Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 - Character Profiles #1

Currently scheduled for release in November, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is a 3D fighting game closely based on the Dragon Ball Z manga and anime. In addition to fast-paced combat, noteworthy features in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 will include role-playing elements, environmental damage, and in-game character transformations. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the game, though, particularly if you're a big DBZ fan, is the roster of more than 100 playable fighters. The full lineup hasn't been announced yet, but in this, the first in a series of character profile updates for the game, Atari details a good number of the DBZ characters that you'll be able to pit against each other next month.

Goku
As a Saiyan baby, Goku was sent from planet Vegeta to destroy the planet Earth. However, an unexpected head injury caused his Saiyan characteristics to disappear. Instead of an evil beast, he grew up as a kindhearted earthling under the care of his loving foster father, Grandpa Gohan.

When his older brother Raditz arrives on Earth and reminds Goku of his original mission, Goku refuses to carry out the task, instead choosing to fight for the good of Earth. From then on, Goku's job as the world's greatest defender becomes increasingly difficult, as he is faced with many dark and formidable enemies, one after another. No matter how large the crisis, he never gives up, and his loyalty to the good of all people and to his friends makes him the ultimate hero.

However, since Goku spends his days fighting evil, this makes life tricky for his wife, Chi-Chi, forcing her to be the family breadwinner in an effort to make ends meet. In Dragonball GT, Goku once again travels deep into space with Trunks and Pan to defend the world on an adventure that puts the entire universe in his hands.

Goku (Super Saiyan)
*From Gohan's Super Saiyan Observation Journal: The first time Dad (Goku) ever became a Super Saiyan, it was when Frieza killed Krillin. As a Super Saiyan, he looked different and his power level raised to almost 50 times normal. That first time was scary, since no one knew what was happening to him. It was like he had some sort of strange sickness that came from his Saiyan blood. The more emotional and angry Dad (Goku) got, the more his odd Saiyan powers would takeover his body. Oh, and Mom (Chi-Chi) doesn't seem to like Super Saiyans very much.

Goku (Super Saiyan 2)
Goku transforms from Super Saiyan into this form. After training in Other World, he achieved the ability to transform into Super Saiyan 2. A Super Saiyan's distinctive change is more pronounced, and his power rises further. In the duel with Majin-Vegeta, who had powered up thanks to Babidi's magic, Goku changed into this form and showed an extraordinary power.

Goku (Super Saiyan 3)
This is the form that surpasses Super Saiyan 2. In this form, the hidden power in a Saiyan's blood is taken to its limits. At first glance, this is an extreme change when compared to a regular Super Saiyan. The eyebrows disappear and the hair grows even longer. The power of a Super Saiyan 3 is far greater than any Saiyan level before. However, the transformation requires a lot of energy. Only in Other World can a Saiyan keep his power for a long period of time. Anywhere else, the time a Saiyan can stay at the Super Saiyan 3 level is very short.

Kid Gohan
This is Goku's young son, Gohan. He is a gentle child, with dreams of one day becoming a scholar. Chi-Chi has forbidden Gohan from receiving martial-arts training so that he might concentrate on his schoolwork. Thus, Gohan's power level is very low. Even so, he possesses a great fighting potential that, once awakened, rivals the power of the Saiyan Raditz himself.

After the fight with Raditz, Piccolo kidnaps Gohan and trains him to be a warrior in hopes that he might help in the coming battle against the Saiyans Vegeta and Nappa. Though Gohan is afraid of Piccolo at first, over time he comes to respect Piccolo as his friend and mentor. In the Frieza Saga, Gohan travels to Planet Namek, hoping to wish back all of his friends who lost their lives in the battle with Vegeta. When he learns of Frieza's evil plans, he becomes more determined than ever to find the Dragon Balls. Gohan is a mild-mannered boy and dislikes fighting, but if it's to protect his friends or preserve the peace, his powers explode and he becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Gohan Teen
This is Gohan as a young boy. After returning from Planet Namek, Gohan applied himself diligently to his studies as he and his mother Chi-Chi awaited Goku's return. However, after hearing Trunks' warning of the looming Android threat, he once again devoted himself to training, along with Goku, Piccolo, and the other Z-fighters.

Though his fighting skills have increased immensely since he was a small child, his quiet personality and general dislike of fighting remain unchanged. It is this inner reservation that prevents him from realizing the fullest potential of his powers. He continues to share a strong bond with his mentor Piccolo, and they rely on each other for help, even in the most difficult of times.

Teen Gohan (Super Saiyan)
Gohan first transformed into a Super Saiyan while training with Goku in the hyperbolic time chamber. It was during this time Goku realized that Gohan's hidden powers had the potential to exceed his own. But even when Gohan changes into a Super Saiyan, his dislike of fighting makes him reluctant to use his powers to the fullest.

