Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai – Another Road refines the fast‐paced, one‐on‐one fighting foundations of its predecessor by introducing a robust card‐based customization system. As you progress through the story, you collect cards that boost attributes like strength, speed, and ki control, allowing you to tailor each of the 24 playable characters to your preferred fighting style. The core combo system is intuitive yet deep, rewarding well‐timed special moves and air combos, while the inclusion of 50 new fighting skills and ultimate attacks keeps every battle fresh and surprising.

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The hallmark “Another Road” mode sits at the heart of the gameplay experience. Here, decisions you make at key story junctures branch the narrative into distinct paths, leading to unique opponents and bosses. This structure not only adds narrative weight to each skirmish but also encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover every possible matchup. For those seeking a pure test of skill, the Z‐Trial mode challenges you to defeat wave after wave of adversaries under increasingly restrictive conditions.

Wireless head‐to‐head play turns your PSP into a Dragon Ball Z arena wherever you go. Matches are smooth, and the newly adjustable camera positions let you keep track of aerial battles and sprawling energy blasts without losing orientation. Coupled with the in‐game transformation system, which lets fighters evolve into their Super Saiyan or Majin forms mid‐combat, battles feel dynamic and true to the series’ high‐octane spirit.

While the learning curve may initially intimidate newcomers—especially when juggling card setups, transformations, and combo timings—the game strikes a solid balance between accessibility and depth. Casual fans can jump into a quick skirmish, while veterans can dissect frame data and optimize their deck of power cards. Overall, the gameplay loop of customizing, fighting, and refining strategies remains consistently engaging from start to finish.

Graphics

On the PSP’s modest hardware, Shin Budokai – Another Road delivers impressive cel‐shaded visuals that stay faithful to Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style. Character models are crisp and vibrant, with bold outlines and smooth animations that capture the fluid motion of signature moves like Kamehameha blasts or Final Flash charges. Even on a small screen, the vivid color palette and detailed textures pop, making each fighter instantly recognizable.

Stages span a variety of iconic DBZ locales: ruined cities, rocky wastelands, and energy‐charged arenas in the sky. Background elements react dynamically to the action, with crumbling debris, shockwaves, and glowing auras emphasizing the scale of super attacks. Each environment also includes interactive features—collapsible terrain or destructible pillars—that add tactical layers to the fights.

Transformation sequences are particularly striking, complete with glowing auras, electrifying particle effects, and dynamic camera shifts. These moments not only feel rewarding but also serve as visual cues for power spikes in battle. The frame rate generally holds steady, even during chaotic multi‐hit combos, though occasional dips can occur when two ultimates collide in mid‐air.

Overall, the graphics strike an admirable balance between performance and presentation. While you won’t see next‐generation lighting or ultra‐high‐res textures, the artistic direction and well‐optimized engine ensure that the action is always clear, responsive, and spectacular—exactly what a handheld DBZ fighter needs to deliver.

Story

Another Road revisits the chilling Future Trunks timeline, where Majin Buu’s unchecked rampage has left Earth in ruins. Players step into Trunks’ boots as he travels between past and future, rallying allies and challenging foes in a bid to rewrite history. This “what‐if” premise adds tension and urgency to each encounter, giving the familiar saga of Buu an entirely fresh perspective.

Key narrative branches hinge on your performance and dialogue choices, resulting in different boss battles—ranging from resurrected adversaries to unexpected allies turned foes. This branching structure lends authentic replay value: choosing to confront particular enemies early can close off some paths while unlocking secret matchups in others. Story sequences are told through a combination of in‐engine cutscenes and text‐based dialogue, retaining the charm of the original anime while working within handheld limitations.

Character interactions offer memorable fan‐service moments, from Vegeta’s reluctant mentorship to Gohan’s hopeful resolve in a world without Goku. Although the dialogue occasionally leans on predictable tropes, most exchanges are punchy and stay true to each fighter’s personality. Players invested in the DBZ lore will appreciate subtle nods to past games and anime arcs, while newcomers get a self‐contained adventure that doesn’t demand encyclopedic series knowledge.

Ultimately, the story mode does more than just string together fights—it weaves an engaging alternate timeline that feels both authoritative and inventive. While the narrative pacing can be uneven at times (some battles feel like padding), the branching paths and varied boss roster keep the journey compelling from beginning to end.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai – Another Road stands out as one of the PSP’s finest fighter offerings. It successfully builds on the foundation of its predecessor by expanding character customization, deepening its combat systems, and offering a truly branching story that rewards multiple playthroughs. The control scheme is tight, the visual flair is undeniable, and the roster of 24 fighters—each with unique skills—provides vast variety.

Replayability is a high point thanks to the card system, multiple game modes, and wireless multiplayer. Whether you’re chasing down hidden skills in Z‐Trial, experimenting with deck builds, or taking on friends in head‐to‐head bouts, there’s always a fresh challenge awaiting. The adjustable camera and transformation mechanics bring a layer of polish that keeps combat engaging even after dozens of hours.

Fans of the franchise will find plenty of fan‐service moments and strategic depth, while newcomers can enjoy a self‐contained and approachable fighter. Though the PSP’s hardware limits some graphical ambitions and story pacing can occasionally lag, these minor drawbacks barely dim the overall sheen of the package. For anyone craving high‐octane Dragon Ball Z action on the go, Another Road is a must‐have.

In summary, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai – Another Road offers a richly featured handheld fighting experience that balances nostalgia with innovation. Its branching narrative, robust customization tools, and varied game modes ensure long‐term appeal, making it a standout title for both DBZ enthusiasts and dedicated fighting‐game fans alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10