Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Critic Reviews

A Dragonball fan’s dream. It is the first "true" American game based on the series, and Infogrames really came through on this one.

If you are a DBZ fan, this is a dream come true. The game does just about everything right. Go and buy this now (you probably would even if I told you that the only difference between this and a bag of manure was the bag). If you aren’t a DBZ fan, you might be turned off by the simplistic gameplay.

Doesn’t have a lot of spit & polish, and at first glance would seem to be a pretty crappy game, but that’s only skin deep. Get underneath the hood, and you’ll find an enjoyable fight engine, lots of extra material, and an impressive amount of content for a fighting game.

Officially the first fun Dragonball Z game to hit the market. While it has a couple problems in the lack of jump or flight and a few strange mini-games in story mode, this fighter is remarkably deep and entertaining.

Dramatic, hilarious and impenetrable by turn, it's a cold heart that won't be warmed by this one, but hardcore fight fans may find themselves irritated.

The authenticity will truly impress the fans of the series with the soundtrack and voice acting all wrapped up in one neat and tidy package.

Between the terrific cinemas, TV voice actors, and perfectly re-created story lines, you'll really feel like you're playing the show. And isn't that what you've wanted all along?

It doesn't always make sense, but it's so big, daft and loud that you can't help but join in with all the shouting.

It's hard to find a Dragon Ball Z game that's fun, fast, and enjoyable. DBZ nuts should savor this one. For every one else - it's a solid rental at best.

Fans of the show will drool over the voices, music, and perfectly replicated look of the animated series.

If you can get past the pastel coloured craziness of it all, then Dragon Ball Z: Budokai provides a decent enough challenge – just don’t be expecting another Tekken 4 and this should find favour.

If you are into DBZ and haven’t picked this game up yet ... do so immediately.

Non–Dragon Ball Z fans, however, may have a hard time not only grasping the quirky DBZ story, but also wrapping their fingers around the repetitious controls.

It flirts awfully close with being a mindless button-masher, but Budokai embraces its “Dragon Ball Z” license with a passion and eye for little details that’ll surely make hardcore fans of the series flip from joy.

Fighting Game Fan: "I'll admit, I was surprised at how deep the game is, and I actually enjoyed the Story mode, despite the oddball characters."

A fun, frantic fighting game tht completely captures the unique spirit of the show... A must have for DBZ fans.

The rather simple fighting system in DBZ Budokai is really the key factor that's going to keep it from appealing to many people outside of the DBZ fan base.

As a fighting game, Budokai is mediocre at best and annoyingly frustrating at worst.

If you're an aficionado of the series, then you won't be disappointed with the quality of this title. However, as a fighter the game falls short of the top titles in the genre and will more than likely be too simplistic for fighter fans.

Only bother with DBZ:B if you are a steadfast, utterly devoted fan of the series, otherwise steer clear of this title and getting your fighting game fix elsewhere.