Why is Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 – Another Road So Hard?
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2, also known as Another Road in North America, holds a special place in the hearts of many DBZ gaming fans, but it’s also infamous for its brutal difficulty. The difficulty stems primarily from a combination of factors that test a player’s patience, skill, and strategic planning. First, the final story arc’s gauntlet of boss battles is exceedingly demanding. Players face nearly ten bosses in rapid succession, each needing to be defeated three times to achieve a true victory. This is not a single health bar depleted three times; each subsequent fight resets the health bar. Second, the added pressure of defending the cities during this onslaught adds a unique and frustrating layer of complexity. Failing to protect the cities can lock players out of unlocking Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Majin Vegeta, adding immense stakes to each encounter. Finally, the AI’s aggressive behavior and ability to consistently chain combos can be overwhelming, especially if the player makes a single mistake. It demands mastery of blocking, dodging, and Ki management to survive. The unique mechanics, when coupled with the sheer number of fights, elevates Shin Budokai 2 beyond a simple fighting game and into a true test of Dragon Ball Z endurance.
The Perfect Storm of Difficulty
Let’s delve deeper into the components that make Shin Budokai 2 such a formidable challenge.
Relentless Boss Rush
The endgame boss rush is the core of the game’s difficulty. Each boss has distinct attack patterns and levels of aggression. Learning and adapting to each one is necessary for survival. The game doesn’t grant the player a breather either. There are no opportunities to recover between fights, leaving players in a state of perpetual vulnerability. The requirement of defeating each boss three times amplifies the challenge significantly. While some might perceive this as repetitive, it forces players to exploit weaknesses effectively and conserve resources like health and Ki.
City Defense Mechanic
The city defense mechanic acts as a sword of Damocles hanging over the player’s head. During the grueling boss battles, cities are under constant threat of destruction. Players must strategically allocate resources to defend them, often interrupting their own offensive to assist. This creates a high-stakes multitasking scenario that demands situational awareness and quick decision-making. The consequences of failing to defend the cities are not merely cosmetic. Losing cities can prevent the unlocking of crucial characters like SSJ4 Goku and Majin Vegeta, a powerful incentive to succeed. This mechanic essentially forces players to balance two objectives: defeating powerful bosses and protecting vulnerable targets, all at the same time.
Aggressive AI and Combo Chains
Shin Budokai 2‘s AI is known for its relentless aggression. Opponents are quick to capitalize on mistakes, and their combo chains can deplete a player’s health bar in a matter of seconds. Mastering the game’s blocking and dodging mechanics is essential for survival. The AI’s ability to read player inputs can also be frustrating, making it difficult to execute special moves or evasive maneuvers consistently. This forces players to be unpredictable and adapt to the AI’s behavior, rather than relying on predictable patterns.
Limited Resources and Healing Items
Unlike some modern fighting games, Shin Budokai 2 doesn’t shower players with healing items or opportunities to recover health. Resource management is crucial. Players must strategically use Ki and items to stay alive during the boss rush. Overusing special moves can leave them vulnerable, while neglecting healing can lead to a quick defeat. This scarcity of resources adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging gameplay. Players must carefully weigh their options and make every decision count.
Triumphant Overcoming
Despite its difficulty, Shin Budokai 2‘s challenging gameplay is also a significant part of its appeal. Conquering its challenges provides a real sense of accomplishment. It tests skills, resource management and strategic thinking and demands a mastery of the game’s mechanics. For those who persevere, unlocking the coveted SSJ4 Goku and Majin Vegeta becomes a badge of honor, a testament to their skill and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the strongest character in DBZ: Shin Budokai 2?
According to the original article, on the hero side, Gohan surpasses all non-fused fighters. The only character stronger than Gohan is Vegito.
2. Is Budokai 2 a good game?
While opinions vary, the original article highlights improved load times, a more balanced damage system, an increased character roster, and better production values as positives.
3. What is the difference between Shin Budokai 2 and Another Road?
There is no gameplay difference. Shin Budokai 2 is the title used in Japan and Europe, while Another Road is the North American title.
4. How do you get Super Saiyan 4 in Shin Budokai 2?
You have to beat the last level of the game without letting any cities get destroyed and achieve 100% total completion. Kid Buu is often recommended as a good character to use.
5. Will there ever be another Budokai?
Yes! Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 was announced in 2023, marking a return to the series after over a decade.
6. Is Budokai Tenkaichi 4 real?
Yes, it’s real. A teaser trailer has been released.
7. Why was Budokai 3 so good?
Budokai 3 included deep customization options, giving players the freedom to tailor characters to their preferred playstyle.
8. How do you get Vegito in Budokai 2?
Using Goku, you must reach the Supreme Kai to get the earrings, and then reach Vegeta. From that point, you have the Vegito Fusion enabled for Goku. Alternatively, you can get the Goku Breakthrough and Vegeta Breakthrough, and then wish for the Vegito fusion using the Dragonballs.
9. Can Shin defeat Goku?
No, Shin is considerably weaker than Goku.
10. Who is stronger, Goku or Shin?
Goku is significantly stronger than Shin.
11. Can Goku defeat Zeno?
It seems unlikely that Goku will ever fight or defeat Zeno, as Zeno’s power is incomprehensible.
12. Is Budokai Tenkaichi for real?
Yes, Budokai Tenkaichi 4 is real and in development.
13. How many Dragon Ball Shin Budokai games are there?
There are two main Shin Budokai games: Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai and Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai – Another Road (which is also known as Shin Budokai 2).
14. Are Budokai 3 and Infinite World the same?
No, while they share a similar engine, Infinite World combines elements from previous games in the Budokai series and features altered movesets.
15. Why is the Games Learning Society important for understanding games like Shin Budokai 2?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) highlights the educational and cognitive benefits of gaming. Understanding the elements of challenge, resource management, and strategic decision-making, as seen in Shin Budokai 2, can provide valuable insights into how games foster learning and problem-solving skills. GamesLearningSociety.org offers a unique perspective on the broader impact of video games, moving beyond simple entertainment.
In conclusion, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 – Another Road is hard because of its relentless boss rush, demanding city defense mechanic, aggressive AI, and limited resources. It’s an experience that tests the player’s skill and provides immense satisfaction upon completion.