Two years after Majin Buu’s defeat and the heroes’ time of rest in the shadow of victory, this peace quickly begins to fade as evil rises once again, distorting the fabric of reality. Here begins the story of Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, a tale no less thrilling than any battle Goku and his friends have ever fought. Mysterious cracks appear in space, tearing down barriers between worlds and allowing evil spirits to infiltrate the living world.
At the heart of this chaos emerges Janemba, a demon that embodies absolute disorder, seeking to reshape reality as he pleases. Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Trunks stand against him, realizing that this battle is not just a fight but a race against time itself. However, the story is not only about battles but also delves into the internal struggles of the heroes. How can a warrior like Vegeta stand alongside Goku once again after everything that has happened? How will the heroes face Gohan, now the strongest fighter the world has ever known? These questions weigh on their shoulders as they carve their path through decisive battles, where their choices lead to multiple endings, making each decision as crucial as a final Kamehameha blast.
Once you grab the PSP controller, there is no time to think, as Shin Budokai throws you straight into battle with fast-paced action and relentless attacks that leave no room to catch your breath. The combat system has been improved to be smoother than previous versions, delivering a fighting experience that reflects the speed and brutality of the Dragon Ball universe. The game’s battle system is built around fast combos, known as Budokai combos, allowing players to chain consecutive strikes, move between enemies at lightning speed, and use each character’s special moves. With the return of iconic attacks such as Kamehameha, Final Flash, and Big Bang Attack, every strike feels powerful, shaking the screen and setting the battlefield ablaze with clashing energy.
The game offers a variety of modes. Arcade Mode allows players to battle AI-controlled characters to collect the seven Dragon Balls. The Story Mode takes players on a branching journey where events change based on their choices. Z Trial Mode includes two main challenges: Survival, where players face endless waves of enemies with limited health regeneration, and Time Attack, where they must defeat seven groups of opponents as quickly as possible. Additionally, Training Mode provides an opportunity to practice different moves and refine skills, essential for any player wanting to master each character.
Comparing Shin Budokai to the original Budokai games, the evolution of the combat experience becomes clear. In previous versions, battles followed a simpler style, but here, graphics have significantly improved, animations have become smoother, and fights now have a cinematic quality. The combat system is also more responsive, with enhanced attack speed and new mechanics for counterattacks and strategic defenses. Even the story is not just a retelling of anime events but presents a new scenario that adds depth to the gameplay experience, offering entirely different endings based on player choices. If you are a fan of the series, this game delivers everything you love and more, with fast-paced gameplay, epic battles, and a story that makes you feel like you are living the Dragon Ball experience in every detail.