Dragon Ball Z: Budokai - Strategy Guide (Page 01)
Below are the cheat codes, hints and help for Dragon Ball Z: Budokai - Strategy Guide (Page 01).
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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai FAQ/Move List (EU)
Written by Chris Hackney (ZeroSHIFT)
Last Updated 8th September 2004
Final Version
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Use Ctrl + F to search for one for the features listed below. To make sure you
go straight to a certain section, copy and paste the search code on the right.
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................. [dbz_intro]
2. CHARACTERS .................................................... [dbz_chara]
3. GAME BASICS .................................................. [dbz_basics]
3.1. CONTROLS ............................................. [dbz_controls]
3.2. GAME SCREEN ........................................... [dbz_screen]
3.3. BASIC ACTIONS .......................................... [dbz_action]
4. EXCITING SKILL SYSTEM ........................................... [dbz_ess]
5. GAME MODES .................................................... [dbz_modes]
5.1. STORY ................................................... [dbz_story]
5.2. WORLD MATCH ............................................. [dbz_match]
5.3. DUEL ..................................................... [dbz_duel]
5.4. PRACTICE ............................................. [dbz_practice]
5.5. LEGEND OF MR. SATAN ..................................... [dbz_satan]
5.6. EDIT SKILLS ............................................ [dbz_skills]
5.7. GAME OPTIONS .......................................... [dbz_options]
6. SECRETS AND UNLOCKABLES ..................................... [dbz_secrets]
7. BREAKTHROUGHS ................................................. [dbz_break]
8. FIGHT STRATEGIES .............................................. [dbz_strat]
9. CAPSULE ENCYCLOPEDIA .........................................[dbz_capsule]
9.1. SPECIAL CAPSULES ...................................... [dbz_special]
9.2. PHYSICAL CAPSULES .................................... [dbz_physical]
9.3. SUPPORT CAPSULES ...................................... [dbz_support]
10. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................................... [dbz_faq]
11. THANKS ....................................................... [dbz_thanks]
12. CONTACT INFORMATION ......................................... [dbz_contact]
13. COPYRIGHT NOTICE .......................................... [dbz_copyright]
14. CLOSING ..................................................... [dbz_closing]
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1. INTRODUCTION - [dbz_intro]
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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai was designed by Atari for release on the PlayStation2
console, and later for the GameCube. It was the first DBZ game to be released
on a next generation platform, and was met with general approval amongst fans
of the series and other fighting buffs. It hosted a large selection of
characters from the series and a unique (if somewhat limited and lacking depth)
fighting engine and basically, it allowed fans of the series to do things not
yet experienced in a game under licence. I thoroughly recommend trying it out,
and while it isn't for everyone, you may just enjoy it.
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2. CHARACTERS - [dbz_chara]
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Here's a quick run-down on the histories of the characters in the game in
relation to Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. It's not much, so if you want more
in-depth information, I suggest looking elsewhere.
GOKU
========================================
Goku is the main character of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. He was sent to
Earth as a baby, "programmed" to destroy it when he grew older. However, after
suffering a blow to the head, he was "reprogrammed" and grew up to be an
unusual, but pure hearted soul. Found by an old man, who eventually became
known as Grandpa Gohan, he had a training in the martial arts. However, Goku
accidentally killed his grandfather when he turned into his Ozaruu form when
the moon was full. As he grew older, he was trained further by Master Roshi
and King Kai. He was the first Super Saiyan in 1000 years, and successfully
achieved Super Saiyan 2 and Super Saiyan 3 as well. Father of Gohan and Goten,
and the husband of Chi-Chi, he defeated many powerful enemies and was the
rival of Vegeta, the Saiyan Prince.
