Today, finding a Dragon Ball game on the latest console is easy. But there was a time, especially before the 2000s, when enjoying these titles outside Japan was a true rarity. Playing as your favorite characters on a SEGA Mega Drive or a Sony PlayStation in the United States or Europe was challenging, mainly because the series hadn’t yet been translated into English.
Everything changed when the anime began airing on Cartoon Network, gaining a massive international following.
For those who don’t know, Dragon Ball began as a manga in 1984, created by Akira Toriyama. The story follows Son Goku from childhood to adulthood, in his constant quest for strength through combat and the use of Ki energy. The series evolved, giving rise to Dragon Ball Z, where we see Goku as an adult, now married and with a son, Gohan.
The international impact of Dragon Ball games started with the launch of Dragon Ball Budokai in 2002 for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Gamecube. Today, in 2024, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero continues the legacy with strong reception and successful sales.
However, several Dragon Ball titles remain virtually unknown outside Japan. Here, we share five of these classics that you should definitely try.
5. Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension
Released in Japan in 1996 and in Europe in 1997, Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension takes inspiration from fighting games like Street Fighter Alpha and Marvel vs. Its artistic design, special moves, and energy attacks stand out.
The game covers the entire plot of Dragon Ball Z, allowing players to follow the story through its most iconic sagas. Here, winning each fight isn’t necessary; if you lose certain battles, the storyline progresses true to the anime’s plot. Completing the story mode without any defeats, however, offers special rewards. With impressive visual effects using the SNES’s Mode 7, each transition and attack feels almost three-dimensional.
The music is also a strong point, intensifying the action and adapting to the context. It’s perfect for a weekend gaming session with friends if you can find a copy.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Son Goku Densetsu
Idainaru Son Goku Densetsu, or “The Legend of Great Son Goku,” is a hidden gem. Released in 1994 for the PC Engine CD-ROM, the game spans the events of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z up to the Saiyaman saga, as the Buu saga hadn’t yet aired.
This fighting title offers immersive music and sound effects, plus scenes that capture the essence of each saga. The action is fast-paced, allowing up to four characters on screen at once, and players can launch Ki attacks and throw enemies into the background.
To add replayability, there are alternate endings that show what would happen if villains succeeded, similar to the optional paths in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero.
3. Dragon Ball: Super Butoden 2
In the early ’90s, multiple Dragon Ball games were released for the Super Nintendo, though few stood out like Super Butoden 2. Released in 1993 in Japan and in 1994 in Europe, this game lets you control eight main characters and two secret ones.
The game covers the Cell saga and two Dragon Ball Z movies: Broly and Bojack Unbound. Players can charge their Ki bar to execute devastating attacks, accompanied by cinematic scenes where the opponent can try to block or deflect.
Super Butoden 2 offers an intense combat experience with pixelated graphics and music that perfectly complements the action.
2. Dragon Ball: Legacy of Goku II
Though popular upon release for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, Legacy of Goku II is now a classic that time has overlooked. Set between the Future Trunks and Cell sagas, this action RPG allows players to control the main characters, who grow stronger by completing quests.
The game introduced improvements like Super Saiyan transformations and special charged attacks. With deep gameplay and a faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe, Legacy of Goku II impresses by how well the franchise fits the RPG genre.
1. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Imagine a cross between Streets of Rage and Dragon Ball, and you get Advanced Adventure for the Game Boy Advance. Released in 2004, this game combines beat ’em up style with the early years of Goku in Dragon Ball, facing various enemies and classic series settings.
Upon completing Story Mode, additional options are unlocked, such as playing with Krillin or exploring Extra Mode, which reverses levels and adds new characters.
This side-scrolling game remains an entertaining experience that deserves a remaster or inclusion on Nintendo Switch Online. It’s a title that should not be forgotten.
Conclusion
Nearly 40 years after the first manga chapter, Dragon Ball has become one of the most beloved franchises worldwide. The early games, with their pixel graphics, played a key role in expanding the series, later evolving into cel-shaded 3D graphics that better reflected the anime’s style.
These five Dragon Ball games show how well their developers captured the series’ essence and translated it into memorable gaming experiences. While many didn’t leave Japan, accessing international titles is much easier today. If you want to explore another side of Dragon Ball, these five classics offer a fantastic way to experience the series on retro consoles.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director