Status:
No manual and Play Tested
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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (PS2) Review
🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics
Budokai Tenkaichi 3 refines the explosive arena-style combat of its predecessors, delivering what many fans still consider the definitive Dragon Ball Z experience. The game features over 160 playable charactersincluding multiple forms for each fightermaking for an incredibly deep and diverse roster.
Combat occurs in fully 3D environments, with players flying, dashing, and teleporting across large battlefields. The controls strike a balance between accessibility and depth, with quick combos, counters, beam struggles, and signature moves. Fast-paced and flashy, fights are chaotic but extremely satisfying, especially in split-screen or versus mode.
🧠 AI & Challenge
The AI is significantly improved over earlier entries, offering a solid challenge on higher difficulties. Whether facing off in arcade mode, tournaments, or story battles, players will need to learn timing, spacing, and how to use transformations strategically.
📘 Story & Modes
The Dragon History Mode retells major arcs from Dragon Ball, Z, GT, and even some movies. While the story is trimmed to quick summaries between fights, fans will enjoy reliving key moments with appropriate characters and settings.
Other modes include:
🎨 Graphics & Presentation
For a PS2 title, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 looks excellent. The cel-shaded art style captures the animes vibrant, kinetic aesthetic, and special attackslike Spirit Bombs or Final Flashesexplode with spectacle. Stage destruction, dynamic weather, and night/day cycles add flavor to the already lively visuals.
🔊 Sound & Voice Work
The game features both English and Japanese voice tracks, a huge plus for fans of either dub. Sound effects are sharp and satisfying, from teleport bursts to the crack of a ki blast. The soundtrack is energetic, matching the tone of the anime with intense rock and orchestral themes.
Pros
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Massive roster with deep fan service
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True-to-anime visuals and sound
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Fast, exciting, and highly replayable combat
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Lots of game modes and customization
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English and Japanese voice options
Cons
Some characters feel like clones
Camera can occasionally be disorienting
Story mode presentation is minimal
Button-mashing can win fights on lower difficulties
🏁 Final Verdict
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a fans dream come true. With an enormous roster, explosive visuals, and authentic presentation, it's a celebration of everything Dragon Ball. While its not the most refined fighter in terms of technical balance, it offers unmatched variety and fun for both casual and hardcore fans.
Score: 9 / 10
Recommendation:
Must-play for Dragon Ball fans and casual fighting game enthusiasts
Not ideal for players seeking a highly technical or competitive fighting experience
