Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2018 fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, featuring characters from the popular Dragon Ball media franchise. The game has received critical acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and story, which introduces a new original character: Android 21.
Who is Android 21?
Android 21 is a bio-android character created by Arc System Works and designed by Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragon Ball. She is the main antagonist of the game’s story mode, where she serves as the de facto leader of the Red Ribbon Army, a villainous organization that seeks to conquer the world with androids.
Android 21 is described as a tall, curvaceous scientist with glasses and long bushy auburn hair. She wears a blue and red checker pattern minidress, black tights, and blue and red ankle heel boots. She also usually wears a white lab coat with her outfit. Her eyes are similar to that of Dr. Gero’s androids, such as Android 18.
However, Android 21 has a split personality and a hidden true form, which is revealed when she loses control of her hunger for energy. In her true form, Android 21’s skin turns pink, her hair becomes white with a pink tint, her ears become pointed, and she gains a tail. She also changes her attire to a black tube top, white baggy pants, and black boots. Her eyes also vary depending on which moral alignment she represents: in her good representation, she retains the eyes from her human form, while in her evil representation, her eyes become more similar to that of a Majin.
Android 21’s appearance in her true form is the result of her having all of the traits of the Z Fighters, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu rolled into one. She is able to transform into a powerful and shape-shifting being, and can create clones of other fighters to absorb their energy.
What is Android 21’s role in the game?
Android 21 is the main villainess of the game’s story mode, which is divided into three arcs: the Super Warrior Arc, the Enemy Warrior Arc, and the Android 21 Arc. In each arc, the player controls a different group of characters who are linked with an amnesiac soul (the player) that helps them fight against the waves of clones and enemies.
In the Super Warrior Arc, the player controls Goku and his allies, who wake up to find themselves in a weakened state and unable to use their full power. They encounter Android 21, who claims to be a researcher for the Red Ribbon Army and the one who created the soul-linking system. She also reveals that she has revived some of the villains, such as Frieza and Cell, and implanted them with mind-controlling devices. She asks the Z Fighters to help her stop the villains and the clones, but her true motives are unclear.
In the Enemy Warrior Arc, the player controls Frieza and his allies, who have been revived by Android 21 and forced to obey her commands. They soon realize that they are being used as pawns by Android 21, who plans to absorb their energy and become stronger. They decide to rebel against her and join forces with some of the Z Fighters, who have also escaped her control.
In the Android 21 Arc, the player controls Android 18 and her allies, who are the only ones who can resist Android 21’s mind control. They learn that Android 21 has a split personality, and that her good side is trying to suppress her evil side, which is driven by an insatiable hunger for energy. They also discover that Android 21 was once a human named Vomi, who was turned into a bio-android by Dr. Gero and his supercomputer. She has the memories and emotions of Vomi, but also the cells and abilities of various fighters. They decide to help Android 21’s good side overcome her evil side, and face her in a final battle.
Why is Android 21 popular among fans?
Android 21 has received a very positive reception from fans and critics alike, who praised her design, personality, and role in the game. Some of the reasons why Android 21 is popular among fans are:
- She is the first female main antagonist in the Dragon Ball series, and one of the few female characters who can fight on par with the male characters.
- She has a complex and intriguing backstory, which reveals her origins, motivations, and inner conflict.
- She has a unique and appealing appearance, which combines elements of various races and characters, such as humans, androids, Saiyans, Frieza’s race, Namekians, and Majins.
- She has a diverse and impressive set of abilities, which allow her to transform, create clones, absorb energy, and use techniques from other fighters.
- She has a dynamic and charismatic personality, which switches between a kind and gentle scientist and a sadistic and power-hungry Majin.
- She has a strong and emotional connection with Android 16, who is her creation and friend, and Android 18, who is her ally and rival.
Where can fans find more of Android 21?
Android 21 has since appeared in other licensed Dragon Ball video games, such as Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle, Dragon Ball Legends, Dragon Ball Heroes, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. She is also featured in various merchandise, such as figures, statues, cards, and clothing. She has also inspired many fan works, such as fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, and memes.
Android 21 is a character that has made a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball fandom, and has become one of the most popular and beloved characters in the series. She is a testament to the creativity and collaboration of Arc System Works and Akira Toriyama, who have created a new face of evil in Dragon Ball FighterZ.