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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2

EMAIL PRINT wii

8.9 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 37 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 26 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Atari

Developer: Spike

Genre(s): Fighting

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: November 15, 2006

Summary

Combining action, fighting and light role-playing game elements, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 sends players into a rich story mode that spans the entire Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball GT series. The game takes the acrobatic and intense 3D flying and fighting dynamic made popular in the first game and takes it to a new level with over 100 playable characters, 15 vast and vibrant 3D destructible environments, and nine different game modes, including intense single and multiplayer battles. Team up with Z-Warriors to complete exciting missions, ripped right from the TV show (the player can play with two warriors while in battle, and can switch warriors during the battle). Over 100 DBZ warriors, including many that have never been seen in previous DBZ games. Improved camera system, explosive environmental damage, and in-game transformations. The complete DBZ mythology, from Dragon Ball To Dragon Ball GT. Post customizable character codes to the Internet. [Atari]

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What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

GamePro

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. This game is a definite buy for both Wii gamers and DBZ fans alike. [Dec. 2006, p.113]

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AceGamez

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.

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Digital Entertainment News

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.

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Thunderbolt

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.

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GamingExcellence

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.

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Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Loads to do, tons of moves, great action and numerous characters to play with. This is a vast game that has plenty of Dragon Ball Z characters and plots for the fans. [Mar 2007, p.82]

GameBrink

This is without a doubt the most fun DBZ game ever. Not only is it the only DBZ game that really recaptures the feel of the anime, but it is fun to play for DBZ fans and non-fans alike. The Wii controls are amazing when you get past the rough learning curve.

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IGN

One of the most entertaining and fierce anime fighters around. This is every DBZ fan’s wet dream.

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Game Almighty

This game is so solid that it will almost definitely convert a few more gamers into DBZ fans.

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GameZone

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.

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NGamer UK

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. [Feb 2007, p.60]

1UP

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.

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Cubed3

In the end, all of the assets of the game add up to be a fun if slightly repetitive game.

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DarkStation

Atari spices up the celebrated DBZ franchise with this fluid free-form fighter, and complemented by the Wii's wacky controllers.

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AtomicGamer

The combat system, while seemingly simple on the outside, is actually pretty deep.

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GameTrailers

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.

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PGNx Media

The game is complicated and unwieldy with the Wii Remote, but manageable on either the Classic or Gamecube controllers.

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Games Master UK

An exhaustive DBZ bonanza, with state of the art (but nutjob hard) controls. [Mar 2007, p.80]

Kombo

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.

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Nintendo Power

After you wave the Wii remote and nunchuk to unleash Goku's Spirit Bomb attack, I guarantee you won't want to go back to hitting a simple button combination. [jan. 2007, p.112]

Worth Playing

A capable fighter, but a great Dragon Ball Z game.

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NintendoWorldReport

With higher production values and some online play, it could’ve easily become a great party game.

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Cheat Code Central

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.

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Console Gameworld

Budokai Tenkaichi 2 provides an authentic Dragonball Z experience fordie-hard fans, and a decent at best fighting game for the rest of us.

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Games Radar (in-house)

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.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

Nope, this 3D fighter forces you to wrap your head (and hands) around a shockingly deep control system utilizing nearly every button on the Wii-mote and Nunchuck. [Dec. 2006, p.118]

GameSpot

Burdened by clumsy controls and predictable artificial intelligence, Tenkaichi 2 is a game that can be loved only by forgiving DBZ fans.

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Gaming Target

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.

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Game Chronicles

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.

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Gaming Nexus

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.

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Armchair Empire

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.

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GameSpy

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.

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Game Informer

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.

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GameDaily

Atari's Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 causes fatigue, thanks to its tiring and broken controls.

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Gaming Age

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.

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GamerNode

Best bet is to buy the PS2 version of the game for your DBZ cravings and wait for the next Wii version.

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games(TM)

Its nicely cel-shaded characters pull off impressively over-baked attack combos in colourful stages, but it lacks balance and plays with no subtlety. [Mar 2007, p.111]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 26 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Bryan M. gave it an8:
What do you mean complicated? this game is not that complicated at all! the only move that is hard is the kamama! this is a great game! this is good for both DBZ fans and none. this trully is a great game for the WII. but it comes short because it does get boring after you beat it. but hey it was worth the $40 price for it. And one more thing I have heard more anoying charater voices in the menu then this game. like Narto for the WII talk about anoying!

Sam P. gave it an8:
This game was a lot of fun while it lasted - and that was when I unlocked all the characters. It's a shame as this game lacks a "pick-up-and-play" style that allows for multiplayer to extend it's lifespan. Still, performing a Kamehameha is never going to be any more than it is in this game.

Benjamin B. gave it a7:
Great game for dbz-fans, but only for them. others will complain about annoying voice-acting in the menus, unbalanced characters and gameplay, and poor graphics of the environment. nevertheless it's just a great feeling to beat the enemy so hard that he flies into the next building.

Jan gave it a5:
In my opinion this DBZ stuff is just getting older and older and since the only real new thing in this game, the Wii control style, sadly is a bit too complicated for casual gamers, this game will most likely leave you alone in front of your TV and doesn't earn an overall 10 for sure. 5/10 from me to bring the balance back in here.

Daniel H. gave it a9:
The only other DBZ games that I've played multiple hours on were Dragonball GT Final Bout and Dragonball Z Ultimate Battle 22, both for the original Playstation. It's definitely better than any of those, and it has tons of characters, but I agree with "Gaming Age," you only have to play each character once and then the excitement is gone.

Wii Man gave it a10:
Best DBZ ever. Once past the learning curve it is just like the anime. Fantastic Wii controls.

Ian I. gave it an8:
This game is surprisingly decent for a DBZ game on the Wii (Though Super DBZ was good too). It doesn't push the genre or anything, but for hardcore DBZ fans that don't mind learning the overly complex controls to do moves that are relatively simple on the other versions it is by far only worth buying on the Wii. I would almost suggest it to non DBZ fans.

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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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