Sparking! NEO (DragonBall Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PS2))

Member Name: Goldensummit

Product:	DragonBall Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 (PS2)
Date:	17/06/08 (221 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics | Design | Value

Disadvantages: Generic move sets | Lack of effort in the fighting department

Difficulty: Medium.
Learning Curve: 30 or so minutes.

Through the years, there has been many Dragonball Z based games, and finally a series comes that puts the series to it's limits, however, this part of the series, being Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 was good in theory, but failed physically.

Let's start from the top; the game itself is fun, with an extremely long story, with many vibrant battles based in Dragonball, Dragonball Z and Dragonball GT. The fighting system is nothing at all likes regular fighting games, as it is more of a 'behind the shoulder' type fighter, where you actually feel like you're the fighter. You get to go through the entire series' of Dragonball/Z/GT with an unbelievable amount of characters, but it is practically the same as the original, except for a different way of doing the story and some more characters.

What really makes this game fail is how generic every characters move set is. Yes, there are a lot of characters so it's bound to be some generic sets, but with hardly anyone having their unique special moves and abilities is just such a disappointment.

But what really shines in this game is the story mode; they really stepped up from their prior game. In the story, you get to fly around Planet Earth, and Planet Namek as you go to 'events' which are battles from the series, or you could search for capsules (items) and do other things.

You're also able to play with friends in duel and world tournament areas, which are practically just fighting each other, which everyone loves. There is nothing at all special really for the multiplayer modes.

Gameplay - 5/10
The unique fighting system for the games series, but with the amount of generic move sets and special abilities, it really makes it a big downer.

Design - 8/10
The designs of the characters are brilliant, and the environments and battlefields are a marvel to look at.

Sound - 8/10
It features the voices from the American dub version of the series' which makes this game authentic to the series.

Value - 7/10
With the amount of characters, and variety of modes, you could spend a lot of time playing this game alone, or with your friends.

Overall - 7.2/10
A big variety of characters, and a lot of modes to choose from, this game offers a lot for the long-term gamer and the fans, however, the generic move sets of the fighters seem like a lack of effort from the creators, and may be a disappointment to those hoping to receive a similar experience from the first.

Summary: A big line-up of characters and great looks, but the lack of effort in move sets, is disappointing