GOHAN
========================================
Gohan is the first son of Goku and Chi-Chi. He learns to fight at an early age
(Piccolo is his first mentor, and it is during this time that Gohan becomes
very fond of him). It is apparent very early on that Gohan is incredibly
powerful, and that he has a hidden power that he releases at moments of
extreme anger. Piccolo hopes to harness this power for the arrival of the
Saiyans, Vegeta and Nappa (the latter whom Gohan manages to defeat). After the
whole episode with Frieza (during which time Gohan shows this power against
Frieza) Goku is the next to try and harness this power before Gohan fights
Cell. Gohan beats Cell after becoming a Super Saiyan 2. He attends high
school, and soon becomes the caped crime crusader the "Great Saiyaman". He
starts to fall in love with Videl, whom he eventually marries. During the Buu
saga, he is beaten up badly by Majin Buu at first, but then is given a massive
power up by the Elder Kai, making him the strongest unfused character in the
series.
GREAT SAIYAMAN
========================================
Definitely one of the game's more comical character's, the Great Saiyaman is
actually just Gohan in disguise. It is a reference to the Buu saga (which
unfortunately, was not included in this game). He asks Bulma to make him some
sort of disguise so he can fight crime without being recognised by anyone, and
this goofy outfit is it.
RADITZ
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Raditz is the brother of Goku. He shows up on Earth, and finds that Goku has
not fulfilled his purpose - to destroy the entire human race. Thus, he kidnaps
Gohan, and flies away. Goku and Piccolo go after him, and after a fierce
battle, nothing seems to be working. Gohan hears his father's screams of pain,
and busts out of the Saiyan spaceship he was put in, flies out and head butts
Raditz, cracking his armour. Goku uses this chance to grab hold of Raditz, and
Piccolo charges up a Special Beam Cannon and fires it into the pair, killing
both of them.
NAPPA
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Nappa is the "bodyguard" of Vegeta, and one of the few Saiyans still alive.
Also one of the henchmen of Frieza, Nappa accompanies Vegeta to Earth in order
to search for the Dragon Balls. He is a powerful opponent, and none can match
him (even when Chaozu self-destructs, it barely fazes him) until Goku arrives.
Goku easily defeats him. Disgusted by his lack of strength, Vegeta tossed him
into the air, and fires an energy blast at him. Needless to say, we don't see
him again...
VEGETA
========================================
Vegeta is an arrogant Saiyan Prince, son of the King Vegeta, the former ruler
of Planet Vegeta. Planet Vegeta was the home to the Saiyan race until Frieza
decided that they were becoming to powerful (and thusly, too much of a threat)
He was at first the enemy of the Goku and the others when he arrived on Earth
with Nappa, in search of the Dragon Balls. He planned to wish for immortality.
He was defeated on Earth, but resumed his plot for immortality on Namek where
ironically he was killed at the hands of Frieza. After that, he kind of joined
the rest of the Z warriors, but only in a bid to make himself stronger. He was
key in the destruction of Cell. Often arrogant and ruled by his pride, Vegeta
generally only thinks of himself. He is the father of Trunks, although he
treats him as rubbish. During the Cell saga, we only see brief glimpses of
Vegeta thinking of someone other than himself. The evil is washed from his
body in the Buu saga, after he sacrifices himself for Trunks, Bulma and the
others, and finally accepts that Goku will always surpass him in power.
TRUNKS
========================================
Trunks is the son of Vegeta and Bulma, half-Saiyan, half-human. He turned
Super Saiyan one fateful after finding the lifeless body of his dead Master,
Gohan in the future. Those weren't the worst of his troubles. Two menacing
Androids were destroying everything in sight. He was the only one left - all
the other fighters had meet their deaths at the hand of the Androids. It was
at that time that Bulma started work on a time machine. The plan was for him
to go back in time, and give the heart medicine to Goku, and thus save the
future. After the Cell Games, he is able to return home and destroy the two
Androids after reaching a whole new level of power.
