Is Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 Still Worth Playing in 2024?
Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2. The name alone conjures images of explosive Kamehamehas, lightning-fast combat, and a roster packed with iconic Dragon Ball characters. But is this PS3 and Xbox 360 era fighter still worth your time in 2024? Let's dive into the blast from the past and find out.
A Blast from the Past: Revisiting Raging Blast 2
Released in 2010, Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 offered a unique take on Dragon Ball fighting games. Its focus on fast-paced, combo-heavy combat, coupled with a surprisingly robust roster and a wealth of unlockable content, made it a hit with fans at the time. But how does it hold up against modern fighting game standards?
The Good: What Still Holds Up
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Fast-Paced Action: Even today, Raging Blast 2's combat is impressively fluid. The speed and fluidity of the battles remain surprisingly engaging, offering a satisfying sense of momentum and impact. Landing a powerful combo still feels incredibly rewarding.
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Extensive Roster: The game boasts a massive roster of characters, spanning various Dragon Ball sagas. From Goku and Vegeta to lesser-known characters, there's plenty of variety to keep things interesting. Experimenting with different characters and their unique fighting styles is a significant part of the game's enduring appeal.
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Unlockable Content: Raging Blast 2 rewards dedicated players with a wealth of unlockable content, including alternate costumes, characters, and even stages. The grind to unlock everything keeps the game fresh and provides long-term engagement.
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Nostalgia Factor: For many longtime Dragon Ball fans, Raging Blast 2 holds a special place in their hearts. The game represents a specific era of Dragon Ball gaming, bringing back cherished memories and a sense of nostalgia that's hard to replicate.
The Not-So-Good: Areas That Show Their Age
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Graphics: The graphics, understandably, haven't aged well. Compared to modern fighting games, the visuals are noticeably dated. While the character models are decent for their time, the environments and special effects are somewhat basic.
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Online Multiplayer: This is perhaps the biggest drawback. Online multiplayer is almost certainly nonexistent at this point. The servers are likely long gone, restricting the experience to offline play.
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Lack of Modern Features: Raging Blast 2 lacks many of the features found in modern fighting games, such as online training modes, detailed tutorials, and robust online communities.
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Control Scheme: While the combat is fluid, the control scheme may feel clunky to players accustomed to more modern fighting game mechanics.
Is it Worth Playing in 2024?
The answer to this question depends heavily on your expectations and priorities. If you're looking for a polished, modern fighting game with a vibrant online community and cutting-edge graphics, then Raging Blast 2 is probably not for you.
However, if you're a Dragon Ball fan with a nostalgic fondness for the franchise's older games, or you're simply looking for a fast-paced, combo-heavy fighter that's surprisingly fun despite its age, then Raging Blast 2 can still provide a worthwhile experience. The gameplay, character roster, and sheer volume of unlockable content offer plenty of replayability for those willing to overlook the graphical and online limitations.
Ultimately, the decision rests on you. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your own gaming preferences, and decide if a blast from the past is worth revisiting. For many, the nostalgic appeal and surprisingly engaging gameplay might make Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 a worthwhile addition to their game library, even in 2024. It's a testament to the core gameplay that it remains enjoyable despite its age.