8.5

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2

Another Dragon Ball game has scored its way on the PlayStation Portable that is based on the highly popular Japanese cartoon series which first started in 1986 and once again contains all the characters and locales from this great anime series.

Features

• Fulfills the most thrilling aspects of DBZ combat, including (and especially), counter-attacks, super high-speed bouts, flight, and Ki (energy) management

• Each transformed character has differentiuated moves and fighting styles

• Exciting heroes and villains from DBZ, DBGT, and Dragon Ball movies

• Compelling single player mode that allows fans to relive the best Dragon Ball Z and GT battles

However in Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 we are presented with an alternate story line where the greatest fighter of all time are dead and even the legendary Goku is dead. The only one left to defend the Earth now is Trunks who goes back time to bring his friends forward into the future. Classic Dragon Ball story telling.

In its essence, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 is a fairly basic fighter which has a couple of gameplay modes that include arcade, time attack and a multiplayer ad-hoc mode. The most interesting one though, is the Story mode which sends Trunks to a variety of different landscapes where you must defend cities from the enemy fighters.

Apart from Trunks, you can select a couple of unlocked fighters to aid you. Although you don't play as them, they can help by weakening the enemy. While you float around above the map until you come into contact with a fighter and then it is go time! Once you have defeated an enemy you can regain your health and repair the city by floating over it.

Each mission can be replayed from the select screen. You can also choose your path from there as well. As well as the main mission there are normally a couple of side missions, like defeat Krillin with out losing any health.

The combat in Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 is very simple, yet quite satisfying. You have Hard and Light basic attacks and then energy blasts. You can also charge up your Ki to let out more devastating attacks. Moves are all simple to pull off, with some really tasty combos to be seen! It is basically a 2D fighter, but you can move around each other in 3D and even up into the air!

After each fight you are given the chance to collect a Dragon Ball Card. These little beauties can be combined with your character to improve his stats. You can also give them to other unlocked characters to boost them for each mission. Fights are graded depending on how much health you have left and how stylish you were. Points means money. You can buy more cards with this money!

The graphics are colourful with a nice cartoon feel to them. The moves and combos, especially the energy blasts, look amazing! Match that with a great soundtrack and some cheesy sound effects and you have a good looking and sounding Dragon Ball title.

In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 is an interesting fighter that works well on the PSP and is definitely recommended to fans of the series or for those that are looking for a sturdy yet interesting fighter. Maybe not for the older gamer but definitely a nice fun fighter nicely suited to the younger player.