Transformations are one of the most iconic features of the Dragon Ball franchise, and in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, they play a crucial role in battle. Transformations not only enhance a character’s power and abilities but also offer strategic advantages in combat. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know about transformations, how to unlock them, and how to effectively use them in battle.

Understanding Transformations

Transformations in Budokai Tenkaichi allow certain characters to ascend to more powerful forms, increasing their attack power, defense, speed, and Ki. Each transformation requires Ki, which acts as the resource needed to trigger these forms. Transformations can drastically turn the tide of a battle, making them one of the most exciting elements of the game.

Types of Transformations:

  1. Saiyan Transformations (e.g., Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan 4)
  2. Fusion Forms (e.g., Vegito, Gogeta)
  3. Villain Transformations (e.g., Frieza's Forms, Cell's Forms, Majin Buu's Forms)
  4. Other Unique Transformations (e.g., Piccolo’s Fuse with Nail, Janemba's transformation, Gohan's Potential Unleashed)

How to Transform

To transform in Budokai Tenkaichi, you need to meet specific in-game conditions, mainly involving Ki levels. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Build Your Ki Meter: The more powerful the transformation, the more Ki you need to gather. This can be done by attacking your opponent or manually charging Ki.

  2. Trigger the Transformation: Once your Ki is full, press the L2 button (on PlayStation) or its equivalent while pressing the transformation button (usually indicated on-screen).

  3. Higher Ki Cost for Higher Transformations: For more advanced transformations like Super Saiyan 3 or Final Form Frieza, you’ll need to build up more Ki. Generally, higher transformations require 3-5 Ki bars.

Saiyan Transformations

The Saiyan transformations are among the most recognizable in the Dragon Ball series, and they have significant gameplay advantages.

Super Saiyan (SSJ)

  • Unlock Condition: Play as characters like Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, or Trunks, and charge Ki to activate.
  • Effect: Boosts attack and defense, as well as Ki-based attacks. Speed is slightly enhanced.
  • Usage Tip: Use Super Saiyan for an overall boost in power. It’s perfect for maintaining pressure on your opponent without consuming too much Ki.

Super Saiyan 2 (SSJ2)

  • Unlock Condition: Requires more Ki bars than Super Saiyan.
  • Effect: Higher attack power and faster speed than Super Saiyan. Ki attacks, especially energy blasts, deal significant damage.
  • Usage Tip: SSJ2 is best used when you need to overpower your opponent quickly, especially when you're in the middle of a combo.

Super Saiyan 3 (SSJ3)

  • Unlock Condition: Requires a higher Ki bar (typically 5 or more). Available for characters like Goku.
  • Effect: Massive attack and Ki boost. Speed is drastically improved, but stamina depletes faster.
  • Usage Tip: SSJ3 is a powerhouse transformation for quick knockouts. However, it drains Ki rapidly, so use it as a finishing form or when you have plenty of Ki to manage.

Super Saiyan 4 (SSJ4)

  • Unlock Condition: Only available for Goku and Vegeta after unlocking in the story mode.
  • Effect: Extreme boosts to all stats, including massive Ki damage. It also gives unique attacks such as 10x Kamehameha.
  • Usage Tip: SSJ4 should be used in longer battles to gain a definitive advantage. Its strength and Ki output make it ideal for defeating stronger opponents quickly.

Fusion Transformations

Fusion forms combine two characters into a single, more powerful fighter. There are two types of fusions: Potara Fusion and Fusion Dance.

Vegito (Potara Fusion)

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Goku or Vegeta and trigger the Potara Fusion during the battle.
  • Effect: Vegito has a balanced and extremely powerful moveset, combining Goku’s speed and Vegeta’s power.
  • Usage Tip: Vegito excels at close-quarters combat. Use him to pressure opponents with relentless combos and finish them with his devastating energy attacks.

