Does Budokai Tenkaichi Two Cover All of Dragon Ball GT? A Comprehensive Look
Introduction
*Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two* stands as a monumental title within the vast landscape of Dragon Ball video games. Revered for its expansive roster, dynamic gameplay, and faithful recreation of iconic moments, it has cemented its place as a fan favorite. Boasting characters and storylines spanning the entire Dragon Ball Z saga, many players often wonder if its reach extends to fully encompassing the somewhat controversial, yet undeniably present, world of *Dragon Ball GT*. The game certainly boasts a generous selection of characters ripped straight from the world of *Dragon Ball GT* however the reality is somewhat more complex.
While *Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two* boasts a large roster and includes many elements from *Dragon Ball GT*, it falls short of encompassing the entire series. This article will delve deep into the game’s character representation, explore its adaptation of GT story arcs, highlight the areas where GT is underrepresented, and examine the potential reasons behind these omissions. Ultimately, we’ll provide a comprehensive assessment of just how much of *Dragon Ball GT* makes its way into this beloved fighting game.
Character Roster and GT Representation
One of the most immediately apparent aspects of *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* is its impressive character selection. The game allows you to play with a multitude of characters, including those derived directly from *Dragon Ball GT*. Several key characters make their triumphant appearance in the game, granting players the opportunity to experience the unique power and gameplay style of the GT cast.
Super Saiyan Four Goku takes center stage as one of the poster figures of the series. Boasting incredible power and a devastating array of special attacks, including the iconic Ten Times Kamehameha, Super Saiyan Four Goku provides an incredible experience for any fan. But he is not the only Saiyan to reach this pinnacle of power. The mighty Super Saiyan Four Vegeta also graces the roster, bringing his trademark fighting style and devastating Final Shine Attack to the arena. Of course, no conversation about Super Saiyan Four forms would be complete without mentioning Super Saiyan Four Gogeta. The fusion between Goku and Vegeta, with the power of Super Saiyan Four, creates a character of unparalleled strength and flamboyant techniques. These Super Saiyan Four characters make the game really fun to play.
However, the representation of *Dragon Ball GT* extends beyond just the Saiyans. The nefarious Super Baby Vegeta makes an appearance in multiple forms, allowing players to experience the escalating power of this vengeful parasite. His transformations, from Super Baby Vegeta One to Super Baby Vegeta Two, showcase the character’s growth and destructive potential. The most powerful Shadow Dragon of them all, Omega Shenron, also fights his way into the game, embodying pure negative energy and posing a formidable challenge for any opponent.
These characters are not mere cosmetic additions. They’ve been built into the gameplay to deliver a unique experience that showcases their abilities and the iconic techniques they wielded in the *Dragon Ball GT* series. Playing with these GT characters can provide a glimpse of the intense battles and the dramatic transformations that defined the anime.
Story Mode Coverage (Dragon Adventure Mode)
The Dragon Adventure mode in *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* offers a single-player experience that allows players to relive pivotal moments from the Dragon Ball saga. While predominantly focusing on Dragon Ball Z, this mode also incorporates storylines and battles from *Dragon Ball GT*, albeit in a somewhat selective manner.
The Baby Saga makes its debut in the game, allowing players to fight from the perspective of Goku as he battles the parasitic Tuffle and his gradually improving Vegeta clone. Players must overcome the seemingly overwhelming strength of Super Baby Vegeta and experience the transformation into Super Saiyan Four in order to take him down. The Super Seventeen Saga also exists in the game in a somewhat diminished state, bringing players the opportunity to fight against a deadly android combination.
But most notably, the Shadow Dragon Saga receives a significant amount of attention in Dragon Adventure. Players confront the seven Shadow Dragons, each embodying a unique form of negative energy and presenting a distinct challenge. The culminating battle against Omega Shenron serves as an epic finale to the *Dragon Ball GT* portion of the story, allowing players to witness the power of Super Saiyan Four Gogeta and the ultimate defeat of the shadow dragon.
These incorporated story arcs recreate key moments from *Dragon Ball GT* and give players a sense of the epic battles and transformations that defined the series. While some may view the game’s cutscenes and dialogue as a bit simplified, they still aim to capture the essence of the original anime scenes. However, it’s important to note that the Dragon Adventure mode prioritizes the most impactful moments, condensing certain storylines and omitting other aspects of the *Dragon Ball GT* plot.
