Dragon Ball Z: Budokai

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Atari
  • Release Date: Dec 3, 2002
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 101
  3. Negative: 10 out of 101
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  1. Burger-Man2
    May 15, 2023
    8
    Dragon Ball Z - Budokai is a good game 20 (or 21 if you consider the PS2 version release date) years later? The answer is... kinda. The game has some problems, such as the main story being short and graphics being, while they certainly have their charm, compared to other DBZ games even on PS2, not great. We can see that this game didn't aged well on that. But here's the thing: GraphicsDragon Ball Z - Budokai is a good game 20 (or 21 if you consider the PS2 version release date) years later? The answer is... kinda. The game has some problems, such as the main story being short and graphics being, while they certainly have their charm, compared to other DBZ games even on PS2, not great. We can see that this game didn't aged well on that. But here's the thing: Graphics don't make a game. And that's why I gave a 8/10. The gameplay is simple, but actually pretty fun, the game faithfully recreates the anime scenes with incredible detail considering this was also the first Dragon Ball game for the PS2, and the english dub is surprisingly solid, and the actors are actually the same ones from the show (from what I know, though). But here's the problems: People say that, to unlock all the capsules, it takes a lot of time and people criticizes that, but since I just played the story mode... I can't say anything about that. What I can say something about though, is the length of the adventure. It takes about 2-3 hours to beat at the first time, and while there is extra content, I think the story should be a bit longer, it should have the Majin Boo saga, which this game (weirdly enough) doesn't has. The short length is also a good thing though, since people who don't have a lot of free time can beat this in one seat. Overall, while definitely not being the best Dragon Ball game for the PS2, it is definitely a fun one, and I genuinely recommend it to DBZ fans.… Expand
  2. Untitled94
    Jul 15, 2021
    8
    There's way too many Dragon Ball Z fighting games that have the exact same story and this one is no exception, but in terms of gameplay, this is a really good one. I also like the graphics and art style more in this one than the sequels. It looks a bit weird, but it's still better than Cel-Shading. Anyway, I like this game.
  3. frederik1478
    Mar 1, 2021
    6
    ok game that is still worth playing if You are Dragon Ball fun, Amazing how will the graphics hold ,best part of the game is the side stories crazy things happen
  4. DemonoidAngel
    Sep 1, 2020
    8
    Great gameplay and lots of signature moves. The story is told pretty well through it's animated cutscenes. Makes for a great time going one on one with friends.
  5. ChesterField
    May 6, 2020
    8
    Very good fighting game for ps2 of dragon ball. The bad news are, story ends in the cell saga, there is no buu. Still, a lot of replay content. Nice game.
  6. FreedomFighters
    Feb 25, 2018
    4
    Let's get this out of the way right now: I'm not really much of a fan of the "Dragon Ball" franchise. Not that I dislike the series, it was just never my cup of tea. As a kid, I was part of the "Pokémon," "Digimon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh" boats, but I never found a huge interest in "Dragon Ball Z," or "DBZ," as some call it. That said, I fully believe that a fighting game based around the "DragonLet's get this out of the way right now: I'm not really much of a fan of the "Dragon Ball" franchise. Not that I dislike the series, it was just never my cup of tea. As a kid, I was part of the "Pokémon," "Digimon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh" boats, but I never found a huge interest in "Dragon Ball Z," or "DBZ," as some call it. That said, I fully believe that a fighting game based around the "Dragon Ball" franchise is a match made in heaven...at least on paper, because while "Dragon Ball Z: Budokai" has the right idea, it just doesn't execute it well.
    Off the bat, the game really captures the feel of the show pretty well (basing this off of what little I've seen, along with word-of-mouth from friends who watched the show). It really feels like I can watch these cutscenes and understand the plot of the show. I also appreciate how the game actually follows the different "sagas" of the shows, which makes it feel like it could be enjoyable even for people like me that have no experience with the franchise.
    Unfortunately, that's about where the positives end. Though it captures the feel of the show, it certainly isn't visually brilliant, and it's extremely easy (and rather fun) to just make jokes about the cutscenes being weirdly animated and poorly-acted. You'll also find yourself making jokes about the story and the dialogue, and worst of all, the gameplay is extremely frustrating. "Dragon Ball Z: Budokai" has all the potential in the world to be a really technical, exciting, competitive fighting game, but unfortunately, the game is weighed down by some really poor controls that fall somewhere between "bulky" and "unresponsive."
