A Legendary Franchise with a Gaming Legacy
For over 40 years, Dragon Ball has been a global phenomenon, captivating fans through its manga, anime, and an ever-expanding library of video games. With more than 160 officially licensed titles under its belt, the Dragon Ball franchise has explored nearly every genre and gaming platform imaginable, from 8-bit side-scrollers to modern 3D fighters. But which games truly stand out, and how has the franchise evolved over time?
The First Steps: Early Dragon Ball Games
1. Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyo (1986)
The very first Dragon Ball video game debuted on the short-lived Super Cassette Vision console. A simple shoot-’em-up featuring Goku on his Flying Nimbus, this title introduced players to the interactive side of the Dragon Ball universe.
2. Dragon Ball: Shenron no Nazo (1986)
Released for the Famicom, this action-adventure game introduced survival mechanics by requiring Goku to constantly replenish his health with food. The U.S. localization—titled Dragon Power—censored many elements, replacing flying panties with sandwiches and Master Roshi with a generic wizard.
Expanding Genres: RPGs and Card Battlers
3. Dragon Ball: Daimaō Fukkatsu (1988)
A revolutionary RPG for its time, this Famicom title used a card-based system for combat and exploration. Predating collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering by several years, it showcased the series’ ability to innovate.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors (2002)
One of the best card-based DBZ games, this Game Boy Color gem offered strategic, turn-based battles and a surprisingly deep narrative spanning Dragon Ball Z’s key arcs.
The Fighting Game Boom
5. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butōden (1993)
The first proper 2D fighting game in the franchise, this Super Famicom classic introduced split-screen mechanics for larger battlefields. Its success led to two sequels and laid the groundwork for many DBZ fighters to come.
6. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (2002)
A turning point for the series, Budokai brought faithful 3D character models and accessible combat to the PlayStation 2. While not perfect, it established the foundation for future 3D fighters.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (2007)
With a staggering roster of over 150 characters, destructible environments, and expansive 3D arenas, Tenkaichi 3 remains a fan favorite. Its sheer scale and authenticity have yet to be fully surpassed.
Modern Masterpieces
8. Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)
Developed by Arc System Works, this visually stunning 2D fighter combines the fast-paced combat of Guilty Gear with the cinematic flair of Dragon Ball Z. Balancing accessibility and depth, it has earned a place in the competitive fighting game scene and at tournaments like Evo.
9. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (2020)
A sprawling action RPG that faithfully retells DBZ’s story, Kakarot offers fans an immersive experience filled with side quests, world exploration, and iconic battles. Though imperfect, it’s a love letter to the series.
The Best, Worst, and Weirdest
• Best: Dragon Ball FighterZ – A technical masterpiece and a fan-favorite fighter.
• Worst: Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu – A poorly executed GBA game with clunky mechanics and rushed development.
• Weirdest: Dragon Ball: Atsumare! Goku’s World – A trivia game played with a landline phone, featuring Goku calling players directly.
Looking to the Future: Sparking Zero
The newly released Dragon Ball Sparking Zero updates the beloved Tenkaichi formula with modern visuals, online multiplayer, and an astounding roster of 182 characters. Its record-breaking launch proves that the Dragon Ball gaming legacy is far from over.
Why Dragon Ball Games Endure
From the first pixelated Goku to modern masterpieces, Dragon Ball games have always found ways to capture the spirit of the series. Whether it’s through innovative mechanics, faithful storytelling, or massive character rosters, these games keep fans engaged and eager for more.
What’s your favorite Dragon Ball game, and what do you hope to see next? Let us know!
Source: The Evolution of Dragon Ball Games by IGN.