DragonBall: Raging Blast (PS3/360)

Hao_Kaiser · Post by **Hao_Kaiser** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:05 pm

Rory wrote:
JulieYBM wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4qPJc4WOJI

Oh wow, Freeza's transformation animations now actually show him growing into his second and third forms. Incredible!!
It'd be cool.. if it didn't take 13 seconds.

I'll agree with that. It'd be cool to see once or twice, but I can see that getting old very quickly.

Also, wow... You guys weren't lying about the camera angles. 0_0;

JulieYBM · Post by **JulieYBM** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:06 pm

I believe transformations can be kept.

Sebastian (SB) · Post by **Sebastian (SB)** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:44 pm

Rory wrote: As for my little verdict.
Good:
Less characters!
Cool new theme song
Somewhat graphically superior
Bad:
Same old gameplay
Controls made even more complex (possible?!)
Needless special effects at times
Only somewhat graphically superior

Agree on all fronts, except you forgot to put terrible camera collision on bad as well. I'm also glad there's less characters, but I wish they would've put in the Dragon Ball characters as well. Young Son Goku, Roshi/Jackie Chun, Taopaipai (with his Cyborg version as transformation that activates when down to one health bar and is not irreversible), Piccolo Daimao, Arale, Blue, and Chi-Chi (both Young and 23rd version just to complement the two Gokus). I could careless about the GT and movie characters. While I'm all for the simulating the Dragon Ball Z fights, it just seems like the developers are just getting really lazy. Even on Dimps's end with the Burst Limit series. Come on, reboots of games we played years back? Would it kill to offer a dozen or so new gameplay mechanics or features? Sure they are some slight innovations here and there, but it's just not enough when you basically end up playing the same gameplay and controls. For the proposed smooth 60fps online is a welcome addition. The Sparking! games are just ideal for online VS. matches.

I say Dimps should just drop the potential Burst Limit series and co-develop Super DragonBall Z 2 with Crafts and Meister. They've done a good job of bringing Street Fighter IV to the consoles. It just seems like a no brainer to me. Make a traditional manga-inspired fighting game with better effects and presentation to give it the "Dragon Ball Z feel" of the Budokai 3 and various Sparking! games, while giving more accessibility to casual gamers. Air combos and tag team supers being the new addition with every major character from the Dragon Ball manga series.

Fox_Boogie · Post by **Fox_Boogie** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:43 pm

Rory wrote:
Fox_Boogie wrote:-lolz

Words to live by.
You live quite a sad life if those're words to live by. Most people complained about Burst Limit because "No characters!" the same people who suck Sparking!'s balls day and night. Street Fighter Alpha 3 has more characters than Street Fighter III, does this make it a better game? Of course not, you'd have to be high to say that gameplay wise, SFA3 is better. Same goes from Burst Limit, the main characters are all there, and the gameplay was improved, and the graphics sky rocketed. If you're complaining, you're probably missing the "game" bit and just looking for impressive super moves. In that case, may I recommend Budokai 3? It's older, yet still graphically superior to the Sparking! series.

Fox_Boogie wrote:I can understand people wanting to have the " next-gen " Sparking experience, but so far I'm still content with Sparking Meteor, for it delivers more.
It's hardly "next-gen", we're years into the current generation of gaming, when was the last time they released an Xbox or Gamecube game? The PS2 is the only one still going. Oh, and stop saying "lolz".

Anyway, back to the game!
Son, I am dissapoint.
I thought this game wasn't going to be the mess I assumed it to be at first. Recent trailers have show potential, but no, it's the same old game with new graphics (not even remotely impressive from a technical standpoint). If the demo is any indication (come on, you think they're gonna fix so much up now? We're less than a month away) it really hasn't improved much, infact, things are worse. Oh, and stop whining about characters. If you actually used bottom-barrel characters like Spopovitch, you have too much spare time.
As for my little verdict.
Good:
Less characters!
Cool new theme song
Somewhat graphically superior
Bad:
Same old gameplay
Controls made even more complex (possible?!)
Needless special effects at times
Only somewhat graphically superior

Sorry but less characters is a problem ! There was no reason to remove them PERIOD ! They all played their part. -signed and sealed

The gamaplay ISN'T completly old ! I mean seriuosly, what do you want it to turn into ?! That's like sayin' you's want Street Fighter 4 gameplay to have become Soul Calibur Gameplay, Although it's name is " Raging Blast ", it's still very much apart of the Sparking series.

Only sensible point I see made was about the " needless special effects. " At the same time a lot of the special effects need to be worked on, like ki atacks, explosion, and auras. Those suck in comparison to BT3.

