Dragon Ball Z: Budokai

"To DBZ or Not to DBZ!!!!"

Well, this is my first review, EVER and I'm glad I could rate this game. Numerous DBZ games have been made in the past and although some were decent, many just plain sucked. As an expert on dragonball, I will try to rate this game the best and impartially as I can.

Graphics(8/10):
The graphics for this game are truly amazing as they recreate a lot of scenes from the anime into a digital equivilant which is mostly trye to form. As with all games there are some glitches such as people going through each other when touching, but the death move scenes more than make up for it.

Sound(10):
The music is great for this game. It goes perfectly with the story. Although, I would've liked more music from the shows, besides Head-Cha-La and the American rock the dragon, but the voices were pure gold. I always liked the U.S.A. VAs but a subtitled option wouldn't hurt. The only VAs that were not authentic was for Recoome, Radditz, Nappa, Dadoria and Zarbon because the first season had different VAs.

Control(7/10):
The base for almost any game. The controls kept this game from getting a 10. The controls arent bad, but it is unfair as the COM seems to always have the edge. Even if Frieza fights Krillin, of course it would be stupid to have one dominating charecter. The specials could be easier and the tournament is extremly difficult as you almost always lose by a ring out, which the COM cheats to get. It takes some time to master, but once you do, you'll be throwing around Kamehamehas like there's no tomorrow. Practice mode is great for beginners and even I go back to it to tes my new moves out.

Gameplay(10/10):
Any true DBZ fan will love how they managed to put the story all the way to the Cell games. Some might complain about not having a Buu saga, but if you see how much work was put in you would see there's no way Buu could be put in. Of course there's only so much room on a CD. Also the capsules are great to collect and use. You could be sneaky and add Heart Virus and Vaccine, or power your dude to the max, it's up to you, but you only get 7 slots so use them wisely.

Replay(7/10):
I'm not gonna lie, you could beat this game in a rental, hell, even a couple of days depending on how good you are, but, collecting all the capsules and breakthrough, with the use of the dragonballs, which adds even more replay, will give you stuff to do unless you rush. Even the story mode has alternate endings and sequences after you beat it the first time. But, just like all other fighting games, eventually, you're gonna get bored.

Buy or Rent:
If you are a hardcore DBZ fan like myself, then buy it, otherwise rent. Like I said you could probably beat it in a rental. I already beat it, but I still enjoy playing it, it's the only game I play and I have both WWE Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth, and GTA:Vice City. This is a collectable and who knows, maybe one day you're bored and you might decide to pick up this game.

Overall(not an average)8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/10/02, Updated 12/10/02