Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World
Introduction
Launched in 2008, Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World stands as the final farewell to the iconic PlayStation 2 era of Dragon Ball fighting games. Developed by Dimps, the studio behind the legendary Budokai series, this title was designed as a "best-of" compilation that refined the mechanics fans had grown to love over several years. Coming out after the release of the PlayStation 3, it sought to push the aging PS2 hardware to its absolute limits, offering a polished and content-rich experience that served as a spiritual successor to Budokai 3. While it faced stiff competition from the Budokai Tenkaichi series, Infinite World carved out its own niche by focusing on deep, technical combat and a unique mission-based structure.
Story & Setting
The narrative scope of Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World is vast, covering the entirety of the Dragon Ball Z timeline and extending into the Dragon Ball GT saga. The game features the "Dragon Missions" mode, which allows players to relive iconic moments from the anime through a map-based progression system. Unlike previous titles that relied solely on battles to tell the story, Infinite World incorporates "Drama Scenes" and specialized mini-games that add variety to the narrative flow. Players travel from the arrival of Raditz on Earth all the way to the climactic battles against the Shadow Dragons in GT. It includes many famous scenes from the series never before seen in a video game, allowing fans to delve deeper than ever into the universe.
Gameplay
Mechanically, Infinite World is a refinement of the classic 2.5D fighting system seen in Budokai 3. It removes some of the more controversial elements like the "Dragon Rush" rock-paper-scissors mechanic, replacing it with a more fluid system that rewards timing and strategy. The roster is impressive, featuring over 40 characters which reach over 100 variations including transformations. A significant addition is the inclusion of "Dragon Missions." These are not just fights; they are mini-games that recreate specific challenges, such as Goku running across Snake Way, catching Bubbles on King Kai's planet, or training with the Z Sword. These missions provide a refreshing break from combat and add a layer of immersion. The "Capsule System" also returns, allowing for deep character customization regarding skills and attributes.
This game was released exclusively on the PlayStation 2 across multiple regions including PAL, NTSC-J, and NTSC-U.
Legacy
The legacy of Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World is somewhat complex. At the time of its release, many critics felt it was a "rehash" of Budokai 3 released too late in the console's lifecycle. However, over time, the fighting game community has come to appreciate it as one of the most mechanically sound Dragon Ball games ever made. By refining the combo systems and stripping away RNG elements, it remains a favorite for competitive play among retro enthusiasts. It served as the bridge between the sixth and seventh generations of consoles, proving that there was still life left in the 2D fighting format. Its influence can still be felt in modern titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ, which returned the franchise to its technical, side-scrolling roots.
Fun Facts
- Despite being released in 2008, it does not include characters from the Dragon Ball movies that were common in the Tenkaichi series, focusing instead on the main series and GT.
- It is often considered the "Budokai 4" by fans because it shares the same engine and assets as the Budokai trilogy.
- The North American version was released in November 2008, while the Japanese version followed in December.
- It features a unique "Fighter's Road" mode which is an unlockable, high-difficulty survival path for veteran players.
- The game is praised for its "Drama Scenes" which provided more cinematic flair than its predecessors.
