Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit

This is the best and best looking Dragon Ball Z game that has been made. Every fan should buy this game.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit managed to really impress me. It's not perfect but it's a fast, over-the-top fighter that's an absolute blast. The single-player Z Chronicles mode is perfect for hardcore fans and the multiplayer options are good enough that you'll want to call your friends over for a few matches.

A strong fighting game, with combat mechanics that are both simple and deep.

This 3D fighting game can be enjoyed by newcomers to the DBZ universe and Super Saiyan wannabes alike.

If you are looking for a great fighting game, stop looking--you've just found it. Whether you are a fan of the TV show, or have never even heard of it, DBZ: BL is quite simply brilliant.

Fans of DBZ and lovers of other Dimps-branded Dragon Ball titles, as mentioned earlier, will want to rush out and pick Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit up. Hardcore fighting gamers will also enjoy the ranged stick-and-move nature of this unique fighter.

Get rid of the drama, though, and Burst Limit becomes a delight. [July 2008, p.78]

Although significantly streamlined compared to the last wave of DBZ titles and perilously confusing at times, Burst Limit looks and feels at home on today’s meaty hardware. Mechanics are generally tight and far more intricate than you might expect from a game like this so while more traditional fighters may still have the edge for all but the most devout anime fans, this is a surprising treat for those with the patience to get to grips with it and the good nature to overlook its relative lack of content.

If you love Dragon Ball Z -- like, love it to the point where tears run down your face as you stare at your Vegeta wall scroll -- then you'll love Burst Limit. Casual fans, like myself, will be impressed initially but ultimately let down by the fact that -- despite the new name -- this is still part of the Budokai family of fighters.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a must-own for DBZ fans, and if you're a fan of button-mash fighters, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up!

Twenty-plus playable characters (including fisticuff faves Krillin, Goku, and Piccolo), ground-based and sky-bound battles, a brimming list of offline challenges, and an addictive around-the-globe online Versus mode (complete with leaderboard tracking) fill out this beefy package.

The lack of characters combined with the relative lack of gameplay modes makes the overall package seem a bit shallow, as if the inevitable sequel will feature more content. Even so, Burst Limit is a quality fighting game. Non-fans will be lost within the convoluted confines of the Z Chronicles, but the improved battle engine can't be denied.

Although it is a solid fighting game, if you don't appreciate the style of the cartoons then it could get old fast, for example you might have just nailed a complicated combo only to have it interrupted and ended by a drama card which is totally out of your control.

A great game for anyone looking for a super-fast brawl.

Every “Dragonball Z” fan’s prayer to the gaming gods seems to have been granted at long last. Gone are the days of Budokai Tenkaichi – Burst Limit is here, and it’s here to stay!

We can't help but feel that Burst Limit is an opportunity lost.

It’s not that Burst Limit is a bad game, it’s just painfully average. [Issue#34, p.96]

The visuals and sound carry the anime style to near perfection and the gameplay, while lacking originality, has lots of kick, even though online battles suffer from lag problems.

DBZ Burst Limit is a game that's very clearly made for its fans. A newcomer who picks this game up will have absolutely no idea what's going on in the story, other than seeing a lot of oddly dressed people yelling at the top of their lungs for no obviously apparent reason.

Another problem that is baffling is that there are fewer characters available for the versus and online play match types than there were in the last game.

After the final battle has been fought, the fact remains that this is one excellently polished and solid fighting experience.

Burst Limit is a well-rounded package in fighting shape, keeping up its momemtum by offering plenty of different modes. As a fighter, it holds its own weight with a large cast of characters, unique and easy to perform special moves, and tight controls.

The DBZ series' next-gen debut looks and sounds good, but its gameplay has some minor annoyances that are poorly timed, considering Soulcaliber IV isn't all that far off. You're better off waiting for that one instead.

The gameplay shines through and is a critical success in terms of delivering something similar to the anime.

