Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the best Dragon Ball Z game ever. It does almost everything right and is a nearly flawless culmination of everything that was great about every US Dragon Ball Z game since Final Bout, be it characters, gameplay or graphics. The little errors can most certainly be overlooked when the complete package is as good as this one is. Any Dragon Ball Z game after this will merely be adding insignificant things because the perfect formula was been found with Budokai Tenkaichi 2.

Even with these low-level complications, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a well-done product with few flaws. It, in fact, accomplishes roughly 95% of what it set out to do, and with style besides. If you've ever liked Dragon Ball Z, even just as a kid growing up, then this game should automatically be added to your collection. If you like fighting games, this is a good one to pick up that deviates from the norm. With a huge single-player fighting experience and an engine that's tons of fun for duelists and spectators alike, everyone should at least give this title a shot.

This should be the template for translating fighting games to the Wii, while it is modeled around DBZ's strange combat with a few tweaks, there is a lot of potential.

Indeed, this is a Dragon Ball Z fan’s dream come true. The game boasts a incredibly large roster of fighters hearkening from every obscure movie and saga in the series. The gameplay has been modified to balance out offensive and defensive strategies, making the combat far better rounded. The controls, while incredibly difficult to comprehend at first, make the fighting far more intense and fast-paced than seen in the previous game. While the game’s extras allow you to take on a variety of challenges, the story mode follows the anime to near perfection, right down to the infamous Freeza killing spree. Besides, shooting bad guys with flashy laser beams is always fun.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is an epic anime beat-em-up unlike anything else currently on the market. Although the controls are slightly tricky at first, this is a game with so much depth and character that I can't help but recommend it to everyone. If you're a newcomer to the series then approach with caution, as this is a game that is steeped in Dragon Ball Z lore. However, if you are willing to immerse yourself in the experience, the undoubted quality and charm will more than likely win you over. For anyone who would call themselves a fan of the series, this is simply a must have, as it is by far and away the closest thing yet to a definitive Dragon Ball Z videogame.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is an epic anime beat-em-up unlike anything else currently on the market. Although the controls are slightly tricky at first, this is a game with so much depth and character that I can't help but recommend it to everyone. If you're a newcomer to the series then approach with caution, as this is a game that is steeped in Dragon Ball Z lore. However, if you are willing to immerse yourself in the experience, the undoubted quality and charm will more than likely win you over. For anyone who would call themselves a fan of the series, this is simply a must have, as it is by far and away the closest thing yet to a definitive Dragon Ball Z videogame.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 for the Wii is the apex of what a Dragon Ball Z fighter should be. The game provides an astonishing amount of playability, unique player interface, and covers nearly all of the 20 odd years of the Dragon Ball saga. The game is a definite buy for both Wii gamers and DBZ fans alike.

If you have been following the Budokai games from the beginning and haven't tired of fighting pretty much the same battles over and over again (just with slightly different mechanics) just to see how they handled the new characters for that game (in this case we have ones like Kid Goku, Bojak, Broly, Hirudegarn and a few others), then Tenkaichi 2 is definitely a good game for you. If you've followed the series in the past, but feel it's started to grow a little stale, then rent it first, or pick up Super Dragon Ball Z (a much more arcadey game).

For those who have been keeping score, I was miserably let down by the less-than-spectacular Wii version, but I have to say, the PS2 version takes all of the Wii’s control problems and at least makes them a moot point. Sure, the controls are still hard to get used to, but the game is definitely much more readily available to play, and with all the extras that are available, any fan would be crazy to pass up this massive DBZ game.

Though it might seem that the game is meant only for people who are fans of the series, in both digital and literary form, it's apparent that the fighting itself really appeals to anyone who likes a good, fast-paced battle filled with spectacular moves and speed. Though the characters and storyline might seem a little obscure to some, the Dragon Encyclopaedia, a readable summary of the plot and characters of the show, can catch some people up to speed and refresh the memories of others. It's really game that everyone should at least try, and even though the learning curve may be as steep as a mountain, it's worth it.

There are 129 characters. That’s a lot. Too bad this includes transformations, making half the characters Goku (okay, just kidding…). The only “bad” point is that the graphics are exactly the same as the PS2 version, but it’s not like graphics are THAT important in games anyways. This is a great game, a must-buy for anyone who like fighting games, no matter if you're a DBZ fan or not. There are some little things i didn't cover, but i can't spoil everything in the game, right?

