Overview
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (known in Japan as Dragon Ball Z) is a 2.5D sci-fi fantasy fighting game developed by Dimps and published for the PlayStation 2 in Europe (by Bandai on November 29, 2002), North America (by Infogrames on December 3, 2002), and Japan (by Bandai on February 13, 2003).
A fighting game adaptation of the Dragon Ball manga and anime series, Budokai is the first game in the series developed for sixth-generation consoles and is the first to use 3D cel-shading. Along with traditional fighting game mechanics, the game is known for its customizable skill system (where players can unlock and use character-specific abilities) and transformation system (where some characters can transform into their more powerful forms).
The game takes place throughout most of the Dragon Ball Z arc of the series, including the arrival of the Saiyans, the journey on the planet Namek, and the battle against Dr. Gero's android creations (including the "perfect warrior" Cell). It features 23 playable characters (18 of which must be unlocked beforehand) and a dedicated story mode (including unlockable "what-if" and alternate-perspective scenarios). The North American version was also the first in the series to use the American voice cast from the Funimation dub of the Dragon Ball Z anime
It was later ported to the GameCube by Pyramid, which was released in North America (by Atari SA on October 28, 2003), Europe (on November 14, 2003), and Japan (on November 28, 2003). Along with numerous sequels, it later received an enhanced high-definite re-release (alongside Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3) in the 2012 compilation Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD Collection for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Gameplay
Story Mode Missions
Saiyan Saga
- Mysterious Alien Attack!! (Goku vs. Raditz)
- Goku's Quiet Fury (Goku vs. Nappa)
- Super Duel! (Goku vs. Vegeta)
- Show Gohan's True Power! (Kid Gohan vs. Vegeta)
Bonus
- A Mutually Deadly Foe (Piccolo vs. Raditz)
- Saiyan Attack!! (Piccolo vs. 6 Saibamen, Piccolo vs. Nappa)
- Vegeta, Saiyan Prince (alt. story, Vegeta vs. Goku, Krillin, and Kid Gohan)
Namek Saga
- Let's Go To Namek! (training, Goku vs. Vegeta)
- Goku's Arrival! (Goku vs. Recoome, Goku vs. Captain Ginyu, Captain Ginyu vs. Goku)
- Goku's Revival! (Goku vs. Final Form Frieza)
- The Legendary Super Saiyan (Super Saiyan Goku vs. Final Form Frieza)
- A Quiet But Fierce Battle (Super Saiyan Goku vs. 100% Final Form Frieza)
Bonus
- Vegeta's Attack! (Vegeta vs. Monster Form Zarbon, Vegeta vs. Recoome)
- The Road To Super Saiyan (Vegeta vs. Frieza)
- Frieza? Or Vegeta? (Vegeta vs. Final Form Frieza)
- Raging Frieza (alt. story, Frieza vs. Kid Gohan, Frieza vs. Piccolo, Final Form Frieza vs. Vegeta)
- The True Ruler (alt. story, 100% Final Form Frieza vs. Super Saiyan Goku)
Android Saga
- A New Threat (Super Saiyan Goku vs. Android 19)
- A Wicked Omen (Piccolo vs. Cell)
- Sneaky Cell (Piccolo vs. Android 17)
- Cell's Game Begins (Super Saiyan Goku vs. Perfect Form Cell)
- A Warrior Beyond Goku (Super Saiyan Teen Gohan vs. Perfect Form Cell)
- Gohan Explodes!! (Super Saiyan 2 Teen Gohan vs. 7 Cell Jr.'s, Super Saiyan 2 Teen Gohan vs. Perfect Form Cell)
- The Final Battle!! (Super Saiyan 2 Teen Gohan vs. Perfect Form Cell)
Bonus
- Super Saiyan Vegeta (Super Saiyan Vegeta vs. Android 19, Super Saiyan Vegeta vs. Android 18)
- Vegeta's Confidence! (Super Vegeta vs. Second Form Cell)
- Perfect Form Cell Complete!! (Super Vegeta vs. Perfect Form Cell)
- Aim For Perfect Form! (alt. story, Cell vs. Android 16, Cell vs. Krillin)
- A Cold-Blooded Assassin (alt. story, "Cellin" Cell vs. Yamcha)
Characters
The game includes 23 playable characters, 18 of which must be unlocked beforehand.
Unlocked from the Start
Unlockable in Story Mode
Unlockable in Bonus Missions
Unlockable in Other Modes
- Hercule (unlocked by clearing Adept Tournament)
- Gohan (Great Saiyaman, unlocked by clearing Advanced Tournament)
Unplayable Opponents
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