Initially, the Dragon Ball fighting games offered brief moments of fun, with freaky characters and over-the-top maneuvers. However, the latest addition to the series, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast, proves how old the formula's become. All the extra features in the world (online support, tournaments, Dragon Ball Collection) don't mean a thing without enjoyable combat.

Maybe it was something you ate, dude. Click to see more images from the game...

Fans of the popular anime series will probably find something to like (or at least tolerate) with Raging Blast. Over 70 characters are available, from long-time favorites like Goku and Piccolo, to uncommon villains such as Frieza and Broly. There are also a variety of activities, including 16-player tournaments (ideal for parties) and a Dragon Ball Collection mode, where you can relive the series' greatest bouts from a particular fighter's perspective. Online play is also available, so you can log in to Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network and beat up people all over the world.

All this is moot, however, without a solid fighting system, and sadly, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast doesn't have one. Most of the time, you'll use three primary attacks: melee, dashing and projectile. These moves appeared in previous Dragon Ball games, but they just feel sloppy here. Melee attacks are repetitive and bland, and fireball attacks barely do any noticeable damage unless you release something strong, such as Goku's Kamehameha. Dashing was reserved for defensive purposes, but it's inaccurate. Half the time, you'll float right by your intended target, only to revert to doubling-back.

Special techniques are available, and activated with the right analog stick once you gain enough energy. However, they come up short as well. Most of the time, these attacks cut to an uncontrollable cinematic sequence, where the damage is done so quickly you don't get to enjoy it.

Even worse, fights become confusing. There are times when the camera loses your opponent entirely, mostly when someone is thrown into an object (like a rock formation or a mountain) or changes their level. As a result, the only way to find out where they are is to air dash up (or down) to them. An indication system should've been added so you could keep tabs on your opponent. Without it, you walk right into a counterattack.

Camera issues aside, the graphics aren't half bad. Spike faithfully recreated the Dragon Ball atmosphere for Raging Blast, from the little animations of each character (fans will dig watching Goku and Vegeta go at it) to the surreal locations throughout the Dragon Ball universe. The game moves at a rapid pace, and the menus are stylish and slick, with a long-tailed Dragon floating around the menus. Still, when the camera problems appear, they're unbearable, to the point that you can barely make out what's going on.

Audio is acceptable, but nothing you'll hum to work. The guitar soundtrack was copied from the anime shows, although it doesn't impress. The dialogue, recorded by members of the show's cast, is OK, but some characters will easily get on your nerves. As for the sound effects, there are plenty of "pow!" and "bang!" noises to go around.

We hate to say it, but Dragon Ball may have finally wore out its welcome. While Raging Blast has a likable presentation and lots of options, the stale fighting and infuriating camera are hard to ignore. Namco Bandai should either return this series back to basics or retire it and move on to another franchise.