Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 delivers fast-paced, high-octane battles that capture the spirit of the anime better than many of its predecessors. With more than 120 playable characters—the largest roster in any Dragon Ball game up to that point—players can mix and match fan favorites and hidden unlockables across multiple eras. From Goku’s first showdown with Vegeta to the climactic fights in Dragon Ball GT, the title offers unparalleled variety in character choice alone.

The core battle mechanics build on the foundation laid by the original Budokai Tenkaichi, introducing refined combat combos, enhanced aerial juggles, and fluid in-battle transformations. A standout addition is the return of the “Planet Freedom” feature, last seen in Budokai 3, which allows fighters to grapple, throw, and chain complex combos in zero-gravity sections. Tenkaichi 2 also debuts a dynamic tag system, enabling up to ten characters to participate in a single match and encouraging inventive team strategies.

Beyond knockout blows and energy wave clashes, Tenkaichi 2’s extensive encyclopedia offers an interactive compendium of character profiles, attack descriptions, and universe lore. This in-game database not only rewards completionists but also helps newcomers familiarize themselves with the sprawling Dragon Ball saga. Combined with varied stage hazards and destructible environments, the gameplay loop remains captivating long after the main campaign is finished.

Graphics

Visually, Budokai Tenkaichi 2 leans heavily into its cel-shaded aesthetic, recreating the vibrant colors and bold outlines of Akira Toriyama’s art style. Character models are remarkably detailed for a seventh-generation console title, with distinct facial features, flowing clothing, and dynamic ki effects that light up battlefields. Stage designs span iconic locations—from Capsule Corp. grounds to the lone wastelands of Namek—each rendered with destructible terrain that crumbles under sustained attacks.

Explosions, beam clashes, and aura bursts all boast crisp particle effects that elevate the impact of ultimate techniques like the Kamehameha or Final Shine Attack. Lighting has been tweaked to accentuate contrast in high-speed skirmishes, and cameras zoom in dramatically to showcase finisher animations. Despite occasional frame dips when the screen is flooded with visual flourishes, the overall presentation remains fluid and true to the series’ anime roots.

Platform variations see minor divergences: the Wii version adds a handful of exclusive characters and harnesses motion controls for gesture-based ki blasts, while the PlayStation 2 and GameCube iterations maintain stable performance with slightly richer textures. Across all formats, developers have struck an impressive balance between graphical fidelity and gameplay responsiveness—key for a fighting game that never holds back on spectacle.

Story

Tenkaichi 2’s Dragon Adventure mode is arguably the game’s crown jewel, charting a meticulously scripted journey from the Saiyan Saga right through to the final battles of Dragon Ball GT. Players navigate an overworld map, select episodes, and engage in narrative-driven fights that retell major story arcs with key dialogue snippets and animated cutscenes. Unlockables such as artwork and character bios reward progression and add depth to the Dragon Ball mythos.

While the story mode focuses on the most iconic clashes, it doesn’t skimp on side content: alternative scenarios let you explore “what if” matchups, and hidden episodes shed light on fan-favorite moments that never made it to televised episodes. Voice overs by the original Japanese and English cast elevate emotional beats, though some dialogue delivery can feel stiff compared to modern standards. Still, the sheer scope—from Raditz’s invasion of Earth to Goku’s standoff with Baby—makes this one of the most comprehensive DBZ narratives in game form.

Replayability is bolstered by branching paths that require specific characters or victory conditions to unlock new episodes. Collecting Dragon Balls unlocks bonus footage and hidden fighters, encouraging thorough exploration. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering GT’s finale for the first time, the narrative structure keeps you engaged through dozens of hours of content.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 stands out as a landmark fighter for fans of the franchise. Its colossal roster, robust combat system, and encyclopedia make it a one-stop Dragon Ball extravaganza. The high-energy battles, coupled with faithful story retellings, ensure that players feel immersed in the anime’s most memorable moments.

That said, newcomers may find the control scheme overwhelming—especially with the Planet Freedom mechanics and multi-character tag battles. Learning to master aerial combos, evade blasts, and queue transformations takes practice, and the camera can sometimes lose track in cramped arenas. However, these quirks pale in comparison to the game’s triumphant recreation of Dragon Ball’s epic clashes.

In sum, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 remains a must-play title for enthusiasts seeking depth, spectacle, and fan service in one package. Whether you’re chasing alternate finishes in Dragon Adventure mode or duking it out online, the experience is consistently thrilling. For anyone looking to embody their favorite Saiyan warrior and unleash universe-shaking attacks, this is the definitive Budokai Tenkaichi to own.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10