"One of the best DBZ fighting games ever."

There have been a huge amount of Dragonball Z fighting games made in the past. Every time a new one is made it seems to be improved on from the one before it. Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is no exception. While very similar to the first game, the differences between the two are what make this one stand out.

Graphics: 10/10

From what I have seen as I played this game, I see no reason to give this lower than a 10. You may wonder why that is because its cel shaded. Well, the cel shading in this game is amazing and it really immerses you and makes you feel like you are actually playing the show. That is a great factor for any game to have. I found no jaggies or anything like that on the character models. The graphics are definitely improved over the first game. The arenas could probably have used a little more to make them interesting but if you have ever seen the show, most fights are fought in barren wastelands or islands so I can't really complain there. I do have one gripe about the game that I'm just throwing in graphics but not affecting the score because its not necessarily a graphics issue. That is the fact that during multiplayer matches, the game randomly slows down...a lot. I didn't notice this issue in the PS2 version when I played it so it seems to be only in the Wii version...which is surprising considering that the Wii hardware is more advanced than the PS2 and shouldn't have this amount of slowdown...fortunately it doesn't necessarily take away from the experience but it is a little disorienting at first because it bogs down the action. It isn't too common but its common enough that I take issue with it.

Sound: 9/10

The voice acting is pretty good and just as cheesy as the show...maybe more. The ability to have the Japanese voice actors is a very nice addition if you do not like the American cast. Explosions and all the crazy attacks sound just as you would expect them to. Overall nothing really bad about the sound.

Controls: 8/10

This is where it really becomes up to you. You can play with the Wiimote, a Gamecube controller, or a Classic controller. Whichever you choose. The Wiimote is pretty difficult to get used to especially if you are used to playing Tenkaichi on the PS2. Heck, the Cube controller is hard enough to get used to. But once you do get used to it, the Wiimote is definitely the best way to play the game. It's more challenging to play this way and you can't just expect to mash buttons and win because you have to pull off all the motions pretty accurately in order to get the attack you want off or any attack at all. You can also change controls around to your liking in case you don't like how the default controls are set up. The Gamecube and Classic controllers allow you to play more traditionally. While I find the Cube controller to normally be pretty good with fighting games, I couldn't really agree with this one. Something about this game makes the controller seem a little awkward. It could just be the button setup. But if you can't handle the Wiimote and are keen on just getting through the game and unlocking everything, using a traditional style of play would probably be the best way for you to go.

Gameplay: 9/10

This is where the game really improves over the first one. There are quite a few more characters than the original game and from what I can tell, they for the most part removed the whole separate characters as transformations thing. Yes, they brought back in-game transformations like they had in the original Budokai games and I actually like it much better this way. Instead of using capsules to use your skills you have all your skills available to you and you use whats being stored by your blast stocks. Blast stocks are going to be how you use your Blast 1 attacks which, like in the original, are your Solar Flares and basic power up moves. The Ki meter is what is consumed when you use your Blast 2 attacks, which are your beam attacks and you charge the Ki meter to max to use your Ultimate techniques. You also have your basic punch, kick, block, and throw attacks. Punches and kicks can be charged to make them more powerful. The difficulty level of the CPU opponents is quite a bit harder this time around. This is so even on easy mode so don't expect to be able to just continually blast your opponent into submission without them counterattacking throughout your adventure through story mode. You will get your butt handed to you much more than you would like. This is also true because of the addition of levels this time around. You and all the CPU opponents have levels and even from the beginning, there is quite a large level gap between you and your opponent. You have to equip Z Items through Evolution Z (which makes its return from the original) in order to level up. These items are similar to capsules from the original Budokai games except they do not designate attacks but they give you support abilities and increases to your stats which will then increase as you have these items equipped. The addition of teleporting is also welcome. You can now knock an opponent far away from you and teleport continuously for a bit and knock them around. You can also chain longer combos together and chase your opponent down resulting in some potentially crazy and damaging combos. You also have the ability to charge your blast attacks so that you can determine how much damage you're going to do. These are all welcome additions to the game that make this one much improved and much better than the original.

Replay Value: 7/10

Most likely, after beating story mode and unlocking everything...you won't play the game too often anymore unless you plan on leveling everyone up super high. The multiplayer is fun but the slowdown is a problem that shouldn't exist.

Overall, the game is a lot of fun and will last you a long time...close to 50 hours or more I hear. Once you beat it you probably won't be playing it too much and its up to you whether or not you can handle the random slowdowns in multiplayer matches. If so then the multiplayer is enough to warrant at least a rental to see how you like it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/08/07