Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi

 PlayStation 3
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 108
  3. Negative: 44 out of 108
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  1. curdey
    Oct 31, 2011
    10
    Extremely entertaining, this really feels like the ultimate Dragon Ball Z game - the story mode is fantastic, as gameplay follows from beginning to end of the series. A must-play for any Dragon Ball fans!
  2. HardCoreGamer15
    Oct 26, 2011
    10
    This new dragon ball z is probably one of my favorite ones that I have played so far because it has new graphics layout, new fighting system, Destructible environments and the ability to customize your character.
  3. ucell
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    This is another innovative dbz game, like last year's DBZ: Tenkaichi Tag Team. Only here, thev'e entirely altered the gameplay. The graphics & giant bosses were the best parts, I think.
  4. digitalcritic
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    Just what i always wanted for a dragon ball game. It may not be the best fighting game there is but sure is the best dragon ball game. Amazing graphics, brutal ultimate attacks, engaging combat with beautifully animeted cutscenes and of course customised characters.
  5. LegendKILLER10
    Oct 31, 2011
    10
    This game is awesome for someone who actually likes the series. The haters that hate this game are probably naruto fanboys. There are no flaws with this great game
  6. GarryTheThief
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    No, just no. This can't be serious. Is it a joke? Unfortunately, I don't think it is. Never in my life have I seen a fighting game with such a non-existent system for actual fighting. This isn't a video game, it's rock, paper, scissors with graphics. And, what's even worse, is that it actually tries to make you think that the there is a deep, complex system with a barrage of tutorials andNo, just no. This can't be serious. Is it a joke? Unfortunately, I don't think it is. Never in my life have I seen a fighting game with such a non-existent system for actual fighting. This isn't a video game, it's rock, paper, scissors with graphics. And, what's even worse, is that it actually tries to make you think that the there is a deep, complex system with a barrage of tutorials and a needlessly cluttered interface. This game makes Samurai Shodown Sen look like a **** Street Fighter IV. It's THAT bad.

    It's a shame, because I actually thought that the Raging Blast series was a pretty good addition to the Dragonball franchise. This, on the other hand, isn't even dignified to be called a game. Why should I keep going into detail describing the different modes and characters if there isn't even a game there to sustain them? No, I'll leave it at that, saying that this is, by far, the worst fighter I have ever played. At least the graphics look nice, and that's all that matters in todays world, isn't it? Great job, Spike. Absolutely brilliant.    … Expand
  7. godzillabots
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    This is by far my favorite DBZ game ever! i am very happy to say that this really is the Ultimate Tenkaichi! Great graphics and the hero mode has endless possibilities to create Gohan, Goten, Goku Jr, etc...
  8. christab
    Apr 4, 2012
    10
    Ultimate Dbz tenkaichi dbz the best of all time and the best fighting games of the year 2011-2012. The most advanced combat mode and character creator. The story mode literally like drawing animated. So the best game of all time
  9. TheSyllogism
    Jun 7, 2012
    10
    This is literally the worst video game I have *ever* played. Let me explain. I was expecting something in the same vein as DBZ Budokai 3 or Budokai Tenkaichi 2, or Budockai Tenkaichi 3, all of which I have enjoyed, all of which I am now unable to play (PS2 broke, PS3 slim not reverse compatible, Wii stolen). Looking for something to fill the void and filled with fond memories from theThis is literally the worst video game I have *ever* played. Let me explain. I was expecting something in the same vein as DBZ Budokai 3 or Budokai Tenkaichi 2, or Budockai Tenkaichi 3, all of which I have enjoyed, all of which I am now unable to play (PS2 broke, PS3 slim not reverse compatible, Wii stolen). Looking for something to fill the void and filled with fond memories from the Budokai series I bought Ultimate Tenkaichi, for $60. I had such high hopes. Combat literally boils down to a coin flip every 10-15 seconds. WHY IS THIS IN NO REVIEWS. I'm not even kidding, it is nearly complete random chance. I read IGN's review expecting stellar gameplay that was perhaps a little too similar between characters. What I did NOT expect was a game where literally any skin could be thrown on the character, as everyone fights exactly the same.

    Let me sum up gameplay for you, and I am NOT oversimplifying, I'm spelling it out for those who haven't bought the game, and I hope to dissuade them from ever buying the game.

    Gameplay is as follows: Approach enemy. Press Square 3 times. If blocked press triangle to break block, then press square three times. Coin flip, press either Square or Triangle. If you succeeded: CONGRATULATIONS! Press the corresponding key 4 more times. If you failed: BAD LUCK! Try again.

