Dragon Ball Z: Budokai

"You don't have to be a fan of DBZ to like this game"

This is probaly one of the only games based off a TV show were you don't have to be a fan. Why?Its because they basically tell you the entire story of the show from episodes 1-about 95.Now lets get on with the review.

Graphics 8/10
The graphics are cel-shaded (Like Wind Waker) I don't like celshade much but if its a game off a show then ok.Graphics get an 8.

Gameplay 8/10
The gameplay is a bit different than most fighting games for instance you can fly and there is usually about 3 different places to fight in each stage.You get there by knocking your opponent far kicking usually does the best.When you do the special move the it is a bit like a cutscene the fighting stops and you see yourself doing the special.You can also buy items to power up your character and you can also buy attacks.Gameplay gets an 8.

Characters 9/10
There are about 30 different characters and 1 secret character.Some characters don't have to many attacks but everyone has a special attack.The characters that do have lots different attacks are pretty fun to use.Some characters even have conversations with others.Characters gets a 9.

Modes of Gameplay 7/10
There are seven different options at the menu.Story Mode,Dual,Tournament,Options,Item shop,and Legend of Hercule (Its a minigame).It does annoy me a little that there is no arcade mode but who needs it when we get tournament.Dual is basically the 2 player mode or 1PvsCPU.Tournament is just a tournament im guessing you know what that means.Legend of Hercule is a secret minigame I bothered to beat it and see the ending.Story is were you just play through the story of DBZ.Modes of Gameplay gets a 7.

Difficulty 8/10
There are some fights in story mode that are very hard there so hard you need to use the special attacks to win especially the final battle it toke me about 10 tries so your in for a huge fight.Difficulty gets an 8

Overall score 8/10
I recommend you get this game if your a hardcore fan of the show or if you love fighting games this is the game for you.DBZ Budokai 2 is supposed to be out next month on the PS2 I probaly will get it it looks pretty fun.Well just 32 more words to go if you do get this game and beat in one day try getting all of the items and play through again to unlock some characters alright later.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/16/03