Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

"The Dragonball Z Simulator"

Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is the latest and most probably the last Dragon Ball Z installment on the PS2. It features a large roster of characters and many modes of play.

Gameplay 10/10
This is probably the closest you will ever get to play a game that actually feels like Dragon Ball Z. There are many large arenas for you to play in, each with destructible environments, from rocks to buildings to spaceships. Each player has a vast multitude of moves for you to use, whether in the air, or on the ground. Devastating combo's can be unleashed with fairly easy button combinations. Unique blasts and rapid rush attacks can be done with 150+ playable characters. Whether you're a fan of the show or not, you won't be disappointed.

Graphics 10/10
These are some of the best Cel-shaded graphics on the PS2. All characters and their costumes are done perfectly. The arenas are done smoothly, including underwater environments and detailed buildings. Blasts, collisions and special moves are also done well. I have no complaints at all about the graphics.

Sound 10/10
There is a large selection of background music to listen to whilst playing. Each song sounds good and matches with the gameplay. The sound on this game is flawless.

Story mode 9/10
The story mode is good. Very good. All of the saga's seen on the show are available, and you can hear characters speak while you fight, and there are relevant cutscenes during battles. My only problem with it is that quite a lot of major battles are missed out, but there is still extra story content in the "Special Saga".

Replay Value 10/10
There is a lot of replay value in this game. There are five difficulties to master as well as a Team Battle option. The lengthy story mode is also good enough to be played more than once. There is also a survival mode, and a Sim Dragon mode, which allows you to take on the role of a Dragon Ball Z character. The mission 100 mode gives you (obviously) 100 missions to do with grades, so there is always room for improvement. There are numerous tournaments available as well. The Evolution Z mode allows you to customise all of your characters to make them stronger, and you can always play with a friend. All these features give the game a large amount of replay value.

This truly is, the Dragon Ball Z simulator.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/30/08

Game Release: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (EU, 11/09/07)