    But, apparently there's some ranged combat in this game, you say? Well yeah, and it goes EXACTLY THE SAME as melee combat, except you lose the somewhat useful ability to get behind an opponent to avoid the coin flip. Press square for blockable energy blasts, press triangle for a block breaking energy blast. Press circle to block.

    THAT IS THE GAMEPLAY. You can press up or down on the right stick for a flashy special move, and do transformations with L2, and that's the entire game. Do you want to know the worst part? Ok, I'll tell you. EVERY CHARACTER FUNCTIONS EXACTLY THE SAME! It's not that they're "a bit similar" or "vaguely reminiscent" of each other, they are identical. The only difference I have noticed at all are different special attacks (the right stick ones, the ones you use 2-5 of in a match) and some different attack animations while you spam Square/Triangle. Every combo in the game is Square->Square->Square->Coin Flip. And that is completely and utterly unacceptable. I'm a huge DBZ fan. I'm also a huge Budokai fan. This is just so goddamn heartbreakingly disappointing that I can't adequately put it into words. Do not buy this game, unless you REALLY want to see what a coin flip simulator looks like with a graphical user interface.    … Expand
  10. mewkid1234
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    I love this game...it's a great game and the controls are awesome. The gameplay and story are alike, along with characters from different sagas. The unlockables are great and the stages are perfect. The best 3D DBZ game ever released on PS3.
  11. Darian07
    Aug 8, 2022
    10
    Best Game ever! Wegen i See a Hater i swear i Punch in your face like goku!
  12. kunglao06
    Nov 7, 2012
    8
    Very easy controls!! Very easy battles!! Square!!! Hit square!!!! Square!!! And... more square. But... it's a very fun game, great animations... great story mode. Just relax!! It's fun!!
  13. tockwork
    Oct 14, 2013
    8
    First of all, I have been away from the DBZ Series since Budokai 3 and Budokai Tenkaichi 1.

    The concept of freedom is basically from Budokai 3 with the implementation of Hero Mode which give you a few customization choices like skin tone, hair style, hair color and even the aura of your character when powering up. The Story mode instead is great and will take you a day to run through    First of all, I have been away from the DBZ Series since Budokai 3 and Budokai Tenkaichi 1.

    The concept of freedom is basically from Budokai 3 with the implementation of Hero Mode which give you a few customization choices like skin tone, hair style, hair color and even the aura of your character when powering up.

    The Story mode instead is great and will take you a day to run through all the DBZ saga. The scripted character dialogue and in-game cut scenes during the fight are awesome. There are also some collectables and a bunch of material that will require a 2nd or 3rd run-through... it's all icing on the cake since you can turn up the difficulty on your next run.

    As said before, Hero mode is a nice breath of fresh air. Being a bald Super Saiyan with Broly's costume and abilities (including his green aura) is also very appealing. However, an example of a great idea performed horribly is in fights against giants.. The issue is that the controls are clunky and slow when you find yourself stuck in a extraordinary long ki-blast animation while your huge ape opponent shoots an attack that you can easily avoid... I wish they would have kept the giant battles in the same area you fight other opponents... You are stuck going left or right and moving 10 feet up and down the platform.

    Other than that controll issue the game is fun. It's NOT perfect but it is rewarding to say the least. If you're looking for a good DBZ game to put a few weeks into then this is it... it'll keep you happy until Battle of Z comes out    … Expand
  14. VanCan72
    Apr 6, 2021
    8
    This is honestly one of the best party games I've ever owned. With simplistic controls and mechanics, it's certainly not the deepest DBZ game ever but the pick up and play potential is very very high. Get some people together set up a tournament and just go.
  15. gmagno
    Nov 10, 2011
    7
    Nice animation and graphics as well as action sequences, however it all becomes just too repetitive after 4 hours of gameplay, same animation flow no matter what character you choose. The fights are just too automated, imagine god of war button sequences on screen. The create a character is a very nice addition although somewhat limited in options. Would be nice to expand this idea in theNice animation and graphics as well as action sequences, however it all becomes just too repetitive after 4 hours of gameplay, same animation flow no matter what character you choose. The fights are just too automated, imagine god of war button sequences on screen. The create a character is a very nice addition although somewhat limited in options. Would be nice to expand this idea in the future. Cast should be with more characters.… Expand
  16. FinDefaulted
    Jun 18, 2012
    7
    Dragon Ball Ultimate Tenkaichi is a fine fighting game that has somewhat improved from previous games. The new fighting mechanism is more user friendly and faster to learn. Separating Ki from super attacks was a good move, since now you actually have to do some basic ki attacks and melee fighting to be able to use them. Having to change from melee to blast range made the game moreDragon Ball Ultimate Tenkaichi is a fine fighting game that has somewhat improved from previous games. The new fighting mechanism is more user friendly and faster to learn. Separating Ki from super attacks was a good move, since now you actually have to do some basic ki attacks and melee fighting to be able to use them. Having to change from melee to blast range made the game more realistic, since you wont be waving your fists at an enemy who is far away. Ultimate Tenkaichi's biggest problem was at how it was trying to look like an animation in the story mode. Most of the fights couldn''t even be properly started when a cut scene suddenly interrupted you... Multiple times per fight.

