CNET Networks Entertainment GameSpot | GameFAQs | SportsGamer | Metacritic | MP3.com | TV.com
Home | About Metacritic | About Metascores | What's New | Wireless Versions | Discussion Forums | Advertising Inquiries | Contact Us | RSS
Metacritic.com: We Deal With Criticism
     Help
> Switch to Advanced Search  
Film Video/DVD Music Games TV

Games

Playstation Reviews
PS3 | PS2 | PS One | PSP

Xbox Reviews
Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo Reviews
Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64


PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

How Metascores Are Calculated
Discuss Games In Our Forums

 

Upcoming & Recent Releases

sort by name sort by score

75 Age of Booty
xx Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Make the Grade
65 Armored Core for Answer
65 Baja: Edge of Control
78 Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
71 Battle Fantasia
29 Beat'n Groovy
85 Bionic Commando Rearmed
69 Blitz: The League II
xx Bolt
93 Braid
76 Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
42 Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009
84 Call of Duty: World at War
82 Castle Crashers
75 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
62 Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant
30 Crazy Mouse
xx Damnation
63 Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3
89 Dead Space
xx Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon
xx Disney Sing It
49 Domino Master
80 Duke Nukem 3D
89 Fable II
53 Fable II Pub Games
54 FaceBreaker
93 Fallout 3
85 Far Cry 2
65 Feeding Frenzy 2: Shipwreck Showdown
87 FIFA Soccer 09
62 Fracture
74 Galaga Legions
93 Gears of War 2
90 Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
63 Gin Rummy
45 Golden Axe: Beast Rider
57 Guilty Gear 2: Overture
85 Guitar Hero World Tour
xx Hei$t
xx High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance!
68 Infinite Undiscovery
xx Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2
78 Kingdom for Keflings, A
xx Last Remnant, The
89 Left 4 Dead
60 Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, The
47 Legendary
77 LEGO Batman
71 Lips
64 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
84 Madden NFL 09
82 Mega Man 9
72 Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
81 Midnight Club: Los Angeles
79 Mirror's Edge
50 MLB Stickball
51 Monopoly
76 Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
68 Moto GP 08
xx Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade
83 Naruto: The Broken Bond
84 NBA 2K9
77 NBA Live 09
71 NCAA Basketball 09
66 Need for Speed Undercover
67 NFL Head Coach 09
89 NHL 09
69 NHL 2K9
43 PDC World Championship Darts 2008
79 Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness - Episode 2
43 Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball
89 Portal: Still Alive
xx Prince of Persia
74 Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
85 Pure
xx Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords - Revenge of the Plague Lord
65 Quantum of Solace
41 Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009
92 Rock Band 2
39 Rock Revolution
53 Rocket Bowl
82 Saints Row 2
73 Samurai Shodown II
76 Scene It? Box Office Smash
xx SCORE International Baja 1000
50 Shadow Assault Tenchu
64 Shaun White Snowboarding
65 Shotest Shogi
66 Shred Nebula
72 Silent Hill: Homecoming
55 Smash Court Tennis 3
xx Sonic Unleashed
85 Soulcalibur IV
59 Spectral Force 3
69 Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
73 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
48 Summer Athletics: The Ultimate Challenge
xx Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
82 Tales of Vesperia
xx Talisman
xx Things on Wheels
84 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
62 TNA iMPACT!
78 Tom Clancy's EndWar
78 Tomb Raider Underworld
65 Too Human
59 Vigilante 8: Arcade
82 Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise
45 War World
54 Warhammer: Battle March
43 Warriors Orochi 2
82 WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009
xx You're in the Movies
46 Zoids Assault
xx Zombie Wranglers

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.



Printer-Friendly Version Email This Page Discuss In Our Forums
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit xbox360 Game Reviews
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
Critic Score
Metascore: 72 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.3 out of 10
based on 49 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is the first game of the Dragonball Z series to hit the next generation consoles. During each battle, find conditions to create new dramatic scenes. After the battles, watch a unique story unfold each time you play. There is also a stronger element of offence and defence, due to added energy saving and fighting techniques. Competition grows with the ability to play online in both the co-op and vs. modes. During each battle, find conditions to create new scenes and watch a unique story unfold at the end of each game. Experience visuals and movement reminiscent of the anime due to Z3 shading technology and detailed effects. Increased speed of charge and release on the field, free movement around the field, and increased speed and power of attacks. Use of special skills will no longer drain energy. The lower your energy, the stronger you get, making for a possible turnaround of the battle. Each character in the game has his own "Fatal Blow". If the player successfully attacks his opponent, this would be a finishing move, but if not, it will put the player in the disadvantageous situation, and he must battle with no Fatal Blow for the rest of the battle. [Atari]

PUBLISHER: Atari
DEVELOPER: Dimps
GENRE(S): Fighting
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2008

