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jp's Dragonball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 (DS)

[June 8, 2009 01:18:35 PM]

Picked this up for less than $5 if I recall. I don't normally play fighting games. At least not by myself. However, I'm always open to trying out something new. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to understand or appreciate this kind of game. Playing this for a few hours has, however, enlightened me to some of the reasons why I don't like fighting games. Part of the appeal of a fighting game is learning the subtleties and nuances of each individual fighter. This includes their special moves, but also their particular strengths and weaknesses against the other opponents in the game. For some reason this just doesn't appeal to me. With this in mind, I set out to play this game by focusing on only one character. Surely, this would be a productive way to approach the game!

I was only able to get so far, actually. One of the neat things about this game is that, for certain matches, you have team supporting members you can "summon". Yeah, that just drove the special moves list up a little bit more, and you have to remember the different matchups. In the end, it proved to be too much for my reluctant mind to cope with. I did finish one of the "campaigns" though. :-)

It's funny how most fighting games take place on what is essentially a 1-dimensional space (ie, a line, opponents face each other). Sure, in most games you can jump and leap around, and in some you can sidestep as well. The visual representation may be 3D, with fully 3D models and all the rest, but the actual space in which gameplay occurs is generally reduced. Most fighting games occur continously along 1-dimension and then have brief forays into an additional one. (ie, the jumping and the sidestepping). This game is kind of different.

In the TV show (and the manga), the characters fly around all over the place as they fight. They're also able to float in mid-air as they power-up and launch ranged attacks. Same in the game. The gameplay is essentially 2-D, although it is subtly limited two what feels like 8-directions. Additionally, there is some "auto-aiming" going on and its pretty easy to catch up with your opponent. In other words, although I was concerned the game might turn in to a "race your opponent around the ring", it does do that. Nice.

I don't think I'll be playing much more of it, but I can appreciate the depth of the mechanics and the variety as well! I'm actually overwhelmed by all the different modes and things you can do..even if, in the end, they're all essentially fights.