Dragon Ball Z - Supersonic Warriors (GBA) (Dragon Ball Z - Supersonic Warriors (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Dragon Ball Z - Supersonic Warriors (GBA)
Date:	06/05/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: "Points" system, Graphics

Disadvantages: Generic audio

"Dragon Ball Z - Supersonic Warriors" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2004 by Atari. It is the second in "DBZ" fighting titles and follows on from the previous Taiketsu. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for teenage years and above due to its violent content.

Taiketsu was a very basic and poorly received fighting title. When first picking up Supersonic Warriors I had similar expectations but was pleasantly surprised with what I observed. Immediately the player is greeted with numerous gameplay modes including story, z-battle (standard exhibition), challenge (endurance style competition), training and a versus mode for use of an optional game link cable to add a physical opponent. An interesting implement of this game is the points system. For each single player battle won, the player accumulates a set amount of points and these can be exchanged to unlock different costumes and gameplay options at the player's discretion. Fights themselves are standard as far as a fighting release is. The objective is to drain the opponent's life metre and, unlike Taiketsu, the opponents put up a struggle. The controls are somewhat awkward at first as both "A" and "B" buttons release high and low attacks, and these buttons also allow for blocking. During an opponent's attack there is a short time space in which the player can press either button and this will block the incoming attack. This does present some learning curve initially but can prove itself to be quite functional in combat. The up arrow also sends the character into fight as opposed to a standard up and down jump. While in flight the characters can effectively hover around one another and this retains typical "DBZ" fight scenes seen in the animated television series.

The graphics are presented from a side perspective which focuses on the centre of the battle. The characters are particularly well drawn and feature their standard attire as seen on the television series, though others can be unlocked by exchanging the required amount of points generated in battle. The background scenes are also good and bear resemblance to locations seen in the animated series. The soundtrack is also of a good standard though the musical scores and sound effects are generic, carrying on from the previously Taiketsu title. An additional implement included, though, was voice snippets that accompany certain special attacks and these are taken directly from the television series.

Overall, I would recommend Supersonic Warriors to prospective buyers. It is one of the better fighting titles for the Gameboy Advance and remains an enjoyable play by use of the multiplayer option.

Summary: Thumbs up