KRILLIN
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Krillin, Goku's best buddy, and a fellow student of Master Roshi, is one of
the oldest DB characters. A former monk, he seeks the aid of Master Roshi to
make himself stronger. He grows up with Goku, but as Goku seemingly becomes
stronger than everyone, gets pushed into the background. He was vital in the
defeat of Vegeta, helped fight the Ginyu Force, and was in part responsible
for Goku's Super Saiyan transformation (after Frieza blew him up, Goku went
off the edge). He is killed several times, once by Piccolo Daimaou, again by
Frieza, and later on by Buu. He is wished back in every occasion, though. He
eventually settles down and marries #18, and they have a daughter named Maron.
TIEN
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Tien, once taught under the Crane Hermit, fought Goku when in the 22nd Budokai
(or World Martial Arts Tournament) and beat Goku by double knock out. He was
one of the bad guys until he eventually changed his ways, and joined with the
others. His Solar Flare and Tri-Beam proved invaluable many times during the
series, and he was even able to keep Cell at bay with his constant use of the
latter technique.
YAMCHA
========================================
Yamcha is one of the oldest characters from the entire Dragon Ball and Dragon
Ball Z series. He was formerly a desert bandit, but after he and Bulma fell in
love, he starting fighting with Goku. He was then trained under Master Roshi.
He was soon overshadowed by Goku in terms of power, but continued to train. He
was killed once by a Saibaman who self-destructed on him. After this happened,
he was then trained further by King Kai. Eventually he stopped training and
settled down to a more peaceful life.
MR. SATAN
========================================
Mr. Satan first appeared during the Cell saga, a self-absorbed weirdo who was
the current champion of the World Martial Arts Tournament. He promised the
world he would put an end to Cell, and as you can imagine, got his sorry ass
handed to him by Cell, who barely even flinched. After Gohan defeats Cell,
Satan takes all the credit, and becomes a world-wide hero. He appears even
more in the Buu saga, but in effect, saves the universe after he moves Vegeta
away so Goku can launch his Spirit Bomb at Buu. He has a daughter named Videl,
whom Gohan marries.
PICCOLO
========================================
Piccolo was sent to Earth many years before Goku was born, to escape a storm
ravaging Namek. For unknown reasons, he wanted to become "Guardian of the
Earth". He was told he was unable to, because of the evil that dwelled within
him. Because of this, he split himself into two - a good half, whom we know as
Kami, and an evil half, known as Piccolo Daimaou. Kami became Guardian, while
Daimaou caused havoc. After being sealed away in a bottle by Master Roshi's
teacher. Pilaf manages to open it, and release him. Daimaou start killing
entrants in the World Martial Arts Tournament for revenge. He fights Goku, an
after a long battle, Goku manages to defeat and kill him by jumping through
his chest. Daimaou then spits out an egg, and it hatches instantly to become
Piccolo as we know him. At first, his one desire is to kill Goku, but after he
gets his wish (when he kills both Goku and Raditz with the Special Beam
Cannon) he lives and trains with a young and pure hearted Gohan, and he
changes his ways, even makeing the ultimate sacrifice for Gohan. He fuses
with another Namekian known as Nail, and then rejoins later with Kami and
becomes immensely powerful.
DODORIA
========================================
Dodoria is another of Frieza's man henchmen. He is fat and pink, pretty much.
Even so, he was strong. During his brief appearance in the series, he is
cornered by Vegeta, and threatened to reveal the true history of the Saiyans.
Seeing as he has no choice, he tells Vegeta everything he wants to know.
Vegeta kills him, even though he promised he wouldn't.
ZARBON
========================================
Zarbon is the strongest of Frieza's henchmen. He totally outclasses Vegeta in
their first battle, but after Vegeta receives his Zenkai Powerup (the ability
for Saiyans to increase their power level after sustaining near death injury),
Vegeta is faster and stronger. After round two, Vegeta emerges the victor,
easily disposing of Zarbon.
RECOOME
========================================
Recoome is a big clumsy oaf from the Ginyu Force. While being big, clumsy, and
an oaf, he is still far too powerful for Gohan, Krillin and even Vegeta to
handle. As usual, Goku sets him straight though. Not much else to say about
him really, other than that he, like the other Ginyu Force members, he likes
to make stupid looking poses...
