Does Budokai Tenkaichi Two Go Super Saiyan Over GT?: Exploring the Game’s Coverage of Dragon Ball GT

Introduction

*Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two* remains a beloved title in the vast library of Dragon Ball video games. Its fast-paced, arena-style battles and staggering roster of characters, spanning the entire Dragon Ball saga, cemented its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. One of the most frequently asked questions among dedicated fans is: how far does this massive roster and attempt to cover the entire Dragon Ball saga go to cover *Dragon Ball GT*? *Dragon Ball GT*, while considered non-canon by some, is a significant part of the Dragon Ball universe for many, adding unique characters, transformations, and storylines to the mythos. This article delves into the extent of *Dragon Ball GT*’s inclusion within *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*, meticulously examining its character roster, story mode adaptation, and overall representation of the controversial sequel series. Is *Dragon Ball GT* given the Super Saiyan treatment it deserves, or is it relegated to a minor role in the game’s grand narrative? Let’s explore and find out.

A Look Back at Dragon Ball GT

Before assessing its presence in *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*, it’s essential to understand what *Dragon Ball GT* brought to the table. The series picks up where *Dragon Ball Z* concluded, although with a marked shift in tone and direction. The story begins with Emperor Pilaf’s accidental wish using the Black Star Dragon Balls, transforming Goku back into a child, and scattering the Dragon Balls across the universe, with the fate of earth left at stake. Should they not be returned in a year, the planet will explode. What ensues is a cosmic journey, with Goku, Pan, and Trunks venturing across the galaxy to retrieve the Black Star Dragon Balls.

This initial adventure paves the way for subsequent arcs, each introducing formidable new adversaries. The Baby Saga, a particularly dark and compelling storyline, sees the arrival of Baby, a parasitic being from the destroyed Planet Plant, seeking to eradicate the Saiyan race and rebuild his Tuffle empire. Baby possesses Vegeta, becoming Super Baby, and then the hulking Super Baby Two, posing a grave threat to Earth and its inhabitants. The Super Seventeen Saga, while often criticized, features the creation of a powerful Android Seventeen amalgamation, wreaking havoc and testing the Z Fighters’ resolve. Finally, the Shadow Dragon Saga sees the emergence of the Shadow Dragons, born from the negative energy accumulated from the overuse of the Dragon Balls, challenging Goku and Vegeta in their most powerful forms. Omega Shenron, the strongest of the Shadow Dragons, embodies the ultimate consequence of relying too heavily on the Dragon Balls.

*Dragon Ball GT* introduced iconic transformations like Super Saiyan Four, a primal and visually striking evolution of the Saiyan form, and expanded the lore with concepts such as the Shadow Dragons and the Tuffle race. However, *Dragon Ball GT*’s legacy remains contentious. The series received mixed reviews, with some fans criticizing its perceived deviations from the established canon, its focus on Goku as the primary protagonist, and its overall narrative direction. Despite the controversies, *Dragon Ball GT* holds a unique place in Dragon Ball history and is fondly remembered by many fans.

Budokai Tenkaichi Two’s Character Roster and GT Representation

One of the defining features of *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* is its staggering character roster, boasting over one hundred playable fighters from across the Dragon Ball timeline. So, how well does this impressive lineup represent the characters of *Dragon Ball GT*? Let’s analyze the roster and see which *GT* characters made the cut.

The game does include several iconic *Dragon Ball GT* characters, including Goku (Kid), in his various forms like normal, Super Saiyan, and even Super Saiyan Three, though in his smaller, GT body. Super Saiyan Four Goku is also present, one of the most visually stunning characters in the game. The young, but determined granddaughter of Goku, Pan, makes an appearance. On the villainous side, we see the parasitic menace of Super Baby One and the terrifying Super Baby Two. The powerful Android, Super Seventeen, makes an appearance, as does the ultimate Shadow Dragon, Omega Shenron.

These inclusions are commendable and allow players to experience some of *GT*’s most memorable battles. However, the representation is not comprehensive. Several characters are noticeably absent. For example, while Super Baby One and Two are playable, the initial Baby Vegeta form is absent. Also missing are characters such as Nuova Shenron, a noble and honorable Shadow Dragon, or other less prominent, but still impactful characters like General Rildo.

The characters that are included, are for the most part, accurately represented in terms of their designs and movesets. Super Saiyan Four Goku, for instance, possesses powerful moves like the Times One Hundred Big Bang Kamehameha, accurately reflecting his signature attack from the series. Similarly, Super Baby’s transformations and movesets capture the essence of his parasitic nature and overwhelming power. However, some abilities might be adjusted for gameplay balance, potentially sacrificing perfect accuracy for the sake of fair fights. The developers seem to have focused on including key characters and transformations that would be most popular with fans, prioritizing recognizable faces and iconic moments over a fully comprehensive roster.

