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The ever-popular DBZ series receives another update for PS2. Budokai 3 merges the second game’s authentic visuals, with a solid and quick fighting engine that makes for an enjoyable fighting game without the license. With it, DBZ fanatics will find much to love in this game.
The game’s single player mode is found in the brand-new DragonUniverse. In it, you’ll be able to play a unique story for each of the game’s characters. The different stories don’t have much going for them in production values, they’re just a screenshot and some sound effects and voicework going on, but are fitting nonetheless. Although it isn’t too in-depth, the DragonUniverse does allow you to explore the overworld to unlock collectibles, but for the most part, it is mainly about fighting. Moreover, you’re able to upgrade your character in the game to increase the performance, with the experience points found in this mode.
Aside from singleplayer, the game allows you to play against another player in multiplayer or set up a tournament for up to eight people. If you really like the game’s engine, you can set two AI-controlled characters to duke it out and watch the pretty results.
The game’s fighting engine is incredibly quick, as I mentioned above and faithful to the source material. Aside from the typical punches, kicks, and what not, the game allows you to pull off moves unique to the series. For example, the series’ trademark energy beam attacks are in full presence, and the game steps them up a notch by allowing two characters to perform a beam attack at the same time and then furiously mash the buttons to overpower the other’s beam. While not earth-shattering, it is a neat addition. The game also allows you to teleport, and includes a system where you can essentially attack an opponent, teleport, and attack them from the back. The teleporting back and forth is actually an integral part of the gameplay and will allow an experienced gamer to have the advantage. To pull off these moves, you’ll need to make sure your ki meter is in good state. It can be filled up by linking combos or a particular recharge move which leaves you exposed to attack.
The game also allows you to evolve through different forms of the characters, if the character supports it. Moreover, there is a hyper mode where characters can pull off very powerful attacks and the game even moves the camera around to cinematically capture the action. When it is time to end the match, the game includes a finisher move for the many characters, which are also complete with their own cinematic style.
The game’s visuals are incredibly true to the source material. The character models, once again in the cel-shaded nature, are excellent with believable and fluid animations backing up their every move. Dimps really used the PS2’s processing power to output a number of particle and special effects, which fill the screen and truly recreate the cartoon’s hectic battles. The camera angles are also surprisingly cinematic and do add the gameplay.
The game’s audio is similarly suitable. The rock-based soundtrack isn’t special, but this fit with the game’s atmosphere. Likewise, the sound effects are seemingly derived directly from the TV show. The voice work is solid, thanks to the inclusion of the actual American cast, and the dialogue is usually on target.
As a fighting game, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 is good. It is fast paced and offers enough delicacies to make it worth any gamer’s while. The license lends itself excellently to the genre, and fans of the series will certainly love the game. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Nov 16, 2004
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