Game Details
| Size | 167 MB |
| Region | USA |
| Genre | Fighting |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Year | March 7, 2006 |
| Console | PSP |
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai (2006) was a landmark title for the PSP, proving that the high-speed, cinematic combat of the Budokai series could thrive on a handheld. Developed by Dimps, it took the refined engine of Budokai 3 and optimized it for portable play, introducing a unique “Aura Burst” mechanic that made it one of the fastest fighting games on the system.
Story Mode: Dragon Road
The game features an original scenario titled “Dragon Road,” which is loosely based on the 12th DBZ movie, Fusion Reborn.
The Plot: The story takes place in an alternate timeline where the villain Janemba appears and begins warping the boundaries between the living world and the Other World. You play through several chapters where the choices you make determine which path the story takes. It features legendary moments like the fusion of Goku and Vegeta into Gogeta to stop the reality-warping threat.
Back Cover Description
INTENSE WIRELESS DBZ BATTLES ARE FINALLY HERE!
“The world’s most popular martial arts series explodes onto the PSP! Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai brings the acclaimed Budokai combat system to a handheld for the first time. Experience a brand-new story based on the movie Fusion Reborn and battle through a massive roster of 18 playable characters.
Master the all-new Aura Burst system to move at speeds never before seen in a handheld fighter. Obliterate your enemies with signature moves like the Kamehameha, Final Flash, and the Special Beam Cannon. Challenge your friends in high-stakes Ad-Hoc Wireless battles and customize your Profile Card to show the world you are the ultimate warrior.
The battle for the universe has gone portable. Are you ready to go Super Saiyan?“
Key Gameplay Mechanics
-
Aura Burst: By pressing the R-button, your character enters a high-speed dash state. This allows you to close gaps instantly, cancel animations, or execute “Aura Burst Smash” attacks to break through an opponent’s guard.
-
Simplified Combat: To suit the PSP’s layout, the complex “Capsule” system from Budokai 3 was replaced with a more streamlined card-based system for stat upgrades.
-
Teleportation Counters: Staying true to the anime’s speed, the game features a heavy emphasis on “Z-Vanishing”—teleporting behind an opponent mid-combo to counter-attack at the cost of Ki.
-
Transformations: Most characters can transform mid-battle (e.g., Goku going from Base to SSJ, SSJ2, and SSJ3), which alters their move set and increases their damage output.
Character Roster
The game features 18 iconic characters, many with multiple forms:
-
Heroes: Goku, Vegeta, Gohan (Teen & Adult), Future Trunks, Piccolo, Krillin.
-
Villains: Frieza, Cell, Kid Buu, Cooler, Janemba (Base & Super).
-
Fusions: Gogeta and Gotenks.
Short Review: The Handheld King of Fighters
The Good
-
Technical Performance: The game runs at a rock-solid 60 FPS, which is crucial for a fighting game. The 3D models and cell-shading are incredibly sharp for the PSP.
-
Speed: The Aura Burst mechanic makes the combat feel even faster than the home console versions.
-
Multiplayer: The ad-hoc wireless mode was a staple of school hallways and bus rides, offering near-lag-free competitive play.
The Bad
-
Roster Size: Compared to Budokai 3 (which had over 40 characters), 18 characters felt a bit slim for veteran fans.
-
Short Story: “Dragon Road” can be cleared in a few hours, though the branching paths provide some replay value.
Screenshots
