Reception
The game received above-average reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[21][22] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of one nine and three eights for a total of 33 out of 40,[24]while Famitsu X360 gave the Xbox 360 version one eight, one seven, and two eights for a total of 31 out of 40.[25]
Chris Roper of IGN felt that the combat mechanics were "simple and deep", but had issues with the extent to which many of the characters and stages were similar to each other.[34] Will Herring of GamePro praised the games' visuals and felt that the Drama Pieces integrated well within the Z Chronicles. However, he stated that they didn't seem to work well when applied to the multiplayer mode.[35] Justin Calvert of GameSpot stated the visuals and animation would impress regular gamers, despite referring to the environments as bland. He continued, saying that "the overall look of Burst Limit is definitely greater than the sum of its parts".[36] Phil Theobald of GameSpy felt the lack of content made the X360 version of the game feel a little shallow, but called it a quality fighting game with an improved game engine that couldn't be denied.[37] GameTrailers praised the same version by calling it "a well-rounded package in fighting shape", while keeping its paces with plenty of gaming modes. They also stated that its depth might not please hardcore gamers, but fans or gamers looking for a user friendly fighter might enjoy it.[38] Dakota Grabowski of GameZone stated that the X360 version was an excellent game with some drawbacks, such as lack of characters and an under refined online multiplayer, but felt the game was a critical success.[39] Matt Cabral of Official Xbox Magazine praised the controls and the visuals. He also stated "after countless titles spanning various platforms, we may just have the best Dragon Ball Z game yet".[40]
However, some critics were not as pleased with the game overall. Anthony Gallegos of 1Up.com was impressed by the game at first but was ultimately disappointed by its lack of innovation.[41] Dale Nardozzi of TeamXbox called much of the games features bare bones. He also complained about the game's sixty dollar price tag, stating that the gameplay didn't justify the game's cost. He recommended as that consumers would be better off getting the game as a trade-in, a rental, or as a loan from a Dragon Ball Z fan.[42]
During the days after the game's initial release, a few gaming critics managed to give some statement about the soundtrack. Calvert stated that "...the upbeat soundtrack is something of an acquired taste".[36]
Following its initial release, the PS3 version became the top selling game in Japan for a total of three months. Beating out its Xbox 360 counterpart, which came in at twelve, and other games including Mario Kart Wii, which came at four, and Ninja Gaiden II, which came in at eight.[43][44] Atari reported that the game along with Alone in the Dark helped to increase the company's net sales.[45] The game was nominated for a Spike video game award for best fighting game,[46] but lost out to Soul Calibur IV.[47]
