After the success of last year's Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai for the PSP, it seemed a sequel was inevitable. Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai - Another Road may seem to be another incarnation of the same old Dragonball Z formula, but Atari and developer Dimps have tried to add enough upgrades and distinguishing features to make this title distinctive from all the numerous other Dragonball Z: Budokai button mashers out there.

First of all, there's the story. Instead of the Goku/Vegeta-centered storyline that is the standard for most Dragonball Z fighters, Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai - Another Road's story mode (aptly titled Another Road) focuses on future Trunk's ability to fight Majin Buu. If this sounds a little different, that's because it is. It takes place in a future world/ alternate universe that was not a part of the anime's original story. But story variations are good in a franchise that has lasted over a decade (Dragonball Z first hit American shores as an anime series in 1996), and fans might find themselves pleasantly surprised to see a different story after 11 years.

However different the story is this time around, fear not, because all the familiar controls are here. Three main attack buttons, with a block button, and a spirit charge and release button round out the basic fighting controls. Although these are pretty simple, they are very accessible to expert fighters as well as Dragonball Z newbies who want to try out the franchise. It also allows for some growth and strategizing when dealing with friends and badguys alike. There's also some new and improved ki attacks for some of the more prominent characters and ultimate attacks that can be performed (with some skill) to relegate and dispose of the competition in signature Dragonball Z style.

As far as other modes are concerned, there is another rehash of all the old favorites including Z-trial, and arcade mode. Nothing really too different, but it's always fun seeing how fast and in how many different ways you can beat up you foes, isn't it?

There's also an ad-hoc multiplayer mode that let's you beat up your closest friends within range using your unlocked z-characters in an arcade-style match.

Graphics are also the same as last time around, and look great on the PSP. Characters and environments closely recall the anime visuals that made the franchise so popular way back when. One noticeable improvement is the camera system, which was notoriously flawed on the first PSP installment. Developer Dimps has made it a point to overhaul the camera mechanics and early videos show it to be more intuitive and responsive to gameplay. This is definitely good news for PSP users who found the shaky camera mechanics of the first Dragonball Z game to be tedious and somewhat annoying.

One department the Dragonball Z Budokai games have always been very good with is the sound department. All of the original cast are back to reprise their decade old role with the same energy they brought to the series way back in the mid-90's. Variations of the different Dragonball Z theme music help to get you in the fighting mood, and sound effects are used well in gameplay.

Overall, it looks like Dragonball Z: Shin Budokai - Another Road is going to be another one of those traditional formulaic beat-em-up Dragonball Z games. However, from an early look, it seems that there just might be enough upgraded features and all-new story facets to please both casual gamers and hardcore fans of the ever-upgrading Dragonball Z: Budokai game series.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer

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