Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 delivers one-on-one combat that faithfully recreates the high-octane clashes of the original anime and manga. With over 162 playable characters, each boasting unique movesets, energy attacks, and transformation abilities, the game provides staggering depth for both casual players and competitive fans. Whether you’re unleashing a blazing Kamehameha wave as Goku or summoning the destructive power of Frieza’s Death Ball, every match feels dynamic and explosive.

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The control scheme strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. Basic punches and kicks are mapped to straightforward button presses, while special moves and combos require more deliberate inputs—encouraging mastery over time. New to this third entry are advanced combo chains, aerial grabs, and the ability to assume Giant Ape form for Saiyan characters, adding a fresh strategic layer. The “Disc Fusion” feature further extends gameplay by rewarding owners of previous Budokai Tenkaichi titles with exclusive characters and modes.

Beyond the standard Arcade and Versus modes, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 includes a robust Story Mode that allows you to relive every major saga, from the Saiyan invasion to Majin Buu’s devastation. For creative players, Battle Replay lets you record epic confrontations and save them to an SD card, turning your favorite moments into shareable highlight reels. With online leaderboards, Time Attack, and Challenge modes, there’s always a new way to test your skills against the CPU or friends.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a triumph of cel-shaded artistry. Characters pop off the screen with bold outlines, vibrant colors, and fluid animations that capture the distinctive look and feel of Akira Toriyama’s original designs. From Goku’s signature orange gi to Vegeta’s intense scowl, every detail has been painstakingly rendered in high resolution.

Stadiums and battlefields span an impressive variety of environments, each with its own weather and time-of-day effects. You can clash atop a stormy Mount Paozu under a torrential downpour or duke it out in a tranquil evening sky above West City. Destructible terrain is equally spectacular—landmarks crumble, craters form after massive energy blasts, and shockwaves ripple across the arena.

Particle effects are another standout feature. Kamehameha beams glow with electric intensity, aura flares shimmer around powered-up fighters, and explosive shockwaves fill the screen during climactic ultimate attacks. Even on the PlayStation 2 and Wii hardware, the game maintains a steady frame rate in most matchups, ensuring that every lightning-fast movement and collision is displayed with minimal slowdown.

Story

Budokai Tenkaichi 3’s Story Mode faithfully follows the main arcs of Dragon Ball Z, allowing you to experience the progression of Goku and his allies from the Saiyan arrival to the defeat of Kid Buu. Each chapter unfolds through a series of battle missions punctuated by animated cutscenes and narration, capturing the highs and lows of the franchise’s most iconic moments.

While the narrative structure is relatively linear, the inclusion of “What If” bonus fights and hidden character missions adds replay value and encourages exploration. You might face an alternate-universe showdown where Vegeta takes on Android 19, or play as Future Trunks against an unexpected roster of foes. These deviations from the main storyline provide delightful surprises for die-hard fans.

Although the game’s focus remains squarely on action, character interactions during loading screens and pre-fight dialogues capture the personality and humor that define Dragon Ball Z. Whether it’s Goku’s playful banter, Piccolo’s stoic commentary, or Yamcha’s occasional comic relief, these small touches enrich the overall narrative experience without slowing down the pace of combat.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 stands as one of the most comprehensive fighting games in the franchise, offering unparalleled roster variety, faithful audiovisual presentation, and an array of modes to satisfy any playstyle. Its steep learning curve may challenge newcomers, but persistent practice grants access to staggering combo potential and cinematic super attacks.

The game’s multiplayer remains a highlight, whether you’re duking it out locally with friends or chasing leaderboard glory in Time Attack. The Battle Replay feature and Disc Fusion rewards add layers of longevity, ensuring that even after dozens of hours, there are still hidden fighters and secret battles to unlock. For Wii owners, motion-based controls offer a novel twist, although most veteran players will gravitate toward the traditional gamepad layout.

Ultimately, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 captures the spirit of Dragon Ball Z in every aspect—from its exhaustive character lineup to its vividly rendered arenas and pulse-pounding combat. Fans of the series will appreciate its attention to detail and sheer breadth of content, while newcomers can dive in and feel like part of the Z-Fighter squad. It remains a must-own for anyone seeking a high-fidelity DBZ experience on the PS2 or Wii.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10