Every television show that has been a hit within the industry is almost always sure to get its video games, too. Dragon Ball Z is one of the most fan-loved anime series and is no less. The super-hit television show got its very own video game—Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō in 1986. From there, the franchise only saw an uphill path.
Dragon Ball Z: All The Filler Episodes In The Anime
Like most long anime series, Dragon Ball Z also comes with its fair share of filler episodes between story arcs.
Though Dragon Ball games were released on several generations of consoles, a few didn’t manage to reach their peak potential. Some of them did an excellent job creating an action-based RPG where the developers beautifully captured the series’ storyline and the characters’ essence. Here is a look at some of the best Dragon Ball RPGs.
6 Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy Of Goku
Rated 6 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy Of Goku
- Released
- May 14, 2002
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Developer
- Webfoot Technologies
- Genre(s)
- RPG
One of the earliest games released in the context of Dragon Ball games was the first installation of Dragon Ball’s Legacy Of Goku series. The game puts the Saiyan Saga series into an action-based RPG. The players start by assuming the role of Goku, whose son Gohan has been abducted.
The entire storyline revolves around this, and the gameplay includes a series of quests that’ll eventually land the player rescuing Gohan. Though one encounters all the villains like Vegeta, Piccolo, King Kai, Frieza, and Krillin in the game, it has its flaws. These were mainly attributed to the lack of character interaction, challenge, item trading, side quests, and overall imagination from the developers’ end.
5 Dragon Ball: Fusions
Rated 6.5 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Fusions
- Released
- November 22, 2016
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo 3DS
- Developer
- Ganbarion
Fusions attempted to fill the gap that 3DS users faced because of Xenoverse’s unavailability on the console. This time, they were packaged with a product with all the good from Xenoverse and the thrill of a role-playing genre.
The storyline begins with players choosing their custom character, choosing its origin, and jumping onto their first mission. As each mission progresses through side-quests and main objectives, players meet new Dragon Ball characters whom they can also recruit in their team and attempt to claim victory in the ultimate martial arts tournament.
4 Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans
Rated 7.1 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans
- Released
- November 10, 2009
- Developer(s)
- Monolith Soft
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
One of the most popular Dragon Ball titles on DS—Attack of the Saiyans is based on the Vegeta Saga from the original series. With simple combat controls, interesting combinations of attacks, and active guards, the game provides a more-than-decent experience for the fan base.
However, where the game becomes lackluster is how the storyline has been presented. Unlike previous installments of DragonBall, the Attack of Saiyan s’ storyline and character deployment are bound to leave any person who hasn’t watched the original series confused.
3 Dragon Ball Xenoverse
Rated 7.2 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Xenoverse
brought a new way of looking at the Dragon Ball series. With the same story repeating itself all over again in successive installments, Xenoverse stood out and brought the series back in the driving seat through its wide range of customization options.
Players can build personal characters, style them from head to toe, and step into the Dragon Ball universe. However, the fighting part where the franchise should shine turned out to be Xenoverse’s biggest flaw. The repetitive combat and one-sided battle were their biggest nemesis here.
2 Dragon Ball Z: Legacy Of Goku 2
Rated 7.4 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku II
- Released
- June 17, 2003
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Developer
- Webfoot Technologies
- Genre(s)
- Action
In simple terms, DragonBall Z: Legacy Of Goku 2 took every flaw of the first installment, like slow movement, one playable character, and frustrating combat, and turned it into a win for itself.
Dragon Ball Z: 19 Longest Fights In The Anime, Ranked
Dragon Ball Z isn’t as slow-paced as its detractors make it out to be, but some fights overstay their welcome in the anime.
The storyline begins with two Androids, namely Android 17 and Android 18, having eliminated most of mankind. And unlike the last installment, players start the storyline here with Gohan. However, they can switch between six characters and enjoy a 20-hour quest runtime.
1 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Rated 8.1 on IMDb
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
- Released
- January 16, 2020
- Developer(s)
- CyberConnect2
- Platform(s)
- Stadia, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
For a Dragon Ball fan who wants to try something new and is okay with repeating the same story, this game’s a must-have. The Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is one of the first games in the franchise’s history that offered its players a semi-open world and action-based RPG experience.
Hence, there’s a lot to expect in terms of new elements. The most noteworthy aspect here is the introduction to an open-world experience, where fans can explore the entirety of the Dragon Ball universe. Furthermore, the side quests and the freedom of customization are bound to make a true Dragon Ball fan fall in love with the series, all over again.
Dragon Ball Z
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1989 - 1996
- Creator
- Akira Toriyama
- Main Genre
- Animation
- Studio
- Toei Animation
