Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 can not only bring back a beloved series back to former glory, it can give one character the victory they have long been seeking. On many occasions, the Dragon Ball Z fighting games have either followed a similar storyline to the anime or have a story that features many of the same themes and elements. While this has produced good results, such as in Dragon Ball FighterZ and the Xenoverse games, it has left some potential unfulfilled. In particular, one popular character could benefit from a change of pace in Tenkaichi 4.
While fighting games don't usually focus on story, Tenkaichi 4 could learn from FighterZ' story and tell yet another memorable tale of the Dragon Ball universe. Of course, there are several things that can already be assumed. The Z-Warriors will certainly be present, as will most if not all the major villains that they have faced. As the anime's main character, it's also likely, but not guaranteed, that Goku will once again be the main star of the game's story. Aside from those common tropes, the rest of the game's details are up in the air until more information comes along.
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 Could Be Vegeta's Greatest Victory
Vegeta is the character who could potentially gain the most from incorporating a change in formula in Budokai Tenkaichi 4. Originally introduced as an antagonist, Vegeta is one of Goku's longest-running rivals, only matched by Piccolo. Unlike Piccolo, Vegeta never truly toned down his original aggressive nature. Although he fights alongside the Z-Warriors to protect Earth, he is still defined by his arrogant attitude, violent fighting style, and rivalry with Goku. Despite still being a jerk decades after his debut, Vegeta is a major fan favorite for his character arc, cool fight scenes, and status as one of the shonen genre's most iconic rival characters.
Despite his perpetual status as a playable character, Vegeta has never truly been able to take the spotlight in any Dragon Ball Z game's story. Although he is always a powerful fighter, the starring role almost always either ends up going to Goku, or in the case of the Xenoverse games, the player's created character. For a character who has been a major part of the series for so long, it can be disappointing to see him constantly ending up as second place at best. Budokai Tenkaichi 4 could reverse his bad luck by finally letting him be the one that comes out on top.
There are a few ways for Vegeta to finally earn his victory in Budokai Tenkaichi 4. One would be for him to put forth a herculean effort in Budokai Tenkaichi 4 and become the hero in the final act of the story. Perhaps Goku is incapacitated or defeated for some reason by the final boss, requiring Vegeta to step in and win the day. On one hand, this would technically give Vegeta the win over Goku he has been seeking, since he defeated a threat that Goku could not. However, since he did not personally beat Goku, it also leaves room for his rivalry to continue.
Although Vegeta may not be the most heroic of Dragon Ball Z's Z-Warriors, his power and popularity are proof enough that he should at least be able to earn victory once in the games. With Budokai Tenkaichi 4 only recently revealed, it is still far too early to determine if the game's story will grant him that opportunity. It's worth considering the idea of Vegeta taking the starring role though, even if only briefly. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 could do Vegeta more justice than any game before.
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 4 is in development.