Dragon Ball Z games have thrilled fans for decades with their mix of action and storytelling. From fighting games to RPGs, these titles let players experience the epic battles and adventures of Goku and friends. The best Dragon Ball Z games combine faithful character representation with engaging gameplay that captures the spirit of the anime.
Many Dragon Ball Z games span different gaming consoles and generations, each offering unique ways to enjoy the series. Some focus on fast-paced fights, while others let players live through the entire story. These games have grown in quality over time, with newer titles offering better graphics and more content for fans to enjoy.
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ stands as a landmark fighting game in the Dragon Ball franchise. Released by Arc System Works, it brings the anime’s intense battles to life with stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.
The game has earned its place as one of the best fighting games ever. Its visual style perfectly captures the look and feel of the anime, making players feel like they’re controlling an episode of the show.
Many fans consider FighterZ the best Dragon Ball game due to its amazing quality and attention to detail. The game features fast-paced 3v3 tag team battles that stay true to the series’ action-packed spirit.
What sets FighterZ apart is how it balances being accessible to newcomers while offering depth for serious players. Even those new to fighting games can pull off impressive combos and special moves.
The roster includes many fan-favorite characters from across the Dragon Ball universe. Each fighter has a unique playstyle that matches their personality and fighting style from the show.
The game’s graphics deserve special mention. With cell-shaded visuals and fluid animations, it achieves a look that will stand the test of time. Many moments in matches look exactly like scenes from the anime.
FighterZ also boasts a solid story mode that gives players hours of single-player content. This mode features an original story with Android 21, a character created specifically for the game.
For competitive players, the game offers robust online modes. These allow fans to test their skills against others around the world in ranked matches or casual battles.
The game continues to receive updates and DLC characters years after its initial release. This ongoing support has helped maintain an active player community.
While some Dragon Ball games focus on quantity of characters, FighterZ prioritizes quality gameplay. This focus on mechanics over simply including every character has resulted in a more polished fighting experience.
2. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot offers fans a new way to experience the DBZ story. This action RPG takes players through the main saga from Raditz to Buu. The game lets you step into Goku’s shoes and live the anime’s biggest moments.
The game stands out by mixing fighting with open-world exploration. You can fly around, fish, hunt, and collect items between battles. These activities add depth to the experience beyond just fighting.
Many fans call it the definitive way to play through the Dragon Ball Z storyline. The game shows key events from the show with stunning visuals and voice acting from the original cast.
Combat feels simple but fun. You can use special moves, combos, and transformations that look just like in the anime. The system isn’t as deep as fighting games, but it fits the story-focused nature.
The RPG elements let you level up characters and improve their skills. You can gather food ingredients to cook meals that boost your stats. This adds a nice break from all the fighting.
Side quests give more background on minor characters from the series. These small stories help the world feel more alive and complete. They add value for longtime fans who want more DBZ content.
While not considered the best DBZ game by everyone, Kakarot has its unique strengths. It focuses on story and immersion rather than competitive gameplay. This makes it perfect for fans who love the show’s plot.
The game received DLC that adds more content from Dragon Ball Super. These extras extend the playtime and bring in newer storylines from the franchise. You can fight Beerus and Golden Frieza after finishing the main game.
Kakarot isn’t trying to be a great game in the traditional sense. Instead, it aims to be a good Dragon Ball experience. This focus helps it succeed where other games might fail.
For players trying to decide between DBZ games, Kakarot stands out for its story focus. Other titles like FighterZ and Xenoverse 2 offer better fighting mechanics. Your choice depends on what you value most in a Dragon Ball game.
3. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 stands as one of the most beloved games in the franchise. Released in 2007, this game built upon its predecessors and took the fighting experience to new heights.
The game’s massive roster is its standout feature. With over 150 playable characters, it offers the largest selection of fighters in any Dragon Ball game from that era. Players can choose from all major and many minor characters from the series.
Combat in Budokai Tenkaichi 3 feels fluid and exciting. The game improved the battle system with more responsive controls and added new combo possibilities that made fights more strategic.
The environments add another layer of depth to the gameplay. Players can fight in realistic settings that react to powerful attacks. When a character crashes into a mountain, it crumbles just like in the anime.
Character customization allows players to create unique fighting styles. The balance of the custom system forces players to make meaningful choices about their fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, rather than maxing out all stats.
