Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II

"Stylish fiction....I mean that in a GOOD way."

Foreword - I'm a dragonball fan and I'm pretty involved in it. I know about the sub and I much prefer it, but I'm less one sided than most. However you might notice me using the original names for some of the characters and introducing sarcasm when referring to some of the dub names. Just a warning that this game might be given a slightly harsh review due to my jaded background. ;)

Gameplay - 7.5/10
The puzzles I've seen so far consist of finding an item and giving it to someone. However, it gets a little long and convoluted...here's an example (spoilers):
You need to talk to Piccolo. 'Hercule' and his float are blocking the path and he won't start the parade without his club sandwich. To get the club sandwich you need to give the guy at the restaurant a newspaper to read but the stand is closed because the guy is worried about his lost kid. So you rescue 4 missing kids in the woods in order to get the sandwich.
You get the idea. Combat on the other hand...maybe its just me, but it seems to be either really easy or really hard depending on how lucky you are. If you're lucky you can keep punching and kicking away, following them as they get knocked back in one unending combo. It can be very hard because you hit about the same range as most enemies so its often hit or miss if you hit or they do. Not that this is a problem as it encourages things like hiding behind rocks and running around behind them. ^_^
Not bad, but it can be a little repetitive. Not to mention frustrating. At least the save points are nice and regular, the character swapping is nicely done and the combat has more depth than the original. Although pretty much anything has greater depth than the original.

Sound - 8/10
Most games on handheld's have a problem with sound and tend to grate on my nerves anyway, but this isn't too bad. The music has a hint of Faulkner (he who makes the Funi dub music) and although it repeats a bit isn't too bad.
The FX are decent, the ki sounds in particular are satisfying even if some of them are a little disappointing.

Graphics - 8/10
Pretty darn good. Nice and clear, the face icons during talking are nice, if a little oddly proportioned at times. Gohans in particular looked a little strange, but some of the other points (like Frieza getting cut in two) not only looked alright but showed the extra parts they put in the animation. King Kold had three extra frames of animation when he was shot that you can only partially see with slow-mo. The animation is nice and its generally well presented.

Authenticity - 5/10
This section I pretty much added for those hardcore DBZ fans.
It not only is based off the dub, which many would count against it, it doesn't even follow that too strictly. Frieza is cut in half then just blows up, as opposed to the slice 'n' dice in the anime. However, it actually does a very good job of using the various filler segments.
It links the History of Trunks nicely and although Gohans death is altered slightly (you get to see it at the edge of your screen as Trunks), it is a lovely touch. Garlic Jr is the explanation as to why wolves and snakes are suddenly very strong and hostile, the Black Water Mist from the filler saga left some affected. This is a lot better than the random squirrel killing from the first.
They also cut short a few sections, like Goku's return. Its barely noticeable as it flows nicely anyway. In other words, although it may fall short of many hardcore fans expectations it manages to do it with style...

Overall -
5+7.5+8+8=28.5
28.5/4=7.125
7/10
This game is good, far better than the original. It still has a few problems but recovers well from them. Thus I give it a bonus mark. The fact that Gohan is currently wandering around town wearing saiyan armor, the huge amounts of quests and searching and levelling available...
This games deserves an 8. ^_^

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/01/03, Updated 07/01/03