Please play the game for more than 5 minutes.
This game is a step up from previous games. But it is no longer a "pick up and play" game. It actually takes some time to learn to play.
It is very different from the Budokai Tenkaichi series, which most people dislike. The most notable change is the controls. It is awkward at first, but like any new game, you get used to it if you give it a chance.
Secondly, the camera is considered a problem. But, little do people know, you can shift the camera left and right of your character, eliminating the whole "I can only see my rear end" when you're against a wall. Also, there has been problems with keeping sight of your enemy. The thing is, you're not supposed to know where they go. If they dash at high speed, you dash with them. Keeping on your enemy's tail is simple if you take the time to learn how. Just tap the "X" button twice, and your character will dash into their backside, giving you a chance to attack. And that's just one example of many.
The combat has also changed. There is a significant lag time in-between your combos, making you feel slow and lame. Like you're taking turns hitting eachother. But, little do people know, you have a second attack button, called... get ready for this... the Triangle button. Though it shoots ki blasts, it also does heavy attacks, and you can implement them both into your combos.
Each character has "cancels," which allows you to stop in the middle of your current combo and then immediately start another. It's symbolized by a yellow/red (yellow means it worked, red means it doesn't) lightning flash. This is one of the best new features put into the game, allowing you intense, fast paced battles. But you have to figure them out, and each character is different. But it's better then repeatedly pressing square, wait, then repeat.
In short, the combat is much more in-depth, but people don't give it a chance and don't take the time to learn it.
With all this "super combo" talk, it seems as if you can beat people with infinite combos and not have a scratch on you. Wrong. Defensive maneuvers are also added, and it's pretty useful for getting you out of almost any situation if done right. The recovery system is pretty brutal though. Not too bad, but bad enough that you wish it wasn't that hard to recover EVERY TIME you're knocked away.
There are other small features, such as Super Rising and the "stuck in rock," which are pretty useful and adds more fun to the game.
The story mode is the same. Cutscenes not telling the whole story or why you're even fighting someone, but if you've seen the show and/or played the old games, this isn't a problem, since every game has this problem. But there are "what-if" stories, and they contain interesting tales that haven't been told before.
The graphics are pretty cool. Although they're not too detailed or realistic, it captures the feel of the show and is nice to look at. But then again, I personally don't care too much for graphics.
The upgrade system is an improvement. You can customize what your special techniques are, though you are limited to a reasonable extent. You can also boost stats with a tetris-style... thing. But it works. Can't ask for much more I suppose.
There are many other modes and mini-games to play, and are not required. In fact, you start out with half the cast unlocked. For extra content, you need to play the story mode.
Here, there are things you earn called "stars." Stars are earned by replaying a mission with certain objectives. They are rather difficult to obtain, and a majority of the the opponents are pretty tough to fight. But you'll need to do it if you want extra stuff.
You can obtain Dragon Balls, but I won't go too much into that :P
The online is mostly lag-free, and with the depth and intensity of the fights, it is pretty enjoyable. There is no team-online, but it's overlookable.
Not sure what else to cover...
Basically, this is Tenkaichi 3, with HD graphics, an improved combat system, and added features. But it is enough to make it different from the rest of the series, and is a raging blast (COUGH) to play through.
Is it recommendable? Yes, it is. Rent it first, because this game isn't for everyone. Please give it a chance. Learn the controls and manuevers first before deciding your opinion on this game. I feel it is very under-appreciated and when you get the hang of it, it's very fun and fast-paced. Check it out.