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 9 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.

As an avid music lover, and musician, I’ve had a hole in my gaming heart that is constantly being filled by the rhythm games genre. Since the time Frequency popped up quietly on the PS2, to the latest iterations inviting you to create a virtual band, I’ve been able to live out my dream of being a professional musician vicariously through these games. So after I finally took the plastic plunge and picked up the Rock Band 2 bundle last year, rocking out has become a frequent expedition for me and the girls.

What I love about these titles is the ability to teach my kids more than just twitch reflexes from visual cues. Although many argue over whether playing a fake plastic instrument is the same as the real thing, one cannot deny the fact that these titles provide a healthy way of building a sense of rhythm. Without any scientific proof to back it up, I will state that I am positive that my oldest daughter has been developing hers and can now consistently keep a beat with even some faster paced music. Maybe in a few years, I can finally have a permanent drummer for my real band.

Speaking of drumming, this seems to be my kids favorite of the instruments, and it’s probably due to the being the easiest of the three, or four if you consider bass to be different than guitar in these games. What I’ve found that works best for us is my kids will sit on my lap while I hold the sticks in their hands and help them hit the pads at the designated times. My oldest daughter has managed to pick up the on-screen signals and can get some of the beats on her own. Problem is that they tend to lose focus after a while, which may be due to the music. And I don’t think filling my musical database with Miley Cyrus is going to fix that. Maybe Spongebob could lend some assistance though.

Now the topic of music is where some will stonewall me for having even mentioned this title. While all of the tracks are radio-edited, there still may be some themes that people will curse as bad influences. If this is the case for you, just don’t play those tracks. Problem solved. Personally, I find that most of the music they probably shouldn’t hear, they or I don’t want to play anyways.

So if you are looking for a way to engage the whole family in a cooperative experience, swing out and pick up a copy of Rock Band with the full peripherals and start your own version of the Partridge Family. I know that even as my kids age this is one title that will be in our repertoire of games.

ESRB Rating: T for Teen

Lyrics
Suggestive Themes

Average web score: 10 out of 10
(according to Test Freaks)