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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is a fighting game developed by Dimps and published by Bandai (now Bandai Namco Entertainment) for the PlayStation 2. Released in North America in March 2003, Budokai is the first installment in the Budokai series, which is based on the popular Dragon Ball Z anime and manga franchise created by Akira Toriyama.
Gameplay
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai features 2D fighting mechanics that allow players to engage in fast-paced, one-on-one battles using a roster of characters from the Dragon Ball Z universe.
Key gameplay elements include:
Character Roster: The game includes a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique moves, special abilities, and signature attacks, such as Kamehameha and Spirit Bomb. Notable characters include Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Frieza, and Cell.
Fighting Mechanics: Players can execute regular attacks, special moves, and super moves using a combination of button inputs. The combat system includes a mix of melee attacks, ranged attacks, and defense mechanics, including blocking and dodging.
Energy System: A key feature is the energy/ki system, where players build up energy through attacks to perform powerful special moves and transformations. For instance, Goku can transform into Super Saiyan form, enhancing his stats and abilities during combat.
Saga Mode: The game includes a Story Mode that allows players to go through various arcs from the Dragon Ball Z series. Progressing through the mode unlocks additional characters and content while providing cutscenes and narrative elements that follow the storyline of the show.
Visuals and Presentation
The graphics of Budokai are a blend of cel-shaded 3D graphics that closely resemble the anime’s art style while featuring vibrant colors and animations. The character models and backgrounds are designed to reflect the aesthetics of the Dragon Ball Z universe. The game also includes voice acting from the original Japanese cast, enhancing the immersive experience for fans.
Reception
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai received generally positive reviews from both players and critics. It was praised for its faithful representation of the anime, the depth of its combat system, and the variety of its cast. The game was particularly enjoyed by fans for capturing the essence of the Dragon Ball Z experience, including its iconic battles and special moves.
However, some criticism was directed at the game's AI and overall balancing in fights, with certain characters being deemed stronger or more effective than others. Despite these critiques, the game proved to be commercially successful, leading to the development of sequels and spin-offs.
Legacy
The Budokai series continued with several sequels, each building upon the gameplay, roster, and graphics of the original. Notable sequels include Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3, the latter of which is often hailed as one of the best fighting games on the PlayStation 2 and in the Dragon Ball franchise.
The success of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai helped solidify the franchise’s presence in the video game market, contributing to the ongoing popularity of Dragon Ball in gaming, as well as inspiring the development of future titles that would explore different gameplay mechanics, such as Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! (known as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi outside Japan).