Teen Gohan (Super Saiyan 2)
Gohan transformed into this state for the first time after seeing the peaceful Android 16 destroyed right before his eyes. In this form, Gohan's power level rises beyond normal Super Saiyan levels and his body is surrounded by a lightning-like aura. In addition to the changes to his physical appearance, Gohan's personality changes, as well. In this state, Gohan's reluctance to fight is forgotten, and he attacks his enemies without mercy.

Krillin
A highly skilled fighter of the turtle style and Goku's closest friend, Krillin joined Goku as a student of Master Roshi and the two formed a fast rivalry in their training. It took Krillin some time to warm to Goku, but eventually they became good friends. Krillin fights valiantly against even the most powerful of enemies, but his efforts often lead to tragedy, beginning with his death at the hands of Tambourine. Even so, he continues to train and has become the strongest earthling among the Z-fighters.

Initially, Krillin began training as a fighter in hopes of attracting a girlfriend, but that plan never seemed to work out. After years of forced bachelorhood, however, Krillin finally married Android 18 and the two even had a daughter named Maron. So in the end, Krillin's plan proved to be a huge success!

Krillin may not be as strong as Goku or some of the other Z-fighters, but he has many unique skills and techniques, such as his signature destructo disc.

Yamcha
Yamcha was Goku's first real rival and a dirty fighter. In the early days, he attacked and robbed people crossing the desert and was known far and wide as "The Desert Bandit." He met Goku and the others as they traveled in search of the Dragon Balls. He was hostile toward Goku at first, but over the course of their adventures they became friends, and Yamcha eventually joined Goku as a pupil of Master Roshi.

There was a time when Yamcha was so terrified of pretty girls that he would go into convulsions just looking at them. After traveling with Bulma, however, he managed to get over his fear. Actually, in an ironic turn of events, he turned out to be quite a ladies' man. Bulma, who had been dating Yamcha for a long time, was furious at this turn of character and broke up with Yamcha. Even so, Yamcha was never cured of his philandering ways.

In the TV series, we see that Yamcha spends his time between adventures as a professional baseball player. And on King Kai's planet, Yamcha proves he has some serious fighting skills when he defeats Recoome and Guldo. So in the final analysis, it would seem that Yamcha is actually a pretty cool character...right?

Guldo
Guldo is a creepy four-eyed member of the Ginyu Force. Relying primarily on his psychic techniques, such as his ability to freeze time, Guldo has little actual fighting strength compared to the other members of the Ginyu Force. His body has grown quite flabby due to his lack of physical effort. Having been summoned by Frieza to aid in the search for the Namekian Dragon Balls, Guldo fights Krillin and Gohan. In the end, however, he is easily defeated by a surprise attack from Vegeta. Judging by the way his opponents seem to swoon, it could be argued that Guldo's most potent secret weapon is his stinky breath.

Garlic Jr. (pretransformation)
Garlic Jr. is a powerful villain who aims to take Kami's post and rule the world. He has been granted immortality through the power of the Dragon Balls. His father, Garlic, was once one of Kami's possible successors, but Kami understood his true motivations for wanting the post, and he was not chosen. Still holding onto his resentment, Garlic tried to betray Kami, but he was sealed away instead. Garlic Jr. seeks to avenge his father and has raised a group of followers, but Goku and the Z-fighters stood in his way.

Though sealed away in the Dead Zone, Garlic Jr. somehow managed to escape. Once more, he returned to Kami's lookout in search of revenge and world domination. Garlic Jr. has considerable power and guile, and the Makyo Star provides him with additional power.

Super Garlic Jr. (posttransformation)
This is Garlic Jr.'s giant, powered-up form. Frustrated by the Z-fighters' interference with his plans, he transforms in an effort to finish them off. In this giant form, his power level is significantly increased. In combination with this overwhelming strength, his powers of immortality allow him to fight with reckless abandon, using his body as a weapon. His finishing move allows him to open up a dimensional vortex known as the Dead Zone.

Piccolo
Piccolo is the offspring of the Great Demon King Piccolo. He sometimes goes by the name Majunior. For many years, Piccolo was Goku's sworn enemy. Seeking revenge for his father, Piccolo entered the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, where he faced Goku in the finals. In the fight with Raditz, however, Piccolo had no choice but to join forces with Goku. The battle is won thanks to Piccolo's special beam cannon.

