DB origins is one of the best games to come out for the series in a long time.
Most games that come out for the DB series cover DBZ, so when I heard that DB Origins was coming out, I was interested. When I heard that it wouldn't be another fighting game and that it would use the stylus much in the way that Zelda did, I knew I was going to get this game.
The story starts at the beginning and ends with the World's Martial Arts tournament, with the last level being Goku against Jackie Chun. You'll play solely as Goku throughout the game, and you'll need to make your way through aobut thirty levels. Most of these involve you navigating an environment by solving simple puzzles, flipping switches, and of course, defeating enemies. You'll also have levels where you fight one on one with a boss character, as well as a few levels where you ride on the flying nimbus.
The game controls entirely with the touch screen. You hold the stylus in the direction you want to run, tap an enemy to have Goku attack, and even draw spirals to have him dodge. As you progress, you'll learn new moves that allow you to perform various motions. For instance, when you use the power pole, you can tap Goku and then an area on the level to have him slame the pole down with tremendous force, or even double tap Goku to have him perform the Kamehameha wave. You learn a ton of moves throughout the game and thankfully, the level design actually gives you a chance to use them. In fact, some of the bosses require you sue specific attacks in order to weaken them.
There are a few problems, however. The hit detection isn't always spot on. Its also very easy to get stuck in the middle of a combo and not be able to dodge an enemy attack. The level design can also get monotonous if it goes on long enough, and you'll feel like you're just going through the motions. This is the exception rather than the rule.
As far as presentation goes, the game is top notch. The graphics are some of the best 3D graphics the DS has ever produced, and the occasional voice acting is in line with the show. The music and sound effects are also great, meaning this is one authentic looking and sounding game. Only a few Nintendo developed games have done more on the system.
If you're wondering how faithful the story is to the original, have no fear. While a few minor things have been changed to make the plot fit better with the gameplay style, all of the important moments and charm are there. In fact, they even kept in the bit where Bulma flashes Master Roshi, and the game makes no secret that she isn't wearing underwear, or that Roshi gets a nose bleed from it. (This game might not be the best choice for kids,)
All told, if you're looking for a great DB game that isn't a fighter, this is the best you're going to find on the market. If you're a fan of the show, you own it to yourself to pick this up.