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Gaming Nexus
Fans of DBZ, both the games and the show, can find enough here to keep them satisfied and coming back for more but fighting gamers may find the slower paced combat and the drama pieces a turn off.
Read Full Review
92
Console Monster
If you are looking for a great fighting game, stop looking--you've just found it. Whether you are a fan of the TV show, or have never even heard of it, DBZ: BL is quite simply brilliant.
Read Full Review
90
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
It's nice to play a game that manages to be fun for the hardcore and casual alike. [Summer 2008, p.48]
88
Cheat Code Central
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a must-own for DBZ fans, and if you're a fan of button-mash fighters, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up!
Read Full Review
85
GamePro
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit managed to really impress me. It's not perfect but it's a fast, over-the-top fighter that's an absolute blast. The single-player Z Chronicles mode is perfect for hardcore fans and the multiplayer options are good enough that you'll want to call your friends over for a few matches.
Read Full Review
83
Gamers.at
Every “Dragonball Z” fan’s prayer to the gaming gods seems to have been granted at long last. Gone are the days of Budokai Tenkaichi – Burst Limit is here, and it’s here to stay!
Read Full Review
82
GameTrailers
Burst Limit is a well-rounded package in fighting shape, keeping up its momemtum by offering plenty of different modes. As a fighter, it holds its own weight with a large cast of characters, unique and easy to perform special moves, and tight controls.
Read Full Review
81
MEGamers
A great game for anyone looking for a super-fast brawl.
Read Full Review
80
Thunderbolt
After the final battle has been fought, the fact remains that this is one excellently polished and solid fighting experience.
Read Full Review
80
Da Gameboyz
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a pretty good game that manages to stay true to the anime series.
Read Full Review
80
Worth Playing
With a great combat system, good-looking characters, and a ton of unlockables, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit was poised to be the game that brought in new legions of Dragon Ball Z fans. Unfortunately, the lack of any explanation of the story — coupled with a few nitpicks here and there regarding online lag, boring stage design and predictable AI — means that this one isn't likely to find mass market appeal.
Read Full Review
80
GameSpy
The lack of characters combined with the relative lack of gameplay modes makes the overall package seem a bit shallow, as if the inevitable sequel will feature more content. Even so, Burst Limit is a quality fighting game. Non-fans will be lost within the convoluted confines of the Z Chronicles, but the improved battle engine can't be denied.
Read Full Review
80
Gamer.nl
This is the best and best looking Dragon Ball Z game that has been made. Every fan should buy this game.
Read Full Review
80
WonderwallWeb
In the end I did enjoy this game, the ease of online and the ability to view your opponent’s power rating is faithful to the show and the inclusion of Drama abilities is a really good idea.
Read Full Review
80
GameCritics
Beyond its successes as a light, accessible fighting game, Burst Limit's greatest achievement as a DBZ fighting game is finally presenting the story and characters in all of their utterly ludicrous glory.
Read Full Review
79
Jolt Online Gaming UK
The AI falls prey to cheap tricks consistently; almost all of the characters have to be unlocked through the single player and to unlock all of the drama scenes you need encyclopaedic knowledge of the series itself.
Read Full Review
79
IGN
A strong fighting game, with combat mechanics that are both simple and deep.
Read Full Review
79
Planet Xbox 360
Reminiscent of the anime, Burst Limit is an intriguing game for fans and newcomers alike.
Read Full Review
79
GameZone
The gameplay shines through and is a critical success in terms of delivering something similar to the anime.
Read Full Review
78
IGN AU
It looks absolutely fantastic, and is leaps and bounds ahead of previous title in the franchise. However, the age old balance issue of depth vs accessibility ultimately rears its ugly head, and the balance is tipped a little too much towards the casual player – to the extent that even fans may find themselves getting bored quickly.
Read Full Review
77
Team Xbox
Fans of DBZ and lovers of other Dimps-branded Dragon Ball titles, as mentioned earlier, will want to rush out and pick Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit up. Hardcore fighting gamers will also enjoy the ranged stick-and-move nature of this unique fighter.
Read Full Review
76
DailyGame
The DBZ series' next-gen debut looks and sounds good, but its gameplay has some minor annoyances that are poorly timed, considering Soulcaliber IV isn't all that far off. You're better off waiting for that one instead.
Read Full Review
75
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
Just in case you’re starving for some more Dragon Ball, Burst Limit offers a great visual representation of the series with a solid combat system, but there’s not as much content as the last PS2 entry. With its online modes, Burst Limit is a positive debut for current gen console, but we crave for more. [July 2008]
75
PTGamers
Burst Limit is a good fighting game for fans, and fun overall. However, those familiar with previous games will frown at some limitations.
Read Full Review
75
XboxAddict
Overall, the game does not having a long lasting appeal to the casual gamer. Its fun in the beginning but it quickly gets repetitive with the drama scenes, dialogue and basic fighting.
Read Full Review
75
GameSpot
This 3D fighting game can be enjoyed by newcomers to the DBZ universe and Super Saiyan wannabes alike.
Read Full Review
75
Official Xbox Magazine
