DragonBall Z Burst Limits

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limits

Rating: T

Score: 8.5/10

After Budokai Tenkaichi 3, the Dragon Ball series has decided to take a step back to its 2-D roots. If it worked for Wario (Wario Land Shake It), why can’t it work for Goku and company? This game is only available for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

For people who enjoyed the Budokai series, but not the Budokai Tenkaichi series, you’re in for a treat. Even if you enjoyed both, you’re in for a treat. The game is almost like the unreleased Budokai 4.  It features the same gameplay, but better graphics and new gameplay elements.

The gameplay is noticeably faster in pace, and the combos are undoubtedly easier than their predecessors. Jaw-dropping Super Kamehamehas and other special moves are as easy as tapping one or two buttons. There’s nothing notable that requires a lot of skill to pull off, although there are different techniques that demand flawless timing. It’s these moves that will give you a superior edge over your opponent.

A new gameplay edition is the Drama Pieces. In the middle of battle, a partner can help you up your defense, protect you from a hit, or recover lost health. It may slow the game down, since an intense battle can get rudely interrupted by something as insignificant as someone being thrown a Senzu Bean. It does add to the Dragon Ball Z feel, but is undoubtedly as annoying to non-fans as someone pausing the game for a full eight seconds, and then unpausing it, just to hand you a can of pop.

The Story Mode, as always, is based on the popular cartoon. This time, surprisingly enough, they presented all the story sequences in a linear fashion, and focused more on the cut-scenes and fighting. It’s working, because cut-scenes are the most significant part of the Dragon Ball series and each one featured here looks amazing. You’ll only go through the “Frieza Saga”, the “Cell Saga”, and the “Broly Saga”.

             Likewise, you’re not getting a lot of characters. Just above twenty characters, Twenty-one to be exact. Only four are unlocked at the beginning, so rushing through the Story Mode is crucial. It’s easier said than done; they lengthened the Story Mode. In spite of being a wimpy three sagas long (and there must be over twenty sagas in the Dragon Ball cartoon), the Story Mode will take you a while to complete.

Other than Story Mode and Versus Mode (a classic one-on-one match), you have Online Versus and Survival, and that’s about it. Survival will test your skills, while Online Versus might not. Of course, it depends on your opponent. It sometimes lags online, which your opponent could use against you (timing techniques are easier with lag).

It may not be a fast-paced fighting game for everyone, but it’s 100% for Dragon Ball Z fans. Beginners might be confused by the story, but the gameplay is still a fast, fun fighting game that all can enjoy. Like the Soul Calibur series, this game truly shines at its roots.