    Still, Ultimate Tenkaichi looked good, felt good and was good. A must buy for any Dragon Ball fan.    … Expand
  17. FRG2
    Jun 6, 2015
    7
    The execution of attacks is dull, but its accesibility compared to the Budokai Tenkaichi makes it a bit more easier to get into, the Story mode is the best one i played so far with a lot of detail, and the Hero mode is a neat idea. However, this is poorly executed thanks to the awful customization and the game, due to its simplicity, its a bit shallow. But overall it can be very entertaining
  18. JakeSteele
    Nov 11, 2013
    7
    This game is Awesome because they mixed budikia and tenkaichi game styles nicely but the Boss battles are Retarded. Hero mode is dream come true for a dbz nerd but the Great Apes are impossible to beat and makes Hero mode pointless. If I ever come across the person that designed the boss battles I will stab them in the taint.
  19. 2ruffles
    May 5, 2023
    7
    This was my first ever Dragon Ball Z game I had touched, and this was how I got into Dragon Ball.

    It is certainly not the best game, and it has its flaws. The basic combat outside of executing cinematic chains is lacking and gets repetitive after a while, the roster could use a tid bit more characters, and it could use more story cutscenes instead of text boxes to sum up the in-betweens    This was my first ever Dragon Ball Z game I had touched, and this was how I got into Dragon Ball.

    It is certainly not the best game, and it has its flaws. The basic combat outside of executing cinematic chains is lacking and gets repetitive after a while, the roster could use a tid bit more characters, and it could use more story cutscenes instead of text boxes to sum up the in-betweens of the story.

    But for what it's worth, it's a decently good and enjoyable Dragon Ball Game. The music is dope, you got the classic story (Which in my case, was done nicely to get caught up with the basics of Dragon Ball), graphics look great, the cinematic scenes are enjoyable to watch, and the Hero Mode will be the most fun you'll find in this game.
    While there is plenty I would've wished to be implented within the game to make it better (What is essentially an Epic Rock Paper Scissors fighting game, or Beta Pokken Tournament), I DARE to say that calling this the worst Dragon Ball game there is, is an exaggeration.    … Expand
  20. 4newsit
    Nov 24, 2011
    6
    The tie-in dedicated to Goku and co. have been many, many more will surely be the products over the years, but it seems so difficult to accept gameplay systems are ever more simple and "driven" to make the whole gaming experience poor interest. The new work of Spike is only recommended to all fans of the series that can not help but experience the most historic battles that have seen theThe tie-in dedicated to Goku and co. have been many, many more will surely be the products over the years, but it seems so difficult to accept gameplay systems are ever more simple and "driven" to make the whole gaming experience poor interest. The new work of Spike is only recommended to all fans of the series that can not help but experience the most historic battles that have seen the animated TV series, but not all those who are looking for a fresh and varied, as this new chapter is repetitive and boring to exciting fights recently, undermined by a technical realization identical to Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 and a very low level of difficulty. Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Ultimate is the classic tie-in Annual , packed with too much haste and superficiality, where the most demanding fans no doubt would prefer to wait to receive a title as it should. To save the entire production from the rejection we think the graphics produced in a more than good and above average longevity, but interesting enough to make the title? http://www.4news.it/9788-recensione-dragon-ball-z-ultimate-tenkaichi.php… Expand
  21. HCTristesse
    Oct 4, 2012
    6
    Worth playing, but fights are too much the same and take too long. A great part of the fights is decided by coincidence rather that ability. The good thing is, button mashing will get you nowhere, but the possibilities of actions you have are very limited. There are long loading screens even for 5-second videos. Also I found it strange that you can select nearly every character from the start.
  22. metaJ
    Oct 7, 2012
    6
    Ultimate Tenkaichi is a innovative new experience of the Dragon Ball series. It has a new battle system, which has the DBZ's explosive fights, but it's really repetitive after a time. I don't see it good that the battles are about, that you make a combo and then you see a movie, where your character hits always the same way the other character. This turns out obnoxious after a time. TheUltimate Tenkaichi is a innovative new experience of the Dragon Ball series. It has a new battle system, which has the DBZ's explosive fights, but it's really repetitive after a time. I don't see it good that the battles are about, that you make a combo and then you see a movie, where your character hits always the same way the other character. This turns out obnoxious after a time. The new Hero Mode is great, you can make your own character, give him superopowers and make him a super saiyan! You can battle online with your character. The graphics are sure amazing compared to other games, but they are minimized thanks that in battles you don't have freedom to do your own specific combos and movements. This game would have been the best game if the battle system wasn't so bad.… Expand
  23. SrPepe
    Oct 30, 2017
    6
    Es triste que este sea el mejor juego de Dragon Ball Z en PS3. SI bien es decepcionante al lado de sus predecesores de la PS2, es bastante entretenido.
  24. MortalShaw
    Aug 9, 2021
    6
    en cuanto a juegos de dragon ball de los mejores, jugabilidad algo meh y cuestionable, una vez que te agarran en el primer combo es letal y tienes casi toda la partida perdida, buen recopilatorio de la historia de z, gt y las peliculas, las peleas con los jefes me entretuvieron mucho, el modo heroes pues esta decente, aunque muy poca personalizacion, muy poca.
  25. Lijon88
    May 18, 2022
    6
    Just finished platinum. Story is outstanding it was super nice to remind the whole great dragon ball z, that was old good times and they made this game perfectly with story from tv that made me happy!! Fight gets boring after some time couse you can win everything by playing just one safe tactics. Online servers are in bad condition and you get a lot of disconets. Need to grab differentJust finished platinum. Story is outstanding it was super nice to remind the whole great dragon ball z, that was old good times and they made this game perfectly with story from tv that made me happy!! Fight gets boring after some time couse you can win everything by playing just one safe tactics. Online servers are in bad condition and you get a lot of disconets. Need to grab different dbz game so i can compare.… Expand
  26. TheDuner13
    Aug 6, 2022
    6
    mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
  27. kuehnau
    Jun 10, 2012
    5
    I grew up with Dragonball and Dragonball Z and since it's fighting game debut on the PlayStation 2, I have always been a fan of their games, but to be honest, those games weren't always the best. It wasn't until a few years later that we started to see truly good games.

    Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is a good looking game, maybe one of the current best looking games to date. They have    I grew up with Dragonball and Dragonball Z and since it's fighting game debut on the PlayStation 2, I have always been a fan of their games, but to be honest, those games weren't always the best. It wasn't until a few years later that we started to see truly good games.

    Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is a good looking game, maybe one of the current best looking games to date. They have the character designs and models spot on, but there is a lot more to a game then just looking good.

    The music is pretty redundant. You'll hear the same Dragonball Z stylized music over and over again throughout the entire game. Would it have had really killed them to do some new, original music to the mix of the standard fare?

    The "Budokai" series of fighting games offers a fantastic mix of fighter variety and immersive game play all thrown into a wonderful 3D environment. There is nothing more satisfying then throwing an enemy and slamming them into mountain tops of throwing them into oceans. Unfortunately Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi offers almost none of that.

    Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi offers players an oversimplified combat engine that ends up boiling down to a game of rock paper scissors. You end up seeing the same attacks and moves over and over and over again. A lot of times characters and enemies are nothing more then re-modeled clones of other fighters, all with the same recycled move sets.

    The game tried to boast "fully destructible" environments, but it's pretty much a bold faced lie. The only time you are going to see any sort of environment destruction is when you perform some sort of super move and that's it. What happened to being able to throw people into mountains and slamming them into the ground? It's an important part of the Dragonball Z franchise and they completely ignored it.

    The boss fights are just jokes, instead of acting like a fighting game, which is what Ultimate Tenkaichi is, most of the boss fights are nothing more then "God of War" style fights, requiring you to press buttons in a quick series of sequences. Some of the fights are really annoying and frustrating just because of the poor hit detection and button sequences and it leaves me wishing they would have thrown it out.

    There's another problem I have with the game and it is it's often pointless and boring flying sequences. When you are being pursued, you have to try and "stay ahead" of the enemy, if you don't, often you can get hurt or even "fail" the event, forcing you to start over. What is even more annoying is often times fights are linked with the flying sequences, if you fail one or the other, you have to start the entire event over again. There's no reason why they had to add this in and it isn't fun.

