Dragon Ball FighterZ is getting a next-generation version with rollback netcode, as revealed at EVO 2022.
So if you’ve got a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, you can look forward to this entertainingly over-the-top hitting your console, on top of the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 version that you can already play. We weren’t that struck by its lobby system when we reviewed it, but we loved most other aspects of Dragon Ball Fighterz, so we’re definitely up for a prettier version of this brawler.
And yes, you can count on it being prettier. Publisher Bandai Namco will be releasing more details later, but you can expect a 60FPS mode, a 4K mode and potentially some kind of third mode that balances performance with image quality. Dragon Ball FighterZ may be four years old but it’s a regular fixture at EVO fighting tournments, so there’s every reason to give the game a next-gen boost.
These next-gen versions will also sport rollback netcode, a feature that will also be patched into the PC version of the game. If, at this point, you’re scratching your head, don’t worry. Rollback netcode is a feature whereby, if you’re playing against another human player, the game will try to predict the move you’re using next.
If it’s right, it means it doesn’t have to wait for you to complete the move, it can send that move to the opposing player and it’s wrong, it’ll “roll back” the state of the game, virtual imperceptibly. Essentially, it’s an effective way of reducing multiplayer lag, transparent to the player, which is why designers are typically praised for implementing it.
[#DBFZ]
The release of the PlayStation🄬5 and Xbox Series X｜S versions of “DRAGON BALL FighterZ" with the rollback netcode system implemented has been decided.*More information will be released at a later date. Please await for further details. pic.twitter.com/EuYwbbIKwD
— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) August 7, 2022
There is, however, a question mark over whether the upgrades will be free. The above statement suggests Xbox Series X|S owners will get a free next-gen upgrade via Smart Delivery, but it also makes reference to the PlayStation 4 update program which, unlike Smart Deliver, has not always been free. We expect Bandai Namco will clarify this later.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Game Pass. Right now it’s heavily discounted across all digital storefronts, going for a measly £6.74 on PC.
