Summary

Release Year: 2004
Genres: Fighting
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Developers: Dimps
Publishers: Atari, Inc., Bandai

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 (2004)

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 is a fighting game developed by Dimps and published by Bandai for the PlayStation 2. It is the third installment in the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai series, and was released in Japan in November 2004, and in North America and Europe in February 2005.

Budokai 3 features a roster of 40 playable characters, including all of the major characters from the Dragon Ball Z anime series. Each character has their own unique fighting style and abilities, and players can choose to fight in either single player or multiplayer modes.

The game’s story mode follows the events of the Dragon Ball Z anime series, and players can choose to play as either Goku or Vegeta. As they progress through the story, they will unlock new characters and abilities.

Budokai 3 also features a number of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to teleport, juggle opponents, and fly. These new mechanics add a new level of depth and strategy to the game’s combat system.

Gameplay

Budokai 3 is a 3D fighting game that uses a cel-shaded art style. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players can perform a variety of different attacks, including punches, kicks, energy blasts, and throws.

One of the new gameplay mechanics in Budokai 3 is the ability to teleport. This allows players to quickly move around the battlefield and avoid attacks. Players can also use teleportation to combo their attacks together.

Another new gameplay mechanic is the ability to juggle opponents. This allows players to keep their opponents in the air and combo them for extended periods of time. Juggling is a very effective way to deal damage and build up your opponent’s stun meter.

Budokai 3 also features a number of different game modes, including:

Story Mode: This mode follows the events of the Dragon Ball Z anime series. Players can choose to play as either Goku or Vegeta, and they will unlock new characters and abilities as they progress through the story.
Arcade Mode: This mode allows players to fight against a series of computer-controlled opponents. Players can choose the difficulty level and the number of opponents they want to fight.
Versus Mode: This mode allows players to fight against each other. Players can choose to fight on a variety of different stages, and they can also set the match rules.
Tournament Mode: This mode allows players to compete in a tournament against a number of other players. Players can choose the number of participants in the tournament, and they can also set the rules.

Characters

Budokai 3 features a roster of 40 playable characters, including all of the major characters from the Dragon Ball Z anime series. Each character has their own unique fighting style and abilities.

The following is a list of the playable characters in Budokai 3:

Goku
Vegeta
Gohan
Trunks
Piccolo
Krillin
Yamcha
Tien
Chiaotzu
Master Roshi
King Kai
Supreme Kai
Kibito
Shin
Beerus
Whis
Vados
Champa
Cabba
Kale
Caulifla
Jiren
Toppo
Dyspo
Hit
Kefla
Broly
Gogeta
Vegito
Gotenks
Buu
Super Buu
Kid Buu
Uub
Bardock
Gine
Raditz
Nappa
Vegeta (GT)
Goku (GT)
Trunks (GT)
Pan
Giru
Omega Shenron
Syn Shenron
Nuova Shenron

Graphics

Budokai 3 uses a cel-shaded art style that gives the game a unique look. The game’s graphics are very impressive, and they still hold up well today. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are lush and colorful.

Sound

The sound in Budokai 3 is excellent. The game’s music is catchy and memorable, and the voice acting is top-notch. The game also features a variety of sound effects that help to bring the action to life.

Reception

Budokai 3 was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its graphics, gameplay, and roster of characters. The game sold over 3 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time.

Budokai 3 is still considered to be one of the best Dragon Ball Z fighting games ever made. The game’s simple controls, deep combat system, and large roster of characters make it a great choice for fans of the anime series.

Legacy

Budokai 3 has had a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball Z fighting game series. The game’s cel-shaded art style and gameplay mechanics have been used in subsequent Dragon Ball Z fighting games, such as Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit.

Budokai 3 is also considered to be one of the best fighting games of its generation. The game’s simple controls, deep combat system, and large roster of characters make it a great choice for fans of fighting games in general.