Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit

The Dragon Ball Z franchise has been a storied one in the video-game industry. Now the franchise is gearing up for its next-gen debut with Dragon Ball Burst Limit. For the most part, Burst Limit is not a revolutionary addition to the franchise, as it feels quite similar to previous DBZ games. However, what it does it does right, as the battles are very intense and the graphics are pretty impressive, meaning that fans of DBZ should find a lot to love here.

Players familiar with previous DBZ fighting titles will know what to expect from Burst Limit, as it sticks pretty close to the formula laid out by its predecessors. While the game is a fighting game and features 3D character models, the action unfolds on a 2D plane, similar to the original Budokai games (the previous Budokai Tenkaichi series utilized a third-person behind view).

The game’s story mode, Z Chronicles, has you play as several different Dragon Ball Z characters as the main plotline unfolds. The game dictates when you play as each of them, as determined by the path you take. You can also unlock a fair amount of characters by playing through the Z Chronicles mode, with more than 20 unlockable fighters in all.

The game also gives you access to helper characters through its new drama piece system. These additional fighters can assist you with blocks, giving you an added edge to the fight.

Graphically, the game is quite impressive, as the character models sport the same kind of cel-shading as previous entries to the DBZ franchise, albeit with the benefits of high-def. Additionally, the game also features some cool added special effects, like motion blur and some great lighting.

Burst Limit is shaping up to be a good return to form for the series. Whereas Budokai Tenkaichi was a bit of a departure with its behind-the-character third person perspective, Burst Limit brings back the side-view element of the Budokai games. Look for it to release next month.