Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

After three games, you should know by now that this series is primarily for longtime fans, and they have plenty to like. [Holiday 2007, p.82]

It still looks great on the aging hardware and accurately represents the popular anime/manga series, but the statute of limitations for similar last-gen sequels expires now - it's time for Atari to take this franchise to next-gen consoles and put some real force behind these extraordinary characters and settings.

If you've played any of the previous Tenkaichi titles, you know exactly what to expect here -- a relatively shallow button-masher that does a darn fine job of letting you relive the Dragon Ball experience. Those looking for anything else will be disappointed, but if you just want another excuse to beat up Frieza, this game will suit you perfectly.

It's the ultimate package for DBZ fans. For everyone else it's one of the most technical and rewarding fighters out there. [Christmas 2007, p.90]

Spike, through their years of crafting this intricate milieu, has given the fans what they wanted: a fun, exciting portrayal mirroring the spirit and ferociousness of Dragon Ball Z.

If you own a Wii, I recommend you hold out and wait for that version, which features an interesting alternate control scheme and full online play.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 may not be that unique, or that good, but it certainly takes a familiar theme and then moves off at strange angles, pushing ideas far more then you might initially expect, taking something familiar and, for good or bad, making it true to its own rules.

A horrible mess of a fighting system scuppers it, but fans will love it anyway. [Jan 2007, p.68]

For everyone else, it's a tough and not entirely rewarding slog that you may tire of before you see the fruits of your labour. If you're not prepared to wallow in the minutiae of Dragon Ball Z, there are far more competent fighters out there.