Today, Bandai Namco Entertainment accidentally announced the forthcoming release of a new fighting game called Dragon Ball Fighters, which is to be developed by Arc System Works – that is, the studio behind the generally well-received brawler Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-. As it happens, Bandai Namco prematurely put out a Japanese press release dated for June 12 that was obtained and translated by the fine folks at Gematsu confirming that the fighting game based on the popular anime series is set to release worldwide in early 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

As explained by Gematsu's break down of the now-removed Bandai Namco press release, Dragon Ball Fighters will make use of the same visual techniques that Arc System Works employed in Guilty Gear Xrd, meaning that the game will feature highly-animated 3D characters in a 2D plane. Fans can get an idea of the art style for the forthcoming title in the screenshots below that were taken from the press release.

Dragon Ball Fighters uses a three-versus-three team battle system that lets players determine the compatibility between characters in order to form the ultimate team of fighters. According to Gematsu, it will incorporate the “ultra high speed battles” and “flashy special moves” that the Dragon Ball series is known for.

As stated by producer Tomoko Hiroki, while the majority of the most recent Dragon Ball games have been in 3D, the company chose 2.5D this time around due to there being certain aspects that can only be done in such a style. Although it appears to be 2D animation on the surface, it is expected to have a broader range of expression, with Arc System Works utilizing a method that shifts camera angels and incorporates a lot of stylistic production choices not available in 2D alone.

For those unaware, a group of fans have previously banded together in the past to create a fun 16-bit DBZ brawler with 2D gameplay called Hyper Dragon Ball Z, which speaks to the community's desire for a strong 2D fighter for the series. With that being the case, news of Arc System Works undertaking a similar, albeit more advanced venture with Dragon Ball Fighters ought to please everyone looking for a more highly detailed iteration of such a style.

Dragon Ball Fighters is reportedly slated for release sometime in early 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Source: Gematsu