| Dragon
Ball Z Budokai 3
System: Playstation 2
Developer: Dimps Co
Images: Atari.com
By
Punishment of Heaven aka Kris
Introduction
Even as the Dragonball series altogether ended
in 1997, the popularity of it spawned many toy franchises,
as well as many videogames. This is the latest one which combines
most of the Z series, the original Dragonball and GT series,
putting characters in a fast paced, mass-combo strategic fighting
game.
With the first Budokai game released in '02
the developers created a 3D fighting game that, while not
having the deepest fighting system, it was still reasonably
fun to play. One year later we got a new game with cel-shaded
graphics to make it feel as if it was the show itself, but
still with the same fighting mechanics and extra characters.
Finally, we have Budokai 3 which combines quite a bit from
all three Dragonball series, this time with improved graphics,
gameplay, and new characters.
Review
Gameplay
At the main menu we are treated
to many options. Dragon Universe, being the first is the main
"story mode" of the game, where you literally fly
all around the world to gain experience points with 9 starting
Warriors, each having its own story that ties together with
everyone else's and leveling them up to fight stronger opponents
as the story develops. The plot is basically the Dragon Ball
Z story. Dueling is the part where you and a friend can duke
it out as your favorite DB character. World Tournament is
as it sounds a tournament of characters where you can either
play by yourself or with a friend to gain zenny (or money).
Practice helps you perfect your skills by practicing on your
own terms or you can get lessons by the DB characters themselves
in Lesson "mode". Skill Editing is another mode
in which you can change skill "capsules" or buy
new capsules to improve your fighters. Finally, there is a
regular options menu where you can fix the difficulty of the
game, the type of sound output, but it does not include the
option of English or Japanese language (sorry otakus).
The fighting system has improved a lot from
the last two games! One of the improvements made is the new
"teleporting" feature which with a certain button
combination allows you character to instantly appear behind
your opponent at the right moment, but it does use up a large
amount of your Ki energy. Ki energy is the second thing you
have to watch out for besides your health bar, as it the energy
used to conduct powerful attacks such as Energy beams, transformations,
and teleportation. Each of the characters have new fighting
combos that are different from each other, some are slow but
powerful and others are fast but weak so there is a balance.
The environments (levels) are huge and filled
with unique aspects, such as plains filled with dinosaurs
and urban city landscapes. Most characters have one extremely
powerful move that could change the landscape of each level.
This game features a roster of 45 characters.
Five of which are fusion characters. It also includes movie
characters such as Cooler and the ever popular Brolly.
Graphics
This game features "top-notch" cel-shaded
graphics, each character has smooth animations for their moves
as well as mouth movements, it feels as if your actually playing
the anime itself!
Sound
This game features only stereo or mono settings,
but the sound is the best I've heard without a 5.1 option.
The voice acting is clear, and the music can't get any better
even though I wish some of the music from 1 and 2 was included,
but its all good ^^.
Value
This game features a good deal of extra features
such as Dragon Arena in which after defeating all Dragon Universe
stories you can use the fighters that you've leveled up during
DU and fight your friends leveled up characters by the use
of codes (not online but the next best thing).
Conclusion
This game is by all means.... The Greatest
Dragon Ball game ever!! I cannot stress how awesome it is.
This is a Dragon Ball fan's dream, though it would be nice
if it had some more characters such as Janemba, or Master
Roshi, but all in all this is a great and truly worthy addition
to any Dragon Ball or fighting genre fan's collection even
if they are not a Dragon Ball fan.
5 out of 5
Punishment of Heaven aka Kris |