Gogeta (Fusion Dance)

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Goku or Vegeta and trigger the Fusion Dance transformation when you have a full Ki bar.
  • Effect: Gogeta has access to high-damage, quick combos and energy blasts. Super Saiyan Gogeta is incredibly fast, while SSJ4 Gogeta is nearly invincible.
  • Usage Tip: Use Gogeta to overwhelm your opponent with speed and heavy Ki attacks. SSJ4 Gogeta can finish fights in seconds with moves like the Big Bang Kamehameha.

Villain Transformations

Villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu have multiple forms, each more powerful than the last. These transformations allow for more strategic play, especially for defensive or tanky characters.

Frieza’s Forms

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Frieza and progress through his different forms (First Form, Second Form, Final Form, and Golden Frieza in some versions).
  • Effect: Each form boosts Frieza’s stats, with his Final Form and Golden Form providing massive Ki damage potential.
  • Usage Tip: Use Frieza’s lower forms to chip away at your opponent’s health and save the Final Form or Golden Frieza for critical moments, when you need overwhelming power.

Cell’s Forms

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Cell and progress through his transformations (Imperfect Cell, Semi-Perfect Cell, Perfect Cell, Super Perfect Cell).
  • Effect: Each form increases Cell’s overall power, with Perfect Cell providing a balance of speed, strength, and Ki.
  • Usage Tip: Cell’s Perfect Form is ideal for adapting to any situation. His ability to regenerate health and use powerful Ki attacks makes him a versatile fighter.

Majin Buu’s Forms

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Majin Buu and cycle through his transformations (Fat Buu, Super Buu, Kid Buu).
  • Effect: Each form offers a different combat style. Kid Buu is fast and relentless, while Super Buu is powerful and versatile.
  • Usage Tip: Super Buu is best for players who like variety, as he can absorb other characters. Kid Buu is perfect for aggressive players who focus on speed and fast combos.

Other Unique Transformations

Some characters have special transformations that offer different gameplay mechanics compared to typical Saiyan or villain forms.

Piccolo’s Fuse with Nail and Kami

  • Unlock Condition: Activate during battle as Piccolo.
  • Effect: Increases Piccolo’s overall power and gives access to new techniques.
  • Usage Tip: Fuse with Nail early in the battle for the power boost. Fuse with Kami later for even greater strength and better Ki management.

Mystic (Ultimate) Gohan

  • Unlock Condition: Play as Gohan (Teen) and trigger the Potential Unleashed transformation.
  • Effect: Mystic Gohan has access to his full power without needing a Super Saiyan transformation. His speed and Ki are drastically increased.
  • Usage Tip: Use Mystic Gohan to dominate with high-speed combos and Ki attacks. He’s one of the most balanced characters, excelling in both offense and defense.

Strategic Tips for Using Transformations

  1. Ki Management: Keep an eye on your Ki meter. Higher transformations drain Ki faster, and without proper management, you could revert to your base form mid-battle.
  2. Timing Your Transformation: Transforming at the right moment is key. Don’t transform early unless you have a specific strategy in mind. Wait until your Ki is full, or use it as a surprise when your opponent least expects it.
  3. Transformation Combos: Chain your transformations with combos to surprise your opponent. Start a combo in base form, then transform mid-fight to increase your attack damage without giving your opponent time to react.
  4. Defensive Transformations: Some forms are better for defense (e.g., Frieza’s lower forms or Fat Buu). Use them when you need to survive longer or regenerate health.
  5. Endgame Transformations: Save your most powerful forms (SSJ3, SSJ4, Kid Buu) for the end of the fight. Once you transform, you’ll want to end the match quickly with overwhelming power.

Conclusion

Mastering transformations in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi is essential for taking your combat skills to the next level. Whether you're transforming into a Super Saiyan, fusing into Gogeta, or evolving into Perfect Cell, each transformation offers new ways to approach battle and dominate your opponent. By learning how to manage Ki, strategically use transformations, and combine them with advanced combat techniques, you’ll unlock the full potential of your favorite characters and rule the Tenkaichi Budokai!