    It's clear that this game hasn't aged wonderfully and, unless you're a huge fan of the show or you really need a good laugh, you'd be a smarter person if you invested your time and money into a more interesting fighter. "Dragon Ball Z: Budokai" had some great ideas going for it, but unfortunately, it's a disappointing fighting game.
    Final rating: 4 out of 10 "Bad"    … Expand
  7. TheCornflex
    Feb 1, 2018
    7
    First DB-Game I played. And I had a lot of fun with it. The Tournament-Mode is the highlight.
  8. FeerFrikazus
    Sep 10, 2017
    5
    Personalmente no me gustó mucho, la cantidad de personaje es corta, el combate no es gran cosa, la duración es corta y le falta muchos combates importantes de la historia.
    La verdad no lo recomiendo.
  9. Watermelon789
    Apr 4, 2012
    7
    The story linearity is short for gamers that plays a lot in a day, for DBZ fans , consider this a punch in the face. Three important modes that will likely be in use often, the first one is the main story ( before mentioned ) , the other is the Duel one where you actually pit two players one on one and finally the best varied option is the tournament where it was used countless of times inThe story linearity is short for gamers that plays a lot in a day, for DBZ fans , consider this a punch in the face. Three important modes that will likely be in use often, the first one is the main story ( before mentioned ) , the other is the Duel one where you actually pit two players one on one and finally the best varied option is the tournament where it was used countless of times in previous DBZ games but hopefully Budokai's tournament style is the best option for those interested . Graphically Budokai is fine enough ( though this was the first and the last DBZ game to include those daunting graphics) , playability side is easy to pick in the first try . Consider this the superior DBZ fighting game, although is short on content.… Expand
  10. Zilcell
    Nov 8, 2011
    8
    Each fight in the game is harder than the one before it so hardcore gamers will like the difficulty. The fighting is fast so a lot of button mashing is required. It follows the Dragon Ball Z storyline very well. If you like fighting games, then you just might like this game.
  11. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 7, 2011
    8
    Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is a great fighter, with a great selection of characters, and a fun story mode, but is lacking in tournament modes and replay value, but has some pretty good multiplayer, if your a fan of the DBZ Budokai series and you want to see where it began this is a great purchase.
  12. NightmareVegetaKingVegeta
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    This game is perfect and this is the first step of Budokai, and there are now Budokai 2, and Budokai 3. So The best of them is Budokai3, but if you like DBZ I think that you should have B1 and with Budokai 2. And have fun... I give it 10 Because it's the best of the best. See Yeah...
  13. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Nov 28, 2004
    8
    This is a must buy for fans because of it's accurate story mode, tournments, skills, and the characters which are all voiced by thier American voice actors. Yet all the characters have the same button combinations for their skills (example: Vegeta's Galick Gun is punch 4x and a energy blast and Ginyu's Milky Cannon is 4 punches and an energy blast) yet some are slower and This is a must buy for fans because of it's accurate story mode, tournments, skills, and the characters which are all voiced by thier American voice actors. Yet all the characters have the same button combinations for their skills (example: Vegeta's Galick Gun is punch 4x and a energy blast and Ginyu's Milky Cannon is 4 punches and an energy blast) yet some are slower and some do more damage then others which is good . Another con is that some moves look identical to others. Yet it is still great to play, yet Soul Calibur II or Virtua Fighter IV: Evolution are both better purchases.… Expand
  14. DragonFurbyZ
    Jun 14, 2004
    2
    This game lacks at least 1 powerful attack for each character. What about Android #19? Amatuer!
  15. SamC.
    Apr 2, 2004
    1
    I think that this game is boring ps i think that it is CRAP.
  16. TysonB.
    Feb 12, 2004
    3
    Looks terrible, sound terrible, and the gameplay is somewhat terrible. I heard Dragonball Z Budokai 2 Is going to be a lot better.
  17. AshMan
    Jan 14, 2004
    9
    Not as cool as Super Smash Brors melee, but it is pretty sweet. Gohan and #17 are the coolest.
