Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (Wii) Review
Posted by Leland Roling on 12.17.2007
Another year, another DBZ game!
One of the better anime-based fighter series out there is undoubtedly the Dragonball Z series. The series has been successful on the Sony platforms as well as on the Nintendo DS. For fans of the Dragonball Z series, it may be odd that it can now be found on the Wii instead of on its long time home, The Playstation console. It may also be getting continually strange that a title that is attached to the series is put out nearly every year with some improvement, but overall is the same game with added characters, modes, and other options. Since the series puts out titles on a rather consistent basis, many fans of the series may skip certain games to get more improved versions down the line or grab the game for a different console. If you are specifically excited about having a fighting game on the Wii however, this may be what you are looking for. With few fighting games on the Wii that really stand out, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 has many unique playability with the Wii remote's motions, good graphics and presentation, multiple gaming modes, and a full load of playable characters and options.
Gameplay
For the Wii, Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 has some very unique options as far as gameplay controls go. The nunchuck and Wii remote can be used in transition with each other during battle sequences. Unless you are very ambidextrous or a very good player with waving, lifting, and moving both the nunchuck and remote in transition to fire off combinations on enemies, I would almost reccomend using a Wii Classic Controller or Gamecube controller as the game allows you to use both. The chaining of motions with the nunchuck and remote in conjunction with each other is the main basis for using the Wiimote during any combat. At times, it can be very tough to pull off combinations due to the movements of the remote. For instance, some combinations require a "wave" of the remote, and others require a "side-to-side" motion of the remote that is sometimes misinterpreted. Overall, the controls could use some work, but they do have a uniqueness that could be mastered with enough practice.
The overall gameplay during combat modes is in a 3d capacity. For most of the modes, there is a fairly large area to fight in and moves that the player can do to close distance quickly. The gameplay camera sometimes have problems keeping up with the action at times, but that's probably due to the intense movement, firepower, and over-the-top animations of super moves throughout the game.
The game features multiple modes. Dragon History allows you to relive historical battles in the Dragonball Z world. The mode also has an adventure feel to it as you can look for Dragon Balls, unlock skills, gain strength, and fight some of the fiercest fighters in the history of the game. The Ultimate Battle has a few different modes, one being the Sim Dragon mode in which the player can train to improve offensive and defensive skills before battles. Strategy is the key to the mode. Also within the Ultimate Battle is the Mission 100 mode, which is a ladder-based tournament that can earn you points to spend in the Evolution Z mode, a mode that allows you to obtain new items and powers. In short, it's like a storefront. The Dragon World Tour is a main tournament mode that features a plethora of tournaments for players to fight in, winning them unlockable prizes and prestige. The Duel mode is exactly as it says, a dueling mode either between friends or the computer. You'll find yourself inside this mode trying to get the controls down pat.
One of the most used modes by this reviewer was the Training mode, which has tutorials on how to pull of certain special moves, combinations, evading techniques, and combination strings. The training mode as both Training and Ultimate Training modes. In Training, you can simply beat on an opponent that won't move so that you can master moves for the character you select. Ultimate Training actually puts you through small on-screen tutorials, and in some instances, takes you to training to get the moves down. I found this to be the most helpful part of the training modes.
Lastly, the game features a Multiplayer mode. From what I've read about the mode, it has had recent problems with latency and some users have indicated that it is sometimes virtually impossible to deal with. You can make your own assumptions if you choose to buy DBZ Budokai Tenkaichi 3. It is, however, an added element that brings endless playability and competition to the gameplay.
The one prevailing annoyance throughout the entire set of modes and options was the learning curve on this type of game. The speed of the moves and the extensive database of combinations that is associated with the endless amount of playable characters is overwhelming at times. The Ultimate Training is definitely an area you will spend some hours trying to perfect movements of a character, although many combination movements are the same from player to player. I found that in some battle sequences, I was unable to even counter or pull off a move before I was completely decimated by my foe. This was discouraging, but it can be overcome with mastering the skills of each character. To a seasoned DBZ gamer, it shouldn't be a problem.
Graphics
Much like the television show and any of the previous games within the series, the graphics are fairly close to the same as the other games. The cell-shading is excellent, and the animations of the DBZ characters is some of the better anime work I've seen in the anime games. The animations involved in the special moves and combinations is astounding. The most impressive graphical sequences involve chaining combinations. The high speed sequences are done masterfully and the uniqueness of the special move sequences separates each character from the other. Overall, it has the same graphics as other games in the DBZ series, but is fairly impressive on the Wii console.
Fun Factor
As I stated before, the learning curve can be tough. Spending some time in the Ultimate Training mode will help immensely in mastering techniques to defeat your opponent. After you've gained some skill in defeating foes in the Duel mode, there is a vast amount of content to go through. Each mode offers new and exciting elements. The tournaments can be against CPU players or you can style a tournament to play with friends only. The storyline modes offer a different feel to the game, and the multiplayer mode obviously adds endless possibilities as well. With a good connection and solid playing skills, you can dominate the world in ever-changing battles with many different kinds of players.
Lasting Appeal
With the hours of gameplay that is within the sim modes and history modes, the lasting appeal of this game should be adequate for even the more experienced players who can fly through it. The multiplayer mode gives you endless possibilities of play against players around the world. The history modes allow you to move through historical battles and adventure-type gameplay. The sim modes allow you to build characters up and compete using those characters. Most of the modes have the added bonus of building up points to unlock items that each player can obtain.
The 411
Overall, the DBZ Budokan Tenkaichi 3 offers a unique fighting experience on the Wii. With a very small amount of fighting games on the Wii that really work, DBZ works. It has some very good graphics, excellent sound bytes, fun gameplay with endless playability. The multiplayer seemed to have some problems at times, but it varies with your Internet connection. Although the genre of fighting games may not be something you want to delve into, this game is definitely for the DBZ enthusiasts out there. The only question you have to ask yourself is whether to buy this game, or wait for the next part of the series that will surely be out soon enough.
Graphics
8.0
Very sharp looking for the Wii, not much of a change from previous installments though
Gameplay
8.0
Fun and engaging with the motions controls, although a tough learning curve at first
Sound
8.0
Game features hours of voiceovers, even Japanese voiceovers, and rock music
Lasting Appeal
8.5
Multiplayer seems to have problems, but the endless playability of all the characters is great, modes are unique
Fun Factor
8.0
As fun as a fighter can be, multiple modes add different elements
