Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 - PlayStation 2 Renewed Games

In this review of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 for PlayStation 2, the reviewer finds a focused, nostalgia-rich fighter that will appeal to longtime fans and collectors of legacy console games. The single biggest reason to buy is the game's faithful translation of the anime into a cel-shaded 3D brawler with a deep roster and customizable progression that links back to earlier Budokai entries. As a renewed copy, it offers playable, classic content for those who still own a PS2 or a backward-compatible console, delivering the core combat and familiar villains that made the series memorable.

Key Features

• Cel-shaded graphics: The game uses vivid cel-shaded visuals to recreate the anime look, making fights feel like moving scenes from the show.
• Expanded Ki attacks: A wider range of Ki energy moves lets players pull off dramatic, explosive attacks that change the flow of battles.
• Customizable characters: Players can customize fighters and unlock features carried over from previous Budokai titles, adding progression depth and replay value.
• Iconic villains: A roster that includes Cell, Frieza, and multiple forms of Buu provides a variety of boss encounters and fan-favorite matchups.
• Multiplayer and tournaments: Local VS. Tournament and multiplayer modes create competitive sessions for friends and gatherings around a legacy console.

Who It's For

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 is best for fans of the anime who want a faithful, console-era fighting experience and for players who enjoy local multiplayer bouts on PlayStation 2 hardware. Collectors and those revisiting the series will appreciate the connections to earlier Budokai games and the roster of classic villains.

Those seeking modern online multiplayer, contemporary graphical fidelity, or frequent post-launch updates should look elsewhere, as this is a legacy PS2 title and a renewed physical copy that focuses on the original single- and local-multiplayer experience rather than current-gen features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful cel-shaded presentation captures the anime aesthetic well.
• Deep move set with expanded Ki attacks makes combat feel explosive and varied.
• Customization and unlockables reward returning players familiar with prior Budokai entries.
• Local Multiplayer and VS Tournament modes add social replayability.

Cons

• As a PlayStation 2-era game, it lacks modern online features and graphical updates.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For anyone with a PlayStation 2 or compatible hardware who values faithful adaptations of the Dragon Ball Z series, Budokai 3 renewed offers strong value through its roster, visual style, and deep combat. It is a particularly good buy for collectors and fans of local multiplayer; those needing modern online play or current-gen visuals should consider newer releases instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original PS2 version?
Yes, this is the PlayStation 2 version of Budokai 3 offered as a renewed physical copy.

Does it include online play?
No, the game focuses on single-player and local multiplayer modes typical of its console era.

Will it work on newer PlayStation systems?
It requires a PlayStation 2 or a system with backward compatibility that supports PS2 discs; check your console compatibility before purchasing.