Dragon Ball: Raging Blast

From Dragon Ball Wiki, the ''Dragon Ball'' encyclopedia

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast
Developer(s)	Spike
Publisher(s)	Namco Bandai
Series	Budokai Tenkaichi
Native resolution	720p (HDTV) 480p/576p (EDTV) 480i/576i (SDTV)
Release date(s)	November 10, 2009 USA November 12, 2009 JPN November 13, 2009 EU November 19, 2009 AU
Genre(s)	Versus fighting
Mode(s)	Single-player Multiplayer Online multiplayer
Rating(s)	ESRB: T PEGI: 12+ OFLCA: PG CERO: A
Platform(s)	Xbox 360 PlayStation 3
Media	DVD Blu-Ray Disc
Input	Xbox 360 Controller DualShock 3 SIXAXIS
Video games Listing - Category

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (ドラゴンボール レイジングブラスト, Doragon Bōru Reijingu Burasuto) is a 2009 video game released for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 consoles under the development of Spike and published by Namco Bandai.^[1] Raging Blast is the fourth game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series. As a new addition to the Budokai Tenkaichi series, it is the first on the high definition seventh generation of consoles, as well as on Microsoft's Xbox brand. The game is not a direct sequel to Tenkaichi 3, but more of a spin-off. The game is also one of the first games in the Dragon Ball franchise to be published by Namco Bandai in North America, as the company would acquire the gaming license from previous license holder Atari in July of that same year.

On October 22nd 2009, a demo was released on Xbox Live, however only in the United States.^[2] The PlayStation Network Demo was released later that day as well, also only available in the United States the following week, the demo was available as well in the European region. The demo features three characters to choose from: Goku (Base, Super Saiyan), Piccolo, and Raditz. Each character has two costumes to choose from and the playable stage is "Plains".

The game was released in North America on November 10th, November 12th in Japan, November 13th for Europe and released November 19th for Australia. A Limited Edition was also released, however it is exclusive to Europe and Australia.

Free downloadable content packs were revealed shortly after release and will be available biweekly until April 2010 (More information located below).

Information

Statistics

An in-game screen-shot of the fighting gameplay. The border around the each character's profile portrait are the health and ki meters. The green bars are health and the yellow bars are ki.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast was first mentioned the in Namco Bandai's 2009 fiscal report. It was revealed that a new game was in development for both Xbox 360 and PS3, and that the game will be released the second quarter of the 2009-2010 fiscal year ^[3]. A full announcement was featured May 2009 issue of V Jump magazine. The issue included several screenshots showing that the game contained gameplay elements from the previous Sparking (Budokai Tenkaichi) games, polished character models, and revealed the official title.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast features high definition graphics and audio, fully destructible environments, and advanced character features. Characters now have features such as facial expressions. Battle-damage has returned, and characters appear with damaged clothing as well as starches and bruises after a large amount of health is lost. Players can now also utilize a new feature called "Super Rising", which allows players to quickly fly upwards throughout large-scale battle stages. Players can also fight together, freely switching between each other and assisting one another with supporting actions. Players can customize characters using item and Super Attack customization. "D-Points" can also be earned to unlock abilities and items. The game will feature 60 fps (frames per second), both online and off. There are ten stages to battle on, all of which are far larger than previous Tenkaichi games .An environmental "sky change" effect is in the game, which occurs when a character of great power apparently powers up. "Ultimate Attack" cut scenes are also featured.

Story, online play, and other modes

The story mode of Dragon Ball: Raging Blast is called Dragon Battle Collection. Players can play through the original events of the Dragon Ball story, but their actions in battle can change the story in many different ways. Over 100 "Battle Frames" can be selected at any time, regardless of chronological order to which they appear in the series. The story spans from the Saiyan Saga up until the Kid Buu Saga. Battle Frames also include "what-if" scenarios that never occurred in the series, and completing all of them will unlock a special ending. Players can practice and hone their skills in the "Dojo". Players can also partake in the "Super Battle Trial" single-player modes. The online mode features a 16-player "Budokai Tournament", single or team battle VS, and a spectator mode where players can rate the fighters.^[4] Split-screen multiplayer is also featured for the game.

New moves and features

Vegeta traps Goku in a mountain utilizing the new environmental feature where players can trap enemies into landmasses and then inflict further damage.

New combination moves can now be utilized, allowing two characters to launch special attacks. There are also brand new environmental features such as new advanced interactions with the grounds of the battlefield. Enhanced destructible features such as rocks, mountains, and even the ground below are now destructible. The ground can now split, shatter, or just be obliterated. Players can now also throw enemies into rocks or other environment features, causing the opponent to become trapped, defenseless, and unable to move.^[5]. The capsule system from previous games also returned, allowing players to customize their characters.