Twenty-plus playable characters (including fisticuff faves Krillin, Goku, and Piccolo), ground-based and sky-bound battles, a brimming list of offline challenges, and an addictive around-the-globe online Versus mode (complete with leaderboard tracking) fill out this beefy package.
Read Full Review
72
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Get rid of the drama, though, and Burst Limit becomes a delight. [July 2008, p.78]
70
360 Gamer Magazine UK
Although significantly streamlined compared to the last wave of DBZ titles and perilously confusing at times, Burst Limit looks and feels at home on today’s meaty hardware. Mechanics are generally tight and far more intricate than you might expect from a game like this so while more traditional fighters may still have the edge for all but the most devout anime fans, this is a surprising treat for those with the patience to get to grips with it and the good nature to overlook its relative lack of content.
70
MS Xbox World
Although it is a solid fighting game, if you don't appreciate the style of the cartoons then it could get old fast, for example you might have just nailed a complicated combo only to have it interrupted and ended by a drama card which is totally out of your control.
Read Full Review
70
GameDaily
The visuals and sound carry the anime style to near perfection and the gameplay, while lacking originality, has lots of kick, even though online battles suffer from lag problems.
Read Full Review
70
PALGN
A shiny coat of paint isn’t enough to hide the fact that the depth in the fighting has been somewhat compromised, the game is the lowest on content since the original Budokai title and the least friendliest to those who aren’t fans.
Read Full Review
70
GamerNode
DBZ games took a big step forward with Burst Limit's visuals, animation, and true-to-show presentation style. Unfortunately, the other aspects seem to have taken two steps back.
Read Full Review
70
EuroGamer
Its kinetic manga style makes for a refreshing change compared to the more earthbound Tekkens and Dead or Alives of this world, and for those who are willing to invest time in the deep combo system the rewards are numerous.
Read Full Review
68
Console Gameworld
If you’re looking for a good DBZ fighter, go to your nearest bargain bin and pick up Budokai 3. If you’re looking for the ultimate Dragonball Z simulation game, go pick up Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Both games are cheaper and provide better gaming experiences than Burst Limit.
Read Full Review
68
GamingExcellence
Fans of DBZ won’t be disappointed with Burst Limit but for the rest of us out there, this game can be recommended as a fine rental but nothing more.
Read Full Review
64
Gamer 2.0
DBZ Burst Limit is a game that's very clearly made for its fans. A newcomer who picks this game up will have absolutely no idea what's going on in the story, other than seeing a lot of oddly dressed people yelling at the top of their lungs for no obviously apparent reason.
Read Full Review
62
Gamers' Temple
If you are keeping score, Burst Limit's fighting is shallow, the single player is ok if you have pre-existing knowledge of the show's plot but unintelligible if you don't and the online play is marred by disconnects and/or lag issues.
Read Full Review
61
Games Master UK
What it gains in looks it loses in excitement. [Aug 2008, p.74]
60
Official Xbox Magazine UK
A great little fighter though a bit repetitive. [Aug 2008, p.78]
60
VideoGamer
We can't help but feel that Burst Limit is an opportunity lost.
Read Full Review
60
Level7.nu
This game does a lot of things well and a few things wrong, but there's just something about this title that doesn't feel right. The presentation is great and the pace is fast, but the fights themselves just aren't interesting enough. It's not a bad game in any way and for short periods of time it can be quite entertaining. But with a lack of depth those periods of time grow few and far between fast.
Read Full Review
60
Xbox360Achievements
Burst Limit was a poor start for DBZ’s future with the 360, but it could have been worse. The art stays true to the series as do the cutscenes.
Read Full Review
60
Giant Bomb
Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is definitely more a game for those familiar with the series than players looking for a deep, competitive fighting game. While it's visually engaging, those without an interest in the actual Dragon Ball Z franchise will find the fighting too simplistic to be rewarding.
Read Full Review
58
1UP
If you love Dragon Ball Z -- like, love it to the point where tears run down your face as you stare at your Vegeta wall scroll -- then you'll love Burst Limit. Casual fans, like myself, will be impressed initially but ultimately let down by the fact that -- despite the new name -- this is still part of the Budokai family of fighters.
Read Full Review
50
X360 Magazine UK
It’s not that Burst Limit is a bad game, it’s just painfully average. [Issue#34, p.96]
50
GameShark
Another problem that is baffling is that there are fewer characters available for the versus and online play match types than there were in the last game.
Read Full Review
50
Gamestyle
Quite frankly, even long time Dragon Ball Z fans will get limited fun out of this. Burst Limit isn't necessarily bad and can be quite fun at first, but you'll get bored of it after a few days because of the above mentioned issues and go back to playing something else.
Read Full Review
40
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Too much Ball Z and not enough brawl. If you know what we're Saiyan. [Aug 2008, p.85]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Discuss this game in our forums

Return to top of page
Home | FILM | DVD/VIDEO | MUSIC | GAMES | TV | Forums | About Metacritic metacritic.com

Popular on CBS sites: MLB | Spore | iPhone 3G | Paris Hilton | Antivirus Software | GPS | Recipes | Shwayze | NFL

About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2008 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use