The Dragon Ball universe is currently experiencing a seismic shift. Following the Genkidamatsuri 40th-anniversary livestream on January 25, 2026, Bandai Namco has finally pulled back the curtain on its most ambitious gaming project to date: Dragon Ball: Project AGE 1000. This isn't just another fighting game; it is being positioned as the definitive Action RPG experience, carrying the immense weight of being the final project with direct creative involvement from the legendary Akira Toriyama.
A New Hero Rises: The Silver-Haired Saiyan
The most discussed aspect of the reveal trailer is the introduction of a brand-new protagonist. Moving away from the long-standing focus on Goku and his immediate circle, Project AGE 1000 introduces a young warrior with striking silver hair and traditional Capsule Corp attire.
The trailer’s climax confirmed the community’s biggest theory: this hero is a Saiyan. However, the energy surrounding his Super Saiyan transformation appeared different—shifting from the traditional golden hue to a more crystalline, translucent aura.
The Setting: A World Reborn in AGE 1000
The choice of Age 1000 as the setting is a masterstroke in world-building. Set roughly 216 years after the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z, this era allows the developers to create a world that feels both nostalgic and alien.
- Urban Martial Arts: West City is presented as a vertical metropolis where flight is restricted and martial arts tournaments dominate global culture.
- Lore Integration: Longtime fans will recognize elements from Dragon Ball Online, including potential returns of the Time Patrol and the Dark Empire.
- Open-Zone Exploration: Players can freely traverse locations ranging from Mount Paozu to the Sacred Land of Korin.
The “Toriyama Touch”: Six Years in the Making
One of the most emotional revelations was the confirmation of Akira Toriyama’s deep involvement. Development reportedly began in 2020, making this a six-year labor of love.
“Toriyama-sensei didn’t just provide sketches; he designed the ecosystem. This game is his vision of the future of Dragon Ball.”
The game adopts a hand-painted visual aesthetic, inspired by the watercolor covers of the original manga, offering a softer yet cinematic look suited for 2026.
Project Roadmap & Technical Specs
| Category | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Working Title | Dragon Ball: Project AGE 1000 |
| Release Window | Early 2027 |
| Genre | Single-player / Co-op Action RPG |
| Platform Support | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Key Feature | Dynamic Ki-Physics Engine |
Final Thoughts: The Road to April
Bandai Namco has confirmed a gameplay deep-dive during the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026. All signs point toward the most ambitious Dragon Ball game ever released.