Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two – Still a Fighting Game Classic?

Introduction

Before Dragon Ball FighterZ redefined competitive Dragon Ball, there was Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two, a game that captured the anime’s epic scale and bombastic battles like no other. Released in two thousand and six for the PlayStation Two and Wii, this title developed by Spike offered a unique perspective on the fighting game genre, eschewing the traditional side-scrolling perspective for a three-dimensional arena where players could fly, dodge, and unleash devastating attacks in sprawling environments. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two attempted to deliver the feeling of participating in Dragon Ball Z’s intense battles, a promise it largely delivered on. Despite its age and the evolution of fighting games, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two remains a beloved and enduring classic due to its massive roster, faithful adaptation of the source material, and unique gameplay mechanics that still hold up today, making it a definitive Dragon Ball experience.

Gameplay and Mechanics: A Different Kind of Fighting Game

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two didn’t offer your typical fighting game experience. Instead of two-dimensional battles confined to a limited space, it unleashed players into expansive three-dimensional arenas ripped straight from the anime. This freedom of movement fundamentally changed how battles played out. Characters could fly through the air, dodge behind cover, and unleash attacks from any angle, replicating the dynamism of Dragon Ball’s over-the-top fights. The camera angle, positioned behind the player character, further immersed the player, making them feel as if they were controlling their favorite Z Warrior.

The core combat system revolved around a combination of melee attacks, Ki blasts, blocking, and dodging. Basic attacks were executed with the face buttons, while Ki blasts could be charged and fired to harass opponents from a distance. Blocking was crucial for deflecting incoming attacks, and dodging allowed players to evade dangerous moves. Managing Ki was a key aspect of the gameplay, as it was required to perform special attacks and transformations. Running out of Ki at the wrong moment could leave a player vulnerable to attack. It was the player’s management of resources that determined the outcome of a fight.

Special moves and transformations were at the heart of the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two experience. Each character had a unique set of special attacks, ranging from iconic moves like Goku’s Kamehameha to Vegeta’s Galick Gun. These attacks required Ki to execute, and they could be chained together to create devastating combos. The transformation system allowed characters to power up mid-battle, unlocking new moves and increasing their stats. Witnessing Goku transform into a Super Saiyan or Frieza into his Golden form was a spectacle in itself, further enhancing the game’s authenticity. Some transformations had drawbacks, such as draining Ki over time, adding a layer of strategic depth.

Roster and Characters: Every Fan’s Dream

One of the biggest reasons Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two resonated with fans was its absolutely massive character roster. Boasting over one hundred playable characters, the game encompassed virtually every significant character from Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and even the movies and OVAs. From the humble beginnings of Kid Goku to the cosmic power of Super Saiyan Four Gogeta, almost every iteration of the franchise was represented. It was a Dragon Ball enthusiast’s dream come true, finally allowing players to settle those age-old debates: could Yamcha beat Saibaman Nappa? Who is the strongest Buu?

The game wasn’t just about quantity; it also paid attention to detail. Many characters had multiple variations based on different points in the timeline. Kid Gohan, Teen Gohan, Adult Gohan, and Mystic Gohan all had their own distinct movesets and stats, reflecting their evolution throughout the series. Similarly, Frieza had multiple forms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This level of attention to detail ensured that each character felt unique and authentic to their anime counterpart.

Character customization, through the use of Z Capsules, added another layer of depth. Players could equip their characters with different capsules to enhance their stats, unlock new moves, or even change their appearance. This allowed players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle, further increasing the game’s replayability. Capsule management was a skill in itself, as choosing the right capsules could significantly impact a character’s performance.

Goku, the ever-popular protagonist, was a balanced and versatile character, suitable for players of all skill levels. Vegeta, his eternal rival, was an aggressive and powerful character, excelling at close-range combat. Frieza, the galactic tyrant, was a long-range specialist, utilizing his Ki blasts and strategic movement to control the battlefield. Broly, the legendary Super Saiyan, was an unstoppable force, capable of overwhelming opponents with his sheer power. These are only a few examples; each character offered a unique playstyle, encouraging players to experiment and find their favorites.

Game Modes and Content: Reliving the Saga

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two wasn’t just a collection of characters; it also offered a wealth of content to keep players engaged. The Dragon Adventure, the game’s story mode, allowed players to relive the events of Dragon Ball Z and beyond, from the Saiyan Saga to the Kid Buu Saga. Key battles were recreated with impressive fidelity, complete with iconic cutscenes and dialogue.

The story mode wasn’t a linear experience. It featured branching storylines and alternate scenarios, allowing players to explore different outcomes. What if Gohan hadn’t turned Super Saiyan Two against Cell? What if Vegeta had defeated Frieza on Namek? These scenarios added a layer of replayability, encouraging players to revisit the story mode multiple times. The game retold familiar narratives while also posing interesting “what if” scenarios.

The World Tournament mode allowed players to test their skills against a series of opponents in a tournament setting. Winning tournaments unlocked new characters, items, and other rewards. Different difficulty levels provided a challenge for players of all skill levels. The World Tournament mode was a great way to hone one’s skills and earn valuable rewards. The higher the difficulty, the greater the prize!

Duel mode, the standard versus mode, allowed players to battle against friends or the computer in one-on-one matches. This was where players could truly showcase their skills and mastery of the game’s mechanics. Duel mode was a staple of the fighting game genre, and Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two delivered a solid and enjoyable experience. Many memorable battles were fought and rivalries forged in this mode.

Reception and Legacy: A Fan Favorite for the Ages

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two was met with generally positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised its massive roster, faithful adaptation of the source material, and unique gameplay mechanics. However, some criticized its control scheme and camera angles, which could be difficult to master. Despite these criticisms, the game was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide.

The game’s popularity among Dragon Ball fans was undeniable. Its massive roster and faithful adaptation of the anime resonated deeply with fans, making it a must-have title for any Dragon Ball enthusiast. The game’s lasting impact on the Dragon Ball gaming landscape is evident in the continued popularity of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. To this day, many fans consider Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two to be the definitive Dragon Ball fighting game.

Compared to other Dragon Ball Z games, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two stood out for its unique three-dimensional arena battles and massive roster. The Budokai series, while popular, featured a more traditional side-scrolling fighting game experience. Dragon Ball FighterZ, while visually stunning and competitively viable, focused on a smaller roster of characters and a more complex fighting system. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two found a sweet spot between accessibility and depth, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

The game’s emulation scene remains active, with fans continuing to play and mod the game on their computers. This testament to its enduring popularity is an enduring example of a dedicated fanbase. The game’s continued presence in the gaming community is a testament to its quality and appeal.

Conclusion: A Blast From The Past

Despite its age, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two remains a beloved and enduring classic, not only for its nostalgia but for the sheer fun of it. Its massive roster, faithful adaptation of the source material, and unique gameplay mechanics set it apart from other fighting games, securing its place in Dragon Ball history. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two offered an experience that few games at the time could match, letting fans truly feel the power and speed of their favorite characters.

While newer Dragon Ball games have come and gone, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two remains a nostalgic and cherished title for many fans, a testament to its faithful adaptation of the anime and its unique brand of over-the-top fighting action. The game served as a benchmark for Dragon Ball games, influencing future titles and shaping the expectations of fans. Its legacy is secure as one of the best and most fondly remembered Dragon Ball games of all time. What are your favorite memories of playing Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi Two? Share them in the comments below!