Interviews

Talking through the differences of Dragon Ball Z: Goku Densetsu on DS

Shuffling the pack of anime-based action gaming

Talking through the differences of Dragon Ball Z: Goku Densetsu on DS

When it comes to games based on the hugely popular kids anime, Dragon Ball Z, the one thing you can expect is plenty of martial arts action.

Yet the latest example, Dragon Ball Z: Goku Densetsu, gives the series a different spin.

According to Ryo Mito, the game's producer at Namco Bandai, it's more of a return to source. We caught up with him to find out the details.

Pocket Gamer: There have been plenty of DBZ games, so what's different about Goku Densetsu?

Ryo Mito: First, you will notice it is not an action game, but rather a more reflective game in which you can settle down and build your strategy for the next moves. And there are four stories in total: Goku, Gohan, Piccolo and Vegeta. You will enjoy the story through their points of view, switching from one character to the other between the chapters.

Why did you choose the combination a role-playing game with card-based gameplay?

Actually, the card-based Dragon Ball Z RPG series has a long history in Japan, with six titles so far. They have been released on the NES, SNES and WonderSwan consoles. Moreover, if you look at the recent Dragon Ball Z titles, they are all action/fighting games. We wanted to make sure all Dragon Ball fans, even the ones who don't play action games, would enjoy their favourite series through this modern card RPG.

Can you explain how the card-based system works?

When you move on the map, your Power will determine how far you can move on this map, while your Guard level will determine encounters with enemies. Other actions help you to prepare for the fight. During battles, these same parameters take a new role. Your Power becomes priority and strength, Guard is your defence when attacked and other actions can, for example, let you use skills and items.

One of the interesting points is that the cards appear randomly, so you will have to build your battle strategy, selecting the best cards you have at that moment. As you progress through the game, you'll also be able to use three types of super combos, which radically change your strategy.

Can you talk about any of the special cards?

To take one example, let's look at the Reverse card. While on the map, it will change all your cards. In battle, it will launch a counterattack, so the lower your Power is, the stronger your counter attack will be. This is very useful both on the map and against strong enemies. But be careful, as clever enemies can use this card against you, too.

How does the card-based action work in terms of the game's RPG elements?

The main structure of the game is based on the five cards in your possession that determine your moves on the map to the destination and the battles. Of course, as this is also an RPG, characters will level-up as they earn experience points in battles. You will also encounter some really strong enemies. Training your characters, and playing previous chapters again, might be really helpful to beat them.

How does the multiplayer mode work?

The gameplay is basically the same, but the maps and objectives are different. In the multiplayer mode, you will fight using your customised characters from the single-player mode, so you can enjoy intensive battles with your characters against your friends' characters.

Finally, what do you think is the most impressive thing about the game?

I would say the extremely strong enemies that are awaiting you in the final chapters of Goku, Piccolo and Vegeta's stories. We added them to satisfy extreme players who like to clear everything. I was so happy when I could finally beat one of them! You can, however, finish the story without beating them. I even advise you to escape when you meet them at first…

Our thanks to Ryo Mito for his answers. Dragon Ball Z: Goku Densetsu is released on August 31st.
Jon Jordan
Jon Jordan
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon can turn his hand to anything except hand turning. He is editor-at-large at PG.biz which means he can arrive anywhere in the world, acting like a slightly confused uncle looking for the way out. He likes letters, cameras, imaginary numbers and legumes.