Bandai Namco reveals new Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi game
Bandai Namco and Toei Animation have surprised fans by releasing the first teaser for Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4.
Many verified YouTube channels, notably Gamers Prey, shared the official trailer on Sunday during the Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour finals.
While not much is revealed, the teaser shows a TV playing Dragon Ball Z footage before cutting to a shot of Goku being Super Saiyan Blue.
Previous installments
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 would be the first new game in the series in over a decade. The last three games came out in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The first Budokai game was only available on the PlayStation 2. The second and third installments were then released on the PS2 and Nintendo Wii.
The series was successful because it gave fans control of a large cast of characters in a 3D environment, allowing them to fly around, dash and unleash unique attacks — just like in the anime.
The first game in the series debuted with an outstanding 64 characters and 90 playable forms. In the third game, that number rose to 98 characters for 161 playable forms.
One of the most popular aspects of Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is capsule customization, a system that allows players to modify their characters’ attacks and transformations.
It allows players to customize characters to their preferences. For example, if players want an aggressive Goku, they may equip him with attack boots. They also have the option to replace the Super Saiyan 4 form with defensive powers.
The Mission 100 Mode is also a popular feature of the third game. It is a set of 100 bouts against pre-determined opponents, and for each one, players must assemble a team that meets some standards.
Following Budokai Tenkaichi 3, Bandai created other products that combine Budokai Tenkaichi components into other systems, such as Raging Blast and Xenoverse.
Many fans of Bodukai Tenkaichi regard Xenoverse as the series’ natural progression. However, many players have also complained that the game’s fighting isn’t as deep as in Budokai Tenkaichi 3.
For instance, in the Tenkaichi games, each form is a playable character in its own right, and transforming into a new form or fusing with another character is a far more involved process that can happen anytime during a fight.
The developers also released Dragon Ball: Tenkaichi Ultimate in 2011 for the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, despite sharing its English name, it is unrelated to the original Budokai Tenkaichi series.
While Ultimate earned positive feedback for its graphics, many reviewers criticized its poor storyline and tedious action.
Community’s responses
Fans have already taken to social media to voice their enthusiasm and excitement for Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4.
“Congrats to all the YouTubers out there who have been making videos on the fanmade Budokai Tenkaichi 4 game. You’re about to get a huge surge of very confused new views,” content creator ThorgisArcade said.
Meanwhile, Reddit user u/Chilley317 said Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is their all-time favorite video game, spending a tremendous amount of time playing it as kids. U/Chilley31 said they had given up hope for a new game for a long time, but it has now finally arrived. “Easiest preorder of my life,” they wrote.
