Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection

Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection, released on X360 and PS3, includes the first and third part of the series of console fighting games set in the world-famous anime and manga called Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection allows veterans of the series to return to the refreshed version of Budokai, and for those who haven't had the opportunity to get acquainted with it before, it allows catching up.

Mechanics

Both titles are typical fighting games where we try to defeat the opponent by performing combos and special attacks. The fights take place in three-dimensional arenas, where warriors are observed from a side perspective. Each character has 7 slots for skills, which can be freely assigned by choosing from dozens of the available ones - those more powerful often occupy more than one slot. Performing special attacks consumes Ki energy.

First published in 2002, Dragon Ball Z Budokai offers 23 playable characters. The story mode is divided into three sagas known from the original (Saiyan, Frieza and Android), and each contains bonus levels with an alternative scenario. In World Tournament mode, we fight computer opponents in the tournament. By winning, we receive virtual money which can be spent on unlocking new abilities. Duel mode allows two players, either human or AI, to face each other. In an additional mode, we play the role of Mr. Satan, the undisputed master of martial arts, and defeat a series of increasingly powerful opponents. Some clashes are determined by special conditions, e.g. we have to defeat the opponent in a certain time or we have to do it using only special attacks.

Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 introduces more than 40 heroes known from Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. The story includes four sagas - Saiyan, Frieza, Cell and Majin Buu, during which we travel around the map freely following the main storyline or engaging in optional duels - which is worth doing because of the experience gained in them. By developing our characters, we can improve their stats such as health, Ki energy, attack, defense, etc. Just like in the first game, we can also play in the Duel and World Tournament modes.

Technical aspects

The graphics in both games have been upgraded to HD quality (1080i). A system of achievements and trophies was introduced. The remaster has a newly recorded soundtrack. Although English dubbing is available, anime fans may opt for original Japanese voice-overs known from the anime.

As in the original editions of both productions, Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection has the option to face real opponents either on the same screen or via the Internet.

Last updated on 13 July 2012