Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Dragon Ball Z is one of the few series who could keep me away from the computer when I was a kid. I could really enjoy those immensely violent cartoons, even though I didn’t understand a word they said because it was all in French. What I did understand was who were the good and the bad guys. I don’t know if the TV series are still as successful as they used to be, but I do know the PS2 games, and especially the Budokai Thenkaichi series, are being praised by old and new fans all over the globe. How about the third part? Is it a worthy successor to what we’ve seen so far?
The most important aspect of the entire Budokai Tenkaichi series is without a doubt the mode where you get to play the entire Dragon Ball Sage. In number three this mode is called “Dragon History” and together with this new name came some new content: the Dragon Ball GT series! The hardcore DBZ fans will surely know what I’m talking about, it’s a new Dragon Ball Saga where our heroes take the fight to outer space to defend de universe (again). This brings a batch of new storyline fun together with new characters with their own special moves. Budokai Tenkaichi 3 can be called a “more complete game” when it comes to the story!
The Tenkaichi series has more to offer besides the DBZ story and the atmosphere that goes along with it! Not only is it important to complete the story mode, you also have to make your characters stronger. This can be done while going through all sagas and by playing the Dragon World Tour. This mode reminds of the old Mortal Combats. You start at the bottom of a ladder and you have to work your way up to the top to become the ultimate fighter while you improve yourself along the way. Another way to toughen up your characters is the Evolution Z. Here you can improve by applying skills you collected while playing the story mode. These provide more HP, better moves and a lot more.
In terms of gameplay nothing has changed. Button bashing still isn’t an option in this game, you have to think about every move you’re going to make and you have to time them perfectly. This, together with the knowledge of most combos in the game, are the key to victory. Don’t try to keep on hitting your enemy with powerful energy bolts or Spirit Bombs since they will react appropriately and pound you into the ground. Defense is another important aspect of fighting. It does help you beat even the most powerful opponents. How? It can slow the opposition down during a couple of milliseconds. The clue in Budokai Tenkaichi is that you fight with your mind, not so much with power.
The graphics are still very enjoyable because of the typical cell shaded environments and characters who fill your screen. Alongside these wonderful objects, you can also see some great firework-like attacks that complete the party called DBZ: Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Although these aren’t the most advanced graphics you’ve ever seen, you shouldn’t forget you’re playing it on a PS2 console. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the series has delivered a wonderful visual game throughout the years. Apart from seeing nice things, we also hear the voices we know from the TV-series. Yes, indeed, those screamy and sometimes very irritating voices, but hey, it’s part of the entire DBZ idea. The music and sound effects in this game aren’t really state of the art, they’re something you can expect from the better average game.
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is certainly worth buying, even if the only real new aspect is the Dragon Ball GT saga. Gameplay, graphics and audio haven’t gone through any real changes. Like I said, the reason why you would buy this game is the story mode which is VERY complete. If it’s worth €50, that’s another thing. Personally I would advise everyone to wait until this game goes Platinum or drops in price. On the other hand, it’s almost the time of the year where you receive presents… Perhaps you can try and get someone to buy it for you as your Christmas gift?
7.0
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