I’d say it was roughly five or six years ago that I really started to get into it, and it all started with one video game. Sure, there have been many DBZ fighting games over the years, but my heart will always belong to DBZ: Budokai 3. It’s not just due to the nostalgia, either, as it’s mainly due to how well this game holds up all these years later.

The Fantastic Ki System

The major mechanic that makes this fighting game unique from literally every other one I’ve ever played is the Ki system. Fans of the franchise know that Ki is very important. In this game, it’s the primary component that you need to understand to do well. With most fighting games, you can just mash random buttons to high success. That’s not the case here as the Ki system creates endless strategies.

Possessing Ki allows you to use super attacks, to dodge behind your opponent, and to do a variety of other tasks. At any time, you can charge up your character to build Ki. Though different characters possess different base Ki, everyone utilizes it.

The Canceling System

It’s not as if this is the only fighting game that allows you to cancel attacks, but none do it better. The difference between a high-level player and a mid-level player often comes down to how well the players can cancel. Top-level players will be able to string along huge combos simply by canceling. Along with the Ki system, canceling allows for further strategy opportunities. Even better is that some characters have a ton of different cancels that you can utilize.

Transformations and Variety of Characters

Dragon Ball Z is synonymous with transformations. Above all else, this is the aspect that people typically remember the most. Being implemented into this game, transformations allow for new opportunities for characters. Speaking of characters, this game has an excellent variety available. From Cell to Super Buu to Vegeta to Piccolo, the fantastic characters read like a who’s who of DBZ greats.

It Hasn’t Aged a Day

Yes, the graphics have aged, but I couldn’t care less about that. People are so consumed with how good games look that they often forget why they’re fun in the first place. This game is a fantastic example of that as the gameplay, music, and overall fun haven’t aged a bit. And even if you can’t stomach the PS2 version anymore, you can always dive into the PS3 version. All these years later and it’s still the best DBZ game ever made.

Not only that, but it often gets overshadowed by Kirby’s Epic Yarn. For the record, both these games were released for the Wii. I personally don’t understand why this entry gets so much praise as I thought it was good, but nothing great. Meanwhile, Return to Dreamland is arguably my favorite game from the storied franchise (though other entries are close).

It truly feels like a return to Dreamland and lives up to its moniker quite well. Yet, what makes the game so great? I will attempt to sum it up in just a few paragraphs so you can get back to more important matters.

Classic Gameplay

I will be the first to admit that the Kirby series needs a change. However, at the time of this game’s release, it had been a minute since the world enjoyed the classic gameplay provided by the pink furball. This entry feels like a celebration of what made the original classics so compelling. You just run from side-to-side as Kirby with amazing copy abilities destroying everything in your path.

But, in this entry, neat secrets were added and some epic boss fights were added (just take a look at the true final boss). Side mini-games (the series has been known for this) were also included to mix things up from the main story mode.

The Soundtrack

If there’s something that most Kirby fans can agree on, it’s that the soundtracks are always amazing. In Return to Dreamland though, the score was as good as it ever gets in gaming. Indeed, it’s that darn good. From the catchy opening to the ominous caves to the utterly breathtaking final boss music, it doesn’t get much better than this (unless your name is David Wise).

Somewhat Difficult in Parts

No, this game is not that difficult. However, for a series that often gets maligned for being way too easy, this entry is at least somewhat hard in certain spots. Full completion of the game, for instance, can be a little tricky. True Arena is also ridiculous (granted you don’t use Tornado), but that isn’t part of the main story mode.

Actually Good Co-Op

So many games don’t do co-op gameplay well. For those who have tried, that is not the case with this game. Up to four players can play at any given time and while the game gets easier this way, it does provide all-out fun for all involved. Kirby has become the master of this over the years, but this may be the most refined.

I am convinced now, this game is a classic. It’s one of the better games on the Wii platform, so pick it up if you haven’t yet. If you can find someone else to play with you, it will be even better.

