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The highly anticipated Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 will not launch until 2027, but Bandai Namco is eager to give gamers a taste of what to expect. From the summer season through the start of winter, the publisher is taking the game on a nationwide tour at select events. The second stop on that tour was at ANIME Impulse Bay Area 2026.

The Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 US Road Tour arrived at ANIME Impulse Bay Area 2026 to showcase the game to the public. Fans of the series got the chance to play the demo, learn about the game, and pick up some free swag. During my time at the event, I stopped by the booth to try the demo for myself.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is the highly anticipated entry in the series and the first one since 2016. Players take on the role of an original character who wakes up in West City with no memory of who they are or how they got there. In no time, you are required to join the Great Saiyan Squad and protect the world from nefarious forces. No launch date is set, but the plan is for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Xenoverse 3 at ANIME Impulse Bay Area

The demo session begins with picking your character, with the choice of either a human or Saiyan. The characters can be customized in the full game, though that option was not available in the demo. Once the game starts, you can explore a little of West City before starting the mission. The mission has you team up with the Great Saiyan Squad to investigate a disturbance in the area. As you make your way through, you will encounter hostile forces. After reaching the end, you have to fight the level boss, Brody. Putting the skills you learned earlier to use, you are now tested in a challenge unlike the earlier foes. Despite the challenge, I was able to defeat Brody and complete the demo.

Even though I have played a number of Dragon Ball games in the past, this was my first experience with a title in the Xenoverse series. That said, my overall impression was a positive one. The gameplay mechanics and combat system were easy to get into, as they are on par with a number of action role-playing games. Visually, it is what I would expect from a video game adaptation of Dragon Ball, as it brings the world to life with its anime style visual designs. Plus, it was awesome bumping into characters from the series like Trunks and Brody.

Xenoverse 3 Tour

More from Anime Impulse Bay Area 2026

ANIME Impulse Bay Area 2026 took place at the Santa Clara Convention Center from July 18th to July 19th. Traditionally a staple of the Southern California anime and cosplay community, they have been expanding across the West Coast. The event invites industry figures, local merchants, and the community for a weekend of fun.

Did you get a chance to play Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 at ANIME Impulse Bay Area 2026? If so then share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: Anime Impulse provided me with a pass for the weekend

8Bit/Digi provides an insight into the San Francisco Bay Area gamer and cosplayer community.