BlueSky · Post by **Kaboom** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:46 pm

When they're scraping the bottom of the barrel for characters like Babidi and "Freeza soldier," then I can see how Less Characters might be a good thing. Having DIFFERENT characters would be better (like, as always, some more DB and GT choices), but at least a smaller roster isn't so crowded.

Onikage725 · Post by **Onikage725** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:55 pm

My thoughts on the demo.

I like the new controls, but that's after getting used to them. The complete lack of a button layout guide was annoying. Seriously could not tell from the move lists that they wanted me to hit the right stick for specials, and nowhere that I've found does it mention holding down on the D pad for charging ki. Once I figured those things out, it actually became very easy to play. Maybe too easy- I'm hoping the difficulty options and potential customizations can alleviate this. It kind of feels like playing Capcom vs SNK 2 EO on the Gamecube in EO mode (shortcuts to specials rather than button combinations).

Other than that, it was Sparking/Tenkaichi. I had fun, and I'm looking forward to the full release. The camera isn't perfect, but that's nothing new. I like the alternate costumes. I dunno why, but Raditz in Nappa's armor made me smile. I mainly can't wait to change the language, 'cuz Schemmel's "Yikes!" is obviously going to be the new "Blargh!"

As for what games should be made... how about they just partner with Capcom and make Dragon Ball (or maybe Jump in general) vs Street Fighter? I feel more like Vegeta playing as Akuma in a Vs game then I do playing the Butouden series. Hell, depending on the shows selected, a Jump game could be feasible. Most of the current mainstays are licensed by Viz and FUNi (and 4Kids).

SSj Kaboom wrote:When they're scraping the bottom of the barrel for characters like Babidi and "Freeza soldier," then I can see how Less Characters might be a good thing. Having DIFFERENT characters would be better (like, as always, some more DB and GT choices), but at least a smaller roster isn't so crowded.

Agreed- while I'm sad to see Kiwi gone, they were throwing in a lot of nobodies. I think they needed to focus more on notable henchmen. Why have Appule (no offense, Mike!) and random Freeza soldiers, but bypass numerous movie henchmen, Garlic Jr's crew, etc.?

goku the krump dancer · Post by **goku the krump dancer** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:20 pm

I actually did manage to make the ground cave in.

SparkyPantsMcGee · Post by **SparkyPantsMcGee** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:26 pm

JulieYBM wrote:I believe transformations can be kept.

I agree, if I have to sit through a transformation I'd rather it be accurate rather than Freeza turning white for a few seconds and then BAM! second form.

I'm liking this game way more than the Sparking games in the past. So far its everything those games should be.

Oh, and as for additional characters, They should make character packs. Charge a little extra for Dragonball and GT characters. I would enjoy it as long as its not over priced and I could chose which characters I want instead of having an excess amount characters with only a few of them I'd play as.

goku the krump dancer · Post by **goku the krump dancer** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:50 pm

SparkyPantsMcGee wrote:
JulieYBM wrote:I believe transformations can be kept.
I agree, if I have to sit through a transformation I'd rather it be accurate rather than Freeza turning white for a few seconds and then BAM! second form.

I'm liking this game way more than the Sparking games in the past. So far its everything those games should be.

Oh, and as for additional characters, They should make character packs. Charge a little extra for Dragonball and GT characters. I would enjoy it as long as its not over priced and I could chose which characters I want instead of having an excess amount characters with only a few of them I'd play as.

I dont mind accurate transformations either but I did like when Freeza went into that orb and burst out in a new form in B3. I dont know if you noticed but in RB when you turn SSJ the first time it shows the little cut-scene, but when you revert back to normal it does it instantly even when turning back to SSJ its just a BOOF and your SSJ again its pretty cool.

SparkyPantsMcGee · Post by **SparkyPantsMcGee** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:12 pm

I like the purple orb too, I thought it was really neat.

JulieYBM · Post by **JulieYBM** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:35 pm

JulieYBM wrote:I believe transformations can be kept.

Damn it, 'skipped', SKIPPED!!

*Bangs head on desk*

Big Momma · Post by **Big Momma** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:27 pm

JulieYBM wrote:
JulieYBM wrote:I believe transformations can be kept.
Damn it, 'skipped', SKIPPED!!

*Bangs head on desk*

There's an edit button.

Onikage725 · Post by **Onikage725** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 10:50 pm

SparkyPantsMcGee wrote:Oh, and as for additional characters, They should make character packs. Charge a little extra for Dragonball and GT characters. I would enjoy it as long as its not over priced and I could chose which characters I want instead of having an excess amount characters with only a few of them I'd play as.