As you can see from the title, I am quite fond of this game and have been for quite some time now. It is one of those rare (no pun intended) gems that so many gamers overlook. But, the game sold well commercially and was also received well (for the reviewers who played the game for what it was).

So, how could it be “forgotten”? Well, you see, this is mostly due to the controversy that surrounds it.

It is Not a Normal Star Fox Game

For those who are unaware, this game was released in 2002. Before this entry into the Star Fox series, there had only been rail shooters released. By the time the GameCube came around, fans wanted more Star Fox action in the next-gen console. What they got was Star Fox Adventures which played more like The Legend of Zelda than anything.

The funny thing is, the game was never supposed to be an entry into the mainline franchise. Without going into too much detail, it was originally going to be called Dinosaur Planet, but that never came to fruition. Alas, the world received a Star Fox game that no one really asked for. But, little did everyone know the game would end up being so good.

The Presentation

Playing this game today, it is hard to believe that it came out in 2002 on the GameCube. When running in progressive scan, the game looks downright fantastic. The visuals, level design, and overall presentation are just magnificent. There have been modern games that fall short of what this game achieved (which says a lot).

Puzzles/Adventure

If there is one thing this game nails, it’s adventure. The name of the title is apropos of what the experience is like. From the fantastic worlds to the clever puzzles, any gamer can dive into the gameplay presented in Star Fox Adventures.

While not huge on secrets, there are also some hidden gems that you can find if you take the time to explore a little extra. Unfortunately, the combat system is below-average and engaging in battle becomes old rather quickly.

Give it a Chance

For whatever reason, if you are dead-set against playing this game because it does not play like a traditional Star Fox game, give it a chance. It remains my favorite entry in the entire series (yeah, I just went there) and deserves the praise that select gamers have given it over the years. No, it is probably not one of the greatest video games of all-time, but it is one that can deliver hours and hours of immersive gameplay.

This is going to begin an ongoing series I will be conducting to document what I feel are video games that have become forgotten classics. Do any of you remember playing Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue? It is based on the incredibly popular movie entry but let’s just say that it did not receive the same level of praise and admiration.

It makes sense as all the Toy Story movies (outside of the fourth one which was hot garbage) have been amazing throughout the years and have sold extremely well. But, this game (in particular) has always been by my side and remains one of my favorite video games of all-time.

However, now some 20 years later, it seems that this classic has been all but forgotten in the minds of so many. At the time, it was received fairly well and also sold quite a few units (it was released on many different platforms). Today, though, I want to remind everyone why this game is still a joyful experience.

Pure Platforming Greatness

For those who did not know, Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue is a 3D platformer. In an era that was oversaturated with this genre, this entry did not exactly reinvent the wheel. It more or less stuck to the same tried-and-true formula that was established by games such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie.

As a 3D platformer, though, it is simply brilliant. It is one of the purest platformers I have ever played and never gets away from what it is supposed to be. From level to level, you explore sandbox-style worlds to try and gain all the collectibles. Some may feel it gets too repetitive, but I disagree. Each level feels vastly different from the last as the environments change drastically.

An Unbelievable Soundtrack

To this day, I still believe this video game has one of the greatest soundtracks ever recorded. Andy Blythe and Marten Joustra were the composers and they deserve a heck of an amount of credit for the work they produced.

From “Airport Infiltration” to “Andy’s House” to “Al’s Penthouse,” the musical score is still amazing to listen to. Part of the reason I adore coming back to this game over all these years, in fact, is due to the soundtrack.

Nothing But Joy

Don’t worry; I am not claiming this to be the single greatest video game ever made. I understand it has its faults (it is way too easy, it is quite short, and the bosses are terrible), but the joy that resonates in my body each time I play it can’t be denied.

Also, what other chance do you get to take control of one of the coolest animated characters in the history of the game (Buzz Lightyear)? Couple all this together and you have an experience that all Toy Story fans should indulge in at least once.