Dragon Ball Z Budokai

Cinescape

A Dragonball fan’s dream. It is the first "true" American game based on the series, and Infogrames really came through on this one.

GamingTrend

If you are a DBZ fan, this is a dream come true. The game does just about everything right. Go and buy this now (you probably would even if I told you that the only difference between this and a bag of manure was the bag). If you aren’t a DBZ fan, you might be turned off by the simplistic gameplay.

Gamezilla!

Doesn’t have a lot of spit & polish, and at first glance would seem to be a pretty crappy game, but that’s only skin deep. Get underneath the hood, and you’ll find an enjoyable fight engine, lots of extra material, and an impressive amount of content for a fighting game.

netjak

Officially the first fun Dragonball Z game to hit the market. While it has a couple problems in the lack of jump or flight and a few strange mini-games in story mode, this fighter is remarkably deep and entertaining.

Gamer.tv

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.

Media and Games Online Network

The authenticity will truly impress the fans of the series with the soundtrack and voice acting all wrapped up in one neat and tidy package.

Into Liquid Sky

It's hard to find a Dragon Ball Z game that's fun, fast, and enjoyable. DBZ nuts should savor this one. For every one else - it's a solid rental at best.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Between the terrific cinemas, TV voice actors, and perfectly re-created story lines, you'll really feel like you're playing the show. And isn't that what you've wanted all along? [Feb 2003, p.136]

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

It doesn't always make sense, but it's so big, daft and loud that you can't help but join in with all the shouting. [PSM2]

TotalGames.net

If you can get past the pastel coloured craziness of it all, then Dragon Ball Z: Budokai provides a decent enough challenge – just don’t be expecting another Tekken 4 and this should find favour.

Game Informer

Fans of the show will drool over the voices, music, and perfectly replicated look of the animated series. [Jan 2003, p.96]

GameZone

If you are into DBZ and haven’t picked this game up yet ... do so immediately.

GMR Magazine

A fun, frantic fighting game tht completely captures the unique spirit of the show... A must have for DBZ fans. [Feb 2003, p.69]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Fighting Game Fan: "I'll admit, I was surprised at how deep the game is, and I actually enjoyed the Story mode, despite the oddball characters." [Feb 2003, p.104]

GamePro

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.

PSX Nation

It flirts awfully close with being a mindless button-masher, but Budokai embraces its “Dragon Ball Z” license with a passion and eye for little details that’ll surely make hardcore fans of the series flip from joy.

GameSpot

The rather simple fighting system in DBZ Budokai is really the key factor that's going to keep it from appealing to many people outside of the DBZ fan base.

Gamers' Temple

If you're an aficionado of the series, then you won't be disappointed with the quality of this title. However, as a fighter the game falls short of the top titles in the genre and will more than likely be too simplistic for fighter fans.

GameSpy

As a fighting game, Budokai is mediocre at best and annoyingly frustrating at worst.

Armchair Empire

Only bother with DBZ:B if you are a steadfast, utterly devoted fan of the series, otherwise steer clear of this title and getting your fighting game fix elsewhere.

GameNow

Slick cut-scenes. [Feb 2003, p.38]

GamerWeb Sony

This game is basically made for the DBZ fans out there than don't mind putting up with some sub-par gameplay as long as they get to play as their favorite DBZ characters.

IGN

A poor fighting game disguised by an excellent presentation.

Entertainment Weekly

Features 23 characters who, while lacking artistic detail, still yell, grunt, and move almost exactly like their broadcast counterparts. [17 Jan 2003, p.87]

Cheat Code Central

It's really quite one-dimensional. Did they pull this fighting engine out of a Game Boy Color?

G4 TV

While it does have generally high production values, nobody would give this title a second glance if it didn't have the Dragon Ball Z license attached to it.

Gamestyle

For those looking for an actual fighting game and not a license, I would suggest extreme caution because this one is quite simply for the fans.

PSM Magazine

In recreating the action of the cartoon show, the developers have gone the easy route, implementing automatic special attacks rather than an effective combination system. [Jan 2003, p.42]