Going into ‘Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – DAIMA: Adventure Through the Demon Realm Pt 1’ DLC as someone who’s never played a Dragon Ball game or even followed the anime, it felt like stepping into a world I probably wasn’t supposed to understand. What I found instead, though, was a welcoming, charming, and surprisingly deep DLC that doesn’t just accommodate newcomers, it actively invites them in.

Set in the bizarre and colourful world of Dragon Ball DAIMA, this DLC spins an alternate tale where Goku and his companions are transformed into their child-like forms and thrown into the mysterious Demon Realm. While long-time fans may recognise the deeper context, for someone like me, it worked brilliantly as a self-contained fantasy adventure. There’s no need to know what a Saiyan is, or who these characters were in past sagas, this is a fresh start, with a playful tone and a story that’s simple to follow but packed with curiosity and charm.

Combat is fast and more strategic than I expected in this action RPG. Goku now uses his Power Pole to perform new attacks, adding variety to a battle system that already feels tight and responsive.

The addition of Medi Bugs, a quirky in-world mechanic that gives you buffs and effects in battle, adds an extra layer of strategy. These aren’t here just for the sake of it; they influence how you fight and how you explore.

Your companions, Glorio, Shin, and Panzy, also play meaningful roles during combat. They’ll jump in with support moves or provide buffs to each fight. I didn’t know who they were before playing, but their dialogue and abilities quickly made them feel like friends. That’s one of the DLC’s biggest strengths; it builds emotional connections without needing a long history to lean on. As a newbie to the fandom, I was impressed.

For all its strengths, DAIMA does occasionally fall into some typical RPG patterns. A few quests can feel repetitive, and the structure leans into some light backtracking. Even while the story is accessible, there are definitely moments where it feels like longtime fans will get more out of it than newcomers. Still, these moments never break the experience; they just add a layer I may come to appreciate more if I continue into the main game.

What immediately stands out visually is the Demon Realm itself. The environment is animated and full of personality. Strange creatures roam the fields, and the maps themselves are dense with secrets. It’s a world that begs to be explored, and this game makes sure you want to.

There’s a fast travel system via the ‘Sky Seed’ that lets you zip between islands quickly, and treasure chests tucked into every corner hold items that help you in and out of combat. Even without knowing the significance of certain characters or items, I never felt lost.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – DAIMA: Adventure Through the Demon Realm Part 1 is a bold, charming side story that works beautifully as an introduction to the Dragon Ball universe. With its art style, combat, and world full of secrets, it’s not just a great DLC, it’s a fantastic way to fall in love with a franchise you might’ve never considered before.

Written by: Bradley Thorsen