STACK #183 Jan 2020

GAMES FEATURE

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MARKS THE SPOT

Anime smash Dragon Ball Z has captivated audiences around the globe with its charming characters, gripping story and, of course, battles.With Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot releasing this month, we thought it a great time to look back at some of the outstanding entries so far in the franchise’s games history. Words Alex Deutrom

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (2002) PS2 GameCube This was one of the first major Dragon Ball Z video game titles. Players started off as Goku/ Kakarot and fought against his Saiyan brother Raditz, before

Entering certain button combinations would have your character let loose their signature moves. Another inclusion was an energy bar that, if drained, would prevent players from being able to use their energy attacks/transform and multiple health bars, making each battle as thrilling as their TV show equivalents. After defeating a character in the story mode, they would then be unlocked for the game’s multiplayer and world tournament modes. This really was a great introductory title for Dragon Ball Z fans. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 (2004) PS2 You want more characters? OK! Budokai 3 increased the playable character count from the original Budokai’s 23 to 42.

The story mode was also revamped, with players able to fly around a small world looking for Dragon Balls between missions, where collecting all seven would grant a wish. Budokai 3 also introduced Dragon Ball Z movie, Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball characters into the game world, allowing participants to play as Goku SS4, Demon King Piccolo and Broly. The story mode also encompassed the

working their way through to playing as Gohan and taking on Perfect Cell. The gameplay of Budokai was much like the established Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter series, with two attack buttons, one to block and another for energy projection.

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JANUARY 2020

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