    One thing they got spot on was how long winded the Dragonball Z franchise was. You are going to spend a lot of times listening to a lot of boring, stupid banter, what is even worse is, they don't even follow the actual conversations from the anime, a lot of times what they say was never part of the original conversation, it seems the developers took a creative role in this. One of my biggest disappointments was how few OVAs (original video animations) were actually in the game. The first chapter or so before the game goes to the Namek Saga, there are a ton of brand new OVAs to compliment the game, it seems right after the first chapter someone got lazy, because after that, any OVAs are very few and far between. Ultimate Tenkaichi offers what is called a "Hero Mode", where you can "design" your own character to play part if the history of Dragonball Z. If you call being able to pick from a very limited selection of customizing options, all built around playing as a Saiyan, then you hit the nail right on the head. I felt like they could have done so much more with the idea of a customized hero creator and instead they just got really lazy with it. All in all, this is a really sub-par fighting game that ends up relying more on a terrible rock, paper, scissors style of game play then an actual fighting game. The developers had some really great ideas and if they would have actually tried, this game would have been awesome.

    Currently, this game still retails for about $50.00 or $60.00 in stores and I'd advise anyone who loves Dragonball Z or good fighting games to instead spend $20.00 and pick up a copy of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3, you'll be glad you did.    … Expand
  28. Krizuwe
    Nov 20, 2013
    5
    Es el mejor juego de Playstation 3 sobre Dragón Ball, pero a su vez confirma un hecho, en esta generación todos los juegos basados en la obra de Akira Toriyama son una basura, no sirven para nada, jamás se compararán a la sagas Budokai y Tenkaichi, ni punto de comparación, me esperaba algo mas comestible, es decepcionante, combates sosos y repetitivos, es siempre mas de lo mismo, pareceEs el mejor juego de Playstation 3 sobre Dragón Ball, pero a su vez confirma un hecho, en esta generación todos los juegos basados en la obra de Akira Toriyama son una basura, no sirven para nada, jamás se compararán a la sagas Budokai y Tenkaichi, ni punto de comparación, me esperaba algo mas comestible, es decepcionante, combates sosos y repetitivos, es siempre mas de lo mismo, parece que no luchas tu, si no la IA, es penoso que saquen un juego como este a estas alturas, simplemente horrible, no lo recomiendo para nada, el mismo día que lo compre, después de jugarlo mas de 2 horas...lo devolví porque no merece la pena gastar un euro en esta cosa.… Expand
  29. Diegochocho
    Jul 5, 2018
    5
    Mmmmmm, una de las razones por la cual quería tener este juego, aunque los gráficos y los escenarios son aceptables, la movilidad tiene muy poca, prácticamente todo el juego es piedra, papel o tijera, lo destacable era la destrucción de los escenarios.
  30. DemonoidAngel
    Sep 1, 2020
    5
    The combat in this game is...questionable. Even something as simple as a basic combo turns into a "rock, paper, scissors" scenario where you have the chance to lose your combo, this makes things difficult as you need to pull off certain combos to gain "spirit power" used to power your special, and ultimate moves. This makes the game's combat extremely frustrating as you are forced toThe combat in this game is...questionable. Even something as simple as a basic combo turns into a "rock, paper, scissors" scenario where you have the chance to lose your combo, this makes things difficult as you need to pull off certain combos to gain "spirit power" used to power your special, and ultimate moves. This makes the game's combat extremely frustrating as you are forced to repeatedly try the same combo over and over again. The graphics are good, and there is a mode where you can create your own hero character, but with limited options. If you're interested in a Dragon Ball game, I would think twice before purchasing. Good for the collection I guess.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
9
#9 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 26
  3. Negative: 4 out of 26
  1. Impulsegamer
    Dec 3, 2012
    70
    At the end of the day, Dragonball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is an interesting game that provides plenty of fan service. If you have never played the series before, you might be confused by the over the top battles that for me is reminiscent of the excellent TV series Monkey Magic. Unfortunately like most Dragonball Z games, Ultimate Tenkaichi is a little like rock paper scissors when it comes to combat that focuses more on luck opposed to skill. Nonetheless, it's a fun romp through the Dragonball Z universe!
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  2. Armchair Empire
    Mar 21, 2012
    65
    In the end, I found myself sticking to the story mode more than anything (which was short, but decent enough), but I just couldn't get into the game. I have to commend Spike on replicating the look of the anime, but I felt I was left with a shallow experience. Hardcore DBZ fans will probably find it the game worth it and battling fellow fans online might be a good way to pass the time.
    Read full review
  3. Worth Playing
    Dec 28, 2011
    50
    Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is a beautiful-looking game on the outside but downright ugly on the inside.
    Read full review
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