Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: X360, PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Spike	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: Nov. 10, 2009	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

Speaking of characters, they're another thing the Raging Blast gets right. With over 70 playable characters, Raging Blast has plenty of characters to play with, each with their own distinct moves and special attacks. The game also features several characters that have different forms (such as Goku, Frieza, Trunks, and Cell) and the game allows you to switch between these forms during gameplay. This is definitely an advantage, as a third-form Frieza will have a more devastating Ki attack than a second level Frieza. However, I found it was a little bit easier to just select the strongest-form character from the character select screen than try and level them up while in-battle.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast screenshot

As far as multiplayer modes are concerned, Raging Blast fails to impress. Though there are some decent online multiplayer modes, including ranked, unranked, and World Tournament modes, there are serious lag issues that make it difficult to finish just one match. Though the game provides plenty of incentive to play online, the lag issues make it simply impossible. There is also an offline versus mode where you can play against a friend. However, this mode features a vertical split-screen, which combined with the poor camera controls, makes for a very confusing multiplayer experience.

However, despite all the poor multiplayer and gameplay aspects of the game, there is at least one bright spot: the game looks good. Last year's Burst Limit certainly pushed the series miles beyond anything we had seen before for the series, but Raging Blast continues to add detail and polish to the overall package. Character models and animations are extremely sharp, and feature a lot more detail than they did previously. The only aspect of the visuals that does not belong in the "much improved" category is the environment. The wide arena-style stages feature plenty of space, but there just isn't that much filling up these areas. Landforms and buildings also don't feature a lot of detail, and the ground often has repetitive texturing issues.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast has a lot of things going for it including an interesting story mode, great graphics, and a huge character roster. However, the foundation of the game - the battle system - isn't very fun, and that sinks the whole experience. I would have really loved to get the full Dragon Ball Z experience with this game, as it is the most inclusive entry in the series to date. However, between the clunky combat and the whacked out camera, I just can't recommend Raging Blast to anyone. It's too bad, as this game could have been great, but for now, it is just a missed opportunity.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.1

Graphics
Cel-shaded graphics and animations look great.

2.1

Control
Battle system features a lot of single button spamming. The ridiculously simple combat is one of the worst aspects of the game.

3.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Voiceovers feature many of the original English and Japanese voice actors, but repetitive phrases during battle get annoying fast.

2.5

Play Value
The battle system is repetitive, the camera is bad, and the multiplayer options definitely don't get the job done. The story mode is great, but using the battle system to get through it makes it a chore.

2.6

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

Game Features:

Based on the popular Dragon Ball Z series - Relive pivotal moments from the Dragon Ball Z series with more than 100 epic battles or experience alternate moments not included in the original series!

Fight as all of your favorite characters - Including transformations, battle as more than 70 playable characters including Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Vegeta, Frieza, Android 16, Cell, and Broly.

Massive worlds with destructible environments - Feel the destructive power of your attacks as you alter any of the 10 large-scale battlefields. Smash your opponent to bits or inflict massive damage by embedding them into mountains, buildings and debris!

Multiple modes of play - Hone your techniques in the Dojo and then put them to the test in either the Dragon Battle Collection or Super Battle Trial single-player modes. Ready to face-off against friends? Challenge them in a variety of offline or online multiplayer modes, including Versus and the World Tournament Online!

Powerful and customizable attacks - Live the Dragon Ball Z experience with signature moves and Super Attacks, including the all new "Super Rising" move. During team battles, characters fight together, freely switching between members and assisting one another with support actions. You can also improve your characters' abilities through item and Super Attack customization, equipping them with your favorite moves to match your fighting style.

Anime-inspired HD graphics - The hit franchise comes to life! The next-gen systems deliver high quality cel-shaded graphics in stunning HD and include impressive visuals such as GlowFX and Radial Blur.

Unlockable content - Earn D-Points to unlock new abilities and items!