Playable Characters

In June of 2009, Ryo Mito (The producer of Raging Blast) confirmed the number of characters without transformations would be 43, and including transformations and costumes (2 - 3 per character) there are over 120 playable character variants in the game. In-game transformations have returned, allowing players to utilize a character's full potential in battle. Super Saiyan 3 versions of Broly and Vegeta are now featured for what-if scenarios.

The playable characters list (with transformations):

• Goku (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3)
  • Vegito (Base, Super Vegito)
  • Gogeta (Super Gogeta)
• Kid Gohan (Base)
• Teen Gohan (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2)
• Gohan (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2)
• Goten (Base, Super Saiyan)
  • Gotenks (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 3)
• Piccolo
• Vegeta (Scouter)
• Vegeta (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Form, Super Saiyan 2')
  • Vegito (Base, Super Vegito)
  • Gogeta (Super Gogeta)
• Vegeta (Majin)
• Vegeta (Super Saiyan 3- what-if transformation)
• Krillin
• Tien
• Chiaotzu
• Yamcha
• Trunks (Sword) (Base, Super Saiyan)
• Trunks (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Form)
• Kid Trunks (Base, Super Saiyan)
  • Gotenks (Base, Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 3)
• Frieza (1st Form, 2nd Form, 3rd Form, Final Form, 100% Full Power)
• Zarbon (Base, Post-Transformation)
• Dodoria
• Captain Ginyu
• Jeice
• Burter
• Recoome
• Guldo
• Nappa
• Raditz
• Bardock
• Cell (Imperfect, Semi-Perfect, Perfect, Super Perfect)
• Android 16
• Android 17
• Android 18
• Android 19
• Android 20
• Super Buu (Base, Gotenks absorbed, Gohan absorbed)
• Fat Buu
• Kid Buu
• Videl (Base)
• Broly (Base, Super Saiyan, Legendary Super Saiyan)
• Broly (Super Saiyan 3- what-if transformation)

Versions and offers

The European and Australian Limited Edition bundle, showcased with the PlayStation 3 version.

A Limited Edition was released exclusively for Europe and Australia, reasons for never releasing in North America or Japan were never specified. GameStop and EBGames offered "bonus" for those who pre-order the game from their stores. The "Raging Blast Special Pack" contained customized Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Trunks and Gotenks in-game characters, as well as the ability to immediately play as Super Saiyan 3 Broly, one of the unlockable characters in the game.^[6] GameStop and EBgames Australia also offered a pre-order "bonus" for those who pre-order the game for their stores. The pre-order pack is DLC (downloadable content) and contains "Unique character key effects and powerful abilities for: Gohan (teen), Super Saiyan Gohan (teen), Super Saiyan 2 Gohan (teen) and Piccolo. ^[7]

Achievements and Trophies

The following are a complete list of all Xbox 360 Achievements and PlayStation 3 Trophies.

Xbox 360 Achievements

There are 50 Achievements with a total of 1000 Points. ^[8]

• 100% Complete: Obtain all the achievements - 100 Gamerscore
• Saiyan Saga Complete: Complete the Saiyan Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Frieza Saga Complete: Complete the Frieza Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Androids Saga Complete: Complete the Androids Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Majin Buu Saga Complete: Complete the Majin Buu Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Bardock Saga Complete: Complete the Bardock Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Leg. Super Saiyan Saga Complete: Complete the Legendary Super Saiyan Saga in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• What-If Stories Saga Complete: Complete the What-If Stories in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Battle-Thirsty Warrior: Unlock all the battles in the Dragon Battle Collection - 10 Gamerscore
• Limitbreaker!: Complete all the battles in the Dragon Battle Collection on the Hard difficulty setting - 40 Gamerscore
• Character Collector: Unlock every character - 10 Gamerscore
• Fashion King: Unlock every costume - 10 Gamerscore
• High-Roller Warrior: Obtain large amount of D-Points - 20 Gamerscore
• Star Holder: Collect 100 Stars - 10 Gamerscore
• Arcade King: Achieve the #1 ranking in Arcade in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Super Survivor: Achieve the #1 ranking in Survival in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Speed Demon: Achieve the #1 ranking in Time Attack in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Point Fiend: Achieve the #1 ranking in Score Attack in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Undefeated Champ: Achieve the #1 ranking in KO Attack in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Battle Bonus Complete: Earn Battle Bonus Complete in Score Attack in Super Battle Trial - 30 Gamerscore
• Battle-Crazy: Win 100 times in 1P vs. CPU battle - 20 Gamerscore
• Blazing Friendship: Fight 10 times in 1P vs. 2P battle - 10 Gamerscore
• Days of Endless Battles: Fight 30 times in 1P vs. 2P battle - 10 Gamerscore
• All Ruined: Destroy all of the objects on every map in 1P vs. CPU Versus mode - 10 Gamerscore
• Fought as All Characters: Battle as all characters in Versus Mode - 10 Gamerscore
• Fought on All Maps: Battle on all battle maps in Versus Mode - 10 Gamerscore
• Debuted on the World Stage: Fight in an Xbox LIVE battle for the first time - 10 Gamerscore
• 10 Titles Achieved: Collect 10 or more Xbox LIVE titles - 10 Gamerscore
• 20 Titles Achieved: Collect 20 or more Xbox LIVE titles - 30 Gamerscore
• 30 Titles Achieved: Collect 30 or more Xbox LIVE titles - 60 Gamerscore
• Veteran Fighter: Reach your 100th fight in Xbox LIVE battle- 20 Gamerscore
• Xbox LIVE W. Tournament Champion: Win the Xbox LIVE World Tournament - 30 Gamerscore
• World Tournament Champion: Win the offline World Tournament - 10 Gamerscore
• Cell Games Champion: Win the offline Cell Games - 10 Gamerscore
• Item Collector: Collect all items - 20 Gamerscore
• Full Item Box Expansion: Expand the Item Box to max - 10 Gamerscore
• All Characters Customized: Customize decks for all the characters - 10 Gamerscore
• Knowledge of the Fighting Arts: Complete the Battle Dojo for Beginners - 10 Gamerscore
• Seeker of the Fighting Arts: Complete the Battle Dojo (Basic) - 10 Gamerscore
• Master of the Fighting Arts: Complete the Battle Dojo (Advanced) - 10 Gamerscore
• Proof of Training: Play Single/Team Battle training 30 times - 10 Gamerscore
• Trivia Expert: View all character introductions and histories in the Museum's Character Encyclopedia - 10 Gamerscore
• Maestro : Get all of the game BGM - 10 Gamerscore

