The Temporary of Resurrection
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure is a 2D side-scrolling beat'em up that invites us to explore various levels retracing the first volumes and chapters of the manga. We play as Goku, as well as Krillin (the latter becomes playable once the game is finished), and we will have to chain together blows to defeat all sorts of enemies. The approach is classic in its unfolding and construction.
We collect objects scattered in the scenery and levels, we can also increase our Ki gauge so that our kikôhas gain power and transform into kamehameha worthy of the name. Not to mention the magic stick, Nyoi-bô, which can also evolve, adding length to the weapon and modifying some melee combos. If the graphics are still impressive for a GBA game and clearly do justice to the work, the sensations in combat have nothing to be ashamed of.
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Goku's power is felt, and then, what a pleasure to use Nyoi-bô, to cross known places and quite faithfully transcribed. All that was missing was music to match, which was unfortunately not the case. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure is ultimately nothing more than a short adventure of a handful of hours, but one that does things well and with as much love as respect. Let's remember that this is a GBA software, I'll let you imagine the limitations of the portable console.
However, the developers did not hesitate to follow through on their vision by incorporating highly satisfying content. As was the case in beat'em all Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks we will find a combat mode, in 2D here. Reduced casting, but allowing to play with Kame Sennin, Tao Pai Pai and other figures crossed during the adventure. I must admit that this is the kind of addition that systematically works on me. I appreciate this generosity, even more so when it makes sense.
The Dark Tournament Begins
The different levels scattered throughout the adventure can be replayed, giving access to previously locked doors, a survival mode that will be unlocked once the game is completed a second time, but with Krillin this time. Not to mention the mini-games that enrich the whole thing for a very appreciable content. It was also a time when developers liked to offer content, in-game moreover.
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And that's not all, since in Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure There is a survival mode, a multiplayer mode to fight in 1 vs 1, in addition to three mini-games that are dispensable but have the merit of being present. I forget things, like the boss rush mode and the roster to unlock for the tournament mode. Any fan of Dragon Ball could not remain indifferent. In addition, these bonuses generally require you to play the game several times and explore the levels diligently.
Although tedious, collecting all of the scattered objects is the opportunity to get even better at the crossed bosses, the real challenge of the game. Even if “challenge” remains relative, the target audience was clearly young. A good example of a minimally thoughtful game design, with software that is aware of its capabilities and doesn't overdo it. The real regret is the absence of a sequel. From another opus which would resume the end of the game Dragon Ball, until the fight against Piccolo Daimaô.
Actually, this sequel exists. It was released in 2009 on Wii and is called Dragon Ball: Revenge of Piccolo. Tournament mode, various in-game bonuses as well as a title focused on horizontal scrolling beat'em all, the affiliation is obvious. However, the Dimps teams are no longer in development, replaced by those of the Media.Vision studio until then known for the series Wild Arms, or more recently Digimon: Cyber Sleuth. Change of studio which is felt.
Red Ribbon
Despite good ideas, I think the more marked presence of platform phases is not inconsistent with the proposal, in fact, the game design seems globally less solid and mastered. Having swapped 2D for 3D did not help either, the game loses soul and character, aesthetically speaking, but, above all, embarks fights approaching the Arena Fighter style well known to players of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm.
Already not very fond of this bias at NarutoI find it even less relevant for Dragon ball, in addition to being less engaging than the GBA experience. In my opinion anyway. What's also problematic is being on Wii. We are no longer on the small and cautious Game Boy Advance, but on a home console and, inevitably, expectations are no longer the same.
Faced with this disconcerting observation of a pseudo sequel incapable of elevating the formula of its predecessor, I would like to review a beat'em all formula in the Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure, with Dimps at the helm. Or another studio capable of producing the work you need. On paper, the teams behind the episode Revenge of Piccolo didn't have the most compelling background to work on the project. I also think keeping 2D makes sense. 2D suits so well Dragon Ball.
Why would we like a return?
As mentioned above, if I wait with as much impatience as fear Sparking! ZERO, the absence of Dragon Ball, first part of the manga with little Goku I mean, forces me to ask for a new adaptation. I could have talked about the interesting Nintendo DS parts Dragon Ball Origins focusing mainly on the adventure component, but Advanced Adventure was such a slap in the face in my youth, like a Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku, that it is he who has the honor of a column today.
It is also my unconditional love of beat'em all that speaks and, I maintain it, precisely for Dragon ballthat it works wonderfully. In the same way that the turn-based RPG was so well suited to Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans on DS. I see it as a way to exploit the richness of the universe of the series, to recall the existence of DB, the true beginning of the work. And don't just limit yourself to DBZ And DB Great which, for the latter, is ultimately only a spin-off left in the hands of an artist who is not the father of the work.
Dragon Ball deserves visibility. Its approach has what it takes to provide video game experiences that are significantly different from the usual fighting games created to capitalize on the license. Without falling into the absurdity of a Dragon Ball The Breakers, forgettable soft yet headed by Dimps… I want a Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure with in-depth gameplay, as much content as ever, and an ambition to match.
It's painful to constantly witness cautious and disrespectful adaptations of manga. Decisions generally made by authorities disconnected from the environment and the community. Apart from rare anomalies such Jump Force, most adaptations are bitter failures. Franchises of the caliber of Dragon Ball must generate passion, something that fans will notice and appreciate. DDragon Ball Z: Kakarot had understood it, despite some errors and the wasted potential of the proposition, the sales were rather convincing, the same for Xenoverse whose risk-taking we can only welcome.