Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
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  1. Thunderbolt
    90
    The PS2 may have thrown out its last classic titles with Okami and God of War II, but for those waiting to make the next gen leap then you could do a lot worse for yourself in the mean time than picking this up.
  2. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    85
    With its peculiar fighting system, it’s the best recreation of the fights that we saw on TV, that really come alive with the great cel shading visuals. More than 150 characters, the campaign and tournament modes and the encyclopedias make it just perfect for DB fans. [Dec 2007]
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  3. Game Chronicles
    85
    The ride has been fun, and many great battles have been fought in living rooms and rec halls across the nation. If Tenkaichi 3 turns out to be the swan song, the capstone to the house that Atari and DBZ built, it will be a noble end.
  5. Worth Playing
    83
    For 50 bucks, Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a surprisingly good game. The colorful landscapes, differently played characters, and multiple settings and choices make the title enjoyable.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Undeniably the best DBZ game to date. The fighting engine has been considerably deepened, the Dragon History mode is flawed but great, and the graphics far surpass the anime.
  7. DailyGame
    80
    If there's one word to describe this game it's frenzy. You'll find plenty of fast action and the gameplay never really takes a break.
  8. IGN
    80
    When looking at the core gameplay, and ignoring the titles before it, BT3 is a fast, fun, and amazingly deep experience for fans of the award-winning anime.
  9. GameZone
    78
    Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a “more of the same” sequel, but its still-addictive gameplay presents a problem: if you buy it, you’re out $40. But if you choose to rent it, you’ll likely spend more in the long run since the game is hard to give up.
  10. PSM3 Magazine UK
    77
    Mixes superb visuals, a solid fighting system and some heart breaking drama. [Jan 2008, p.78]
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  11. PSX Extreme
    75
    The game isn't great, but it delivers the goods for the fans, and that's all it really needs to do.
  12. GamerNode
    75
    Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a good game for a DBZ title, but average if you ignore the property holding it up. For fans of DBZ this is a must-own; for normal gamers, this is likely onyl a rental.
  13. GameShark
    75
    The large variety of fighters, the deep fighting model, and the compelling story that unfolds throughout the game play modes makes this one worth a look.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PS2 Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2007
3
#3 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 450 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 398 out of 450
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 450
  3. Negative: 17 out of 450
  1. David1991
    Jul 10, 2012
    10
    The best dragon ball z game ever made period. i wish they doing this as a hd collection for the 360. hopefully in the future.The best dragon ball z game ever made period. i wish they doing this as a hd collection for the 360. hopefully in the future. ..............................................… Full Review »
  2. sambeme
    Jan 29, 2015
    9
    Dragon Ball Z has always been larger than life and had been a staple for anime games. Unlike its counter part Budokai 3, this DBZ game is farDragon Ball Z has always been larger than life and had been a staple for anime games. Unlike its counter part Budokai 3, this DBZ game is far more absurd, and that is fine. If it is a dragonball game it not suppose to be a Street Fighter emulator, it should feel like a dragon ball episode. This is where the Budokai Tenkaichi delivers massive 3D arenas, the ability to throw energy bombs, instant transmission and Transformations.

    Atari had been really generous with its character selection, with over 150 characters which includes fighters spanning from the Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT universe, which only assists character customization. This is where the ability to make a character truly your own comes into play. For example King Kai's training gives you one or two extra bars of health, and Dende's healing ability heals you through out the battle, which really helps you in those extra long very close fights.

    The story mode is also a rewarding feature of the games, not only because you play through the sagas you have watched on TV before but also because you get to earn Dragon Balls through the process, collect all seven and guess what you get to make a wish, now granted it is not exactly a wish like in the anime, but it offers many unlockables, characters, and stages. This coupled with the tournament mode makes for a great game that as timeless as the Akira Toriyama's work.

    However at this point the DBZ characters are being rehashed and reused, but there is no way around that and that is understandable, but some of the lower tire characters have the same moves, finishers, and style, and that is just lazy.

    9/10 - A great game for any dragon ball fan, not the best arcade fighting game but it is still a treat to Dragon Ball fans. If you have a copy cherish it, if you don't find one at a reasonable price before it gets super expensive.    … Full Review »
  3. Androu
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    The budokai and the tenkaichi series made my childhood alongside with the anime they are based one. One of the greatest fighting games, if youThe budokai and the tenkaichi series made my childhood alongside with the anime they are based one. One of the greatest fighting games, if you really are a dbz fan. Go get it!… Full Review »
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