Understanding Shallot's Transformations in Dragon Ball Legends

In the Dragon Ball Legends universe, Shallot is a unique character with a tail, which traditionally signifies the potential for transformations like Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4). However, theories and speculations abound regarding whether he should pursue this form instead of the Super Saiyan God (SSG) transformation. Let's delve into the reasons behind this decision and explore the deeper implications of Shallot's narrative and game mechanics.

Story Context

The primary storyline of Dragon Ball Legends revolves around Shallot learning various transformations and techniques from other characters. The narrative has placed more emphasis on him achieving the SSG transformation, which is a more recent and powerful form in the Dragon Ball universe compared to SSJ4. This focus aligns with the overall narrative of the game, aiming to showcase the growth and evolution of its characters in a manner consistent with the Dragon Ball Super series.

Transformation Mechanics

The Dragon Ball series presents the SSJ4 as a transformation that often requires specific conditions, such as the user having a tail and being in a certain emotional state. In contrast, SSG is a transformation achieved through a ritual and is tied to the concept of godly ki, which is more relevant in the context of the game's mechanics and storyline. These distinct mechanics make it highly unlikely that Shallot would be able to achieve SSJ4 in the same way as SSG.

Game Design Choices

The developers may have chosen to prioritize SSG for gameplay balance and to align with the overarching themes of the Dragon Ball Super series. SSJ4, although interesting, often introduces unique and challenging elements that may disrupt the gameplay flow or narrative coherence. This decision ensures a smoother and more immersive experience for players, focusing on the power scaling and battles that are central to the Dragon Ball Super universe.

Absorption of Powers

Another factor to consider is the way powers are absorbed in the game. The transformations are typically treated as distinct power-ups rather than layered abilities. While the idea of Shallot absorbing the power of SSG in his base form and then transforming into SSJ4 is intriguing, the game mechanics and narrative structure may not support this combination. This approach maintains the integrity of each transformation, allowing players to experience them as intended without the potential for confusion or unintended gameplay consequences.

Game Context and Continuity

It is also worth noting that Dragon Ball Legends is positioned to take place at the end of the Dragon Ball Super anime. This places a significant emphasis on recent developments and transformations, particularly the SSG form. While there were instances in early discussions where certain Dragon Ball Z: Great Warrior Saga (GT) elements were considered, the developers chose not to fully integrate GT into the storyline. This is evident from the fact that characters from GT 'appearing' in the story did not result in cutscenes showing them interacting with Shallot and the others. The fights involving GT characters are often placeholders to extend the story, rather than integral parts of the narrative.

This approach ensures a cohesive and immersive experience for fans of the Dragon Ball Super series, while also respecting the continuity and lore of the main series. Therefore, while the potential for SSJ4 exists, the game’s focus on SSG aligns better with its narrative and gameplay objectives.

So, while it may be frustrating for fans, the decision to prioritize SSG for Shallot is a strategic one that enhances the overall gameplay and narrative experience. Perhaps in future updates or spin-offs, we may see more diverse transformations and elements from the Dragon Ball universe.