Dragon Ball: Origins 2 Review for Nintendo DS

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Game Republic	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Namco Bandai	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: June 22, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Dragon Ball Origins looks great and is a slight improvement over its predecessor. Cinema scenes are beautifully rendered, and character models feature plenty of detail. The only qualm I have with the cinema scenes (and I had the same issue with the original’s) is the way the game uses the two screens. Instead of just having a top and bottom image that blend together, the cinema scenes deliberately leave out the space between the DS’s screens. This can result in some interesting proportions, depending on which model DS you are using. On a regular DS, things look fine, but fire this game up in a DSi or DS Lite, and everyone's torsos disappear!

Dragon Ball: Origins 2 screenshot

Though this is only a minor issue, I was really hoping it would be changed for this title, but it seems they have kept it, especially since that middle bar works so well at covering up areas that would normally need a censored bar. Luckily, the in-game visuals don't have this problem, and the top and bottom screen visuals work perfectly, sporting just the right amount of detail.

Audio in Dragon Ball: Origins 2 is good, with some inoffensive background music and some good voice work. Though the voiceover in Origins 2 is relatively sparse, it is effective and sounds a lot like the original voice work that was done for the US version of the anime (which was produced nearly a decade ago for those of you keeping track.).

Overall, I was pleased with Dragon Ball: Origins 2. Although the gameplay is nearly identical to the original Dragon Ball: Origins, it really works well in this sequel. In a franchise that has spawned dozens of fighting games with nearly identical premises, a familiar-feeling second entry doesn't seem all that terrible. While I did hope for a little more innovation in the gameplay, the new story and trademark humor have carried over well from the Red Ribbon Army Arc, which is enough to earn this title a playthrough. Dragon Ball: Origins 2 is a joy to play for both fans of the original series as well as those who have only experienced Dragon Ball characters through the "Z" series. If you consider yourself a fan of the Dragon Ball universe, Origins 2 is a title that deserves a spot on your shelf.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
The environments are colorful, and the cinema scenes look great (though the dual screen format does leave some interesting bits out, depending on your DS model.)

4.1

Control
Although button-based controls work better than stylus-based ones, having the choice is nice. If you can remember all the different gestures, stylus controls may work well for some.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The background music is inoffensive. While voiceover is minimal, it is done well.

3.8

Play Value
The story is pretty linear, but if you have a buddy with the game, you can play special co-op missions using the game's Tower mode.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Relive the Red Ribbon Army Saga and experience all the key events from the original anime series through eight different multi-level episodes.

Fight not only as Goku, but also as a variety of familiar faces, including Krillin, Bulma, Yamcha, and more, each with their own abilities and power-ups.

A challenging mix of action and exploration requires Goku and friends to use a wide range of skills to solve puzzles, find treasure chests, and defeat armies of skilled opponents.

A situation-based camera adapts with the changing gameplay to bring players closer to the action.

Team up with a friend via a wireless local connection and conquer a series of intense multiplayer battles.