Dragon Ball Z : Budokai

🎮 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (PlayStation 2)

🏙 Overview

• Title: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai

• Platform: PlayStation 2

• Developer: Dimps

• Publisher: Atari / Bandai

• Release Year: 2002

• Genre: 3D Fighting / Action

• Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer (2 players)

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is the first entry in the acclaimed Budokai fighting game series based on the iconic Dragon Ball Z anime and manga. It introduced fans to a faithful 3D combat system, cinematic story presentation, and a roster of beloved characters.

It recreates key story arcs from the anime — from the Saiyan Saga to the Cell Games Saga — allowing players to relive epic battles as Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and other Z Fighters.

📖 Storyline

The game’s Story Mode (called “Dragon Universe” in later entries) follows the main events of Dragon Ball Z through cinematic cutscenes with full voice acting and anime-style visuals.

Players experience:

1. Saiyan Saga – Goku, Piccolo, and their allies face off against Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta.

2. Frieza Saga – Travel to Planet Namek to battle the Ginyu Force and Frieza himself.

3. Android/Cell Saga – The Z Fighters confront Androids 17, 18, and Cell in his perfect form.

Throughout Story Mode, players engage in fights that closely mirror the anime’s key moments, complete with in-game dialogue, transformation sequences, and dramatic slow-motion effects.

🕹 Gameplay Mechanics

1. Core Combat System

• The game is a 3D arena-based fighter, allowing limited movement around a circular stage.

• Combines traditional fighting game mechanics (punches, kicks, combos, special moves) with Dragon Ball-style energy attacks and transformations.

• Players can chain combos, perform knockbacks, and execute super attacks using directional inputs and button combinations.

2. Ki System

• Each fighter has a Ki Gauge used for energy attacks and transformations.

• Charging Ki is essential to unleash powerful moves such as:

  • Kamehameha (Goku)

  • Final Flash (Vegeta)

  • Special Beam Cannon (Piccolo)

  • Destructo Disc (Krillin)

• Managing Ki is a core part of the strategy — high-level players balance between conserving Ki and unleashing ultimate techniques.

3. Transformations

• Characters like Goku and Vegeta can transform during battles if certain conditions are met.

• Super Saiyan forms increase strength, speed, and special attack power, but drain Ki over time.

• Other transformations include:

  • Frieza’s Final Form

  • Perfect Cell

  • Great Ape (cutscene transformation)

4. Capsule System (Skill Customization)

• Players earn Capsules, which represent special moves, items, or equipment.

• Capsules can be equipped to characters before battle to customize their abilities.

• Examples:

  • Kamehameha Capsule – Unlocks Goku’s signature move.

  • Senzu Bean – Heals a small portion of health mid-fight.

  • Super Saiyan – Grants access to transformations.

• This system adds light RPG-style progression and encourages experimentation.

👊 Game Modes

1. Story Mode

   • Relive the main sagas of Dragon Ball Z with anime-style cutscenes and character interactions.

   • Includes boss battles and alternate “what if” scenarios.

2. Duel Mode

   • Free battle mode where players can face AI opponents or compete against friends in local multiplayer.

   • Fully customizable — players can select stage, character, and difficulty level.

3. World Tournament Mode

   • A recreation of the Tenkaichi Budokai Tournament.

   • Fight through rounds to win in-game currency (Zeni) and earn Capsules or new characters.

4. Practice Mode

   • Train and learn combos or test Capsule loadouts without time or health limits.

🧙♂️ Character Roster

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai features around 23 playable characters from the Saiyan to Cell sagas.

Key characters include:

• Goku (Base, Super Saiyan)

• Vegeta (Base, Super Saiyan)

• Piccolo

• Krillin

• Gohan (Kid, Teen)

• Nappa

• Raditz

• Frieza (Multiple Forms)

• Captain Ginyu

• Android 17, 18, 19, 20 (Dr. Gero)

• Cell (Imperfect, Perfect)

• Trunks

• Tien, Yamcha, Hercule (Mr. Satan)

Each fighter has their own move set, ultimate attack, and voice lines faithful to the anime.

🌆 Graphics & Presentation

• The game features cel-shaded 3D models that mimic the anime’s colorful art style.

• Character animations are fluid and expressive, especially during transformations or special attacks.

• Background stages include Namek, World Tournament Arena, Kami’s Lookout, and Rocky Fields.

• Cutscenes retell major moments from the series, often using re-created camera angles and dialogue from the show.

• Visual effects like Ki blasts, shockwaves, and auras add cinematic flair to every fight.

🔊 Sound & Music

• Full English and Japanese voice acting, featuring the official Dragon Ball Z cast.

• Explosive sound effects — energy blasts, charging Ki, and impact hits recreate the anime’s intensity.

• Music consists of upbeat rock and electronic tracks composed specifically for the Western release (different from the Japanese soundtrack).

• Signature character quotes are used during transformations and special moves.

💡 Level Design

• Arenas are circular 3D environments with some destructible elements.

• Players can knock opponents into walls or the ground for extra damage.

• While stages are limited in size, their variety adds visual flavor to battles.

✅ Strengths

• Faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball Z story and aesthetic.

• Accessible controls that welcome newcomers.

• Deep combo system for advanced players.

• Capsule customization adds depth and replayability.

• Voice acting and cinematic cutscenes enhance immersion.

⚠️ Weaknesses

• Smaller character roster compared to later Budokai games.

• Some animations and stages feel repetitive.

• Artificial Intelligence can be predictable.

• Story Mode is short and somewhat linear.

🏆 Summary

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai for PlayStation 2 is a classic anime fighting game that successfully brings the energy, drama, and spectacle of the Dragon Ball Z series to interactive form.

It captures the spirit of the anime with flashy super attacks, cinematic transformations, and faithful storytelling. Though later entries like Budokai 3 expanded on its mechanics, this first installment remains a nostalgic favorite for fans — the foundation of one of the most beloved Dragon Ball game series ever made.

Whether battling Frieza on Namek or clashing with Cell in the World Tournament, Budokai delivers pure Saiyan-style excitement and a true taste of Dragon Ball combat.