"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for the Game Boy Advance (GBA), released in 2004 in Japan and 2006 in North America, received generally positive feedback from critics and players alike. It holds a reputation as one of the standout Dragon Ball games, particularly for its faithful adaptation of the original series and its engaging gameplay. Here's a breakdown of its ratings and what reviewers had to say based on available information:
Ratings
- Metacritic: The game has a Metacritic score of 75 out of 100, based on 13 critic reviews, which falls under the "Generally Favorable" category. This aggregate score reflects a solid reception, though not overwhelmingly exceptional.
- Famitsu: In Japan, the renowned gaming magazine Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40 (based on four reviewers scoring it 7, 7, 7, and 8). This is a respectable rating from a publication known for its stringent standards, indicating a good but not top-tier game.
Reviewer Opinions
Reviewers praised "Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for its blend of action, variety, and loyalty to the source material, though some noted minor flaws. Hereβs what they highlighted:
Positives
1. Gameplay Variety and Fun:
2. The game combines side-scrolling beat 'em up action, platforming, flying sequences (on the Flying Nimbus), and one-on-one fighting segments. Critics appreciated this diversity, noting it kept the experience fresh. GameSpot called it "a fun, diverse action game that does the license proud," emphasizing how it evolves beyond initial generic impressions into a "slickly produced, hectic action game."
3. IGN described it as "an awesome all-around package for 2D traditionalists," praising the mix of classic combat and the rewarding progression as new mechanics (like the Nimbus) are introduced.
4. Faithfulness to Dragon Ball:
5. Covering Gokuβs childhood adventures from meeting Bulma to battling King Piccolo, the game captures the spirit of the original series rather than the more popular Dragon Ball Z. Reviewers like those at GameSpot noted that it "ambitiously distills the entire 153-episode run" into 15 levels, appealing strongly to fans of the classic saga.
6. The inclusion of numerous characters (30 playable in total across modes) and familiar music and voice clips were lauded for enhancing nostalgia.
7. Visuals and Presentation:
8. For a GBA title, the gameβs graphics were well-received. GameSpot highlighted the "intricately detailed and animated" sprites and "scrolling background layers" that add depth, while IGN praised the "awesome character design and animation."
9. The audio, including character voice clips, was seen as above average for the platform.
10. Replay Value:
11. Unlockable content, such as playing as Krillin in Story Mode or accessing a roster of characters in Extra and One-on-One modes, added significant replayability. IGN noted the "serious replay value" from options like multiplayer battles via link cable and adjustable difficulty.
Criticisms
1. Slow Start:
2. Several reviews pointed out a weak opening. GameSpot remarked that the first levelβa "plain jungle path filled with generic monsters"βfeels overly long and limited by basic moves, potentially turning off players early on. It improves significantly in later stages, though.
3. Story Compression:
4. While the game covers the major beats of Gokuβs early adventures, some felt the story was too condensed. Amazon customer reviews (reflecting player sentiment) mentioned inaccuracies or skipped parts, reducing its appeal for those seeking a precise retelling.
5. Length and Depth:
6. The gameβs brevity was a minor critique. With a story mode beatable in about 3-5 hours, some players and reviewers (e.g., Amazon reviews) felt it lacked the depth or longevity of other titles, though extras mitigated this somewhat.
7. Not Groundbreaking:
8. IGN compared it to "Astro Boy" (another GBA title by Treasure), suggesting it doesnβt reach the same heights of impact or innovation, positioning it as very good but not revolutionary.
Overall Reception
"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" earned a strong reputation as one of the best Dragon Ball games on the GBA, if not the franchise overall, especially for fans of the original series. Its Metacritic score of 75 aligns with a game thatβs well-crafted and enjoyable but not flawless. Reviewers consistently recommended it to Dragon Ball fans and action game enthusiasts, with praise centered on its tight controls, variety, and nostalgic appeal, tempered by critiques of its pacing and scope. Its status as an underrated gem persists, partly due to its focus on the less-celebrated original series and its GBA exclusivity, which limited its mainstream exposure compared to later Dragon Ball Z titles.
If youβre a fan of retro gaming or Dragon Ballβs early days, the consensus suggests itβs a must-play, even if it doesnβt redefine the genre.