Just in case you’re starving for some more Dragon Ball, Burst Limit offers a great visual representation of the series with a solid combat system, but there’s not as much content as the last PS2 entry. With its online modes, Burst Limit is a positive debut for current gen console, but we crave for more. [July 2008]

If you are keeping score, Burst Limit's fighting is shallow, the single player is ok if you have pre-existing knowledge of the show's plot but unintelligible if you don't and the online play is marred by disconnects and/or lag issues.

DBZ games took a big step forward with Burst Limit's visuals, animation, and true-to-show presentation style. Unfortunately, the other aspects seem to have taken two steps back.

Too much Ball Z and not enough brawl. If you know what we're Saiyan. [Aug 2008, p.85]

What it gains in looks it loses in excitement. [Aug 2008, p.74]

It looks absolutely fantastic, and is leaps and bounds ahead of previous title in the franchise. However, the age old balance issue of depth vs accessibility ultimately rears its ugly head, and the balance is tipped a little too much towards the casual player – to the extent that even fans may find themselves getting bored quickly.

A shiny coat of paint isn’t enough to hide the fact that the depth in the fighting has been somewhat compromised, the game is the lowest on content since the original Budokai title and the least friendliest to those who aren’t fans.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a pretty good game that manages to stay true to the anime series.

Reminiscent of the anime, Burst Limit is an intriguing game for fans and newcomers alike.

With a great combat system, good-looking characters, and a ton of unlockables, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit was poised to be the game that brought in new legions of Dragon Ball Z fans. Unfortunately, the lack of any explanation of the story — coupled with a few nitpicks here and there regarding online lag, boring stage design and predictable AI — means that this one isn't likely to find mass market appeal.

Burst Limit is a good fighting game for fans, and fun overall. However, those familiar with previous games will frown at some limitations.

A great little fighter though a bit repetitive. [Aug 2008, p.78]

Overall, the game does not having a long lasting appeal to the casual gamer. Its fun in the beginning but it quickly gets repetitive with the drama scenes, dialogue and basic fighting.

In the end I did enjoy this game, the ease of online and the ability to view your opponent’s power rating is faithful to the show and the inclusion of Drama abilities is a really good idea.

The AI falls prey to cheap tricks consistently; almost all of the characters have to be unlocked through the single player and to unlock all of the drama scenes you need encyclopaedic knowledge of the series itself.

Quite frankly, even long time Dragon Ball Z fans will get limited fun out of this. Burst Limit isn't necessarily bad and can be quite fun at first, but you'll get bored of it after a few days because of the above mentioned issues and go back to playing something else.

Burst Limit was a poor start for DBZ’s future with the 360, but it could have been worse. The art stays true to the series as do the cutscenes.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is definitely more a game for those familiar with the series than players looking for a deep, competitive fighting game. While it's visually engaging, those without an interest in the actual Dragon Ball Z franchise will find the fighting too simplistic to be rewarding.

If you’re looking for a good DBZ fighter, go to your nearest bargain bin and pick up Budokai 3. If you’re looking for the ultimate Dragonball Z simulation game, go pick up Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Both games are cheaper and provide better gaming experiences than Burst Limit.

Its kinetic manga style makes for a refreshing change compared to the more earthbound Tekkens and Dead or Alives of this world, and for those who are willing to invest time in the deep combo system the rewards are numerous.

Fans of DBZ, both the games and the show, can find enough here to keep them satisfied and coming back for more but fighting gamers may find the slower paced combat and the drama pieces a turn off.

This game does a lot of things well and a few things wrong, but there's just something about this title that doesn't feel right. The presentation is great and the pace is fast, but the fights themselves just aren't interesting enough. It's not a bad game in any way and for short periods of time it can be quite entertaining. But with a lack of depth those periods of time grow few and far between fast.

Beyond its successes as a light, accessible fighting game, Burst Limit's greatest achievement as a DBZ fighting game is finally presenting the story and characters in all of their utterly ludicrous glory.

Fans of DBZ won’t be disappointed with Burst Limit but for the rest of us out there, this game can be recommended as a fine rental but nothing more.