Areas Where GT is Not Fully Represented
Despite its inclusion of characters and storylines from *Dragon Ball GT*, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* does not fully encompass the entire series. There are noticeable omissions in the character roster, story mode, and other elements of the game. These limitations contribute to the feeling that *Dragon Ball GT* is not as comprehensively represented as Dragon Ball Z.
The roster is missing several notable characters from the GT series, leading to disappointment for some fans. The Shadow Dragons, apart from Omega Shenron, receive little to no attention. Powerful antagonists like Nuova Shenron and Eis Shenron are completely absent, denying players the chance to fight against these unique and cunning villains. The same could be said of General Rildo and Ledgic who also were important and powerful antagonists in their own arcs. This creates a significant void, as many fans would have loved to experience their abilities and unique fighting styles.
The Dragon Adventure mode, while incorporating elements of the Baby Saga, Super Seventeen Saga, and Shadow Dragon Saga, condenses the stories and omits certain key moments. The narrative may not fully capture the nuances of the original *Dragon Ball GT* storylines, which may leave some fans wanting for a more detailed retelling.
Furthermore, certain transformations and abilities from *Dragon Ball GT* are not represented in the game. Specific techniques wielded by characters during the anime may be absent, further diminishing the overall sense of accuracy and comprehensiveness. Even the world that *Dragon Ball GT* inhabits is missing, there are no planets or unique environments in the game taken from the series.
Reasons for Omissions (Speculation)
While it’s difficult to know the exact reasons behind the omissions in *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*’s representation of *Dragon Ball GT*, several factors may have contributed to these limitations.
One possible explanation is time constraints during development. Creating a game with such a vast roster and expansive story mode requires significant resources and time. The developers may have had to prioritize certain characters and storylines over others in order to meet deadlines and deliver a complete experience.
Another theory revolves around the somewhat mixed reception of *Dragon Ball GT*. While it has its fans, the series has often been criticized for its perceived inconsistencies and deviations from the core Dragon Ball formula. The developers may have chosen to focus more on Dragon Ball Z content, which is widely considered to be the most popular and beloved portion of the franchise.
Gameplay balance could have also played a role in certain omissions. Some characters or abilities from *Dragon Ball GT* may have been deemed too powerful or difficult to balance within the game’s fighting mechanics. To preserve the integrity of the gameplay, the developers may have opted to exclude these elements.
Comparison to Other Dragon Ball Games
It’s important to put *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*’s representation of *Dragon Ball GT* into perspective by comparing it to other Dragon Ball games. Other titles, such as *Budokai Tenkaichi Three* and the *Dragon Ball Xenoverse* series, offer varying degrees of GT representation.
*Budokai Tenkaichi Three*, for example, features an even larger roster than *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* and includes more characters from *Dragon Ball GT*. The Xenoverse games allow players to create their own characters and interact with storylines from across the Dragon Ball universe, including *Dragon Ball GT*. This allows players to insert themselves into the world of *Dragon Ball GT*.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge what *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* does well. The game’s gameplay mechanics, dynamic camera angles, and faithful recreation of iconic moments contribute to a captivating and immersive experience. The characters and storylines that *are* included from *Dragon Ball GT* are generally well-executed, capturing the essence of the series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two*, while boasting a large roster and including many elements from *Dragon Ball GT*, does not fully cover the entire series. The game features an impressive selection of characters from GT, incorporates storylines from the Baby Saga, Super Seventeen Saga, and Shadow Dragon Saga, but is missing notable characters like Nuova Shenron and Eis Shenron. The Dragon Adventure mode, though present, omits portions of the *Dragon Ball GT* plot.
Despite these limitations, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* remains a valuable and enjoyable Dragon Ball experience. Its dynamic gameplay, expansive roster, and recreation of iconic moments contribute to its enduring appeal. While it may not be a definitive representation of *Dragon Ball GT*, it offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Super Saiyan Fours, Shadow Dragons, and the ongoing saga of Goku and his friends. The game’s legacy endures as a testament to the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise and the joy of experiencing its iconic battles in an interactive form. Whether you’re a die-hard GT fan or a casual Dragon Ball enthusiast, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* offers a fun, and content-packed experience that’s worth exploring.