The game includes multiple play modes including Story Mode, Ultimate Battle, and Dragon History. These different options give players many ways to enjoy the game beyond standard matches.
Some fans believe the game is overhyped due to its large roster, but most agree the gameplay mechanics stand on their own merits. The combination of character variety and refined combat creates a compelling experience.
Budokai Tenkaichi 3 has aged surprisingly well. Despite releasing almost two decades ago, fans still play and discuss it regularly. Its enduring popularity helped inspire the upcoming Sparking Zero game.
The attention to detail in character movesets makes each fighter feel unique. Signature attacks and transformations are faithfully recreated from the anime, allowing fans to relive their favorite moments.
Weather effects and day/night cycles add variety to battles. Fighting during a rainstorm or at sunset not only looks cool but changes how some characters perform.
For many Dragon Ball fans, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 represents the high point of the series’ video game adaptations. Its blend of accessibility and depth makes it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore players.
4. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Released in 2004, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 stands as a high point in DBZ gaming history. Many fans still consider it the best DBZ game ever created, even years after its initial launch.
The game improved on its predecessors with deeper fighting mechanics. Players could enjoy a more complex combat system that rewarded skill while staying true to the anime’s fast-paced battles.
Budokai 3 featured an impressive roster of characters from across the Dragon Ball Z series. From Goku to Cell, each fighter had unique moves and transformations that matched their on-screen abilities.
The Dragon Universe mode let players explore the DBZ world freely. This story mode covered all major sagas while adding “what-if” scenarios that gave fans fresh experiences with familiar characters.
Graphics were stunning for the PS2 era. The cel-shaded style perfectly captured the look of the anime, making players feel like they were controlling an episode of the show.
The game’s fast-paced action made fights exciting and intense. Battles featured quick movements, powerful energy blasts, and dramatic transformations that stayed true to the source material.
Character customization added depth through the Skill Capsule system. Players could collect capsules to modify their fighters with new moves and abilities, creating unique combat styles.
Even in 2025, many DBZ fans return to Budokai 3 for its balanced gameplay. The fighting mechanics remain satisfying and hold up well against newer entries in the series.
The game struck a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. New players could pick it up quickly, while serious fighting game fans found enough complexity to master.
Music and sound design enhanced the experience with iconic themes and voice acting from the show. These audio elements helped create an authentic Dragon Ball Z atmosphere.
When compared to other games in the series, Budokai 3 consistently ranks at or near the top in fan polls. Many consider it superior to both earlier and later entries in the Budokai series.
The game earned strong reviews upon release and continues to be praised today. Critics highlighted its technical achievements and how well it captured the spirit of the anime.
5. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is one of the most popular Dragon Ball games. Released in 2016, it built upon the foundation of its predecessor with more features and better gameplay.
The game lets players create their own character from different races like Saiyans, Namekians, and Majins. You can customize how they look and what moves they use in battle. This personal touch makes the game special for many fans.
Players join the Time Patrol to fix problems in the Dragon Ball timeline. The story takes you through famous moments from the shows, but with interesting twists that keep things fresh.
Combat feels fast and fluid with plenty of iconic moves to choose from. You can blast enemies with Kamehameha waves or unleash Super Saiyan transformations in battle. Flying around the 3D arenas feels just like the anime.
The game world is quite large, with Conton City serving as the main hub. Here, you can meet other players, shop for items, and take on new quests. The city is seven times bigger than the hub in the first Xenoverse game.
Many fans consider it the best Dragon Ball game in history. Its mix of fighting, role-playing, and online features gives it huge replay value.
The developers have supported Xenoverse 2 with updates and DLC for years. New characters, moves, and story content keep players coming back even now. This ongoing support is rare for anime games.
Online modes let you battle other players or team up for cooperative missions. These multiplayer options add lots of extra playtime after finishing the main story.
The character creation system deserves special mention. No other Dragon Ball game lets you make such detailed original fighters who can stand alongside Goku and Vegeta.
Some reviews from 2024 still praise it as possibly the greatest Dragon Ball game ever created. Its staying power is impressive in an industry where games are quickly forgotten.
While some fans prefer newer titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ or Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Xenoverse 2 offers the most complete package. It balances fighting, story, and customization better than most.
