| 75 |
GameSpy
A game with simplistic fighting and a tedious unlocking system, but it's a polished and faithful presentation of Dragon Ball Z with a fair amount of content.
|
| 75 |
GameCube Europe
Easily the best game of their franchise, though mechanical engine flaws prevents this game to compete against the top brawlers such as the mighty "Soul Calibur."
|
| 73 |
Game Informer
If you don't lust after balls of dragons, you'll see nothing more than a mediocre fighter with a really confusing plot and characters in dire need of haircuts. [Dec 2003, p.159]
|
| 70 |
NintendoWorldReport
Despite it’s namesake, Budokai just can’t stand up to other fighting games.
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| 70 |
eToychest
Budokai’s forte is in it’s presentation – it manages to keep practically every bit of flavor that makes the Dragon Ball Z so popular.
|
| 70 |
GamePro
Anyone who is at least remotely interested in the Dragon Ball Z craze should check out Budokai. For the rest of the bruiser club, however, you'll be sorely disappointed with this average brawler.
|
| 70 |
Cheat Code Central
Compared to the PS2 version, this one is sharper, cleaner and overall more polished but not really to any astounding degree.
|
| 70 |
Next Level Gaming
Other then some updated graphics there is really nothing new here.
|
| 69 |
GameSpot
It's a game that only a DBZ fan could love, but it's a proficient enough fighting game that others might like it.
|
| 64 |
IGN
A combination of odd choices, like the illusion of flying, button mashing combos, and an overly simplified fighting engine, detract from what could have been an enjoyable, if not technically impressive, fighter -- whether you're a DBZ fan or not.
|
| 60 |
GameZone
If the controls weren't stiff, and if the combo system wasn't so generic, I probably would have loved this game.
|
| 60 |
Armchair Empire
Fans of Dragon Ball Z probably won’t care too much about some of the simpler fighting mechanics and the tedious method of unlocking all the capsules, but newcomers to the Dragon Ball Z universe will likely be left scratching their heads as to why the series is so popular.
|
| 60 |
1UP
The graphics have improved since this game made its debut on the PS2. They still don't look great, with very plain character designs and horrendously boring backgrounds, but technically, the improvement makes this the better version of the game. If only by a little.
|
| 60 |
Nintendo Power
The game works well as a button-masher, but it doesn't have the strategy elements and replayability of "Soul Calibur II." [Jan 2004, p.158]
|
| 42 |
Play Magazine
Budokai has style, but the substance is almost non-existent. [Nov 2003, p.92]
|
| 40 |
G4 TV
A mostly brainless fighter that manages to capture the magic and appeal of the source material.
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