GINYU
========================================
Captain Ginyu is the leader of the infamous "Ginyu Force" - a group of
warriors feared throughout the galaxy. He and his fellow fighters are hired by
Frieza to gather Namek's Dragon Balls. Ginyu faces off against Goku after Goku
easily defeats the others. They are seemingly on par with each other, until
Goku reveals he has been holding back. It is at that time that Ginyu uses his
special move - the ability to switch bodies with others. Goku then ends up in
Ginyu's body and the confusion mounts. In the end, (with a little help from
Vegeta) Goku manages to regain his old body. Ginyu senses Vegeta's power, and
attempts to switch bodies with him. But Goku throws a frog in his path, and
Ginyu and the frog switch bodies. Ginyu is thus defeated.
FRIEZA
========================================
Frieza was once the most feared creature in the galaxy. He had many working
for him, simply because they had two choices: serve him or die. He was also in
command of Vegeta, Raditz and Nappa. He destroyed the Planet Vegeta because he
feared the Saiyans were becoming far to powerful, and that one day, a Super
Saiyan would rise up and take control. Gohan, Piccolo, and Vegeta all faced
Frieza, and all failed to defeat him. Goku arrived and fought him. In a last
ditch effort, tried using the Spirit Bomb, gathering energy from all over the
entire galaxy. It too failed. Frieza, now more than just a little pissed off,
badly wounded Piccolo and killed Krillin. Because of this, Goku's anger boiled
over and he turned Super Saiyan. He totally outclassed Frieza. Then Frieza
fired a blast towards Namek, assuring it's destruction. The pair then fought
on a dying planet, until finally, Frieza was cut in half by his own attack. It
seemed that Frieza had finally been defeated. A few years later though, and he
returned with his father, but was easily disposed of by a waiting Trunks.
ANDROID #16
========================================
#16 was created by Dr. Gero for the single purpose of killing Goku. He was not
created in Trunks' future, as Goku had already died. He is released by #17 and
#18 after they kill Dr. Gero and appears to be a gentle being, many times
found playing with birds and animals. He is far more serious that #17 and #18,
not caring about having fun. He fights valiantly against Cell to stop him from
absorbing the pair, but unfortunately, fails. He is badly damaged, and Bulma
and Dr. Briefs manage to fix him up in time for the Cell Games. There he
attempts to save the Earth by self-destructing, but to his dismay, Bulma had
removed the explosive implanted within him. Cell then takes this time to
release himself from #16's grasp and blow him up. His head remains in tact,
and (thanks, funnily enough, to that moron Mr. Satan) is able to give Gohan
some much needed advice. Cell then step on his head crushing it. Gohan goes
Super Saiyan 2 out of rage, and the rest is history...
ANDROID #17
========================================
#17 is the brother of #18. Both were once human, but turned into cyborgs by
Dr. Gero. They were released by Dr. Gero in his attempt to overpower Vegeta
and the others. #17 is the stronger of the two, and fights Piccolo in a rough
battle. It is cut short when Cell appears and absorbs him, allowing him to
reach his Second Form. After the Cell Games, he is wished back and disappears.
ANDROID #18
========================================
#18 is the sister of #17. Both were once human, but turned into cyborgs by Dr.
Gero. They were released by Dr. Gero in his attempt to overpower Vegeta and
the others. While she isn't as strong as #17, she still outclasses both Trunks
and Vegeta in their battles in the present timeline. She is later absorbed by
Cell, and he achieves his Perfect Form. Cell spits her up during the Cell
Games however, after Gohan deals him a devastating blow to the stomach. The
eventually marries Krillin, and have a child together named Maron.
ANDROID #19
========================================
#19 is the creation of Dr. Gero. He is the first of several Androids to be set
lose upon the Earth to cause mayhem and destruction. At first he is challenged
by Goku, who mid-battle, is struck by the heart disease that Trunks foretold.
