Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi

"A good DBZ simulator"

Budokai Tenkaichi. The newest DBZ game for the PS2. First off I'd just like to say this isn't Budokai 4. This is a completely different game. It was made Spike and published by Atari. It has 90 something characters (including transformations) and is a DBZ simulator.

Graphics - 9/10
The graphics are very good. Like Budokai 2 and 3, this game uses cel-shaded graphics so it looks more like the anime. The character models are dead on for the most part so it really does feel like you're playing the anime, if that makes any sense. The above also applys for the chi attacks. Dead on and very nice to see. The levels are simply put, beautiful looking.

Sound - 3/10
The music is this game is horrible. Its just remixed crap from Budokai 1 with like, one or two more tracks. I don't remember, I just turned the music off because I hate when my ears bleed. The sound effects are the way they should sound...too bad they hardly ever match the animation. Voice acting isn't that bad but like I said in my Budokai 3 review, the actors are lacking in emotion. Probably because they've said the same thing every year for the past 4+ years. But eh, they still get paid so whatever.

Gameplay - 4/10
The fighting system is boring and repetitive. Now that thats out of the way, I'll review the other stuff. Unlike the Budokai series, this isn't a sideways fighter. This is a behind-the-back fighter. Sounds strange huh? Well it is at first, but after about two hours of playing you'll be used to it. The controls are simple if you master them but are very hard to get used to at first. Luckily it only takes a few good hours to master them. The blast moves are done in real time...kinda. If you do, lets say Final Flash, the screen goes black, you get a close up Vegeta screaming the name and he shoots the blast. It isn't a big ass cinematic like they were in the Budokai series. This gives the player a chance to dodge the attack which is very fun, especially if it's an ultimate attack.

The stages are huge, unfortunately they're not big enough for this type of game. It really sucks when you knock a guy in the air, dash towards him and strike him at a downward angle and he hits a rainbow colored wall.

Theres a decent amount of gameplay modes. First theres Z Battle Gate, which is story mode. Ultimate Battle, which is a fun yet unrewarding mode where you pick your character and start at rank 100. You fight the person above you and if you win, your rank increases and you get a win point(s). If you lose you lose some points, and if those points get to 0 then you have to start over. World Tournament is the same as it has been in the Budokai games, expect you don't earn money. This time you get a Z-item and the next level of the world tournament.

In-game transformations are out. Instead of transforming in battle, you now have to pick what transformation you want to start the battle in. While a lot of people think this is a bad move, it's actually a good one. Each character and his transformation(s) is different. Each has their own moves, play style and combos.

Story - 8/10
The story mode of this game, now called Z Battle Gate, is pretty fun. Like in Budokai 1, we has cutscenes before mostly every fight. They're done pretty good but Budokai 1s were much better. Now, the game starts at the Raditz battle and goes on till the end of the Kid Buu saga. Theres also a bunch of what-if battles, most of which are pretty interesting....although they're not as creative as the ones in DBZ - Supersonic Warriors.

Replay Value - 5/10
After playing for a couple weeks, you will get bored. It's inevitable. But this is one of those games that, after not playing for awhile, you'll start craving. You'll pick it up and play for a couple of hours before you remember how repetitive the fighting system is. You'll play it for a couple more days before you put it back on the shelf.

Final Thought - 5/10
This game is average at best. If you're a loyal DBZ fan then you should pick this up, chances are you will like it. If you're not, I suggest renting it. The average person can beat it within the rental time. So if you want a DBZ simulator, get this. If you want a DBZ fighting game, I suggest Budokai 3.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/06