Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 takes the thrill of the anime’s epic battles and places them directly in your hands, delivering some of the fastest-paced, highest-intensity fights ever seen on the PlayStation 2. From the moment you step into the arena, you’ll feel the power behind every punch, kick, and ki blast. The fluid combat system lets you chain together devastating combos on the ground and even pummel foes in midair, capturing the franchise’s signature over-the-top action.

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One of the game’s most celebrated innovations is the ability to fly at will—an industry first for a DBZ fighting title on PS2. Rather than confining characters to the stage floor, you can launch into the skies, duck under incoming energy attacks, and soar around opponents in 3D space. This aerial freedom transforms each battle into a dynamic ballet of energy blasts and close-quarters brawls, requiring you to master both ground and air tactics to stay ahead.

Beyond raw speed and aerial freedom, Budokai 3 introduces the “Hyper Drive” gauge system, which lets you power up characters to unleash spectacular Special Moves, Final Attacks, and Ultimate Blasts. Timing these maneuvers right turns the tide of battle, rewarding strategic meter management just as much as flashy button-mashing. With instant transformations, custom combo settings, and an extensive roster, every fight feels like a thrilling, strategic showdown.

Graphics

Graphically, Budokai 3 leverages a vibrant cel-shading style that faithfully replicates the look of the TV show. Characters are rendered with crisp outlines and bold colors, while energy attacks crackle with neon brilliance. From Goku’s golden aura during a Kamehameha to Vegeta’s Galick Gun, each Ki attack comes alive with radiant particle effects that light up the battlefield.

The arenas themselves are equally striking—destructible mountains, crumbling cityscapes, and lush plains react dynamically to your assaults. Buildings shatter, terrain shifts, and dust clouds billow whenever a Super Move slams into the ground. This level of environmental interactivity enhances immersion, making every powerful strike feel weighty and impactful.

Camera work in Budokai 3 also deserves praise. The angles shift smoothly between cinematic close-ups and wide shots, framing your most dramatic moments with flair. Whether you’re watching a Final Flash illuminate the sky or a Spirit Bomb form overhead, the presentation captures the epic scale the series is known for.

Story

Budokai 3’s story mode, known as the Dragon Gate System, offers a branching narrative board game experience that covers key arcs from DBZ, DBGT, and even the theatrical movies. As you progress, you’ll unlock special scenarios and “What If?” battles that let you rewrite iconic confrontations—imagine Gohan facing Cell with alternate power-ups or Trunks dueling his past self.

The voice acting elevates these scenes, especially if you own the North American re-release in the “Greatest Hits” line. An exclusive unlockable bonus lets you switch to the original Japanese voice cast, lending greater authenticity for purists. Hearing the classic seiyuu deliver their lines in pivotal moments adds a fresh layer of engagement to every cutscene.

Between battles, the narrative board unfolds like a strategic map. You choose your path, encounter allies or adversaries, and gather Z Orbs to enhance your fighters’ stats. This hybrid of RPG elements and fighting-game action keeps the story mode feeling fresh and rewards exploration, adding depth beyond the core combat.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 stands as one of the finest adaptations of the series on home consoles. Its tight controls, expansive move lists, and aerial combat innovation deliver an exhilarating gameplay loop that captures the true spirit of DBZ. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply a fighting-game enthusiast, the thrill of unleashing planet-shattering attacks never grows old.

If you can get your hands on the North American “Greatest Hits” re-release, you’ll find exclusive extras that boost replayability. Unlockable Japanese voice overs, additional costumes for Goku, Piccolo, and Trunks, and the original Japanese cover art turn this edition into a collector’s dream. These bonuses enhance both presentation and immersion without affecting the core gameplay you love.

With its robust roster—featuring characters from DBZ, DBGT, and the movies—plus a variety of modes including Arcade, Versus, Tournament, and the Dragon Gate System, Budokai 3 offers tremendous longevity. Whether you’re replaying the story, battling friends locally, or chasing high scores in Time Attack, this title remains a must-have for anyone craving high-octane, anime-style fighting action.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10