In his moment of pain, the Android takes the chance to sap a lot of his
energy. Vegeta interjects, with a quick kick to the face. Vegeta (now a Super
Saiyan) then finishes of #19 with relative ease.
CELL
========================================
Cell is an android from the future. He differs from the other Androids in that
he is biologically created, while the others a mechanical. He has been
implanted with the cells of the universe's strongest fighters (including Goku,
Vegeta, Frieza, Tien, and Piccolo) and thus possesses many of their abilities
and techniques. His goal in life is to absorb Androids #17 and #18, and reach
his "Perfect Form". After he does this, he totally outclasses everyone. To
test his skills, he decides to hold a fighting tournament known as the "Cell
Games". Here he is finally defeated by Gohan, who reaches full ascension (or
Super Saiyan 2).
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3. GAME BASICS - [dbz_basics]
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The game basics section is one of the most important parts of the guide, simply
because it covers all the... uh, basics, for lack of a better word. Everything
you need to know to get started with this game is listed right here.
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3.1. CONTROLS - [dbz_controls]
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When it comes to controls, there are several choices you can have in order to
suit your preferences. You can choose between two default setups (A and B) or
you can completely customise them, and make each button serve whatever function
you wish it too.
SETUP A
========================================
LEFT ANALOG STICK: Move
DIRECTIONAL PAD: Move
X: Guard
SQUARE: Punch
CIRCLE: Energy
TRIANGLE: Kick
L1: Nothing
L2: Nothing
R1: P + K
R2: P + G
SETUP B
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LEFT ANALOG STICK: Move
DIRECTIONAL PAD: Move
X: Energy
SQUARE: Guard
CIRCLE: Kick
TRIANGLE: Punch
L1: Nothing
L2: Nothing
R1: P + K
R2: P + G
MY SETUP
========================================
I personally prefer setup A, basically because it's the one I'm now most used
to. However, seeing as how the shoulder buttons goes relatively unused, I like
to customise them with certain moves in order to make life easier.
L1 becomes K + G. This move can be pretty handy, especially helpful as many
characters can use this ability to "jump" or for knocking an opponent far away.
Normal P + K moves (which are very good charge attacks) are handled with the
transform button (see below), and therefore need not be put here.
L2 becomes P + K + G + E, or taunt. Taunting is a handy move, although not one
I get round to using all hat often. I find it is helpful in battles where you
are constantly being bombarded from afar by ki attacks. Use it a few times and
your opponents will have low ki, and then be forced to fight up close.
R1 becomes P + K + G, or transform. This seems to be the most logical place to
put it for me, as I can easily transform when my ki allows it, without having
to resort ridiculously to try and press Punch, Kick and Guard all at once.
Normal P + K moves (which are very good charge attacks) are handled with this
button too, meaning it is used if transformations can't be done (either because
you've already transformed, you don't meet the requirements to make the next
transformation, or no transformation moves are equipped).
R2 becomes P + G, or the button combination for throw moves. Seeing as how I
almost always have a throw move in my Capsule tray, it seems like a fairly
obvious choice.
Basically, that leaves us with:
LEFT ANALOG STICK: Move
DIRECTIONAL PAD: Move
X: Guard
SQUARE: Punch
CIRCLE: Energy
TRIANGLE: Kick
L1: K + G
L2: P + K + G + E
R1: P + K + G
R2: P + G
That is what I find to be most effective control scheme. All the handy actions
are only a button press away, and on the right sides, depending on the amount
of times they are likely to be used. Having transform at R1 is easier to press
than if you were to have it at L1. Same goes with throw being R2. I know it
doesn't sound much easier, but it really is. See, you are dedicating to memory
that the left side of your pad is for movements, and the right side is for
basic actions. It's just something that I noticed during my play.
