In addition to the story mode, there is also the obligatory two-player mode, as well as training and tutorial modes. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit also includes online modes which allow you to play in customized matches, which can be ranked or unranked. The online modes work pretty well with only an occasional lag or two during a typical bout. It definitely isn't perfect, but it works well enough.

Sound in Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is quite good. The background and title music is enjoyable and features some rocking electric guitar as well as some J-Pop vocals. Both the Japanese and English voice tracks are extremely well done and feature original voice actors. The only qualm I have with the sound scheme is the sound effect used when selecting your Z fighter; it is unusually loud and makes a peculiar pounding noise. Besides this one small problem, the sound is spot-on.

One very interesting new feature in Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is the inclusion of drama sequences during battle. Depending on your performance, different mini-cinematic scenes will be displayed. This is a pretty cool feature during the story mode, and unlocking all these dramatic sequences adds a great amount of replay value. However, these scenes also are triggered during 2-player modes and can get quite annoying, especially when you're playing an online opponent and the scene cuts in right as you were about to execute a finishing move. However, you are able to decide which (if any) dramatic scenes you want your character to be able to perform. But, if your opponent enables theirs, then you will still have to sit through it, and there is no way to skip them.

Love it or hate it, it seems like the Dragon Ball Z franchise is here to stay. Although many (including myself) doubted the ability of the franchise to make the jump to the current console generation successfully, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit proves this is one series with some serious staying power. From the amazing graphics to the incredibly deep combat system, everything about Burst Limit feels new, and I can't wait to see where this franchise is headed next. Sure, the story may be tired, but when was the last time you really played an arcade-style brawler for the story? 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!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Freelance Writer