於2015年2月推出的《龍珠 XV》（DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE，中譯：龍珠 超宇宙），是由Bandai Namco Entertainment發行、並委託Dimps開發的一款具有里程碑意義的作品。成功打破過去《龍珠》改編遊戲長期以來不斷重現原著劇情的既有框架，首次將「時空巡邏隊」與「玩家自創角色」正式納入核心玩法之中，讓玩家不再只是旁觀悟空等人的戰鬥，而是能親自參與並改變歷史進程。這樣的設計不僅為整個系列注入嶄新活力，也讓作品在全球市場取得極為亮眼的商業成績。

在發行平台方面，橫跨 PlayStation 4、Xbox One、PlayStation 3、Xbox 360 以及 PC（Steam），象徵系列正式邁向次世代主機時代。不同於過去偏向2D或2.5D的格鬥作品，融合角色扮演、3D動作戰鬥以及大型多人連線元素，形成一種嶄新的遊戲型態。從地球人、賽亞人、那美克星人、魔人與弗力札族五大種族中選擇，打造屬於自己的角色，並與孫悟空等經典角色並肩作戰，真正踏入《龍珠》的世界之中。

故事設定建立在「守護歷史」的概念之上。反派角色托娃與米拉利用禁忌力量穿越時空，刻意扭曲原本應該發生的歷史事件，使得經典戰役出現異變。例如在拉帝茲之戰中，悟空原本應該犧牲自己來牽制敵人，但因為時空干擾導致結局偏離正軌。為了修復這些錯誤，來自未來的特南克斯召喚神龍，尋求強大的戰士協助，而玩家所扮演的「時空巡邏隊員」便因此誕生。透過穿梭各個歷史節點，玩家需要協助原作角色糾正錯誤的發展，讓時間重新回到正確軌道。這種「如果歷史被改寫會怎樣」的敘事方式，使熟悉原作的玩家也能在既有劇情中感受到新鮮感與驚喜。

在操作與系統設計上，採用全3D自由視角戰鬥，在空中高速移動、衝刺與迴避，呈現出高度動態的戰鬥節奏。基本攻擊分為輕重兩種，搭配按鍵組合可以施放各種華麗的必殺技與究極技，重現動畫中的招牌招式。遊戲的一大特色是「拜師系統」，可以向悟空、比克或弗力札等角色學習，透過修行獲得他們的專屬技能，並自由搭配於自創角色之上，進一步強化戰鬥風格的多樣性。

此外，設置一個名為「時時都」的中央大廳，作為所有玩家的交流據點。在這個空間中，玩家可以與來自世界各地的玩家互動、組隊挑戰任務，或參與被稱為「平行任務」的高難度關卡。這種結合社交與養成的設計，使遊戲不再只是單機體驗，而是一個持續運作的線上世界，大幅延長了遊戲的耐玩度與黏著性。

在市場評價方面，被普遍視為系列的重要轉型之作。玩家對於「自創角色參與劇情」的設計給予高度肯定，認為這讓人真正實現了進入《龍珠》世界的夢想。流暢的3D戰鬥、華麗的招式演出以及豐富的裝備與技能系統，也讓整體遊戲體驗更加完整。然而，部分玩家也指出，後期部分裝備與技能的取得依賴隨機掉落機制，需要反覆挑戰相同任務，容易產生疲勞感；同時，在遊戲初期，多人連線的穩定性亦曾受到一些質疑。

整體而言，《龍珠 XV》成功將系列從「重現故事」轉變為「創造屬於玩家的故事」。它不僅讓玩家能夠親自參與並改寫經典劇情，更開啟《龍珠》遊戲邁向動作角色扮演與線上化發展的新方向。這種創新模式不僅吸引大量新玩家，也讓老粉絲重新投入其中，並為後續續作奠定了堅實的基礎，證明這個經典 IP 在現代遊戲市場中依然擁有無限的發展可能。

Released in February 2015, Dragon Ball XV (DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE) is a landmark title published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and developed by Dimps. The game broke away from the long-standing formula of simply retelling the original Dragon Ball storyline, introducing for the first time the concepts of the “Time Patrol” and fully customizable player-created characters as the core of the experience. Instead of merely reliving Goku’s battles, players are placed directly into the narrative, given the power to intervene in and alter history. This bold shift revitalized the franchise and led to strong commercial success worldwide.

In terms of platforms, Dragon Ball XV was released across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC via Steam, marking the series’ full transition into the modern console generation. Unlike earlier entries that focused on 2D or 2.5D fighting mechanics, this title blends role-playing elements, 3D action combat, and large-scale online multiplayer features. Players can choose from five distinct races—Earthlings, Saiyans, Namekians, Majins, and the Frieza race—to create their own unique warrior, fighting alongside iconic characters such as Goku and becoming an active part of the Dragon Ball universe.

The story revolves around the idea of “protecting history.” The antagonists Towa and Mira manipulate time itself, distorting key events from the original storyline. For instance, in the battle against Raditz, events that should have unfolded in a specific way are altered by their interference. To correct these disruptions, Future Trunks summons Shenron to call upon a powerful warrior—the player’s avatar—who becomes a member of the Time Patrol. Traveling across different points in history, players must restore events to their proper course. This “what if history changed” narrative approach offers fresh excitement even for longtime fans familiar with the original plot.

Gameplay is centered on fast-paced 3D combat with full freedom of movement. Players can fly, dash, and maneuver dynamically through large environments, recreating the high-speed aerial battles seen in the anime. Combat is built around light and heavy attacks combined with special inputs to unleash powerful super moves and ultimate techniques. A standout feature is the “Mentor System,” which allows players to train under famous characters such as Goku, Piccolo, or Frieza, learning their signature abilities and equipping them onto their custom character to create personalized fighting styles.

Another key element is the central hub known as Toki Toki City, where players can interact with others online. Here, they can form teams, take on Parallel Quests, and challenge powerful enemies together. This integration of social interaction and character progression transforms the game into a shared online experience rather than a purely single-player one, significantly extending its longevity and replay value.

Critically, Dragon Ball XV was widely regarded as a major turning point for the franchise. Players praised the sense of immersion created by allowing them to insert their own character into the story, effectively fulfilling the fantasy of becoming part of the Dragon Ball world. The fluid 3D combat, flashy visual effects, and deep customization systems contributed to a highly engaging experience. However, some criticisms were directed at the game’s reliance on random drop mechanics for certain skills and equipment, which could require repetitive grinding, as well as early issues with online stability.

Overall, Dragon Ball XV successfully transformed the series from “retelling a story” into “creating a story.” By empowering players to shape events within a beloved universe, it opened a new direction for Dragon Ball games and laid a strong foundation for its sequel. The title stands as proof that the franchise still holds immense potential in the modern action RPG landscape.