Review: Dragon Ball Z – Ultimate Tenkaichi (PS3)

Family Friendly is a feature here at Aeropause Games highlighting a video game that I have enjoyed with my children. As a father of three kids aged 4, 3, and a newborn of 7 months, finding time to play games can be few and far between. Since part of this time coincides with playing with my kids, moderation is essential in choosing what I play. Come cozy up on the couch as I present some ideas for enjoying your favorite pastime with your tykes.

When the latest offspring from Keita Takahashi’s mind planted roots in the PS3, I was very wary of it since it seemed to be a nonsensical, pointless, and colorful exploration in mind-numbing Zen gameplay. In fact, I waited until hearing about it from our own Fourhman before I pulled the trigger. Upon first play and viewing with the kids, they were quite entranced by the colorful rainbow world and soothing music. By all accounts, they now play the game more than I do (thanks for the Trophies!).

The game uses a simple dual-analog stick approach for controlling your character, so even my youngest daughter has no problem playing the game. Now, the eating and jumping parts which requires a precise use of the triggers still eludes them, but, hey, even I don’t have that part completely down. Either way, they down mind since they just like to walk around and, sometimes, stretch out BOY. Although, the oldest daughter has developed a peculiarity where she abhors stretching out BOY and becomes tearfully upset when it he becomes hyper-extended. Luckily this is easily remedied.

With the advent of the multiplayer patch, the game has become even more of a family play staple, since I can control one and one of my daughters can control another BOY (we only have 2 controllers currently). This lends itself to some funny predicaments, since I’ll usually be extremely elongated and distended and the other player won’t be able to see themselves on the screen. Once I fix the camera, the first thing I’ll do is eat their character. A riot usually ensues and good fun is had once they’ve been pooped out. Now discussing this in public can lead to awkward glances as I mention “eating my daughter” and “pooping her out”. Consider yourself having been forewarned.

The game world consists of an extreme use of the rainbow for a smooth graphical presentation that interconnects perfectly with the soothing background music and ambient audio like a couple of Lego bricks. Since there is no beginning or end to the play, there are no worries of interruption by load times or cut scenes. All of this rolls up into a pleasant experience in an open-world sandbox environment where you can zone out with your kids for hours. Although, you may find it hard to keep playing that long since it lends itself to repetitiveness.

As far as simple, colorful games goes this is one that is pretty much a staple as an easy time killer. The only downfall is the initial load time. This has been the best $5 ever spent on a game and comes highly recommended.

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Comic Mischief