Dragonball: Evolution – A PSP Adventure Amidst Movie Criticism

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“Dragonball: Evolution” on the PSP takes a bold step into the Dragon Ball universe, released alongside its cinematic counterpart in 2009. Despite the movie’s negative reception among fans, the game offers a unique experience for handheld enthusiasts. Developed by Dimps, known for their work on Dragon Ball Z titles, the game ventures into a fighting/action genre, attempting to capture the essence of the iconic series. Does it manage to redeem the Dragon Ball name on the portable screen? Let’s explore this unconventional adaptation and uncover the unique features that set it apart.

Gameplay:
The gameplay of “Dragonball: Evolution” on the PSP revolves around one-on-one battles with a simplified control scheme. Players can unleash a variety of moves, combos, and special attacks with familiar characters from the Dragon Ball universe. While lacking the flight feature common in other Dragon Ball Z games, it introduces a grounded combat system with an emphasis on martial arts and close-quarters battles.

Story Mode:
The Story Mode loosely follows the narrative of the movie, allowing players to relive key moments and confront adversaries. While the movie faced criticism for its departure from the original Dragon Ball story, the game attempts to weave an engaging experience within the limitations of its handheld format.

Graphics:
“Dragonball: Evolution” showcases decent graphics on the PSP, with character models resembling their movie counterparts. The visual presentation aims to capture the cinematic style of the film, offering a visually coherent experience on the small screen.

Key Features:

• One-on-One Battles: Engage in martial arts-inspired combat with a variety of characters.
• Story Mode: Relive moments from the Dragonball: Evolution movie in a handheld format.
• Special Attacks: Unleash powerful moves and combos with familiar characters.

Pros:

1. Unique Adaptation: Offers a distinct take on the Dragon Ball universe, reflecting the movie’s visual style.
2. Simplified Controls: Accessible controls make it suitable for players of all skill levels.
3. Decent Graphics: Visuals maintain a decent quality on the portable screen.

Cons:

1. Limited Flying Mechanics: Lack of flight may disappoint fans accustomed to the freedom of movement in other Dragon Ball games.
2. Movie Departure: Deviates from the original Dragon Ball story, aligning more with the controversial movie adaptation.

Rating: 6/10

Recommendation:
“Dragonball: Evolution” on the PSP stands as a unique attempt to translate the movie experience into a handheld game. While it faces challenges due to its departure from the original story and the absence of flight mechanics, it still manages to offer a decent fighting experience for fans looking for something different on the portable screen.

Personal Note:
Despite the negative impact of the “Dragonball: Evolution” movie among fans, the PSP game brings a surprisingly playable experience. Some moves resonate with the vibes of other Dragon Ball Z games, providing a familiar touch even in the absence of flight. It’s a curious addition to the collection for fans interested in exploring alternate adaptations of the Dragon Ball universe.

Additional Notes:
This review is based on the experience of playing “Dragonball: Evolution” on the PSP. Any criticisms or praises are directed towards the game itself and not the movie.

FILE NAME	FILE SIZE
DragonBall_Evolution_EUR_PSP.7z	138.08MB

Hanapin

“Rediscover Retro. One Game at a Time.”