Secret Achievements

• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 30 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 60 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 20 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 20 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 10 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 20 Gamerscore
• Secret : Continue playing to unlock this secret achievement - 40 Gamerscore

PlayStation 3 Trophies

Downloadable Content

On November 25th, 2009, Namco Bandai annouced a series of free series of downloadable content that will release biweekly. Each pack will include customized versions of popular characters, each with different powered-up abilities, which can be used in versus battles in the game.

• Nov. 24, 2009 (PlayStation Network): Warriors on Earth Pack – Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu

• Nov. 26, 2009 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace): Warriors on Earth Pack – Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu

• Dec. 10, 2009: Alien Warriors Pack – Vegeta (Scouter), Raditz, Nappa, Zarbon and Dodoria

• Dec. 22, 2009 (PlayStation Network): Ginyu Force Pack – Captain Ginyu, Recoome, Burter, Jeice and Guldo

• Dec. 24, 2009 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace): Ginyu Force Pack – Captain Ginyu, Recoome, Burter, Jeice and Guldo

• Jan. 7, 2010: Androids Pack – Android #16, Android #17, Android #18, Android #19 and Dr. Gero

• Jan. 21, 2010: Warriors of Justice Pack – Kid Gohan, Gohan, Kid Trunks, Goten and Videl

• Feb. 4, 2010: Revived Warriors Pack – Majin Buu, Kid Buu, Broly, Super Gogeta and Super Saiyan 3 Broly

• Feb. 18, 2010: Saiyans Pack – Majin Vegeta, Trunks (Fighting Teen), Vegito, Bardock and Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta

• March 4, 2010: Ultimate Warriors Pack 1 – Goku, Teen Gohan, Piccolo, Bardock and Super Gogeta

• March 18, 2010: Ultimate Warriors Pack 2 – Majin Vegeta, Frieza, Android #17, Android #18 and Cell

• April 1, 2010: Ultimate Warriors Pack 3 – Vegeta (Scouter), Vegeta, Trunks (Sword), Vegito and Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta

• April 15, 2010: Ultimate Warriors Pack 4 – Majin Buu, Super Buu, Kid Buu, Broly and Super Saiyan 3 Broly

Reception and Sales

Sales

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast sold a total of 182,782 copies worldwide in it's first week. The PlayStation 3 version dominated with 134,261 copies sold, while only 48,521 copies were sold on the Xbox 360, mainly due to the PS3's superiority in Japan, where the main amount of sales took place. The PlayStation 3 version was the 10th highest selling game worldwide the week of November 14th, while the Xbox 360 version was the 37th. ^[9] Despite credibly decent sales, the game debuted much lower than all previous entries in the Budokai Tenkaichi series as well as Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit, which during the summer of 2008 was the top selling game in Japan and the 7th and 25th in North America ^[10]. These lower than expected sales could be in due to the low amount of Raging Blast advertisement in North America, as well as the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was the biggest entertainment release of all time. ^[11] Black Friday sales would help to greatly boost the games sales in the United States, allowing the game to sell more copies in it's third week than it did during it's first week of sales.

