Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout

"Great game... gets way too much bad publicity"

Well, Dragonball GT : Final Bout. The US Version, the second game currently in the US for Dragonball. The first was Dragon Power for the NES, but this isn't the FAQ for it.

First off, contradictory to as most might think, this game is not hard to find. However, it is very expensive. Many copies are always available on EBay -- but they always go for well over $100[mine went for $190]. So, the game is an investment, but as this review will show, is a fun one.

Graphics : 9/10

The graphics are very nice -- the intro is exceptional, and character rendering is nice, if not sometimes strange. Pan looks a bit older than she should be, and some characters look a bit off in hair/body, but overall, it's very good. Camera is a bit strange at times, but usually presents a clear view. The energy auras look especially nice.

Controls : 8/10

If you're read other reviews, one might think it's horrible. Well, it's actually not. Ki Blasts are relatively simple, but not excessively so. Blocking is lifelike -- a partial block is easy, counterattacking is not. Moving around and attacking is simple, but sometimes a little slow. Generally good control -- within a few hours, it'll be easy to use. It could be better, though, but as it is, it prevents overcomplicity and oversimplicity.

Gameplay : 9/10

Very good. Very, very difficult, at the beginning at least. On Normal, one can get to the final boss through many, many, tries and then get blown away. On build-up mode, much skill is required. The game is hard, but it creates accomplishment. I really, really wish there were the Androids, Krillin, Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu, but what is there is enough. One can consider Little Goku equivalent to Goten -- they look about the same. Build-Up mode is very fun and challenging, but is not as useful unless you have someone to play against.

Sound : 8/10

The good is that the characters talk. The bad is that some voices will sound very, very different. In-battle talk is in Japanese. But, it's all ok. Pan's voice annoys me somewhat, and if I hear ''Don't take us girls for granted!'' again I may go insane, but I like it. Background music is unspectacular, and can barely be heard. Intro music is not as good as in Japanese version. Japanese wording and sound effects included in the game, however, are good.

Overall : 9/10

As I said, it's a good game, but an investment, and an effort. Non-Dragonball fans won't enjoy it as much, and would probably prefer a different fighter, but it is adequate for anybody, and currently perfect for a Dragonball fan.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/18/01, Updated 07/18/01