Tools for this page
Print

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit

(2008, Video Games - Fighting, Rated T, Play it on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Manga/anime-inspired game big on cartoon battles.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    There's plenty of fighting, but the motives of the game's protagonists are selfless and just.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    This is a fighting game. All the drama and action revolve around epic battles in which combatants try to kill each other by employing myriad attacks, including kicks, punches, and energy blasts. It's all quite fantastical, but the occasional bit of blood can be seen.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Nothing stronger than "darn it."
  • Consumerism:

    This game is part of Dragon Ball Z, an enormously popular Japanese franchise consisting of animated television shows, comic books, games, DVDs, and plenty of merchandise.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit was written by Chad Sapieha

Parents need to know that this game is part of Dragon Ball Z, an enormously popular Japanese franchise consisting of animated TV shows, comic books, and games. The Dragon Ball Z universe features an epic struggle between good and evil and revolves somewhat single-mindedly around the fights involved in this conflict. As to be expected, games based on the Dragon Ball Z license are fighting games, though the far-fetched cartoon violence is relatively mild compared to more mature titles in the genre. It's worth noting that Burst Limit, like its predecessors, is about boys fighting boys; there are few female characters to be found.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the game's distinct Japanese style. Can you point out differences in Japanese animation compared with Western animation or the ways in which the two cultures depict action and violence? Also, why are there so few female fighters in this world? What games have more?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit

What’s the Story?

DRAGON BALL Z: BURST LIMIT, the latest game in the prolific Dragon Ball Z canon (which in addition to games includes TV shows, comics, toys, and DVDs), is firmly entrenched in the franchise's established universe. It features a roster of fighters with whom fans will be familiar and follows a well-known plot for fans of the shows and comics. The game is essentially a long series of epic battles in which muscle-bound heroes kick, punch, throw, and blast each other around large, open environments. Dramatic scenes punctuate the action at appropriate intervals. The formula will be recognizable not only to Dragon Ball Z devotees, but also anyone who counts him or herself a fan of story-driven fighting games.

The Dragon Ball Z mythos is difficult to crack if you aren't a devout follower. It involves some fundamentally odd metaphysics (death isn't exactly what you'd expect it to be), dozens of characters, and flows over several story arcs called "sagas." If you're new to the franchise, best simply to reconcile yourself with the fact that you will be confused much of the time. You'll learn more about the game's universe through its many dramatic sequences, which play out not only between battles but also during brief pauses in the fighting. The melodramatic dialog is unlikely to be confused with Shakespeare, but, on the bright side, it doesn't leave any shades of gray; you'll never be left wondering about motives or consequences. Close

Is It Any Good?

Story aside, the action is about what you'd expect of a Japanese fighting game. It's fast, frenetic, and over-the-top. There are plenty of satisfying combinations for ambitious players to master, which will allow them to actively pursue mini battle objectives -- such as landing a "vanishing attack" or finishing the fight with an "ultimate move" -- but button mashing works well, too. Indeed, a healthy selection of difficulty settings and a comprehensive tutorial help ensure that players of all skill levels will be able to play through the story mode without trouble.

That said, all bets are off once you enter the new online arena (a first for the franchise), where accomplished players who have been playing Dragon Ball Z games for years and have an intimate understanding of the franchise's characters will pound inexperienced players into the ground. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 06/10/2008, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for Animated Blood, Cartoon Violence)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I Laughed

    I think this game is actualy for kids 9 and up. The game is just like the show. So you can actualy change Goku and Gohans moves. The game actualy has some violence but not enough to make it for teens. It actually has educational value. Because Gohans mom makes him do his studies.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name