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3.2. GAME SCREEN - [dbz_screen]
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LIFE GAUGE
========================================
Your life gauge shows how much health you have left. There are three bars:
green (first), yellow (second) and red (last). Each bar represents 1000 points
of health. Once you lose 1000 points, you will move to the yellow bar. After
you lose a further 1000, you will go into red health. Once your health
diminishes another 1000 points (3000 in total) you will be knocked out, and
lose the battle. How do you restore it I hear you say? Well, there are only
three possible Capsules that can do this for you, and one of those is available
to one character only, Frieza. The use of 1/3 Senzu Beans/Senzu Bean/Frieza's
Spaceship restores your health gauge by a set amount, but they can only be
activated once your health gauge is completely depleted.
KI GAUGE
========================================
Similar to your life gauge, the ki gauge is a measure of your current ki. You
use ki for most Capsule based abilities. The ki gauge resides directly
underneath the life gauge, as a yellow bar. There is a number on the very left
of this bar, and that is your current ki level. As you fill the bar, the gauge
goes up, and once it reaches the end, your level increases by one and the gauge
returns to zero. You can increase your ki level by fighting (every successful
hit you land on an enemy raises your ki gauge by a set amount. Even when they
block, albeit for a significantly reduced amount. Alternatively, you can hold
down the guard button, then the back button twice, holding it the second time
for the desired duration. Your character will then "power up".
ROUND TIME
========================================
Between the health gauge and ki gauge of the two current fighters, there is a
counter displaying the amount of time left in the bout. Once the counter
reaches 0, the match will end, and the character who has the most health still
remaining will be declared the winner. The round time can be set in Game
Options to be a total of 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, or infinite (that
is, the round won't end until someone wins "properly").
WIN COUNT
========================================
In Duel mode, there will be a crown above each characters health bar and ki
bar. Next to it is a number, displaying the current win count for the two
characters. The higher the number, the more wins that character has.
CAPSULES
========================================
On the bottom-left and bottom-right corners of the screen, there is a circle of
Capsules shown. Depending on how many skills are set, there may be none there
at all, as well as anything between 1-7 Capsules. Certain Support Capsules
(ones that activate at the start of battle won't do anything, but everything
else will glow when activated (that includes Special, Physical, and other
Support skills) that activate/can be activated mid-battle. While it doesn't
actually DO anything, I thought it should be explained.
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3.3. BASIC ACTIONS - [dbz_action]
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PUNCHING
========================================
Pressing the punch button will allow you to punch (well duh!). Different
characters hit for differing amounts of damage when punching, although they are
mostly the same. Try stringing multiple punches together for greater effect and
damage. Characters like shorter arm spans have to get close to their opponent in
order to hit them, so be aware of that.
KICKING
========================================
By using the kick button, you will unleash a savage kick in the direction of
your opponent. Or, if you're stupid enough to do it too far away, you will do a
nice air-swing. Kicks deal more damage than punches, and once again, certain
characters will hit for more damage with their kicks. Short characters need to
get in closer so their kicks will reach.
KI BLASTS
========================================
Press the energy button and your character will fire off a small, weak ki blast
in the direction of your opponent. Generally speaking, it will always hit the
target (it won't necessarily do damage, as your character can block or deflect
it). However, depending on the angle and distance between you and your
opponent, it may go over their heads or underneath them. If this occurs, then
you should either move backwards, or try to get yourself level (in height) with
them.
GUARDING
========================================
Guarding can win matches for you. It is another of the most basic abilities in
the game. To successfully guard against attacks, you need to hold down this
button while the opponent continues to kick (or punch) you in the face. Certain
combos have lengthy recovery times, so use this to your advantage and after
they finish attacking you, counter them with a few moves of your own.
FLYING
========================================
Unfortunately, you can't fly per se, however, if you knock your opponent/your
opponent knocks you in the air they/you will continue to float there. Leave it
long enough though, and the character will eventually reach the ground again.
You can greet your opponent by just moving forward while they are in the
air, and you will gradually ascend. This is an excellent idea when fighting
shorter characters, as fights in the air make the playing field almost equal.