The new five-on-five tag battles are a blast as well, sending epic battles upwards of five minutes long at times (longer if you’re still new at the game), while the training mode alone can take up to an hour to truly master. Simply put, this game is absolutely stuffed with content, and if you dig Dragon Ball it’s a no-brainer. The sheer speed and complexity of the controls may turn some people off, but the general combat will eventually come down to two buttons, making the game amazingly easy to learn, but nearly impossible to fully master. This one uses every button on the controller, a good deal of motion on the Wii version, and it moves at an insane speed. Still, for gamers that can get into it, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is one of the most entertaining and fierce anime fighters around. This is every DBZ fan’s wet dream.

With a plethora of unlockables, multiplayer that is great for a group of friends, fantastic visuals, and a great amount of replay value, DragonBall Tenkaichi 2 is one of the most entertaining fighting games on the PS2. This final entry in the series is notably the last for the PS2, and like some other PS2 franchises, it is helping the system go out with a bang. If you are a newcomer to the DragonBall universe, Tenkaichi 2 is a great way to get up to speed and become a full on fanboy. If you are already a fanboy, there is honestly no reason NOT to pick up Tenkaichi 2. It is the game we wanted since the original Budokai.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a solid and slick fighting game that beat 'em up fans and Dragon Ball Z anime fanatics will love. There are a lot of small improvements (like the ability to jump into Super Saiyan mode more easily) to look forward and a ton of gameplay and extras to keep players occupied for a very long time. Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is easily the most complete and robust DBZ title to date, and though it doesn't go too far out of its way to innovate, it is nonetheless a complete fighting game experience.

Simply put, this game is absolutely stuffed with content, and if you dig Dragon Ball it’s a no-brainer. The sheer speed and complexity of the controls may turn some people off, but the general combat will eventually come down to two buttons, making the game amazingly easy to learn, but nearly impossible to fully master. This one uses every button on the controller, a good deal of motion on the Wii version, and it moves at an insane speed. Still, for gamers that can get into it, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is one of the most entertaining and fierce anime fighters around. This is every DBZ fan’s wet dream.

Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a game that will appeal mostly to fans of Dragon Ball Z, with its huge cast and expansive story. However, anyone looking for a fun, easy-to-learn fighter would do good to check this out as well. It might not be as technical as Tekken or Virtua Fighter, but its fast-paced fighting engine is still a lot of fun.

Slightly better than the PS2 version, Budokai Tenkaichi 2 makes its Wii debut with motion controls that were inspired by the anime's warriors. Fans who have the PS2 version should rent this port to see how the developers have tackled Nintendo’s new console. If you haven't purchased the game yet, this is the version to get – with motion controls and Classic Controller support, BT2 on Wii gives you the best of both worlds.

It's a labour of love for fans of the anime and, as such, is about as hardcore an intro to the DBZ universe as you could imagine. Underneath the layers of story there's a spectacular fighter.

"Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2" é o sonho de todo fã do desenho, pois traz imenso conteúdo, especialmente no modo de história, uma galeria enorme de personagem e, principalmente, uma experiência de luta que é muito similar às maluquices do original. O mecanismo é bem elaborado, mas complexo, e, como a ação é rápida, a curva de aprendizado é mais íngreme. Quem gosta do desenho vai aproveitar muito mais, mas o game tem qualidade suficiente para atrair mesmo quem nunca ouviu falar de saiyajins e namekkuseijins, desde que não seja um jogador completamente casual.

I’m slapping 8 on this one – be under no illusions.. it’s a fighter but I enjoyed the super moves and found the AI a challenging opponent.. I liked using the nunchuck and Wii Mote to nail those combo and the D & B soundtrack is NOICE.

"Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2" é o sonho de todo fã do desenho, pois traz imenso conteúdo, especialmente no modo de história, uma galeria enorme de personagem e, principalmente, uma experiência de luta que é muito similar às maluquices do original. O mecanismo é bem elaborado, mas complexo, e, como a ação é rápida, a curva de aprendizado é mais íngreme. Quem gosta do desenho vai aproveitar muito mais, mas o game tem qualidade suficiente para atrair mesmo quem nunca ouviu falar de saiyajins e namekkuseijins, desde que não seja um jogador completamente casual.

Aunque no se ha hablado tanto de él como de su antecesor, Tenkaichi 2 ha llegado a España por la puerta grande. Aporta todo lo que una secuela necesita aportar, y además, sorprende incorporando nuevos elementos. Por fin, Dragon Ball en estado puro.

