Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai came out on March 7th on the 7th of March, 2007 (North America) on April 20 in 2006 (Japan) as well as May 25 (Japan) and May 25 (Europe) to the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The story mode of the game, “Dragon Road,” is a straight “What-If” sequel to the film Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn, featuring Janemba’s appearance two years following Kid Buu’s demise. This distortion of the timeline makes it possible for villains like Cooler as well as Broly to come back from Hell and force Goku and Vegeta to join to join forces with Pikkon yet again.
“Origins of the Budokai Combat System.”
“The Shin Budokai games heavily borrow their gameplay in the classic Budokai game. The gameplay base is built upon a common control system that utilizes the standard punch and kick buttons and an adapted Ki key that lets you unleash projectiles. Players can use these inputs to create signature attacks such as the Goku’s Kamehameha and Vegeta’s Galick Gun, a method that was developed in the first Budokai game, and further refined to work with this game on PSP.”
Key Takeaways: Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Specs
Release Dates:
March 7, 2006 (NA), April 20, 2006 (JP), May 25, 2006 (EU).
Platform:
Exclusive to PlayStation Portable (PSP).
Story Mode :
The game follows an original “Dragon Road” storyline inspired by the 1995 film Fusion Reborn.
Roster :
It features 24 different characters which include movie-exclusive villains such as Janemba as well as Cooler.
Timeline Comparison: Movie vs. Game
| Feature | Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn (Movie) | Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai (Game) |
| Primary Villain | Janemba (First Form & Super) | Janemba (Revived) |
| Timeline Placement | During the Buu Saga (Non-Canon) | 2 Years After Kid Buu’s Defeat |
| Key Ally | Pikkon (Holds off Janemba) | Pikkon (Joins Z-Fighters on Earth) |
| Resolution | Gogeta destroys Janemba | Vegito and Gogeta are playable alternatives. |
Deep Dive: The “Dragon Road” Connection
Many people confuse Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai with it being a straightforward port of console games, however its story is different. Game’s “Dragon road” mode functions as an homage to the 12th DBZ film, Fusion Reborn.
The “Hole” in the Universe
The story starts two years following the demise by Kid Buu. The mysterious gap has opened in the sand between Earth and Hell and Hell, which has caused a huge alteration within the multiverse. The hole allows dead villains, such as Frieza, Cell, and Cooler to return to Earth. Contrary to the films, where the action takes place in The Other World and Earth, Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai takes the action mostly towards the Z-Fighters the Z-Fighters’ home area of play.
Janemba’s Return
The central conflict centers around Janemba as the symbol for the evil force. The game’s protagonist Vegeta feels the presence of an “intense presence” that is similar to Hell and leads him to take on Kamehameha to eliminate the force. The intense energy may trigger the reemergence of Janemba and forces Goku and Vegeta to think about Fusion yet again. In addition, the game considers “What-If” scenarios like Teen Gohan refusing Shenron’s offer for a return to the past but opting instead to alter the present timeline.
5 Gameplay Features That Define Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai
Although the narrative drives the story, the game techniques were a first to a handheld device back in the year 2006.
Aura Burst Mechanisms:
Players can trigger an “Aura Burst” that allows them to traverse the field at high speed. This permits quick moves and cancels, thereby altering the course of battle drastically when compared with console versions.
Simplified Control Scheme:
In order to work with to the PSP it uses two face buttons to attack as well as one to use energy for attacks. Combining these buttons together with an “E” (Energy) button can create powerful, devastating combinations.
Network Battles:
The game featured an advanced profile system in which gamers create their own “ID Card” that tracks the results of their battles, including losses and wins. It also tracks “Survival records.” When they win online, they can unlock special costumes and stamps to allow personalization.
Without Capsule System:
In contrast to Budokai3 the game has removed the complicated “Capsule” skills system. Instead, it utilizes an easier “Card edit” mode to increase statistics, which makes easier to play on the go. playing.
Voice acting:
The game features excellent voice acting, including Colleen Clinkenbeard voice acting Android 18 as well as Christopher Sabat voicing Cooler while maintaining the show’s real-life feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai canon?
Yes, Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai isn’t canon. It’s an “What-If” tale set in a different timeline, that has movie villains such as Janemba and Cooler are present alongside the happenings that comprise the Majin Buu Saga.
Who will be the final boss of Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai?
The antagonist of the story the main villain is Janemba. But, the tale contains an “Future Super Buu” who disguises himself as the mysterious “Future Bardock” to deceive the characters before being defeat by Vegito.
Do you want to play Gogeta on Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai?
Absolutely, Super Saiyan Gogeta can be played as a persona. The character is crucial to the plot and is mirrored in his role in the Fusion Reborn movie in which he’s the only character capable of purifying Janemba.
As archivist for retro gaming I check the release dates in order to assist preservers to keep the DBZ timeline accurate.