After the defeat of Raditz, to better confront the Saiyans arriving in one year's time, Piccolo took Goku's son Gohan and began training him as a warrior. Though Piccolo treated Gohan cruelly at first, over time he developed a friendship with the boy, and in the battle with Vegeta and Nappa, he gave his own life to save Gohan's. Later, during the Android Saga, realizing his powers were not enough to confront Android 17, Piccolo cast aside his reservations and fused with Kami. In this way, he returned to his true form, becoming the nameless Super Namek. Serious by nature, Piccolo has little patience for jokes. This presented a bit of a problem during his training with the fun-loving King Kai.

Nappa
Nappa is an elite Saiyan warrior, one of the last survivors of his proud race. Having come to earth with Vegeta in search of the Dragon Balls, upon his arrival, Nappa blew up an entire city with a single blast, just to say hello. Needless to say, he possesses the ruthlessness and love of destruction typical to a Saiyan.

In the battle with the Z-fighters, Nappa demonstrated his overwhelming power, easily defeating Tien, Chiaotzu, and Piccolo. Nappa enjoys making sport of his prey and often treats his victims to a wicked one-liner just before he annihilates them.

Recoome
Recoome is a member of Frieza's elite fighting unit, the Ginyu Force. Having been summoned by Frieza to aid in the search for the Namekian Dragon Balls, Recoome unleashes his overwhelming power upon Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan. He uses many original techniques such as the eraser gun and the Recoome kick. At one point, he prepared to unleash his secret ultimate move, the ultra fighting bomber, but Goku stopped him before he had the chance. If you're interested to see this special technique, play the game!

Saibamen
The Saibamen are strange half-plant, half-humanoid creatures that can be grown in the ground when needed. On Earth, they were sprouted from six seeds that Nappa carried and launched into a fierce battle with Yamcha and Tien. Though each one had about the same power level as Raditz, they were clearly no match for the powered-up Z-fighters, fresh from their training at Kami's lookout. In the face of certain defeat, the Saibamen self-destructed, taking Yamcha out along with them.

Burter
Burter is a member of Frieza's elite fighting unit, the Ginyu Force. The tallest member of the Ginyu Force, Burter also boasts to be the fastest fighter in the universe and has accordingly dubbed himself the "Blue Typhoon." Having been summoned by Frieza to aid in the search for the Namekian Dragon Balls, Burter and his partner Jeice enter into battle with Goku. Working together, Burter and Jeice are able to perform the purple comet flash, a special combination attack that makes the most of their unique abilities.

Jeice
Jeice is a member of Frieza's elite fighting unit, the Ginyu Force. Sporting handsome facial features with a ruddy face and long white hair, he is perhaps the most vain member of the Ginyu Force (which is saying a lot). Having been summoned by Frieza to aid in the search for the Namekian Dragon Balls, Jeice and his partner Burter enter into battle with Goku. Jeice performs a special attack, the crusher ball, which he utilizes when performing the purple comet flash attack with Burter.

Tien
Tien is a serious warrior hailing from the Crane School. Initially, Tien was a pretty bad guy, essentially working as hired muscle. In the World Tournament, he broke Yamcha's leg during their match, just for the sake of being cruel. By the end of his match with Goku, however, Tien had learned the error of his ways. He had a falling out with his teacher, the crane hermit Master Shen, and he and Chiaotzu left the Crane School forever.

After that, Tien devoted himself to becoming stronger. To that end, he and Chiaotzu travel the world on various training missions. However, when Earth is in danger, he will always rush back to join his friends on the battlefield. In the early days, the wild Launch developed a bit of an infatuation with Tien, and she continues to chase him wherever he goes. This could be one more reason Tien chooses to move from place to place so frequently.

Android 16
Android 16 was created by Dr. Gero. Android 16 is 100 percent mechanical, and his limitless power supply gives him the same fighting strength as first-form Cell. However, Android 16 loves nature and has a gentle disposition, making him reluctant to fight. Thus, Dr. Gero sealed him away as a defective product.

After being revived by Androids 17 and 18, Android 16 accompanies them on their search for Goku. But even as the other Androids launch into battle, 16 can often be found sitting quietly on the sidelines, playing with the birds. In times of great need, however, such as when Cell threatened to absorb Androids 17 and 18, Android 16 will fight to protect the world that he loves.

Android 17
Android 17 was created by Dr. Gero. Created primarily to kill Goku, Androids 17 and 18 are also the keys necessary to making Cell complete. He was formerly a delinquent boy, but he was taken against his will and reconstructed into an android along with 18. Naturally, he hates Dr. Gero, and after being activated in the lab, he wasted no time in taking his revenge. With his limitless power supply, Android 17 is capable of a variety of energy attacks. He can also use his specialty, a powerful barrier, to deflect attacks from his opponents.