En conservant une bonne partie de ce qui avait fait le succès du premier volet, ce deuxième Tenkaichi ne pouvait que faire mieux que son prédécesseur en apportant encore plus de richesse dans le gameplay et en offrant un contenu garantissant une durée de vie incroyable. Le résultat est à la hauteur de nos espérances, même si nous sommes lésés par rapport à la version japonaise qui proposait les musiques de la série.

Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is any DBZ fan’s dream game. With nearly any DBZ character that a fan could ask for, a deeper fighting game, a long (if shallow) story mode, an improved Z Battle mode, better graphics, and an overall improved game, there isn’t much to complain about. Fans of DBZ and anime and even fighting games should go and get their Super Saiyan on as soon as they can.

En dépit des craintes légitimes qu'on peut avoir en découvrant la relative complexité du maniement sur Wii, il faut bien reconnaître que cette version de DBZ Tenkaichi 2 s'en sort parfaitement bien. Les nouveaux contrôles ont le mérite de rendre le soft plus fun et plus immersif, ce qui permet d'apprécier encore plus le potentiel du jeu à condition de s'entraîner suffisamment pour assimiler toutes les possibilités du gameplay.

Fans of the previous games will go mental for this; literally mental. The controls are good, the battles are fun and the amount of depth is insane. The true debate comes when thinking about beat-'em-up enthusiasts and those who've never touched the series. If you refuse to even look at anything that doesn't resemble a Street Fighter or a Tekken then don't bother, but if you've got an open mind, fancy something new and have time on your hands, you're on the verge of experiencing a fighting game like no other. Okay, so a lot of the story will seem absolutely ludicrous to you, but you can either educate yourself about it, or just laugh it off. The future now look unbelievable bright for the world of beat-'em-ups on the Wii... thank goodness for that.

Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 levert je ontzettend veel fun. Nog altijd heb ik het spel niet weggelegd. Als fan van de serie is dit een geweldige game. Maar zelfs voor iemand die hier minder of geen fan van zou zijn biedt de game genoeg uitdaging en innovatie dat het leuk zou zijn om eens te proberen. Het vliegaspect maakt deze game anders dan andere vechtspellen en die enorme energiekanonnen spatten van je scherm. Heerlijk!

Anime-based fighting games are usually short, one-dimensional affairs, but this latest Dragon Ball manages to be something more than that. This isn’t the greatest fighter you’re ever going to play, but you don’t need to be a hardcore Dragon Ball nerd to enjoy what’s on offer thanks to the active Wii controls. Plus there’s something almost cathartic about sending your buddy flying through a mountain using nothing but a well-placed combo.

Despite the learning curve, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a worthy purchase. Even if you can't find people to play in the two-player modes, the story mode has enough action-packed content to soak up the entire DBZ legacy, and to keep you busy for a long, long time.

Nobody, including me, thought a hectic game like this could actually work for the Wii, but it does. Sometimes, it's difficult to descend from the air, but that's the only real problem I discovered. Too bad it's the only new thing hitting the series. Never played a Dragonball Z game before? Then this is definitely a game to check out. This game is the best game ever for Dragonball Z fans.

Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a game that will appeal mostly to fans of Dragon Ball Z, with its huge cast and expansive story. However, anyone looking for a fun, easy-to-learn fighter would do good to check this out as well. It might not be as technical as Tekken or Virtua Fighter, but its fast-paced fighting engine is still a lot of fun.

Your enjoyment of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will be directly proportional to how much like you like the Dragon Ball Z universe. But it will also be directly related to which controller you’re using. The game is complicated and unwieldy with the Wii Remote, but manageable on either the Classic or Gamecube controllers. As a fighting game, it’s very flashy and somehow shallow, but fans of the cartoon will appreciate this as well as the careful use of the license.

I had a lot of fun with this game, and that's the important thing. The fighting engine is unconventional, but the difficulty is better balanced this time, and eases you in slower. It's too bad that it's the same stories again, just repackaged, but DBZ fans should give it a look, others might want to rent first.

So, if you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, you have to own this game. It's the law*. Don't worry, though, you'll totally dig it. If, however, you're more into [um, real - ed.] fighting games like Dark Stalkers or Dead or Alive, you probably shouldn't spend your money. Instead, send it to me, so I can finance my campaign to become Weehawken, New Jersey Municipal Water and Sewage Department Director. With me in charge, we'll get that lumpy water problem cleared up right quick!