DASHING
========================================
Pressing forward twice in quick succession (holding it after the second time)
will make your character dash forward at a much faster rate than normal. Using
a kick or punch right before you reach the enemy makes for a devastating
combo, as it will break through guard status. Following it up with a death move
or ultimate move is highly recommended, and largely effective. What out though,
as these moves an be easily predicted from long range, and side-stepped. Then
you might be the one on the receiving end of a death move or ultimate move.
SIDE-STEPPING
========================================
Pressing the guard button + either the up or down will allow you to move your
character in that particular direction. It is very useful for cornering
opponents and then sending them through a wall or something similar. You can
win matches a lot faster in World Match mode by knocking them out of the ring,
and side-stepping makes doing this a lot easier. Side-stepping becomes a
natural reflex after a while, you'll do it without even thinking about it.
Certain long range attacks (for example, and dashing puncher kick), which
cannot normally be blocked, can be easily predicted and side-stepped. The
opponent has then lowered their guard for a substantial amount of time,
allowing you time to make your move. Following it up with a death move or
ultimate move is ideal.
STRINGING MOVES TOGETHER
========================================
Using kicks and punches in the same combo often results in devastating effects.
Mixing these together becomes and integral part of using skills too. Become
proficient with the combos of different characters so you can use them in the
correct situations, without having to think about it too much. Using the
forward and back buttons while holding either the punch or kick buttons results
in other combos. Certain combos have long recovery times though, so be careful
if they block you complete combo, then smack you one while you character tries
to regain control.
DEFLECTING KI BLASTS
========================================
By pressing the guard button just before a ki blast hits, you can deflect it
away from you, thus averting any damage that may normally be caused to you.
If you get the timing just right, you can even deflect the ki blast back at the
opponent.
POWERING UP
========================================
Press the guard button, then the back button twice, holding it the second time
for the desired duration. Your character will then "power up". Using this
method to gain ki is the fastest and most effective. However, it leaves you
largely exposed, so only do it when their is no danger of attack from your
opponent.
TRANSFORMING
========================================
Certain characters have the ability to transform. When you transform, it
increases their attack rating by 10%. Each successive transformation will raise
it by a further 10%. To transform, you need to press P + K + G when the chosen
character is at a certain ki level (generally 3 or 4 ki gauges). When the
character falls to the ground and they have less than the minimum amount of ki
gauges, the transformations stops, and your character will return to their
normal state.
TAUNTING
========================================
When you taunt an opponent, they lose one whole ki gauge. It can be done by
with P + K + G + E. It is an effective method of reversing transformations and
stopping the use of death moves and ultimate moves. However, it takes some time
to execute (around a second) and leaves you completely open to attack. The best
time to use it is when an opponent is on the ground, recovering from an attack.
BURST MODE
========================================
Burst mode is initiated two characters attack at same time, and both use a
charge attack. After it starts, the two characters will then fight incredibly
fast, very much like in the anime. To assure you come out on top, you must spin
the right analog stick round wildly. The loser's health bar is reduced some a
little.
CHARGE ATTACKS
========================================
Attacks such as P + K are known as charge attacks. Charge attacks allow the
player to hold down a certain attack combination for a short period of time. If
you hold it long enough, you can make the attack break through guard status.
GUARD BREAKERS
========================================
There are several attacks in the game that allow you to break through the guard
of an opponent. Dashing punches, dashing kicks, and P + K are a few examples of
attacks that will do this. After you break their guard status, they will be
momentarily stunned. Use this time to unleash a combo of punches or kicks, or
even use a skill.
===============================================================================
4. EXCITING SKILL SYSTEM - [dbz_ess]
===============================================================================
The ESS allows the player to quickly choose the Skills that he wants to use in
battle. These Skills fall into five categories:
SPECIAL CAPSULES: Transformations, death moves, ultimate moves, etc.
PHYSICAL CAPSULES: Throws, multi-hitting ki blast attacks, etc.
SUPPORT CAPSULES: Senzu Beans, stat modifiers, etc.
DRAGON BALLS: Used to summon Shenron to wish for Breakthroughs.
SYSTEM CAPSULES: Characters, game modes, etc.
