Description:

DragonBall Z games: frantic airborne beat 'em up action played out across half a planet, complete with the requisite energy attacks and speed lines, right? Well generally, yes. All of the above has been dropped in the case of DragonBall Z: Goku Densetsu, however. Well, OK, all the above except an occasional speed line, if we're going to be fair.

What awaits DS owners in place of a beat 'em up here is a strategic card-based game with a healthy dose of role playing elements thrown in for good measure. If you want to get ahead you'll need to use cards to evolve characters, strengthen moves and put entirely new moves together.

The magic number here is eight. Each card is marked with eight types of action, eight power levels and eight guard levels for a total of 512 possible combos as you make your way through missions. Players will be randomly dealt five cards which they must use to make their way across the story boards, fighting underlings, destroying bosses and dealing with plot twists.

The meat of the game is in the story mode, in which players will choose from Goku, Gohan, Piccolo or an unlockable fourth character. Each section of the campaign is presented like an episode of the anime, complete with text and audio dialogue. Alternatively, of you're feeling a bit more friendly, there's a four player mode that makes use of the DS's wireless functionality so you can go into battle with your mates.

Supported accessories:

• Wireless DS multi-card play

Information:

• Number of players: 1-4
• Development Company: Namco Bandai
• Software House: Namco Bandai
• Video Dimensions: 2D
• Publisher: Atari
• Point Of View: Combination