In a way, this is a good thing because this allows the game to focus more on exploration and challenging combat, because Goku doesn’t have the option to just Kamehame Wave every problem until it gets solved. As mentioned above – it’s a Zelda-like game so you’ll be fighting various cannon fodders, the occasional end level boss, and will be faced with various puzzles. There are a couple of frustrating parts in the game, as some levels that require backtracking, but the puzzles themselves aren’t too difficult and can be solved without the need for a FAQ.
The game is controlled by stylus (or with your fingers), where you tap the place where you want Goku to move to and you attack enemies by tapping on them. Different attacks are possible through different timings and by switching between Goku’s staff and fists. You can use the D-pad to move around, but there’s no option to use the buttons for attacking so the D-pad option isn’t that useful as it is way easier and less prone to handcramps if you just use the stylus on its own. The stylus controls shouldn’t be too hard to learn, and will be second nature to people who play point-and-click RPGs like Diablo.
Visually, Dragon Ball Origins is one of the most impressive titles on the DS. If you just look at the screens, it can be easy to mistake the game as a console title (or a PSP one.) The graphics are crisp, bright, and very detailed. The animation is smooth and the devs did a great job of adapting the look of the anime using textured polygons. If you want to show off the DS’ 3D rendering capabilities, this is the title that you need to bust out.
As for recommending Dragon Ball Origins, despite all the praises I heaped upon the game, it can be a little bit hard telling people to buy a copy, simply because the sequel – Dragon Ball Origins 2 – is a much better purchase. The sequel picks up where the first one left off: you’re still Kid Goku, but are now decked in his trade mark orange Gi. Origins 2 uses the same engine and is basically the same game, except for a much needed improvement – the controls. In Dragon Ball Origins 2, you now have the option to use the D-pad and buttons for controls, so there’s no need to use the stylus if you don’t want to. This makes the game much more versatile and easier to bust out and play. Additionally, the sequel also adds new game modes that extend the replay value tremendously, such as the versus and boss rush mode.
So basically, Dragon Ball Origins is a good game to buy for your DS even if you’re not a fan of the franchise and just want an action adventure game that looks and plays really well – but if you only have the money for one title, go with the sequel as it’s an overall better game.
