Dragon Ball Z Sagas: Evolution (PlayStation 2, Xbox)

In DRAGON BALL Z SAGAS: EVOLUTION, players are transported into the action-filled, animated world of Dragon Ball Z, with chapters of the popular TV series being played out with actual characters. The game follows the early episodes of the series, beginning with the Saiyan Saga and ending with the Cell Games.

Choose from six playable heroes, including Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo. Your objectives: Collect items, defeat enemies, and destroy monster rock formations, all while protecting the game's key characters and advancing through the chapters, all in an effort to save the universe. You can play by yourself in single-player adventure mode, or team up with a friend in double-player mode for cooperative play or arcade-style battles.

This is geared toward teen fans of the Dragon Ball Z series. Beginning players probably will get frustrated with skills needed to control the hero, while experienced players may not be impressed with the bland design and low-resolution graphics. Camera angles do not change throughout, making for a predictable gaming experience. The complex game controls require the use of all buttons to perform many of the basic functions of the game.

The game is violent -- you can destroy enemies with a flame ball, kick them into rocks or punch and kick them until they are dead. But the violence is cartoonish and enemies are alien-looking creatures that fall to the ground and simply fade away when killed. Parents who believe their teens are mature enough to play this online may want to ensure that their teens play in a public space and encourage them to play with friends. Parents should check in regularly to see who they are playing with.