Android 18
Android 18 was created by Dr. Gero. Among the androids, she is the only girl-type, but in spite of her delicate appearance, her strength is enough to easily overwhelm the mighty Super Saiyan Vegeta. Fueled by her limitless power supply, she fights relentlessly, never tiring or slowing down. She was formerly a delinquent girl, taken against her will and reconstructed into one of Dr. Gero's androids, but she refused to follow the doctor's orders and was sealed away within his lab. Ultimately, in his effort to escape the pursuing Z-fighters, Dr. Gero was forced to reactivate Android 18.

After the Cell Games, she married Krillin, who had developed a crush on her after their very first meeting. Together, they had a daughter named Maron. In Dragon Ball GT, to avenge the murder of her husband, she fought with Goku against Super Android 17.

Android 19
Android 19 was created by Dr. Gero. Three years after Trunks returned to the future, Android 19 appeared along with Android 20 (Dr. Gero) and fought Goku, who was weakened by a heart virus. Of Dr. Gero's android creations, it could be said that Android 19 is his first complete success. However, since he must rely on energy absorption to recharge his power, his fighting strength is limited compared to the other androids.

As it was Android 19 who oversaw Dr. Gero's reconstruction into an android, his intelligence level is accordingly very high. In the Trunks' future world, the existence of Android 19 was never confirmed.

Android 20
This is the mad scientist Dr. Gero, after turning himself into an android. Long ago, Dr. Gero served as the Red Ribbon Army's chief weapons expert. But after the army's collapse, hungry for revenge, he devoted himself to the creation of androids strong enough to defeat Goku. Three years after Trunks returned to the future, Android 20 appeared with Android 19. After their initial attack on the city, Androids 19 and 20 caught Yamcha by surprise, nearly killing the Z-fighter.

Even after Android 20 was cast into the depths of Other World, his thirst for revenge lived on. In Dragon Ball GT, he and Dr. Myuu created a new Android 17. This new 17 then fused with the old one, giving rise to Super 17, a virtually invincible android created for the sole purpose of destroying Goku.

Cell (First Form)
Cell is an artificial life-form created by Dr. Gero. Cell was created in Dr. Gero's underground laboratory, formed by fusing cell samples taken from the Z-fighters. He can achieve his perfect form only by absorbing Androids 17 and 18. In order to absorb 17 and 18 and become complete, Cell killed Trunks in the future, stole his time machine, and traveled to the present. In addition to his energy-absorbing abilities, Cell inherited a key Namekian trait: the ability to regenerate.

Cell (Second Form)
This is Cell's second form. After narrowly escaping Android 16's attacks, Cell manages to absorb Android 17 and transform into his second state. In this form, Cell's size and strength rise dramatically, and he is able to brush aside Android 16 with a minimum of effort. Even with the most forgiving eyes, it would be difficult to see Cell as handsome or even remotely attractive in any way. Nonetheless, in his new form he seems to feel that he is the most beautiful living specimen on the planet. This narcissistic attitude may have been influenced by Vegeta's genes...

Cell Perfect Form
This is Cell's Perfect Form, achieved after he overcame the Z-fighters' resistance and absorbed Android 18. His form becomes much more defined, and with his dramatic increase in power, he can indeed be called the Ultimate Android. Wishing to test the limits of his new powers, he organized an event similar to the World Martial Arts Tournament, dubbed the Cell Games.

Despite his dignified manner, Cell is still a ruthless villain, capable of utterly destroying his opponent without a second thought. As soon as he finds himself at a disadvantage, however, Cell loses all composure and will resort to even the most desperate tactics to defeat his attacker. After the battle with the Z-fighters, Cell was sent into the depths of Other World. There, he teamed up with Frieza, and it fell to Goku and Pikkon to stop their evil rampage.

Perfect Cell
This is Cell in his Perfect Form, powered to his maximum levels. Though it was thought that Cell was destroyed when he self-destructed on King Kai's planet, the nucleus in his head survived the blast and he was able to regenerate. Thanks to his Saiyan genes, Cell's recovery from this near-death state has the added effect of increasing his power on a massive scale. Furthermore, Cell has acquired the use of instant transmission. He uses this skill to return to Earth, where he will face Gohan in the final confrontation.

Cell Jr.
The Cell Juniors are the offspring of Perfect Cell. At the Cell Games, seven Cell Juniors appear. In spite of their diminutive size and almost "cute" appearance, the Cell Juniors are no less lethal. Each one is born with the full powers of Perfect Cell himself. In an attempt to draw out Gohan's anger, the Cell Juniors toyed with the Z-fighters, tormenting them with their superior strength.

Gamespot