Dragon Ball Z has been consistently popular in America since its introduction in the mid-‘90s, which has led to plenty of licensed videogames.  They have run the gamut from fun to terrible, in genres including fighting, action/adventure, RPG, and card-based titles, for every system imaginable.  Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu for Nintendo DS falls under this last genre, and unfortunately, lands closer to “terrible” than “fun”.

The game begins at the start of the series, with Raditz’s arrival on Earth.  Fans of the show will be happy to know that the game follows the series’ storyline from the Saiyan Saga up through the Cell Saga.  The storyline is seen through the four playable characters: Goku, Piccolo, Gohan, and (after a certain point in the story) Vegeta.  Each has their own story-specific levels, while other characters make cameos in supporting roles as the story dictates. 

Instead of using the rules of the actual Dragon Ball Z collectable card game, Harukanaru Densetsu uses a new simplified rule set.  Each card is rated in power, used for attacking and moving, guard, used for defending, and type, which determines what action the card can be used for.  Each level’s map resembles a board game, with the player moving a number of spaces equal to their chosen card’s power rating.  When you encounter enemies, battles ensue, which consist of choosing cards with the highest possible attack power and the enemy doing the same.  Whoever has the highest attack damages the other, and then the process is repeated until one is dead.  It’s about as simple as card games get, and is essentially a slightly more complex version of the classic card game War. 

Since collectable card games derive most of their fun from the complex tactical possibilities, this simplification removes much of the appeal.  That said, there is a lengthy quest here with every major and minor battle represented, and some depth is introduced later on with the concept of card combos.  While this, too, boils down to getting a higher attack stat than your enemy, it does make for some slightly more interesting battles.  Sadly, this feature isn’t introduced until several hours into the game. 

The simplification extends to the game’s graphics, as well.  The map screen features simple sprite versions of the pertinent characters.  Each card has a piece of artwork associated with it, which is usually merely the player’s character in generic action poises.  The battles themselves use detailed images of the combatants, but these are barely animated, giving fights a static feel.  The show’s energetic music is completely gone, having been replaced with generic, forgettable rock tunes.  Sound clips of the show’s voice actors are used here for special attacks and the like, but the sound effects are otherwise minimal.

The only people who could conceivably enjoy this game are hardcore Dragon Ball Z fans, or people looking for an introduction to collectable card games.  The gameplay is too simplified for anyone looking for a tactical challenge.  Its license and simplicity might make this one a perfect match for young children, but everyone else should look elsewhere.

Gameplay:  4.7

Fight Dragon Ball Z enemies by choosing the card with the biggest number on it.  Repeat.

Graphics:  5.8

Simple 2D sprites populate the board game-style maps, while the battles are fought by static (but detailed) shots from the show.

Sound:  5.2

The music here is forgettable, but not really bad.  Vocal clips from the show accompany special attacks, but otherwise sound effects are sparse.

Difficulty:  Easy

Although the occasional boss will be frustratingly powerful, most battles can be won without even trying very hard.

Concept:  5.6

Fighting Dragon Ball Z battles through a card game is a good idea.  However, it’s been done better elsewhere, such as the official Dragon Ball Z collectable card game.

Multiplayer:  6.5

Options are present for both single card download play and multi card wireless multiplayer, but neither is much more fun than playing against the computer.

Overall:  5.3

An interesting concept is simplified too much for its own good.  For hardcore fans or beginners only.