“Dragon Ball Z: Budokai” was officially released in 2002 (same year Kingdom Hearts came out) on PlayStation 2 & Nintendo GameCube. It received mixed reviews from critics, fans and gamers alike. Two sequels were released in 2003 and 2004. My favorite from the Budokai Trilogy is the third game. Followed by the Budokai Tenkaichi Trilogy from 2005-2007.
Speaking of which, a fourth game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series is in development. When I first saw a teaser trailer from Bandai Namco, my mind was blown. As a fan of DBZ, I wanna share my thoughts on the first game. One more thing, an upcoming follow up to DBZ titled, “Dragon Ball Daima” is in the works with series creator, Akira Toriyama involved in production. It’s slated to air in Fall, 2024.
I don’t care if SPOILERS are present. We’ve already watched DBZ on Toonami.
Powerful & Weak Qualities
Powerful: Voice Actors from the show reprise their roles. They all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Graphics still hold up for a game from 2002.
Gameplay/Mechanics
- Presented as a fighting game, you play a roster of 23 characters from three sagas.
- Red and Blue Skills grant you special attacks. For instance, a red one represents a powerful beam like Goku’s Kamehameha. Blue’s for physical as in rapid punches and kicks.
- Equip skills to personally build your favorite fighter. Hercule Satan’s my favorite.
- Combat’s the meat and potatoes. Perform combo attacks and guard. Ki Gauge values how much you can perform special attacks and transform Goku, Vegeta, Trunks & Gohan as Super Saiyans.
- An ultimate attack really comes in handy. Use it in case you’re in a tough situation. A certain one like Frieza’s Death Ball destroys a stage and becomes nothing but a wasteland.
- Story Mode recreates notable fights including Goku vs. Frieza.
- Versus Mode’s a one-on-one fight between you and an A.I. You can invite a friend over fun.
- Practice Mode tests out your fighter’s moves.
- World Tournament can be played in three difficulties. Novice, Adept & Advanced. Depending on the difficulty, you’ll win money if you’re a runner-up or the champion.
- Spend your money at Mr. Popo’s skill shop. If you’re lucky, you might purchase a Dragon Ball.
- A memory card’s required to share skills with a fellow player.
- Once you obtain all seven Dragon Balls, you’ll be able to summon Shenron. When you summon him, you’ll earn a “Breakthrough” listing all skills from a single fighter. For instance, Vegeta acquires all his attacks and transformations.
- A “What If” Mode features four characters. For example, Playing as Frieza in the Namek Saga lets you defeat Goku and his friends.
Unlocking an older Gohan as Great Saiyaman, subtly sets up Budokai 2. Back when Bandi Namco was prepping up to include the Buu Saga.
My favorite What If Mode is “The Legend of Hercule.” It’s funny he beats up every contestant and Cell. In the actual show, Cell easily defeats him.
Weak: Unlike the show, Kamehameha is yellow, rather than blue.
There’s no option that allows you to change a fighter’s outfit. Like Goku wearing a jacket and jeans. Even Ginyu wears Goku’s clothes.
It would’ve been funny if Cell in Krillin form from his nightmare became a playable character in the roster. Don’t be afraid to add a few treats. Cell (in Perfect Form) can emit a Spirit Bomb as his ultimate attack. This never happened on the show. Spice thing up a notch.
The Final Verdict: B-
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai isn’t good or bad. Just plain average. When I was a kid, I enjoyed playing the Budokai games. If you wanna relive good memories. Invite a friend over and talk about the good old days of video games.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 