bit-tech Shopping: Atari Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai

Rating: 8

Time with product: 7

Strengths: Beat'em Up Stress Reliever; Beautiful Graphics; Lots of Characters

Weaknesses: Can Be a Button Masher; Computer AI Advantage Occasionally

Summary: Since you shouldn't go around beating up people in real life, fighting games like Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai for the PSP can help channel away any anger and aggression hidden deep within.*With apologies to the fans of the show, I don't know who from what. I haven't watched the anime/cartoon series this game is based on, but it hasn't prevented me from enjoying a round or two of martial arts and fireball hurling. *It's relatively easy to figure out the kicks and punches and stringing a combo for maximum damage. How proficient you are at defeating opponents is up to your skill.*I'm sure there are rankings and such on which characters to fight as, but I'm mostly interested in popping in the game for a few minutes of fantasy fighting. And this it accomplishes well.*It's gorgeous to look at. The graphics are sharp and fast to the point of feeling like you are controlling a cartoon. There are several modes to fit your fancy, including Dragon "Story" mode and "Arcade" where I spend most of the time.

Rating: 6

Time with product:

Strengths: GRAPHICS / GAMEPLAY

Weaknesses: DEPTH

Summary: THE GAME LOOKS GREAT. IT PLAYS VERY WELL ON THE PSP, BUT THE DEPTH OF THE GAME IS PRETTY SHALLOW. SOME OF THE FEATURES, LIKE BUYING ITEMS OR STAMPS IS PRETTY LAME. ALL THAT HARD WORK FOR A BORING PICTURE? IT IS JUST A BASIC FIGHTING GAME WITH SOME COOL VISUALS. IT GETS PRETTY BORING WITH THE SAME FIGHTS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE SERIES YOU MAY ENJOY THIS, BUT DON'T GET YOUR HOPES UP.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Graphics and button configuration

Weaknesses: story sequence and replay value

Summary: This is very enjoyable game for those who liked the series. The graphics are very good for being on a hand-held system. The buttons are well placed since the game first appeared on the ps2. But the story sequences were dull (unless you like reading). When you finished a fight the story mode kicks in and you pretty much see two pictures talking to eachother through comic bubbles, which gets so boring that you end up skipping the whole thing just to get to the fighting. And the replay value isnt that enjoyable (unless you like playing for stickers that you put on your web pic when you're online). But overall it is an ok. I can't give you a description on head-to-head until I play h-t-h.