There are three things that are certain in life, death, taxes and a new Dragon Ball Z game. As sure as the sun rises and sets, a new installment in the franchise has hit consoles, this time on the XBOX 360. Now that the fighting series has hit next-gen in the form of Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit, has it learned to ascend or does it need more time in the hyperbolic time chamber? A little from column A but a lot from column B, but I will go into that a bit later, as I will give a refresher course for those who are unaware of the franchise.
Dragon Ball Z is a show in which super-powered beings fight each other in an outrageous fashion. They throw oversized fireballs at each other, teleport and move at the speed of light and as they power up, the louder the scream, the stronger they become. The series has been out for over two decades and in that time, countless games have been released, each giving players control over their favorite characters. Whether it is Goku shouting out his famous "KAMEHAMEHA" wave, or Vegeta’s “Galick Gun,” fans were pleased.
Which is why this offering is a bit disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a solid title, but when a game comes to a next-generation system, you expect more, and when a version from a previous-gen delivers just that, we have a problem.
Gameplay
Burst Limit’s gameplay is a more fluid version of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, albeit with a few additions that help gameplay. First, there is the addition of the “Aura Spark.” Once your character is in this mode, you can launch a number of powerful attacks, however, it only lasts a few moments so you must use it wisely.
Then there are the "Drama Pieces." These are friends you call on when having a hard time in battle. When a Drama Piece is activated, a small cutscene takes place showing your partner performing the specified action, whether it’s throwing you a sensu bean or actually attacking your opponent. It’s a neat new feature in the game that gives it a bit more depth from previous titles.
While these are nice additions, they don’t mask the fact that it’s still the same game that you’ve played on the Playstation 2 with more polish, less characters and a shorter story mode. That’s right fans; Burst Limit only goes up to the "Cell Games" in the story mode. I understand the Atari is trying to save something for the inevitable Burst Limit 2, but come on folks.
Graphics
Visually, this is a stunner. Sporting next-gen visuals that look as though you are actually playing the anime. The explosions are vibrant especially if they are seen on a HDTV. However, the backgrounds, while not ugly, look identical to one another. I swear when Planet Namek is destroyed in an explosion, it looks just like Earth when it’s destroyed.
This game is something to look at
Sound
This department is another shining part for the game. The hits and throws are true to the series and the English actors from the show reprise their roles. For some that might be a good thing, for others, not so much. Thankfully, there is the option to switch to the Japanese dialogue with subtitles.
Lasting Appeal
Once you finish the short story mode, you can test your skills online. I played a few matches with minimal to no lag issues. It’s fun online, however it doesn’t have the appeal of an online Tekken, Dead Or Alive or Soul Calibur.
The 411
While the game is fun, it’s more of a been there done that feeling. Even if you are a DBZ fanatic, I still can’t fully recommend this game as a purchase as there are better fighters out there. Heck, there are even better DBZ games, especially if you own a PS2. It’s worth a weekend rental. Nothing more. It's not a bad game, it just dosen't do anything to stand from the crowd.
Graphics
8.5
Great animation brings this game to life. Same old backgrounds hinder the experience.
Gameplay
7.0
Remove the Drama Pieces and you have a stripped down Tenkaichi
Sound
7.5
The shouts and hits are good, but the english voice acting will be annoying for some.
Lasting Appeal
7.3
The online will last you about a month or two, but you will eventually either wait for Soul Calibur 4 or go back to Dead or Alive 4.
Fun Factor
7.4
The game is fun for those who love DBZ, but for everyone else, there are better fighters.
Unfortunately, this game is a "fans only" game. It doesn't give you any story at all. It is just a series of fights, that is pretty disappointing.
Posted By: David Redkey (Registered) on July 16, 2008 at 02:54 AM
Since the game is already on store shelves, it wouldn't hurt to be more precise than "Q3 2008." *shakes head*
Posted By: David Redkey (Registered) on July 17, 2008 at 06:32 AM
This game was trash. Even if your a fan of DBZ it was lack luster. I mean they have the potential to go further than the cell saga but rather would make an easy game. The online play sucked too so this game should have gotten lower than a 5.0 I beat it the day i bought it and returned it the same day
Posted By: Guest#0096 (Guest) on July 18, 2008 at 01:35 PM
