'Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2' release date, updates: Game sequel launches Oct. 25; features new canon and non-canon characters alike

Publisher Bandai Namco has released new details about the upcoming video game "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" ahead of its Oct. 25 release.

In a new batch of released screenshots, additional characters for the upcoming sequel have been confirmed. Aside from the canon characters, the sequel will also get more fighters associated with the franchise like Gogeta and Janemba. The two are non-canon characters from the twelfth film in the main franchise, "Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn." Some of the images also show Bardock, Goku's Saiyan father.

The sequel is also a mix of both canon and non-canon characters. The new batch of images also shows the Masked Saiyan, Android 16, and the first form of Cell, who are all from the Cell saga in the main anime series. Some of the screenshots also reveal Future Trunks and Future Gohan, taken from the alternate timeline in the Android saga.

With new characters appearing in the sequel, it is expected that "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" will expand both its offline and online quest missions, particularly since the new game also features improved gameplay and options such as character customization and upgraded frame rates.

Meanwhile, aside from a number of new characters from the franchise, "Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" is also slated to showcase a surprise appearance by DJ Steve Aoki. According to Gamespot, some of the musical scores, such as a remix of "Dragon Ball" soundtracks, are attributed to the DJ. In addition, Steve Aoki will also appear in-game as a non-playable character. The DJ will be an interactive NPC in the new Conton city hub, though it is unclear what his role will be. The DJ stated that he "jumped at the chance to contribute [his] talents and leave [his] personal impact on the series."

"Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2" launches for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on Oct. 25. The game will also launch for the PC on Oct. 28.

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