️ The Caution:

• Still early — only test phases so far
• Could fizzle without strong post-launch content plan
• Needs tighter communication from Bandai Namco on competitive support

🏁 Conclusion: Chaos With Potential

Gekishin Squadra may not be the game every Dragon Ball fan was asking for —
But it could be the game that redefines what a Dragon Ball game can be.

By blending fast-paced team brawling with MOBA-adjacent strategy, it opens the door to new genres and global audiences. If Bandai Namco supports it properly, Squadra could evolve into something far beyond a spinoff.

But if mishandled, it risks becoming just another Goku-fueled experiment lost in the noise.

If you’d like to learn more about Dragon Ball, check out the tag archive below:
Explore #DragonBall Tag

🔗 References

• Gekishin Squadra official news (Bandai)
• Dengeki Online hands-on review
• Los40 article overview (Spain)
• Steam community discussion
• Reddit player impressions thread