The first mainstream review of “Shin Budokai” for the PSP seems to come from Chris Roper over at IGN, who gave it a 7.0 (“good”) overall score.

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is a very simplistic fighter with a “so bad it’s good” storyline wrapped in an extremely portable package. It’s not great by any means, but hardcore DBZ fans will find a whole lot to like here.

You will be able to pick the game up in stores tomorrow. The Japanese version is due out 20 April 2006.

Coming earlier this month than usual, we have the covers for the next three DVDs of the Z Dragon Box individual disc release. Each of these discs will contain six episodes, covering episodes 91 thru 108. These three DVDs are set to be released 05 April 2006. You can order any of the released discs or pre-order any of these three discs at Amazon Japan.

There is a good reason these covers were revealed early: the month of April will be seeing a release of six DVDs as opposed to the usual three. Unfortunately, this means that we will not be seeing any DVD releases in May. Also, with the release of the 18th volume, those that have purchased all 18 will finally be able to get their hands on the beautiful diorama of Freeza, Super Saiyan Goku, and Vegeta — simply send in the coupons that came with each volume to get your diorama. There is a catch like always, however — the sly people at Toei are making this offer only available to those with a Japanese residence. If you do not live in Japan, you do not get a diorama even if you shelled out all that cash to get the individual discs. That is a shame!

Atari re-released “Budokai 3” under the “Greatest Hits” label with a few extras from the JP version of the game (including the extra costumes and Japanese voices). Due to some type of production error, they accidentally shipped the original 2004 version (with no extras) in the new packaging. Despite corrected versions making their way to store shelves, there is still a possibility that you might get the wrong version.

Our forum member Akira has come up with a pretty interesting observation regarding the mishap, and it involves the type of shrink-wrap used on it:

Okay, today the Best Buy store that I work at restocked Budokai 3 Greatest Hits. I bought one and it was indeed the updated version that I have sought for so long. Seeing as I have in my possesion a Misprint and Correct version of GH Budokai 3, I noticed one packaging difference that may help future seekers grab the correct one.

I was hoping this would be the case, as it was because of this one difference that I took a chance again and bought another copy.

It boils down to this my friends; Shrink Wrap.

The Misprint copy had the “stiffer” shrink wrap that is folded and glued on the ends like almost every video game or DVD that you might purchase on a regular basis.

The Corrected Copy had the “Softer” Saran Wrap style shrinkwrap on it. This stood out to me because it is the same style we use in the store to re-shrinkwrap items that get knocked or the standard shrinkwrap glue comes loose and comes off easily.

It was this that made me think right off, “Hey, this looks like it’s been re-shrinkwrapped! Oh, but these just came in today…. I bet they opened them at Atari and put the correct discs in the cases and reshrinked them in a hurry! Worth a shot I guess to find out.”

Well, I was right. So I hope my discovery helps anyone else in search of the corrected copies out there. Good luck friends.

I checked my local Best Buy today, and the theory indeed seems to make sense.

The official Japanese website for “Shin Budokai” has been launched and has a bunch of neat stuff.

Shueisha’s release schedule shows reprints of the two Dragon Ball GT “Perfect File” books (essentially smaller-sized daizenshuu dedicated to the DBGT series) with a release date of 04 April 2006. Other than being described as “reprints” we really do not know anything else about them, though it is safe to assume there will not be a whole lot new to them, if anything at all.

This at least gives them a reason not to release any additional new anime guides a la Tenka-ichi Densetsu (DB) and Son Gokū Densetsu (DBZ).

Our next bit of big news comes to us courtesy of our friend Sean “Onikuno” Forster:

I was at Megacon today and spoke with Lance Heiskell the Funimation rep. I asked him the obligatory “what’s up with DB eps 1-13?” question. But this time I learned something new.

According to Lance, when Funimation set up the original contract with Kidmark who is now owned by Lions Gate, it was put in the contract that Kidmark would own the rights to those episodes indefinetley. Meaning they would always have distro rights.

The good news is that Funimation has NOT GIVEN UP. What they may have to do according to Lance is that they would be able to work out a deal where they would give a percentage of profits to Lions Gate. They are intent on making this happen. When this will happen is still up in the air.

After… how many years has it been, exactly?… we finally have confirmation that FUNimation is indeed trying to do something about it. It would not surprise me that all of us asking about the darn episodes convention after convention after convention finally got them to realize we want to purchase the episodes!

Gamespot is currently running a feature for “Shin Budokai” (PSP) on their front page right now. Something you may or may not already know about the game is that its story mode will draw elements from Dragon Ball Z movie 12 (out in the US next month):

As with the previous DBZ games, Shin Budokai will draw from specific story arcs from the long-running series. In this case, the game will draw material from the upcoming feature film Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn, which follows Goku’s attempts to deal with a threat to the universe that will require him to buff up his already impressive skills. As a result, you’ll find a game roster that includes a mix of classic and more-recent additions to the mythos. Besides Goku, you’ll be able to choose Teen Gohan, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, Krillin, Piccolo, Frieza, Android #18, Cell, Kid Boo, Cooler, Broly, Gotenks, and Pikkon initially. As you progress through the game you’ll unlock some fighters as well. Each character will come with their own set of unique moves and special attacks that you’ll need to master in order to kick butt effectively.

Additionally, the Japanese voice cast will be selectable!

Both the “LEGEND OF DRAGONWORLD” two-disc vocal song collection and “BGM Collection” three-disc set were released in Japan today.

Our forum member kenisu3000 has started a thread documenting which pieces are actually going to appear on the set, where they are from, what comes from the older 5-CD set, etc. Much thanks!