System: DS
Dev: BEC
Pub: Atari
Release: June 5, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Preview by Amanda L. Kondolojy

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Going where no Dragonball Z game has gone before
by Amanda L. Kondolojy

Feb. 28, 2007 - There has been a certain expectation and standard set forth for what a Dragonball Z game can be, and moreover, what it's limitations are. Some games have wowed (See Dragonball Z: Budokai 3 for the PS2), and some have failed (Dragonball Z: Sagas) to meet these expectations. However, Dragonball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu, will to push the franchise's limit with a unique gameplay style not seen before in a Dragonball Z game.

Dragonball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu is based around an almost RPG-like structure that uses a strategic card-based battle system. The cards are primarily used in battle, and can be played as several different types of attack, depending on the skill and game level of the individual. Players must also use their cards to defend and develop special character-specific abilities and special attacks. The system promises to be simple enough in the beginning, but should become more difficult in later levels, requiring gamers to attain high levels of skill and strategy before playing higher-level cards. A player's progression depends upon their honing of strategically using and saving the correct cards at the correct time. Users can choose from a total of eight different card types with eight different labels to successfully defeat their enemies. With more than 500 possible combinations, it is important for players to strategize and organize their cards if they want to succeed in the game's quest (which is undoubtedly saving the world. )

When looking at the game's aesthetics, it seems that the Dragonball Z franchise translates well to this DS title. Card illustrations decorate the bottom screen, while main characters can be seen duking it out on the top screen. The drawings look almost identical to those featured in the anime, and give the game a real authenticity. The only time the graphics really change is when you are on the map in the story-mode. You then become a little sprite version of yourself. The sprites don't look all that nice, but since this game is the first Dragonball Z game of its kind, it's hard to nit-pick.

Not much is known about the sound or whether the original cast from the anime will be back from the anime, but judging from Dragonball Z games past, it is easy to speculate that, while this is completely unconfirmed, there will be some type of voice acting going on.

Characters, situations, and different modes of play are still shrouded in mystery at this point. What we do know it that the game's environment will not be free-range (as in many RPGs) but will take place on a game board where the user can more or less control the battle incidents.

Dragonball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu looks to be a rather unique entry into the lengthy Dragonball Z game catalog. A Dragonball Z card-based RPG sounds like a good idea in theory, so here's hoping that the idea plays out well, and the innovators responsible for this game keep throwing us new and creative ways to play with this classic franchise.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

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