Dragon Ball Z: Budokai vs Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dive into the iconic story arcs of Dragon Ball Z, from Goku’s first encounter with Raditz to the intense Cell Games showdown. The game captures the series’ high‑octane action with a blend of story mode and tournament challenges. Experience classic fights, train in practice mode, and collect all seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron for powerful rewards. With both single‑player and multiplayer options, you can battle friends or hone your skills solo.
Step into the world of Dragon Ball with Budokai Tenkaichi 3, a 1vs1 fighting game that captures the series' iconic battles and story arcs. Choose from a massive roster of over 162 characters, each with unique combos and movements, and fight across dynamic stages with changing weather and time conditions. Challenge friends in split‑screen multiplayer or hone your skills in single‑player modes, from classic arcade battles to an extensive story campaign that follows the main manga narrative. All this action is delivered on the PlayStation 2 platform, bringing the Dragon Ball universe to your living room.
- Faithful recreation of DBZ story arcs
- Robust move‑purchase system adds depth
- Multiplayer support for local battles
- Unlockable Shenron rewards enhance replay value
- Huge character roster with faithful moves
- Authentic Dragon Ball story integration
- Split‑screen multiplayer on a single console
- Varied game modes keep gameplay fresh
- Limited to PlayStation 2 hardware
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No online multiplayer functionality
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Limited to PlayStation 2 hardware
- No online multiplayer support
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai
View all →
Experience next‑gen DBZ battles with stunning graphics and dynamic energy mechanics.
Fight with 22 iconic DBZ characters in fast‑paced arcade action
Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
View all →
Cell‑shaded Dragon Ball fighting action with multi‑layered stages and aerial combat.
Fight as over 60 DBZ heroes in destructible, free‑roaming arenas
Epic Dragon Ball battles with 120+ fighters across Saiyan to GT sagas.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are PS2-only DBZ fighters, but Dragon Ball Z: Budokai offers higher critical acclaim and a solid story mode, while Budokai Tenkaichi 3 gives a vastly larger roster and split‑screen play.
Key differences
- •Roster size: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 has over 162 characters vs. Budokai’s smaller, unspecified list.
- •Critic scores: Budokai 85/100, Tenkaichi 3 69/100.
- •Multiplayer style: Tenkaichi 3 adds split‑screen head‑to‑head on one console; Budokai only local multiplayer without split‑screen.
- •Release date: Budokai released 2002, Tenkaichi 3 in 2007 (later but still PS2).
- •Price: Budokai $49.99 vs. Tenkaichi 3 $59.99.
Pricing & value
Budokai costs $49.99, $10 less than Tenkaichi 3 while offering comparable core experience.
Gameplay & fun factor
Tenkaichi 3’s 162+ fighters and split‑screen battles provide more variety and replayability.
Platform availability
Both are limited to PlayStation 2 hardware with no online support.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Tenkaichi 3 supports split‑screen 1v1 on a single console; Budokai only basic local multiplayer.
Content & replayability
Tenkaichi 3’s larger roster and multiple modes (Survival, Time Attack, Training) outweigh Budokai’s story and Shenron unlocks.
Difficulty & accessibility
Budokai’s simpler roster and higher critic score suggest a more polished, accessible experience.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated graphics on the same PS2 platform.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Budokai if…
Buyers who prioritize critical quality, lower price, and a concise story mode.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 if…
Buyers who want the biggest character selection and split‑screen multiplayer.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai is $49.99, ten dollars less than Budokai Tenkaichi 3 at $59.99.
Which offers more characters?
Budokai Tenkaichi 3 features over 162 playable characters; Budokai’s roster size is not specified but is smaller.
Is there online multiplayer?
No. Both titles lack online multiplayer and are limited to local PlayStation 2 play.