Story Mode and GT’s Inclusion

Beyond the roster, the story mode of *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* offers another avenue for exploring *Dragon Ball GT*’s representation. The game’s story mode allows players to relive the events of the Dragon Ball saga, from the early battles of *Dragon Ball* to the climactic confrontations of *Dragon Ball Z*. How much of *Dragon Ball GT* is actually woven into this narrative tapestry?

The inclusion of the *Dragon Ball GT* saga, while present, is noticeably condensed and selectively adapted. The story begins with the retrieval of the Black Star Dragonballs. The Baby Saga is partially represented, allowing players to experience the key battles against Baby Vegeta, Super Baby, and Super Baby Two. The Super Seventeen Saga is also included in the story mode, albeit in a simplified manner. Finally, the game also includes a representation of the Shadow Dragon saga.

While the core plot points are present, the game inevitably simplifies and streamlines the *Dragon Ball GT* storyline. Certain subplots and character interactions are omitted or condensed, focusing on the most impactful battles and key moments. For example, the intricate political and social dynamics of the Tuffle race in the Baby Saga are largely glossed over. The individual personalities and motivations of each Shadow Dragon are also not explored in great depth.

The adaptations are designed to provide a condensed and action-packed retelling of the *Dragon Ball GT* storyline. This approach prioritizes accessibility and engagement over a faithful and comprehensive recreation of every detail. However, this simplification means that fans of *Dragon Ball GT* seeking a truly immersive and faithful retelling of the series might find the story mode representation somewhat lacking.

Stages and Arenas

Beyond characters and story, the game’s environments also hint at the inclusion of the *Dragon Ball GT* universe. Several stages in *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* are clearly inspired by locations from the series.

The inclusion of these stages enhances the overall *Dragon Ball GT* experience. Fighting in these recognizable environments helps to immerse players in the world of *Dragon Ball GT*, evoking memories of key battles and iconic moments. However, the selection is limited, and many other potential *Dragon Ball GT* locations are not represented.

Analysis of GT’s Representation: Strengths and Weaknesses

Overall, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*’s representation of *Dragon Ball GT* possesses both notable strengths and unavoidable weaknesses. Let’s summarize the successes and shortcomings of the game’s treatment of the controversial sequel series.

On the positive side, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* deserves credit for including a reasonable number of key *Dragon Ball GT* characters. The presence of Super Saiyan Four Goku, Super Baby, and Omega Shenron allows fans to experience some of the series’ most iconic battles. The inclusion of these characters also brings with it their iconic transformations and signature moves, allowing players to unleash powerful attacks like the Times One Hundred Big Bang Kamehameha and the Minus Energy Power Ball. Finally, the inclusion of key story arcs allows players to relive at least some of the Dragonball GT saga.

However, the representation is far from perfect. The omission of certain characters, such as Nuova Shenron, and the simplified adaptation of the story mode detract from the overall experience. The game also doesn’t provide much context or backstory for the *Dragon Ball GT* storyline, assuming a certain level of familiarity with the series. It also fails to represent some of the locations from the game. This makes it less accessible to newcomers who might be unfamiliar with *Dragon Ball GT*.

The limited and selective representation of *Dragon Ball GT* in *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* could be attributed to several factors. The *Dragon Ball GT* series was not as universally beloved as *Dragon Ball Z*, therefore, the developers may have prioritized content from more popular parts of the Dragon Ball saga. Time constraints during development also likely played a role. The sheer scale of *Budokai Tenkaichi Two*’s roster and story mode meant that certain content had to be prioritized over others.

Conclusion

So, does *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* truly go Super Saiyan over *Dragon Ball GT*, covering the entire series with its expansive roster and story mode? The answer, ultimately, is no. While the game does include a decent selection of key *Dragon Ball GT* characters and story arcs, it falls short of providing a comprehensive or fully faithful representation of the series.

*Budokai Tenkaichi Two*’s overall treatment of *Dragon Ball GT* can be described as a selective adaptation. It captures some of the essence and excitement of the series, but it also simplifies and omits key details and characters. This approach makes the *Dragon Ball GT* content accessible to a wider audience but might disappoint hardcore fans seeking a more faithful recreation.

Ultimately, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* remains a beloved Dragon Ball fighting game, and its inclusion of *Dragon Ball GT* content, however limited, adds to its overall appeal. While it might not be a perfect representation, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the world of *Dragon Ball GT* and allows fans to experience some of the series’ most memorable battles. Its lasting appeal stems from its sheer scale, its accessible gameplay, and its ability to bring together characters and storylines from across the entire Dragon Ball universe. Despite its limitations in fully covering *Dragon Ball GT*, *Budokai Tenkaichi Two* continues to be a treasured title for Dragon Ball fans.