Both Special and Physical Capsules can be put in your Capsule tray twice
(except for transformations and a few other ones) to increase the damage they
inflict.
You need to collect all seven Dragon Balls in order to summon Shenron. See the
Breakthroughs section for more details.
System Capsules are necessary to use certain characters or play certain modes.
Check out the Secrets and Unlockables section for more information on that.
One of the best things about the ESS is the ability to change Capsules to suit
your situation, and allows handicaps to be given to experienced players when
they fight novices relatively on par. Not only this, but you can test out
different combinations to decide on what best suits your fighting style, and
use them against your friends.
That's the basics of it. Let's get down to the more in-depth parts.
CAPSULE TRAY
========================================
The Capsule Tray is where you set your Capsules. There are seven slots in the
tray. Generally, this means that you can place seven Capsules in your tray.
However, some Capsules take up more than one slot (for example, Potential). In
this case, you need will need to make sacrifices when choosing your set.
Also, certain skills require other skills to be set in order for to use them.
For example, you cannot set Super Trunks (Trunks) until your set the Capsule
Super Saiyan (Trunks).
The same sort of thing applies to certain ultimate moves. For example you
cannot use Spirit Bomb (Cell) unless you have both Second Form (Cell) and
Perfect Form (Cell) in your tray. You must also be transformed into that status
as well to use the attack.
ACTIVATING SKILLS
========================================
There are three ways in which a skill can be activated during battle. They are:
1) As soon as the battle begins.
2) With the combo shown on the Skill Sheet.
3) When special conditions are met.
SKILL ICONS
========================================
These are the little pictures that appear below all the self-explanatory stuff
on the Skill sheet. They are little circles representing a certain property of
a Skill. Now get ready to be amazed by the awesome power of my ASCII art.
Although they are exact representations of the real thing, they are as close as
possible as I could make them.
(P): Skill effect increases when set repeatedly. This means that it can be
set up to two times for greater effect (for example, setting Galick Cannon
twice will result in it doing greater damage).
( ): Skill is able to be traded with other players.
(/): Skill is unable to be traded between players.
(Z): Skill can only be used once per battle. Applies to Capsules like 1/3 Senzu
Bean, Senzu Bean, Frieza's Spaceship, and a few others.
(#): The number of Capsules required to set the skill. In other words, how much
space it takes up in your Capsule tray.
ATTACK/DEFENCE RATING
========================================
Most Support Capsules make you stronger during battle, and many do it by
increasing either your Attack or Defence rating. These are explained below.
ATTACK: This is a stat that can only be seen in the practice screen. This
figure determines the amount of damage you will do to an opponent with any and
all attacks (Capsules included). It starts of at a default of 100%, but stat
modifiers (like Potential and transformations) will make this rise by a set
amount. Also, each different stat modifier you set is cumulative, you can
set multiple ones for better effect.
DEFENCE: Like the attack stat, but it affects defence. It also starts at a
default of 100%, and is affected by Capsules like armour and vests. It reduces
damage done by a certain percentage (which, in most cases, is indicated on the
Skill Sheet). It is cumulative.
RARITY
========================================
Skills are rated with four levels of rarity. The power of effects increases
with rarity.
Common --> Uncommon --> Rare --> Special Rare
<-- EASY TO ACQUIRE DIFFICULT TO ACQUIRE -->
As you might have guessed, it's the rarer Capsules that you want to get a hold
of, because they are generally better.
ACQUIRING CAPSULES
========================================
In order to get the most enjoyment out of the game, and to actually be able to
compete against friends, you are going to have to get your own Capsules. See,
using "Normal" every time you select a character from the selection screen just
isn't going to cut it against tougher opponents. Therefore, you need to find a
way to get your own Capsules. In doing this, you will be able to customise your
character completely. There are two ways to acquire Skills:
STORY MODE: You receive Capsules after defeating opponents.
SKILL SHOP: You buy Capsules with the money you have earned in World Match.
This is the best and most effective way of gaining Skills fast.
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