DBZ: BT is a game that could use some work, but for what it already has, it does well in providing a decent experience.
The core Gameplay of DBZ: BT is actually suprisingly deep, considering the simplicity of the controls. That said, everything in that department is pretty much the same for all characters. While this may not be appealing to certain individuals, it's worth noting that merely bashing the buttons won't get you a victory. In fact, different "objectives" in certain fights will force you to get strategic. Even so, the controls sometimes can get a little sloppy, leaving you to frantically "pound" your controller in an effort to, for example, run away from an enemy. If you're not an expert at handling the characters, chances are you'll end up running right into a giant ape to be destroyed. That flaw out of the way, the game also has some camera issues. Considering the formidable size of the levels, it's understandable that not every angle could get covered but it's likely that in almost every stage, you'll end up pushing buttoms "blindly" at least once, waiting for a better view of what's going on. And the positives? Even with the basic controls, you actually get the DBZ feel considering how fast paced everything is. Add the formidable AI into the mix and you'll likely be able to forgive the weaknesses of the game, 'less it cost you a win.
There are various modes that come with the game, ranging from the expected (World Tournament, Standard Duel, Practice, and Skill Editing) to the "new" - Most notably, the "Story Mode". While it doesn't exactly take over the role of the show, in terms of providing you with every little detail, it will be fairly familiar to fans and can even be used to possibly fill some "story gaps" if you missed it in the past. It is unfortunate that so much was left out however, especially considering the effort made here to provide a truly fulfilling experience. Perhaps the most disappointing of features in the Story Mode is the "FMV's". What you're basically getting is two characters on a screen, with their mouth's moving, speaking in English or Japanese - That being up to you. Sure, they're actually in a setting that is usually true to the show's location and every once in awhile, you might get more than the exchange of bickering. Altogether, it just seems that this feature wasn't completed to its fullest potential and that becomes especially apparent when it's compared to something moderately more successful like what was in DBZ: Budokai 1.
As fortunate would have it, almost everything in DBZ: BT is visually impressive in some way, shape or form. The character's are true to the anime, with the exception of certain missing aspects (That would be noted only by the more "Hardcore" of fans) and the stages really do remind those who are familiar with the show, of certain key regions in the DBZ world. Also, most actions are simulated in the true DBZ fashion although many may end up missing the elongated special finishing moves of old. Why? Anymore, the "Big Finishers" just don't pack the visual power they used to. Even so, it isn't something that damages the value of the product too much and as such, graphically speaking, this is the best looking DBZ game to date... And the best aspect of the product, altogether.
The American version of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi won't have the original Japanese music although there will be an option to use the Japanese voices. Some will like this, others will not. It's worth noting that in-game "cut scenes" have some poor lip syncing when using American voices so if you can keep up with reading the sub-titles, it may be worth using the Japanese voice option if you want to truly "immerse" yourself into the game. As for the music, it is once more based on a person's taste. Some will care about it, from which you have the option of turning it off, while others can accept or even come to like the theme[s] portrayed through the sometimes "deceptive" music.
When it's all said and done, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi is not only fun, but it does well in serving the fans of the show. There is obviously much they need to work on although one might get the feeling that they purposefully left room to improve. After all, if this was the perfect game, what more could we expect from future sequels? In time, we may be able to tell.