A pretty decent re-release that just might make you go Super Saiyan
Come on! This is an old game and was released A VERY LONG TIME AGO, as far as gaming goes. If you're looking to pick up a Street Fighter Alpha 3 style DBZ game for the PSOne, look else where. I'm writing this review based on the time it was released.
Now, with that said, on with my review.
Graphics: 7
The graphics are very well drawn out as far as the character sprites go. Detail is done very well for the time this game was made. Personally, my favorite is the Super Saiyan Goku 3.
Now, on the down side, the backgrounds are very plain and don't do much for the excitement level. However, since you're concentrating on the action between characters, you'll only notice the background as the camera pans the area before the fight begins.
One thing that is sure to disappoint anyone, especially fans, is that things such as the Kamehameha look like Ken and Ryu's fire balls from Street Fighter instead of long, brilliant beams of Ki as in the manga and anime.
Sound: 5
The worst part of the game. Sound is a bit muffled. The voices for the characters remind me of the SNES Dragon Ball Z fighters. That is to say the characters have voices, but don't expect them to be great, even for the time the game was released.
Character theme songs are present, such as Hikari no Will Power, but it seems lack luster...
Control: 7
Not the best, but it works. Characters can jump and run in this one. However, the control seems floaty. I don't know how else to explain it than...well...floaty. Characters hang in the air longer than it feels they should, but then again, DBZ characters do fly and hover a lot, so I guess that is to be expected.
You'll have a difficult time executing some of the moves since they are long winded inputs such as down, down-away, away, forward, down-forward, down...just do to a type of kick. Yeah, you'll get mad a lot at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine.
For battling, the combo system is composed of simple one-two-three hits. You'll get the first hit, do a second, and then link that second or first hit into a special move. You're not going to bust out any super combo moves like in Street Fighter. This is more like Street Fighter II on the SNES as far as combos go.
Overall: 7
Some people have said there are cut scenes, but I haven't seen them. Taking in consideration for control, sound, and graphics, I can't score the game too high, but I am more than happy with my purchase. If you're not a fan of Dragon Ball Z, I wouldn't suggest picking it up. Also, don't pick this up thinking it's something it isn't and then giving it a bad review.
Remember it's an old game and enjoy it for the nostalgia of it all!