The Dragon Ball series has been with the fans for over 30 years now, stretching its far reach across most branches of media. With dozens of games being released over that time, some classics have emerged. Just like with any classic in the new era, the Dragon Ball games could greatly benefit from some modern technology.
From combat mechanics to storytelling, the array of titles buried in the past has a unique piece that can be put in an improved package today. With advanced controls and the crystal clear presentation, we have these days, some of the gems from older consoles can be polished for new fans of the series.
10 Super Dragon Ball Z
Taking us back to the good old days of basic fighter games with a little DBZ charm. Here you can Kamehameha all your favorite characters from the series or ones that players create themselves. With 30 custom character slots, you can try out all the different styles possible.
As we've seen with Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, simple fighters just get better with boosted graphics and smoother controls. Not to mention all the extra modes that came with the game. Shenron Summon mode lets the player use the dragon balls they gather from other modes and make their wish. Imagine that in 4k.
9 Dragon Ball Z: Buu's Fury
Following Goku through the Majin Buu sage, you'll be traveling through the land and taking on multiple enemies from the TV show. Volleying ki blasts with melee attacks is all a matter of timing and button combination.
What sets this game apart from the basic 2-D fighting game is the directional movement of both characters and attacks. The advancement of handheld devices, especially the Switch, will let the travel and fighting mechanics shoot to the next level. Combinations and the use of smoother controls can open up the stage to more complex fights.
8 Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans
Instead of 1v1 battle, players will engage in 3 on 3 fights that result in EXP for the entire team. Changing the usual dynamic of battle and introducing a tag-team style that diversifies the attack. Players even have ultimate moves that can be combined together to make a Sparking combo.
Really diving into the feel of the anime, you're in control of the 6 person squad who are getting stronger as a unit. Though the game does a good job with the methods of attack, there is a lot of room to expand. The sprites you fight with are a little outdated and look a bit like bobbleheads more than warriors, a revamp is much needed.
7 Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Giving us 3 major modes of play Advanced Adventure adopts the platformer approach as it's main gameplay. This severely cuts down on the usual roster of characters but boosts the content when you only have to worry about 2 characters.
While its main course is a platformer, the option to duke it out as a mini Goku/Krillin is still there. With the online community attached to current handheld devices, this would open up the battle scene greatly, with mini attacks being thrown left and right.
6 Idainaru Son Goku Densetsu
Fighting rules both the anime and subsequent video games, what doesn't transfer very well between the two is the storytelling. This game will take you through all of Goku's greatest battles through the eyes of Gohan. The story is told by him to a little Goten, guiding players through as they recreate the epic conflicts.
This game is one that will have some scratching their heads as to why they've never heard of it before. It was only released in Japan, only on PC, and came out in '94. This great game was lost to circumstance as not much could handle it back then except a PC. Now your cell phone could run it and probably should for any DBZ fan out there.
5 Dragon Ball Z: The Legend
While it doesn't look like much now, this was the first game to include all major arcs of the series. Usually being divided in between games was just the way it worked for such long-form series but The legend changed all that.
This is actually the first game to adopt the style of air fight that we see today in the current fighting games like Dragon Ball FighterZ. The definitive stamina bar that will stop you in your tracks and leave you vulnerable to attack if you ignore it, these are the details that make the game stand out.
4 Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy Of Goku II
Instead of the same old Goku being played to death, we finally get around to Trunks and Gohan. As the player progresses through the story then more of the favorite characters get unlocked to play. On top of the main story, there are additional non-canon side quests that are available for each main character.
The next generation of Dragon Ball has always been a main center of focus but rarely do the game's main stories ever shift the spotlight and let the sons take over. A unique opportunity to let the played-out characters take a breather and expand the playthrough with different arcs.
3 Dragon Ball: Origins
Even though the character design in this one is borderline disturbing, origins take full advantage of the platform with the DS and heavily integrates the stylus and touch screen controls into gameplay. The addition of good quality puzzles and using a combination of powers and controls to solve them lends itself to a totally different experience.
It also doesn't follow a fixed timeline and lets you bounce around between chapters, giving a sense of freedom and preventing the inevitable lull when you come across your worst level.
2 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Budokai 3 was the only one of the series to make it out with good reviews from the critics, improving the gameplay and graphics significantly. Instead of your standard special and physical attack they also added Hyper Mode which ups the speed and intensity of the player's attacks.
Beam Struggles was another great mechanic that popped up, allowing clashing attacks to be button mashed out for dominance. The additions prevented the fights from becoming stale and also opens the door to control options.
1 Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
Alongside the obligatory story mode, the battle mechanics have been tweaked and adjusted. With the ki gauge not being manually refilled anymore, it becomes a passive refill. Just as you think the game is becoming more uniform and competitive they throw in drama pieces.
These pieces will trigger random events when certain conditions are met. From random allies showing up to give you beans or increased attack power, this tips the game into a more chaotic route. While it slides away from skill, it does an element of surprise to the action.