Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra preview hands-on

Dragon Ball characters split into two sides, preparing for battle, with the title "Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra" centered—get an epic first look in this Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra preview.

Dragon Ball games have explored just about every genre over the years, from classic fighting to action RPGs. Now Bandai Namco is trying something new with Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, the series’ first team-focused free-to-play strategy game. I had the chance to take part in a three-hour remote hands-on session ahead of launch, giving me an early look at how this 4-v-4 tactical brawler works.

What hit me right away was how different the flow felt compared to older Dragon Ball games. You’re not locked into one-on-one duels or long story modes this time. Squadra throws you into team battles where your choices really matter. Charging in might help, or it might leave your squad scrambling. Sometimes the smarter move is holding back and waiting for the right moment.

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra feels like a very different kind of Dragon Ball game, and I was curious to see how it would play out.

Team Battles Take Centre Stage

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is built around 4-v-4 squad battles. You pick a character you know, each with their own trademark moves, and jump straight into the fight. Matches aren’t just about trading blows. You’re capturing points, cutting off enemies, and trying to tilt the match in your team’s favour.

What caught me off guard was how your fighter doesn’t stay the same from start to finish. Scoring takedowns and hitting objectives makes you stronger, giving you new abilities mid-match. It forces you to think: do you rush in with what you’ve got, or wait for the right moment to swing the fight? Those choices matter more here than in a standard fighting game.

The other big thing is crossplay. It doesn’t matter what you’re on PC, console, or mobile you can still squad up with friends and face whoever’s waiting on the other side.

We got an early hands-on preview of Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, exploring 4-v-4 battles, strategy, and teamwork. Read our preview inside!

Customisation and Progression

In my preview, Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra offered ways to shape your squad beyond just picking a character. Skins and emotes were unlocked for everyone in the test, and it looks like you’ll be able to earn them from capsules or trade for them in the shop at launch. It might sound small, but changing up how your favourite fighter looks or reacts made matches feel more personal.


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Progression isn’t just about looking cool. Every match gives you chances to power up by scoring takedowns and completing objectives. Unlocking new skills mid-battle kept things moving, and you’re never stuck with only your starting abilities. There’s always another upgrade waiting to change how the fight plays out.

What stood out to me was how much of it comes down to teamwork. It’s never just about stacking power for yourself. Using new skills alongside your squad makes all the difference. A buff or move might feel minor on its own, but once it connects with what your teammates are doing, the whole fight can shift. That feeling of growing together is what makes progression fun here.

Grid of 20 Dragon Ball characters with the “Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra 4” logo at the bottom—perfect for a Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra preview.

First-Time Squad Experience

There was one match during the preview that summed up the whole experience for me. I went in with Vegeta, rushed straight into the action, and got wrecked almost immediately. While I was stuck waiting to respawn, the rest of my squad scrambled to hold objectives. That was my wake-up call. Gekishin Squadra doesn’t let you win by going off on your own.

Once I slowed down and stuck with a teammate, the game felt completely different. Timing Vegeta’s big attacks with their support skills turned chaotic fights into coordinated pushes. Watching the other team scatter after we landed a combo chain was way more satisfying than trying to go solo.

Switching characters also changed how I played. Vegeta pushed me toward aggressive moves, but with Goku I felt more balanced and flexible. No matter who I picked, relying on my squad mattered more than anything. What really surprised me was the pacing. Dragon Ball games are usually non-stop, but here patience pays off. Holding an objective and waiting for the right chance to strike ended up being just as exciting as landing a flashy special.

Another thing I noticed was how much matches could swing back and forth. Even if we fell behind early, one coordinated push could flip the score. That constant back-and-forth kept me on edge and made every match feel like it was still winnable.

By the time the three-hour session wrapped up, I wasn’t focused on personal stats anymore. What mattered most was how well the squad clicked together, and that’s what left the biggest impression.


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A video game character unleashes a glowing energy attack on a rocky battlefield with clouds and a green grid overlay, reminiscent of the intense action found in Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra preview scenes.

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra is All About Teamwork

After spending three hours with Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra, I came away surprised by how much teamwork shaped every match. Slowing down and sticking with my squad changed everything. Timing big attacks with support skills led to coordinated pushes that felt far more satisfying than going solo.

Switching characters also made a big difference. Vegeta pushed me toward aggressive play, while Goku worked better for a more balanced style. No matter who I picked, the real key was trusting my team.

What impressed me most was the pacing. Instead of constant all-out fighting, matches rewarded patience. Holding an objective and waiting for the right moment often mattered more than flashy moves. Even when we were behind, one strong push could swing things back in our favour, which kept every round tense until the end.

By the time the preview wrapped up, I wasn’t focused on my own stats. I was thinking about the victories we pulled off together. That sense of squad-based accomplishment is what makes Gekishin Squadra stand out from past Dragon Ball games.

Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra launches today September 9, 2025 on iOS, Android, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam with full crossplay.

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Jon Scarr (4ScarrsGaming)

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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