The success of an experience likeDragon Ball Z: Kakarothas set a new standard for narrative-drivenDragon Ballgames by showcasing the untapped potential of storytelling in a singleplayer action game environment. While fighting games have long dominated the series' video game landscape, story-centric titles likeKakarotrepresent an equally compelling side ofDragon Ball. With new titles poised for this type of deeper exploration possibly on the horizon, Future Trunks, one of the series' most emotionally complex and iconic faces, stands out as a prime candidate for leading his own outing centered around his timeline-displaced nature.
Despite his major plot significance overall,Dragon Ball’s Future Trunkshas often been relegated to supporting roles in game adaptations, typically appearing in side missions or as a guide to the player in larger releases likeXenoverserather than having a story fully focused on him. Hailing from a gritty, dystopian future, his timeline represents an untapped opportunity for a character-driven title which explores his story with depth that hasn’t been seen since his own 1993 TV special.
A New Perspective on Future Trunks' Story Could Support Its Own Game
The Future Timeline Narrative Let Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot’s Trunks DLC Stand on Its Own
The narrative shown in theDragon Ball Z: The History of Trunksspecialhas long captured the imagination of fans, andKakarotpaid its respects by giving Trunks his own DLC which depicted his period. This provided a similar treatment to what Goku received in the base game, and even extended into covering expanded material taking place after the anime. With more recent arcs like the Super Hero saga introducing a new iteration of a classic villain in Cell Max, there’s even more ample material to work with when it comes to building a story around Trunks.
Future Gohan Has Just as Much Potential as Trunks
As the last surviving Z Fighter in their timeline and the mentor of Trunks, Future Gohan’s story is as rich with narrative potential as his student’s. The relationship between them could be considered the emotional core of the entire future timeline, and delving deeper into this dynamic could lead to some of the most impactful narrative moments anyDragon Ballgame has ever had to offer. Whether it sticks closely to theHistory of Trunksor features alternate outcomes, the pivotal, tragic moments of their lives offer an opportunity for aFuture TrunksDragon Ball Zgamewith unprecedented personal depth.
Alternate Timeline Games Can Expand the Dragon Ball Multiverse
Dragon Ball’s Expanded Scope is a Fitting Premise for Trunks to Navigate
WithDragon Ball SuperandDragon Ball Xenoverseintroducing the concept of multiple universes, the franchise’s narrative possibilities are primed for experimentation. The premise of a Future Trunks-based game is more fitting than ever, as he could explore how different timelines intersect with his own in encounters with alternate versions of characters, or even inversions that challenge established lore. Now that several beloved elements of the series exist across various sub-series, this title could serve as a platform to merge them into one grander story.
Uniting Disparate Timelines From Over the Years
Between examples like the Cell ofDBZoriginating from his own timeline, the12 universes introduced inDragon Ball Super, and evenGTexisting in a sort of dubious canon,Dragon Ballis filled with disparate timelines and alternate realities. The quantity of these, combined with game-exclusive timelines, provide a plethora of narrative directions for a Trunks-centric adventure to feature. As a character who is no stranger to time travel, Future Trunks could be the perfect protagonist for a game that offers new perspectives on the franchise’s history instead of simply rehashing familiar arcs.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels. Become a super warrior and experience the earth-shaking, limit-breaking power of DRAGON BALL battles!Unleash the strength of over 180 fighters from DRAGON BALL Z, DRAGON BALL Super, DRAGON BALL GT, and selected DRAGON BALL movies, all in the base game! Each character comes with their own signature abilities, transformations, and techniques.Make the destructive power of the strongest fighters ever to appear in DRAGON BALL yours!Engage in heart-pounding, high-speed 3D battles that stay true to the anime and video game series, with breathtaking visuals and authentic combat moves like beam clashes, rush attacks, movements too quick for the eyes to see, and planet-razing ultimate attacks.Challenge other players online to test your skills, or sit down with friends offline to hone your skills exclusively in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber! Fight your way to become a champion across various tournament modes and victory conditions.Conquer the action-packed battles from the beloved original story, or discover and unlock new encounters for your favorite Z-Fighters and more. Relive your favorite moments from the series through cutscenes you can experience from the perspectives of eight characters!Recreate your favorite battles from throughout the DRAGON BALL story, or set up your dream story battle with your favorite characters! Share your creations with other fans and experience the battles brought to life by imaginations around the world.
