When Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot first released, fans praised its attention to detail and faithful retelling of the story of Dragon Ball Z. Early on, the question many fans were wondering was how much would they get to play as certain characters. Now of course fans know how much they can play as Ultimate Gohan, for example, but the way Kakarot handles fusion characters has been a point of contention among fans. Vegito and Gotenks, despite being two of the most popular characters from Dragon Ball Z, remain criminally underrepresented in the game, something that still remains unfixed to this day.
For those that aren't aware, these two characters are the fusion of Goku and Vegteta (Vegito) and Goten and Trunks (Gotenks). Though they each use different methods to attain this fusion, the effect is mostly the same: a huge boost in power that makes the fused entity way stronger than either of his components would be on their own. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot does allow players to take control of a fused character, but only briefly, something that has upset fans that were hoping to see more of these two powerhouses in action.
Fusion in Dragon Ball Z
There are two methods of fusion in the world of Dragon Ball Z, and both of them are used during the main story of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. The first type that players see is called Metamoran fusion, and it is the technique that Goten and Trunks use against Majin Buu and Super Buu in order to become Gotenks. Though each Saiyan can normally go Super Saiyan, when fused together they were able to jump all the way to Super Saiyan 3, something not even Vegeta had attained at the time. The drawback to this fusion method is that it only lasts for 30 minutes, but expending too much Ki will shorten the timer further.
The other type of fusion used in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot involves the Potara earrings, and is achieved when two people wear the matching set of earrings on opposite ears. Goku and Vegeta make use of this fusion method in order to combat Super Buu, becoming Vegito in the process. Though it isn't explicitly stated, it's thought that this method of fusion results in a much stronger entity than Metamoran Fusion, but as a drawback it was initially believed to be permanent. Dragon Ball Super later retcons the Potara Fusion, explaining that it is only permanent for Kais, and that mortals can use it with an hour time limit.
Vegito and Gotenks in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Within the main story of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Vegito and Gotenks are easily the strongest characters players get to control. Gotenks takes part in two fights against Super Buu, once at Super Saiyan and then again while at Super Saiyan 3. Likewise, Vegito is only available in one story fight against Super Buu, where he overpowers the evil being with ease. Unfortunately, the two never show up again in the story and are therefore unplayable at any other point.
This was fixed to a minor degree with the introduction of the time machine, as it allowed players to return to the fight against Super Buu as either of these fused characters. Understandably, fans still weren't satisfied with this, as it only allowed them access to one fight. Even after Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot's DLC 2 increased the level cap and added horde battles, there's still no method to play Vegito or Gotenks outside of replaying low level missions in the time machine. Given how much fans love these characters, it's a shame to see them so underused.
How Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Could Include Fusion
With all this in mind, the next logical question would be how Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot could add a fusion mechanic, allowing players to make use of this powerful technique whenever they want. The easiest method would be to add a fusion menu to the main menu, wherein players could fuse together characters. This would only work for Gotenks and Vegito, but could allow two party members to be swapped out for one for a limited time. It could even make use of the time limits already established in lore, with the Fusion Dance lasting a half hour and the Potara Earrings lasting an hour.
Alternatively, it could be added as a transformation available to Goku and Vegeta and as support skills for Goten and Trunks. These transformations could only be used if the appropriate fusion partner is in the party as well, and would allow for the temporary appearance of the fusion character. In the case of Gotenks, since both Goten and Trunks are support characters, using a skill to fuse the two of them could switch the player's character to Gotenks for a short time before the fusion runs out.
Fusion Limitations in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Of course, there would have to be some limitations on fusion in order to avoid breaking the game. For starters, it would make sense to disable fusion during any story sequence. Players shouldn't be able to fuse together in times when it doesn't make sense, such as during the first battle against Golden Frieza or after Goku and Vegeta defuse against Kid Buu. Likewise, a fusion character should take up two party slots, allowing for only one support character alongside them. The one exception to this might be having both Gotenks and Vegito in a party together.
It's also important to consider what forms would be available to the fused character, particularly in reference to Vegito. During the Buu Saga, Vegito goes Super Saiyan 2, the highest powered form that both Goku and Vegeta could access. Most likely, Super Saiyan 3 couldn't be attained since Vegeta can't use that transformation. In Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Goku and Vegeta can go Super Saiyan Blue, so it's possible that adding this fusion mechanic would allow players to see Vegito Blue in action well before the Future Trunks Saga. Perhaps even alongside it, if the Future Trunks saga comes to DBZ:K.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
