The franchise of dragon ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has left an indelible mark on the world of video games. With an impressive number of over 9,000 titles based on manga and anime, highlighting the best games of all time is a challenging task.
However, among the multitude of not-so-good games, some have managed to stand out and capture the essence of the series in an exceptional way. With information from GamesRantwe present the five best Dragon Ball games of all time.
5. Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension (NES)
Hyper Dimension stands as the most influential and relevant fighting game in Dragon Ball history. Although Super Butoden also made its mark, Hyper Dimension surpasses all others thanks to its significant improvements to gameplay and experience. Despite only having ten playable characters, each one feels distinctive, requiring players to master them all separately. The combat is dynamic and highly responsive, and despite the years, it’s still a fantastic experience.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 (PS2)
Released in 2004, Budokai 3 is the pinnacle of Dimps’ 2D fighting game series on PlayStation 2. It offers solid combat mechanics, stunning cel-shaded graphics, and an extensive “Story Mode” spanning campaigns for eleven different characters. Budokai 3 is an outstanding game not only compared to other 2D games, but also within the Dragon Ball fighting game genre and the anime genre in general.
3. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (PS2, Nintendo Wii)
Deciding between Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and Budokai 3 was a difficult choice. Finally, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 earns its place thanks to its large cast of characters, which spans the entire Dragon Ball series, including the original sagas, Z, GT, and the movies, along with “What If” scenarios. Although the 3D combat is less refined than Budokai 3, the visual representation of the license is impressive.
2. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy Of Goku 2 & Buu’s Fury (GameBoy Advance)
The GameBoy Advance’s The Legacy of Goku was a major step forward for Dragon Ball games in terms of quality. Its sequels, The Legacy of Goku 2 and Buu’s Fury, stand out for focusing on the Cell and Majin Buu sagas, respectively. These games offer an action role-playing experience with multiple playable characters, side quests, unlockable attacks, and temporary transformations. They are a must-have for fans of the franchise and those looking for a fun portable experience.
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ (PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
Dragon Ball FighterZ, developed by Arc System Works, stands as the best Dragon Ball game in terms of design and gameplay. With a visual style that rivals Dragon Ball Super’s animation, it offers an extremely fluid and accessible combat system. FighterZ introduced Dragon Ball to the competitive gaming scene, something none of the previous games had achieved. While the single-player campaign may be a weak point, FighterZ shines in multiplayer, being a rewarding experience for fans and competitive players alike.