Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo

[Flake]

A fit of nostalgia met with a marked down game at retail the other day. The result: A surprisingly good Dragonball game to add to my collection.

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The Hook:

I've always been a pretty big fan of Dragonball but with the overwhelming popularity of Dragonball Z here in the states, those of us who are fans of the older stories have been left out despite the profusion of Non-Z era games published in Japan. Basically, if you weren't a fan of super powered, show-stealing Aryans...you were out of luck.

Finally, a fairly high-production value, home console Dragonball game has come out. No mentions of Saiyans or Namecs. Oh, and Yamcha and Krillin are still relevant!

The Touch:

An ambitious hybrid control scheme. Dragonball attempts to combine platforming controls with a more traditional fighters control. It works fairly well, with the camera compensating for the situation you are in (i.e. it automatically aims you at a boss character during 1v1 fights) but still has a bit of awkwardness. Fortunately, the game allows you to use standard wii controls or a gamecube/classic controller.

The Feel:

As a platformer it's a bit awkward and there are a few jumping conventions that feel tacked on. The levels are a bit too simplistic and very little of the back ground or scenery exist for you to interact with. As a fighter, it's a bit unfocused. There are several blocking and juggling systems in place but none works with the other well enough to combo fluidly.

However, in both cases the game maintains a fast pace and never lets you feel like you are grinding along, constantly giving you a new opponent to fight or place to go. The steady sense of accomplishment keeps you playing.

The Sound:

Typical funimation acting. Over the top but oddly comforting. If you watched the dub as a kid, you'll be right at home here. The V/A's are the originals or close enough.

The Look:

Similar graphics to Dimps later Budokai games. A very fluid and cartoon like cel shading technique that pays great homage to the original 80's animation. It's colorful, bright, and imaginative - something lacking in many games these days.

The Result:

I paid $20, nearly $30 less than the original MSRP. At that price point, I am more than pleased with what I am playing and consider it a very worthy addition to my collection. If you find it for that price (or even a few bucks more) and have even a passing interest with the original Dragonball series (or campy 80's japanimation) I recommend you grab this one.

[bobbynewmarkiii]

thanks for the review, got my eye on this one for the right price...