Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai delivers a fighting experience that will resonate with both long-time fans of the series and newcomers craving dynamic one-on-one combat. The core battle system relies on intuitive controls, letting players unleash a flurry of punches, kicks, energy blasts, and powerful ultimates with just a few button combinations. As characters fill their ki meter, they can perform spectacular special moves that mirror the intense clashes in the anime, ensuring every fight feels like stepping into your favorite episodes.

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A notable feature is the World Tournament mode, where you not only compete in bracket-style matches but also earn Zeni to purchase new techniques, upgrades, and character variants. This progression loop adds depth beyond the story path, encouraging repeated playthroughs as you chase the most powerful build for your favorite fighter. Practice mode also offers a safe sandbox for mastering combos, experimenting with ki management, and refining your strategies before tackling tougher opponents.

The inclusion of Dragonball collection and Shenron summoning injects an extra layer of fan service. Tracking down all seven orbs across different modes rewards you with a wish from the Eternal Dragon—often unlocking secret characters or rare abilities. This collectible element promotes exploration and replay value, making it a rewarding adventure for completionists and casual gamers alike.

Graphics

Budokai’s visual presentation embraces a cel-shaded style that successfully bridges 3D environments with the 2D anime aesthetic. Character models retain the iconic designs from the TV series, complete with sharp outlines and bold color palettes that pop on screen. Special attacks are accompanied by dramatic effects—blazing auras, explosive energy spheres, and sweeping camera angles—that heighten the sense of power and spectacle.

Arenas are crafted to represent key Dragon Ball Z locations, from rocky wastelands to artificial moons, each featuring destructible terrain that reacts to heavy blows and energy blasts. While the draw distance and environmental detail may show signs of the console generation it hails from, the fast-paced action keeps your attention on the fighters, ensuring that any modest background textures won’t detract from the overall visual thrill.

Cutscenes interspersed throughout the story arcs are presented in full-motion video, seamlessly transitioning between narrative moments and gameplay. These sequences, often lifted directly from anime storyboards, reinforce the epic scale of the battles and maintain the tone fans expect. Combined with crisp voice acting and memorable sound bites, Budokai’s graphics encapsulate the essence of Dragon Ball Z in a way that still impresses years after its release.

Story

The game’s storyline faithfully adapts key events from the Saiyan Saga through the Cell Games, placing you in the shoes of Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, and other beloved heroes. It begins right after Goku’s triumph over Piccolo at the World Martial Arts Tournament, only to take a dramatic turn when his long-lost brother Raditz kidnaps Gohan. From this moment, the narrative plunges you into high-stakes battles and emotional character development that mirror the anime’s greatest moments.

As you progress, you’ll train with King Kai in the Other World, unlocking new techniques and learning the true depth of ki manipulation before facing off against the powerful Saiyans Nappa and Vegeta. The game doesn’t shy away from pivotal scenes—Goku’s Spirit Bomb, Gohan’s first Great Ape transformation, and Vegeta’s climactic self-destruct are all presented with the same intensity fans remember from the show. Through these encounters, Budokai captures the relentless pace and drama of the original storyline.

Transitioning into the Cell Games Saga, the narrative stakes rise even further as you prepare to challenge the bio-engineered menace Cell. The story mode balances cinematic flair with interactive battles, allowing you to feel both the emotional weight of major character moments and the thrill of universe-defining fights. Whether you’re reliving the classic arc for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, the story mode keeps you engaged with its faithful adaptation and faithful homage to Dragon Ball Z’s epic scope.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai stands as a cornerstone for anime-based fighting games, blending authentic series moments with accessible yet deep combat mechanics. For fans eager to reenact their favorite clashes or newcomers seeking an energetic fighter, Budokai delivers both spectacle and substance. The variety of modes—from story missions and tournaments to practice arenas—ensures there’s always a new challenge waiting.

Replayability remains one of Budokai’s strongest assets. Collecting Dragonballs, unlocking hidden characters, and fully upgrading your roster provide endless incentives to jump back into the fray. The balance of strategic depth and button-mashing thrills makes it suitable for casual sessions or competitive bouts with friends, ensuring that battles never grow stale.

Ultimately, Budokai captures the heart and soul of Dragon Ball Z in a way few games of its era could. Its combination of dynamic fighting, faithful presentation, and rewarding progression creates a memorable package that continues to resonate with players. Whether you’re charting Goku’s rise to Super Saiyan or testing your skills in the World Tournament, Budokai offers an overall experience packed with the high-octane energy and nostalgic charm that define the Dragon Ball Z universe.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10