Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenshai is a slight departure from previous Budokai games. More accessible to those new to Dragon Ball Z, but rather quirky and with sometimes very different controls.

Originally released earlier this year in Japan as Dragon Ball Z: Sparking!, Tenkaichi does not use the standard 3D fighting recipe previously found in the Budokai games. Tenkaichi instead uses a third person action model.

The game is still essentially a fighter, but, within the bounds of each level you can run or fly around as you wish. The camera changes back to a more standard view for special moves, but the rest of the game has an entirely different feel, one that does fit very well with the style of Dragonball Z.

One of the main problems with the game stems from this new camera view, however. You have very little control over the camera angles, which can lead to frustrating moments when you lose site of your foe, or when you end up stuck in a strange view while fighting in a cramped area.

There are some nice touches to the controls, however - the obligatory lock-on feature is very useful, especially with the camea system. It allows you to strafe and move, and will make all movements relative to your enemy. Combat is simple and intuitive for me most part also, with an easy to use combo system.

The game is quite difficult to start off with, I found (as someone who was not a fan of the original games) that it took a lot of practice to learn the moves required to complete some of the missions. Fans of the series may think differently there however.

There are several modes, including a couple of different tournaments, and a multi player mode.

Graphically, the characters have made the transition to 3D very well - better than I had expected. Sound-wise, you have a choice of sticking with the English voiceovers and music, or turning on the Japanese ones if you are a hardcore fan. According to our resident series fan (but non-gamer) both sound authentic. It might be worth trying the Japanese just out of interest even if you are a newcomer - it really does change the experience.

Overall, I think this is an interesting game. It is a little clumsy and hard to get used to, but it is also a refreshing change from your standard fighter.

Graphics: 8/10 Sound: 8/10 Controls: 7/10 Game play: 8/10 Overall: 8/10