  18. DaveH.
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    The best dragon ball z game yet.
  19. Brennan_The_ShamanLester
    Nov 16, 2003
    9
    Go Goku!Great for parties!Fun for pretty much everyone!Nuff' said 4 the good things.Bad things now Lame-o graphics & some spec. moves are the same as others.
  20. B.Blaine
    Sep 16, 2003
    10
    Hee, Hee. . .awesome . . (faints from pleasure)
  21. Matt
    Aug 8, 2003
    10
    There will Be a Dragonball Z: Budokai 2 coming out this fall. I Can't wait for that! This is a GGRREEEEEEEEEEAAAATT GAME!!!!!!!!!!
  22. OwenE.
    Jul 7, 2003
    3
    Okay it is a great game and the music is amazing But i live in the United Kingdom, and this counts for prob all of Europe Why!!! Is the voices of budokai that are region 2 have Japanese voices and i heard the american version region 1 has the english voices Why! why!! why!!!! Explain! ! it pisses me off so much! that i spent the same amount of money to get a crappy japanese language that Okay it is a great game and the music is amazing But i live in the United Kingdom, and this counts for prob all of Europe Why!!! Is the voices of budokai that are region 2 have Japanese voices and i heard the american version region 1 has the english voices Why! why!! why!!!! Explain! ! it pisses me off so much! that i spent the same amount of money to get a crappy japanese language that sounds horrible and i have to read bad subtitles...its not just my game.. i know at least 4 of my friends who have it and its the same. so for me now to get english voices il have to buy a regional changer for my ps2 probarly a mod chip and re buy budokai an american version...what where these guys smoking?… Expand
  23. StephanieI-A.
    Jun 9, 2003
    10
    THIS GAME ROCKS ALL YALL WHO THINK IT SUKS NEED A BRAIN CHECK.
  24. ChrisH.
    May 22, 2003
    9
    I rated this game a 9 because it is overall, a dragon ball z game, and it has intense and realistic gam play , but 2 reasons that i gave this game a 9 is because you can't jump i mean come on you can fly can't you,and that it doesn't include majin buu in it thats all ,peace out.
  25. IkabarúG.
    May 18, 2003
    10
    The best game ever!!! however, there is more story to be played! not only 3 sagas... where is majin boo? of Super sajain 3?
  26. BryonC.
    May 5, 2003
    10
    THIS IS THE BEST DBZ GAM EVER!!
  27. RichardI.
    Apr 24, 2003
    9
    First thing's first, this is the best DBZ videogame I have ever played. PROS: The graphics are superb, and the gameplay and control is great. You can use each character's signature moves and abilities. CONS: Since I AM a DBZ fan, it would have been better if it went up to the Majin Buu saga. You can't jump, or fly left and right, and they should've made it harder to First thing's first, this is the best DBZ videogame I have ever played. PROS: The graphics are superb, and the gameplay and control is great. You can use each character's signature moves and abilities. CONS: Since I AM a DBZ fan, it would have been better if it went up to the Majin Buu saga. You can't jump, or fly left and right, and they should've made it harder to beat. Overall, this game is worth every penny, and if you're a DBZ fan (and have a PS2) I recomend getting this game. … Expand
  28. Goku
    Mar 4, 2003
    10
    This game rocks! its the perfect fighting game espiecely if your a die hard dragonball z fan.
  29. DannyX.
    Feb 16, 2003
    10
    It's cool and fun to play but hard to get characters.The hardes to get is the dragonballs. It is to easy to beat the game and it took me one day to beat it.
  30. QuamtarisB.
    Feb 12, 2003
    10
    This game is the bombed! It is awesome! It rocks! It bad to the bone! Will there be a Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2.
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
25
#25 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. GamePro
    70
    Non–Dragon Ball Z fans, however, may have a hard time not only grasping the quirky DBZ story, but also wrapping their fingers around the repetitious controls.
    Read full review
  2. Gamer.tv
    78
    Dramatic, hilarious and impenetrable by turn, it's a cold heart that won't be warmed by this one, but hardcore fight fans may find themselves irritated.
    Read full review
  3. Cinescape
    91
    A Dragonball fan’s dream. It is the first "true" American game based on the series, and Infogrames really came through on this one.
    Read full review
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