So, if you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, you have to own this game. It's the law*. Don't worry, though, you'll totally dig it. If, however, you're more into [um, real - ed.] fighting games like Dark Stalkers or Dead or Alive, you probably shouldn't spend your money. Instead, send it to me, so I can finance my campaign to become Weehawken, New Jersey Municipal Water and Sewage Department Director. With me in charge, we'll get that lumpy water problem cleared up right quick!

After you've repeated the training for about five hours, and got to grips with the new controls, things start to feel a little better, and you'll get engrossed in titanic fights that stretch out over vast battlefields. The story mode is huge, and the extras are bountiful. Fan boys will absolutely, positively love this, but for the mere mortal it might be an idea to stay away unless you like a challenge.

Budokai Tenkaichi 2 ofrece en Wii la misma experiencia que podíamos encontrar en PS2, idéntica de hecho si en lugar del utilizar el mando principal usamos el clásico o uno de GameCube. Entre estos dos, nos decantamos por el de su predecesora, mucho más cómodo y con mejor colocación de los analógicos.

When it comes right down to it, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a great game. You have all the hallmarks that should be there. You even have a wealth of options and content to fill out the package. Does it bring anything really innovative to the table? Not really, but it does enough right to make it a definite purchase for fans of the anime, and gamers anxious for a decent fighting game.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a capable fighter, but a great Dragon Ball Z game. Knowledge of the original license is not required for play, but you will get a lot more out of the experience if you can tell your Super Saiyans apart without consulting Wikipedia. Regardless of your take on the original source material, Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is one of the most comprehensive and playable anime-inspired games in recent memory.

Yeah – I agree with you – fans of the show will like it. Take out the frankly BAD equipping system and I’d go higher – it’s 7 chooks for me.

I personally can't say it about the anime but there is a lot to love about Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2. The simplistic gameplay may boil down to little more than button mashing at times but once the action kicks in you won't care. The battles are fast and furious through highly destructible and open environments. A roster of over 120 characters plus the ability to upgrade each one and create your own means that you could be playing for hours and still not use everybody. The modes are also deeper than most anime fighting games so if you have found yourself going sour on the genre you definitely owe it to yourself to check this one out. It's easy to see why Atari has been pumping out installments to this series; it's simply one of the best anime games around.

Even without its wealth of extras, though, Tenkaichi 2 packs in a ton of fast, visceral and inexplicably addictive fighting action. Whether you're a fan of the series or you just want to punch a few guys through buildings, new Wii owners looking to scratch a fighting-game itch will want to check this out.

Of the 60-odd Dragon Ball games I’ve played in my lifetime, Tenkaichi 2 is the most solid DBZ experience I’ve had in a long while. It’s the kind of game you play in fanboy mode, but usually ignore the actual game itself. Thankfully, this is one of the few actual good DBZ games available, and a strong contender for one of the Wii’s best games out right now. Storyline is kind of dry due to text, but if you can outlook that, Tenkaichi 2 is a noble fighter for the Wii and Goku fans alike. It’s this or mimicking Kamehamehas in front of the TV show again, and I’ve been down that long, shameful and embarrassing road before. Choose wisely.

Aucun doute, Dragon Ball Z : Budokai Tenkaichi 2 est une valeur sûre pour tout fan de DBZ. Même s'il se contente de reprendre l'ossature de son prédécesseur, le jeu de Spike collera une nouvelle fois une bonne baffe à ses acquéreurs avec une réalisation explosive et un gameplay autorisant des combats toujours plus spectaculaires, à défaut d'être très techniques. Les experts trouveront tout de même suffisamment de richesse au système de jeu pour progresser avec une nouvelle maniabilité plus immersive pour les coups spéciaux, tandis que les nombreux modes proposés couplés à la centaine de personnages jouables assureront à l'ensemble une durée de vie plus que convenable. Un bilan largement positif donc, pour un titre qui risque une nouvelle fois de remporter de nombreux suffrages auprès du grand public.

