[nmaster64]

So, I got an interview with the producer of one of my most anticipated launch titles, Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2. Budokai 2 is Dragonball's launch day debut for the Wii, and the Wii's only fighting for some time. You can do super moves using the controller by mimicing the characters moves from the anime. I've got it on reserve myself...

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The Game Feed: The Wii remote seems to be an extremely tough challenge to approach for developers of fighting games in particular. In fact, DBZ Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is the Wii's first fighting game, and the only one expected for a good while. What prompted the idea to move the game over to Wii, and how tough was it to adapt to the new control scheme?

Donnie Clay, Producer: We actually love the Wii's controls, it brings an entire new set of challenges to the development table, and with DBZ's fans being die-hard loyalists, it was only natural to present them with the opportunity to have more interaction in the DBZ fights. Although it was a challenge, it was a great experience and we look forward to developing more great Wii fighting titles!

TGF: Fighting games are generally very "button heavy". Was it hard to develop for a controller with so many less available buttons than is usually the standard?

Donnie: Not really. Each character and movements were well thought out in advance, so that didn't really present us with major problems.

TGF: The character roster for Budokai Tenkaichi 2 is extremely impressive, pulling from almost all possible sources in the DragonBall universe. With so many characters, how much time are you able to put into developing each one? Would you say each character is very unique, or were you forced in development to create more general technique lists as a sacrifice for the large number of characters?

Donnie: Fortunately, this time around we have our cake and are eating it, too. Our team has been extraordinary at making each character unique. It took a little time, but with good planning, we got it done right. Also, while some of the button combinations are the same for the characters, their supermoves are different.

TGF: Many criticize the game's Wii-only control scheme, claiming that performing super moves makes a player look quite ridiculous. What would you say to those critics?

Donnie: First of all, I'd tell those critics that they should stop being so self conscious! We're talking about video games here, not someone's political career. Secondly, looking ridiculous is half the fun! Look at Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution...While doing some of the supermoves might appear a little strange to those that don't know the show, for people that do know the show, its pretty cool to be able to recreate what they see on TV. And hey, if you don't want to play with the Wii controls, plug in your GameCube controller and there you go.

TGF: From some of the demonstration videos for Tenkaichi 2, super moves with the Wii remote don't have to exactly mimic the grandeur seen on the show, and more simplistic motions will suffice. What about those hardcore fans, who really love the idea of fully acting out their favorite DBZ character's moves, will they be satisfied with this system?

Donnie: We hope so but given that this is our first Wii title we know that we can always do more, and we will, to try and satisfy the fans.

TGF: Will we be seeing more of DragonBall on the Wii? If so, any idea if we can expect it to come from the Budokai series, Tenkaichi series, or possibly an entirely new series? Do you foresee any DBZ games being developed completely focused around the Wiimote instead of just adapted?

Donnie: Everything is always possible. Stay tuned!

TGF: Finally, many gamers are expecting a simple PS2 port for the Wii version of DragonBall Z. What makes the Wii version a game early Wii adopters should buy vs. rent or borrow from a friend?

Donnie: Fundamentally the games are the same but I think saying it's a port from the PS2 is minimizing the significance of the Wii control system and the fact that you are actually able to pull of a kamehameha.

TGF: Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us.

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