As soon as I opened the box, I could hear the "HAAAAAAAAAAA" (in my head) as my ki was building up with excitement. Dragon ball Z Rise of the Saiyans is a new turn based RPG for the DS that actually gives you a true fan play with a few extras. I'm usually a doubter of RPG's that follow a show or movie storyline, but Attack of the Saiyans changed my mind… for now. If you're any type of DB fan, you will have played most DB RPGs and fighting games out there from Dragon Ball Daihikyo, Budokai 3 (Famicon my favorite), Raging Blast (PS3), and Revenge of King piccolo (Wii) [Valkor's Review]. I have had a few of the older titles that "have left me wanting" but this last one for the DS is actually flexible and challenging as you gain your abilities.
The story begins right after the 23rd budokai and ends after the saiyans attack earth. The game play is your typical turn base game, giving you the ability to gain levels by defeating enemies and the occasional mini-boss. If you're familiar with the bad guys from DBZ you'll remember a lot of them. It's all so you can prep for the "all out battle" at the end, and it will be glorious. You gain AP points at the end of the every fight which you can use to "buy" abilities. If you raise the level of certain abilities you can acquire ultimate attacks and triple combo attacks that activate when all 3 characters have their rage bar maxed out. Your rage bar increases every time you hit or get hit. I noticed that it goes up more if you do more physical damage than Ki shots.
The effect/soundtrack is pretty good. The beat doesn't seem to be too monotonous but has anyone ever played an RPG that the music didn't get to you after a while? (Valkor's Notes: Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo has good tunes.) I found the music to be decent they have a variety of sound tracks for the different levels. The assault effects were pretty good, I really like the level of detail also, the Japanese voices at the beginning of each fight were a major plus, since I only watched subtitled DB.
The physical game play is easy an easy A/B and Select/Start control. The touch screen is used only for the opening screen to either start a new game or continue either of the two saved ones. The non-combat menus show you the amount of Zeni you have acquired, current DS time and also the following options:
- Switch: If you have more than 2 characters you can switch them from combat to non-combat positions.
- Crystal: Shows you your next step, Enemy info, and Super Combo guide.
- Capsule: Gives you equipment and cards that affect you in combat or non-combat play.
- Items: Power ups and skill items.
- Skills: This is where you buy your skills and power ups with the AP points.
- Equip: You can equip rings and bracelet to enhance your Character.
- Status: Gives you all your character stats
- Options: Message speed and Sound, etc.
The attack menu is easy since it's a cross directional display:
- Center: Basic Attack
- Up: combat items – HP, KI and effect removers.
- Down: Guard - to lower the damage from the beating
- Left: Super – Use your Kame-hame-ha and other techniques.
- Far Left: Ultimate – only available at full rage.
- Right: Run - escape
- Far Right: Switch - to move your players around in attack order.
The Good:
It has a familiar game play and it's very easy to understand. I like the Triple combo moves they just go all out with display and everyone's moves are characteristically original to their technique. The graphics are very clean and sharp make sure you get Krilin's Destructo Disc Barrage!!! It was cool to bump into RR Soldiers, Monster carrot, pilaf and other mini-bosses even before you got to the main villain.
The bad:
I am actually not a Gokou fan. I am more for Krilin in this one, he is one of the best fighters in the game but, even with the builds he doesn't get that strong even applied every boost option and he still wasn't that strong. One other thing, it really doesn't use the touch screen, besides the opening screen you don't use it.
The Ugly:
My thumbs red and sore.
The end:
I think Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans is one of the best adaptations for the beginning of Dragon Ball Z in gaming. It gives you the room to play around as your building your character, while keeping you true to the chain of events. I look forward to checking what else Bandai Namco has in store for us DB fans. DB Online? (Yes, there is a DBO in the works!!! /Drool) I have to give it to Namco/Bandai the last few Dragon ball games have been amazing. I give this a TOV 4 out of 5, one name Krilin!!!