Aucun doute, Dragon Ball Z : Budokai Tenkaichi 2 est une valeur sûre pour tout fan de DBZ. Même s'il se contente de reprendre l'ossature de son prédécesseur, le jeu de Spike collera une nouvelle fois une bonne baffe à ses acquéreurs avec une réalisation au top (si l'on excepte les temps de chargement pénibles) et un gameplay autorisant des combats toujours plus spectaculaires, à défaut d'être très techniques. Les experts trouveront tout de même suffisamment de richesse au système de jeu pour progresser, et les nombreux modes proposés couplés à la centaine de personnages jouables assureront à l'ensemble une durée de vie plus que convenable. Un bilan largement positif donc, pour un titre qui risque une nouvelle fois de remporter de nombreux suffrages auprès du grand public.

Of the 60-odd Dragon Ball games I’ve played in my lifetime, Tenkaichi 2 is the most solid DBZ experience I’ve had in a long while. It’s the kind of game you play in fanboy mode, but usually ignore the actual game itself. Thankfully, this is one of the few actual good DBZ games available, and a strong contender for one of the Wii’s best games out right now. Storyline is kind of dry due to text, but if you can outlook that, Tenkaichi 2 is a noble fighter for the Wii and Goku fans alike. It’s this or mimicking Kamehamehas in front of the TV show again, and I’ve been down that long, shameful and embarrassing road before. Choose wisely.

Although it’s got its faults, Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a great deal for fans of the series, and with so much content, even a casual fighting fan can get some enjoyment out of it. With higher production values and some online play, it could’ve easily become a great party game.

All in all, Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a decent fighting game, considering that it is a launch title. While its extensive story modes make it a must-buy for fans of the series, those who don't care about the characters will find an acceptable, if not exceptional, fast-paced three-dimensional fighter. The learning curve for the overly-complex control scheme is steep, but ultimately everything works together to provide a unique Wii experience.

Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is any DBZ fan’s dream game. With nearly any DBZ character that a fan could ask for, a deeper fighting game, a long (if shallow) story mode, an improved Z Battle mode, better graphics, and an overall improved game, there isn’t much to complain about. Fans of DBZ and anime and even fighting games should go and get their Super Saiyan on as soon as they can.

The game itself isn’t horrible, and if it was anything but a Dragon Ball Z game I’d be a lot less critical of it, but DBZ games have been following the same formula and forcing you to play through the same events over and over again for a long time now. The time has come to expect a little more from a franchise that’s as packed with potential as its creators' are packed with the desire to cash in on its success. It seems like the DBZ franchise has fallen victim to the same development process as some sports franchises, where a few new features are added but the core game remains the same. People who haven’t played the first Tenkaichi and hardcore fans of the series should definitely get this game, but the rest of us will be disappointed by the fact that, underneath the new characters and level designs, it's a game we’ve played many times before.

I was disappointed with this game. While I can see that the developers put a lot of time and effort into making one of the largest most comprehensive Dragon Ball games yet, the sheer complexity of the controls work counter-productive to their intentions. Add to that the same difficult mission structure as was in the original and you’ve got a game that only the seriously dedicated will be able to finish. As always, if you’re a fan of the Dragon Ball series then you may be able to overlook the game’s faults and still find plenty of enjoyment. However, if you are new to the series or never cared much, the difficulty alone will make the game less than palatable. I’m a big fan of the series, and even I couldn’t take the punishment from the bad controls. In the end, I’d definitely recommend renting this game before purchasing it.

Save for the different control schemes and some marginally improved graphics on the Wii, there's not much difference between the two versions of Tenkaichi 2, and neither is easy to recommend. Those who were able to wade through the problems of the original will find a lot of content to play around with here, but this is a game that is simply not suitable for anyone else.

Save for the different control schemes and some marginally improved graphics on the Wii, there's not much difference between the two versions of Tenkaichi 2, and neither is easy to recommend. Those who were able to wade through the problems of the original will find a lot of content to play around with here, but this is a game that is simply not suitable for anyone else.

I was ecstatic when I learned that I would be reviewing this game. The thought of the possible controls had me very excited. Although I am not a fan of Dragon Ball Z, and never have been, the Wii’s controls could have turned this game into an instant classic for anyone. Instead it is just another bad anime game that will sell like it a good anime game.

Really, Spike has done a great job making a game for Dragon Ball Z fans – possibly the ultimate Dragon Ball Z game, with loads of extras and 120 playable characters – but its shallow fighting engine, extremely difficult Wii controls, and mediocre camera positioning will bar all but the most diehard fans of the series.

As a proof of concept for the Wii, and as a game for DBZ fans, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a sweeping success. It's just as inaccessible to people ambivalent about DBZ as the PS2 version of the title, though. If anything, the integration of posing like show characters to unleash their powers will have DBZ haters grinding their teeth louder and longer than they would for the PS2 version. Certainly, the actual fighting mechanic is just as so-so as it was there.