Without getting into my general (very negative) view of microtransactions, I'll say that a problem there would be with online play. Anyone who didn't buy certain packs wouldn't be able to fight someone using one of those characters. And, the majority of people don''t shell out the extra dough (as evidenced by the plague of no-mic folks flooding L4D versus matches). This happens to me all the time in Rock Band 2. I've invested a decent amount in DLC tracks, and imported my RB1 songs as well. When I play locally or with some close friends who have invested similarly, it takes a long time to get board. When I go online, it seems most people are just running with the RB2 disc, and my track selection is severly limited. Or, L4D- I can't count how many times I've taken a group from No Mercy to Crash Course and watched half the people get kicked from the lobby.

SSJ2bardock · Post by **SSJ2bardock** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 11:31 pm

Glad to see Freeza's last form actually looks like Freeza now. Was I the only one who thought there was something... a little off about his face in the Sparking games?

Onikage725 · Post by **Onikage725** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:09 am

SSJ2bardock wrote:Glad to see Freeza's last form actually looks like Freeza now. Was I the only one who thought there was something... a little off about his face in the Sparking games?

There was something off about everyone's face :p

Sebastian (SB) · Post by **Sebastian (SB)** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:16 am

Onikage725 wrote:There was something off about everyone's face :p

Yes. I could never look at Goku's face in the Sparking! games and think "Man, looks like Spike has some one of the worst graphic designers", like how Toei had those really weird "triangular" animations in some of the DBZ episodes.

The graphics in this game look better, but I think that's because of the push in next-gen technology. The character designs still suck, IMO.

JulieYBM · Post by **JulieYBM** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:59 am

Big Momma wrote:
JulieYBM wrote:
JulieYBM wrote:I believe transformations can be kept.
Damn it, 'skipped', SKIPPED!!

*Bangs head on desk*

There's an edit button.

Wanted to make extra sure people got the message (and I don't know 'bout y'all but I typically don't check old posts for edits!!)

Smooth Criminal · Post by **Smooth Criminal** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 2:08 am

Demo Impressions:

Let me start with the good stuff-- the framerate is smooth. The loading screen with the Kinto'un is cool.

'Kay, now that's out of the way let me get to the bad stuff-- everything else. Maybe I'm missing something. The controls on this demo are horrendous (Playing on 360). I've played all three Sparking games, so I'm no stranger to this series. By the third installment, the controls felt very streamlined and easy to pick up.

But this? Jesus H. Having the special moves tacked to the right stick is idiotic. There were several instances during my playtime where I slightly bumped the right stick and executed a move I did not intend to. In addition, they actually decided to have one of the special moves be executed by CLICKING the stick? There are no words.

I battled with the controls for a solid 20-25 minutes and still came away scratching my head. Dedicating a whole TRIGGER to selecting a transformation, while demoting an ultimate special to a right stick click? I think Spike has lost it.

The bottom line is that it is clunky beyond belief. The trigger commands are just fucked-- wasting the left bumper/trigger as an ascension/descension is a key example. It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't feel like the other commands were suffering for it; but sadly, that is the case. Having the right bumper as a block button feels unnatural in comparison to the old setup.

Developer Spike has had several years to make this series of games even better. With that in mind, there is no excuse for this game to control like such a piece of shit.

What is the appeal of Raging Blast? BT3/Sparking 3 controls infinitely better and looks only moderately worse. What does Raging Blast honestly have to offer anyone besides two SSJ3 forms that, in the end, are completely irrelevant?

goku the krump dancer · Post by **goku the krump dancer** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:52 am

Wow am I naive for not knowing that this game would get so much hate.

Rory · Post by **Rory** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 7:10 am

Sebastian (SB) wrote:
Onikage725 wrote:There was something off about everyone's face :p
The graphics in this game look better, but I think that's because the push in next-gen technology. The character designs still suck, IMO.

Absolutely agree'd.
The one (main) thing that's always bugged me about Spike's take on the Dragonball games, is the character models. They always look incredibley shoddy, like rushed jobs, while not just Dimps, but Crafts and Meister, and just about anybody else who wants to take a shot at these video games seems to put time and care making their characters look slick, making them seem individual, with their own personal touches.
You don't get that impression from the Sparking!'s, I'd go as far to say that they simply don't look professional, considering this is 2009, standards are rising. This time around, it seems the same. Do they look like they're from a 1980's show? Yeah, they actually do. Does that mean they look visually impressive, especially considering it's being developed for a system which can run Metal Gear Solid 4, while much more graphically impressive cel shaded games are being released, such as Boarderlands? Well, that's for you to decide, 'cause you'll know my answer already.