"A game worth buying"

1. Introduction
Dragonball Z has done very well over the years with the Playstation 2 Entertainment System. Stretching across the charts from the first Budokai all the way to the most recent, Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3.

2. Gameplay
The gameplay in this game is just phenomenal. The developers of the Sparking games (Budokai Tenkaichi games in North America), have really done a fine job with the improvements spanning from each Sparking release. There is a new feature, along with many, that was brought with this game, and it is conversation; meaning that during fights throughout story mode, you actually can hear the hero and enemy converse in battle (Making it have a unique feel with the anime). The games' AI has also improved, unlike the other Budokai's. With many controls and control differences, also with more combos shared with other combos from previous Sparking games, the game will take some time to master.

3. Story
Sadly, the story mode in this game has been shortened somewhat as of the past Sparking Games. One positive note, that, about 90% of the story is cannon to the anime. You start the mode with the Sayian Saga and play through the Buu Saga; leaving it true to the anime. Unlike the previous game (Budokai Tenkaichi 2 {Sparking Neo}), which had every storyline in the Dragonball Universe, the storyline has been drastically shortened for good and worse & for a true feel of the Dragonball Z Universe.

4. Graphics
Like the other Sparking Games, this game has been true with the Cel-Shaded Graphics and 3D Graphics. This game also has major improvements when it comes to the Art & Design of the Characters, Maps, KI Blasts, etc. Every nook & cranny, every blast performed by the character, has been retouched and the look and feel of it has been remastered. The maps are bigger, larger and more destructible; giving more of a feel for the battles that lie with Dragonball Z. Day and night stages are put into account along with post-to-ape transformations. Of course only the characters that have tales can transform on the night stages with the full moon.

5. Sound
The Sound of this game can go both ways. The NA version of this game has iffy BGM Music. Sure, the BGM has improved over the last game, but still is a letdown compared to the original (Sparking Meteor) soundtrack. This game also keeps the selection of enabling Japan VA. Funimation also did a good with their English dub in this game; more emotion & drama roles have been added to the dub.

6. Playtime
This game has some serious playtime. Although the story has been shortened, it makes up for it with more game modes. Many unlockables in this game can be unlocked through the power of the Dragonballs, which can be found in most of the game modes. There are also new features in this game such as Sim Dragon and Survival Mode. Also, lacking the RPG style of the previous game, you gain Z points throughout many of the battles that are in Story mode (along with other modes), to increase the starts of your characters. Speaking of which, there are also more characters in this game not to mention their transformations, bringing you endless styles of gameplay.

7>Replayability
This game has huge replay value. This game has a feature of saving a replay video while in Duel mode. Save some of your favorite fights with this feature and view them with your friends. You can also play Story Mode (Along with others) many times over if you wish. Whatever you like, the fun will never stop.

8. Final Recomendation
As a final conclusion, I would recommend buying this game. This game has a lot of features that can not be overlooked nor missed. This game might not be the ultimate Dragonball Z game that we hardcore fans were wishing for, but it is a HUGEimprovement over that past Budokai games.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/19/07

Game Release: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (US, 11/13/07)