Atari tried to capitalize on the Wii's unique controls and failed miserably, but Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 still packs plenty of explosive special moves, twitch gaming and mindless button mashing. Just don't expect deep or even polished fighting mechanics. Tenkaichi 2 is nothing more than a mindless brawler that can't compete against the likes of the more refined PlayStation 2 games Tekken 5 and Virtua Fighter 4.

Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is packed with content related to the popular anime series. If that doesn’t sell you on this game, nothing will. The entire control scheme, which uses the Wii remote and nunchuk, often requires motions and button combinations so awkward you’ll feel like you’re trying to pat your head and rub your stomach simultaneously. It can provide some wacky fun, but it lacks all of the finesse of a genuine fighting game. Budokai Tenkaichi 2 relies exclusively on a mediocre combat engine and the naivety of fans who will buy it because they want to play through the Cell Saga yet again.

The box promises that Budokai Tenkaichi 2 offers sixty hours of game play that fills in the Dragon Ball Z mythology, unfortunately most gamers will grow bored of the game long before they see the sixty hour mark. Throughout the course of this fighting game there are glimpses of potential, but somehow it is all wasted with shallow controls and boring game play. Dragon Ball Z fanatics will no doubt get a kick out of seeing so many of their favorite characters in one game, it's just a shame that Spike wasn't able to create a more compelling reason to bring them together.

I'm pretty sure as long as Atari keeps putting Dragon Ball Z on the label, they're going to have a hit on their hands. That's not to say that there isn't and haven't been some decent games to play behind the label. Tenkaichi 2 has really upped the stakes when it comes to playable characters. Now if only each of them had some meat behind their appearance. As it stands, you really only need to play each character once to check out their special moves, say "cool", and move on. Great license, great production values, and a mediocre fighter, that pretty much sums it up.

I should warn everyone, though, that this game is EVIL. After playing it, my brain insisted, nay, DEMANDED that I watch the entire Dragon Ball Z series from start to finish. All 296 episodes, with over 200 minutes of explosive action and 800 minutes of filler. And now I have become ensnared in the magical world of Gohan/Videl fanfic, with over 40 of those stories getting put on my summer reading list. So now I no longer have time to do anything productive, and it is all this game's fault. Consider yourself warned.

When it comes down to it, Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a great game for the fans. Bringing in so many playable characters (some even being fusion forms of characters never seen in the show) and offering up a good amount of play modes, DBZBT2 is the DBZ game for the fans. But, being hindered by a pretty shoddy fighting engine won’t help it go over well with the serious fighting game crowd.

Does Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 offer a deep and rich experience? No, not really. Does it provide fanboys with all the DBZ they can handle and more? Yeah. There's tons of fighters to unlock and lots of game to do it with. The unfortunate part is that it's the same mindless fare over and again. So, if you're looking for a fighting game on the Wii you're better off waiting it out or picking up one of the many GameCube classics available. Failing to use some of the Wii systems notable features is inexcusable. Sure you can use the GameCube controller, but I don't see the use of it when this game should've taken better advantage of the hardware they were given. For shame. This one is only for hardcore DBZ fans, everyone else should give it a rental at best.

Ultimately Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will only be enjoyed by fans of the series from which it draws its characters and story. The fighting is too shallow for fighting game enthusiasts to get wrapped up in, and the controls are too sloppy for anybody to have a good time with the Wii remote. If you do pick this title up, make sure it's either the PS2 version or that there's a Classic Controller available to you on the Wii.

Ultimately Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will only be enjoyed by fans of the series from which it draws its characters and story. The fighting is too shallow for fighting game enthusiasts to get wrapped up in, and the controls are too sloppy for anybody to have a good time with the Wii remote. If you do pick this title up, make sure it's either the PS2 version or that there's a Classic Controller available to you on the Wii.

By taking a comprehensive approach to its source material, Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 presents a package that true fans will most likely appreciate. Unfortunately, highly repetitive gameplay makes the title unlikely to offer any long-term appeal to the rest of the gaming community. Those interested in the game would be best advised to rent before buying.

While it's certainly not the worst game on the Nintendo Wii, Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 doesn't quite live up to the system's potential. The game does prove that a 3D fighting game can be done with the Wii's limited buttons … but only if the game is very simple with only one or two attack buttons.