As of December 10th, 2009, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast currently has sold approximately 390,000 copies across both consoles worldwide, with 260,000 on the PlayStation 3, and 130,000 on the Xbox 360. ^[12]

Reception

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast was met with mainly mixed reviews from game critics. The Xbox 360 version currently holds a review of a 60/100 on Metacritic ^[13], while the PlayStation 3 version holds a slightly lower 59/100. ^[14]

IGN stated "Sure, there's lots of content, but the stories are poorly told (which alienates people who don't already know them) and the gameplay mechanics have numerous, numerous problems." It gave both versions of the game a 62/100 ^[15]

GameSpot gave the game a 60/100 and stated "The huge assortment of characters, stories, costumes, and other aspects of Dragon Ball lore cannot hide how shallow and uninspired the fighting mechanics are." ^[16]

GameDaily reviewed the game as a 50/100, and noted that "While Raging Blast has a likable presentation and lots of options, the stale fighting and infuriating camera are hard to ignore." ^[17]

TeamXbox awarded the Xbox 360 version of Raging Blast with a 74/100 and stated, "While the game’s got plenty of flaws that will bruise the experience for the average gamer, fans will likely look past the technical issues and enjoy reliving the series again…at least long enough for the next inevitable Dragon Ball game to come along." ^[18]

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US) awarded the PS3 version of Raging Blast a 60/100 and stated "So, baring the possible glory or failure of Raging Blast's online mode, this is a rather predictable entry in the tale of Goku and Gohan."

G4 gave Raging Blast a score of 3/5, commented by saying "The next-generation successor to Spike's Budokai Tenkaichi games, Raging Blast doesn't have its predecessor's massive character count, but it makes up in a couple of critical ways. In high definition, it looks about as good as a Dragon Ball game ever will, and this is the first time the series has featured a smooth, lag-free online mode." ^[19]

Digital Chumps scored the game with a 72/100, stating "Raging Blast has a lot going for it with 70 playable characters, lots of modes, online play, and a nice presentation. The camera and controls remain the most concerning part of the package, but for any average Dragon Ball or avid fighting fan, it's well worth a look." ^[20]

Gaming Age gave the game a much lower score of 33/100, exclaiming that "Still, even with the excessive fan service employed here, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast is a far cry from a good game, or even a good Dragon Ball related game." ^[21]

Teletext GameCentral gave a 50/100, and stated "After a solid few years the Dragon Ball games are regressing, particularly in this flawed fighter." ^[22]

Cheat Code Central gave a 52/100, and stated "Dragon Ball: Raging Blast has a lot of things going for it including an interesting story mode, great graphics, and a huge character roster. However, the foundation of the game - the battle system - isn't very fun, and that sinks the whole experience." ^[23]

Trivia

• Dragon Ball: Raging Blast could technically be considered as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4.
• Even though Raging Blast seems to be revolve only around Dragon Ball Z, it is called "Dragon Ball Raging Blast" and not "Dragon Ball Z Raging Blast, as opposed to other Dragon Ball Z games.
• This is the first Tenkaichi game to feature no Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball GT characters.
• This is the only Tenkaichi game that has no giant characters.
• This is the second game to be exclusively released on the high definition next-gen consoles, the first being Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit in 2008.
• This is the first of the Tenkaichi series to be released on the high definition next-gen consoles and the first to be on a Microsoft console (Tenkaichi series was never on the original Xbox or Xbox 360).
• On August 19th, 2009, a Super Saiyan 3 version of Broly was shockingly revealed as one the two bonus characters in the game.
• Broly, Bardock (technically manga and TV special) and Gogeta are the only movie characters in this game.
• DLC is available for the Xbox 360 version and for the PS3 version, making this the first Dragon Ball game to receive any downloadable content. ^[24][25]
• SSJ3 Broly is said to be a game exclusive character, however his first appearance was in the Japanese-only arcade game "Dragon Battlers", released in Spring 2009 ^[26], now a new scan shows the same situation for Super Saiyan 3 Vegeta.
• In Two Japanese commercials for Raging Blast, the commentator mistakenly says, "Dragon Ball: Raising Flast" in English. It is unknown how or why such an error occurred.
• On October 8th, 2009, a Super Saiyan 3 version of Vegeta was shockingly revealed as the second bonus character in the game.
• Dragon Battle Collection takes some elements from Tenkaichi 2's Dragon Adventure, with the cut scenes before and after the battle and some aspects from Tenkaichi 3's Dragon History mode where the warriors are talking while in battle to create an ultimate Tenkaichi game.
• There is a What-If fight between Vegito & Gogeta.
• For reasons unknown Gohan does not have his Ultimate form even though Super Buu has his Gohan absorbed state.
• Vegeta's and Broly's Super Saiyan 3 forms are treated as individual characters instead of transformations.
• The game had the lowest selling opening week of the Tenkaichi Budokai series.

Gallery

References