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Review of Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Oct 1997
Cover image of Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 4
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 28 Oct 1997
Genre: Fighting
Developer: TOSE
Publisher: Bandai

Introduction

Ah, the 90s, a time of questionable fashion, dial-up internet, and the introduction of 'Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout,' a fighting game that somehow both fascinates and terrifies any serious fan of the franchise. Released back when you had to pop in a disc and pray the console would even recognize it, this game is a memorable entry in the realm of Dragon Ball games - for better or worse.

Gameplay

The gameplay is essentially a two-dimensional fighter with a 3D coat of paint. You can zip around the mystical place of 'a flat 2D plane,' making all your dreams of flying around and punching people in the face come true - sort of. Special moves, also known as Special Knockout Tricks, are the pizza toppings on this fighting game, only to find that instead of pepperoni you've got pineapple. When launching these attacks, the camera zooms in dramatically just to show you how serious things are about to get. If only the actual game could keep up with your hype! The control scheme is, shall we say, 'challenging.' The characters respond slower than internet explorers during a tournament for the fastest healer in an MMORPG. Dodging attacks and throwing ki blasts can feel like you're moving through molasses, interspersed with moments when you may accidentally hit the wrong button and instead of saving your life, you end up dancing like an embarrassing uncle at a wedding. Special attacks come with a layer of strategy - players can engage in a beam struggle, where whoever mashes the button fastest gets to throw their move at the opponent. Now that's what I call a test of finger strength! Overall, combat can be entertaining in small doses, coaxing out that competitive spirit, but long sessions may induce a bittersweet taste in your mouth reminiscent of cold pizza.

Graphics

Graphics-wise, 'Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout' is like that friend who's really attractive in a dimly lit bar but looks suspiciously different outside in the glaring sun. The 3D character models attempt to capture the essence of our favorite DBZ fighters but often end up resembling wobbly clay shapes that were left out in the rain. And while some moves are delivered with dramatic flair, others feel painfully static. And yet, somehow, the backgrounds lack the flavor we crave - they're flatter than the soda you left open overnight.

Conclusion

In summary, 'Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout' seems to appeal mainly to die-hard DBZ fans and nostalgia seekers who are willing to overlook its flaws for a taste of the franchise in their living room. The potential is there, hidden beneath layers of awkwardness and camera issues, like finding a kid somewhere in the Spaghetti monster underworld of your bowl of pasta. So, grab some friends, prepare to reminisce about the good old days, and take a chance on Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout, despite its significant shortcomings. Who knows? Maybe amidst the chaos, you'll discover a spark of joy and a fitting home for your trash-talking abilities as the glorious fighting moves blare through your system like a nostalgic victory song from the franchise! But do be sure to have a backup plan, like some flowery insults or an escape route in case the boredom sets in. After all, we can't all be Goku in our gaming skills, can we?

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