It is very easy for the general public to overlook a game if it doesn't have some fancy-schmancy next-generation console associated with it. Especially since these days most fighting games are either a contest of which zombie-esque player is best at button mashing, or a small-order bash-fest where two strangely dressed individuals pummel each other with oversized melee weapons. Clearly, the comparative production of truly epic fighting games has stagnated somewhat.
Do not sell those old consoles yet! There is hope. "Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2" is a cel-shaded masterpiece. Of course, it's really no surprise that a TV show based on super-powered animated characters that run around screaming with mountainous hair shooting fireballs at each other would make such a truly epic fighting game. Fans will rave over the intensity, claustrophobics will delight in the open environments, but those of you who are indecisive be warned: there are literally over 100 characters to choose from.
A great game facilitates both instant and long-term gratification. Skeptics of the fighting genre generally complain that these games cannot be enjoyed without a competent (human) player to battle. Whether you're a social butterfly or a total loner, submitting yourself to this game will have you praying to the silicone god in no time flat.
Though the story is independent of player decisions, the battles are intense and the effects are visceral. Go head-to-head with another player and relive your favorite battles of the "DBZ" series. There is nothing like tossing a good friend headfirst through a solid iceberg after blasting him with a searing mind beam.
The greatest part is there is so much content to explore and so many characters and unlockables that this one will keep you pinned for hours. And fully destructible levels mean that no two battles will ever look quite the same.
Sadly, there is no online function, which means if the friend you want to beat to a pulp happens to be physically unreachable, you might as well make new friends. However, perhaps one of the great innovations of the game is its online alternative, Evolution Z mode, where players can buff and trade certain characters to other players' consoles. It's not "BattleNet" or "Live Anywhere," but a welcome substitute. The two-player match is another thing "DBZBT2" does extremely well. At first it may seem counter-intuitive to have split-screen head-to-head battles in a fighting game, but it allows the gameplay from single player to be preserved rather nicely, and the player isn't forced to adapt to a new style of play when switching between modes. The mode also transitions well from split-screen view to full screen view for special moves and such. If you're looking for a truly epic battle, Tag Battle mode is it. A five-on-five tag-team match-up between two players really heats things up, especially since each individual bout is longer than the usual fighting game.
The bottom line: if you're a "DBZ" fan, this is unquestionably a must-play. And even if you're not, play it with one of your "DBZ" fans (all gamers have, or should have, at least one). The gameplay is rock-solid, the effects are mind-blowing, the cel-shaded visuals make excellent use of the Playstation 2 hardware, and the replay value is truly impressive. If nothing else, it will at least keep you entertained until the PS3 gets cheaper.