The graphics might look a bit dated now, but the cel-shaded style captures the anime look well. The game runs smoothly even during the most chaotic battles with energy blasts flying everywhere.
6. Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku 2
Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku 2 stands out as one of the most loved Dragon Ball Z games for the Game Boy Advance. Released as a sequel to the first Legacy of Goku game, this title made huge improvements over its predecessor.
Many fans consider it one of the best games ever made in the Dragon Ball universe. The game covers the Android and Cell sagas from the anime, letting players control multiple characters like Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Trunks.
The gameplay mixes action and RPG elements. Players explore the world, fight enemies, complete quests, and grow stronger by leveling up. Each character has unique skills and attacks that match what they can do in the show.
Combat feels smooth and fun. Unlike the first game, which was too simple, Legacy of Goku 2 gives players more control during fights. Special moves like Kamehameha and Final Flash make battles exciting.
The graphics look great for a GBA game. Characters and environments are colorful and well-designed. The sprites capture the essence of each fighter from the anime.
Music and sound effects add to the experience. The game includes tunes that fans of the show will recognize, making the adventure feel authentic.
What makes Legacy of Goku 2 special is how it tells the story. It follows the anime closely while adding side quests and extra details that expand the world. Players can explore cities, meet characters from the show, and find hidden items.
Fan rankings often place it near the top of Dragon Ball games. In forum discussions, many players rank it just behind its sequel, Buu’s Fury, as the best in the series.
The game also has good replay value. After finishing the main story, players can return to find secrets they missed or level up characters further. This gives it lasting appeal beyond just the first playthrough.
Legacy of Goku 2 proved that handheld Dragon Ball games could deliver a full and satisfying experience. It remains a fan favorite even years after its release.
7. Dragon Ball Z: Buu’s Fury
Dragon Ball Z: Buu’s Fury stands as a beloved action RPG released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. It follows the Majin Buu saga from the anime and serves as the third game in the Legacy of Goku series.
The game lets players control five different characters throughout the story. Each character brings unique abilities and fighting styles to the gameplay, adding variety to the combat experience.
Many fans consider Buu’s Fury to be one of the best Dragon Ball games ever made. It improved on the mechanics from its predecessors, Legacy of Goku 1 and 2, creating a more polished gaming experience.
The top-down action RPG format works well for the Dragon Ball universe. Players can explore the world, fight enemies, and level up their characters through an engaging progression system.
Combat in the game is straightforward yet satisfying. While some might find it repetitive, the system captures the essence of Dragon Ball Z battles with energy blasts and physical attacks.
Buu’s Fury features a superb story with Fusion characters that stay true to the source material. Fans of the anime will appreciate how closely the game follows the Majin Buu saga.
The game’s music deserves special mention. Its soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience with tunes that match the action and drama of the Dragon Ball Z universe.
As the sequel to Atari’s best-selling titles in the series, Buu’s Fury had high expectations to meet. Most players agree that it succeeded in building upon its predecessors’ foundation.
The RPG elements add depth to the gameplay. Characters gain experience points, level up, and become stronger throughout the journey, mirroring their growth in the anime.
Players who enjoy action RPGs will find plenty to love in Buu’s Fury. Its blend of combat, exploration, and character development creates an engaging game loop that keeps players coming back.
8. Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation is a side-scrolling action game released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005. The game covers the early parts of the GT storyline, focusing on Goku’s adventures after being turned into a child.
Players can control Goku, Pan, and Trunks as they journey through space to collect the Black Star Dragon Balls. Each character has unique abilities and combat styles that add variety to the gameplay.
The game features beat-’em-up action with simple controls that work well on the handheld system. Players punch, kick, and blast their way through waves of enemies in colorful environments.
Dragon Ball GT: Transformation includes some odd enemy choices that don’t always match the show, which some fans find disappointing. These unusual opponents sometimes feel out of place in the GT universe.
The graphics are impressive for a GBA title, with character sprites that capture the look and feel of the anime. The developers did a good job squeezing detailed character models onto the small screen.
Boss battles are a highlight, featuring memorable fights against characters like Baby and General Rilldo. These encounters require strategy beyond simple button mashing, adding depth to the combat.
Sound effects and music are fitting, though limited by the GBA hardware. The game uses familiar tunes that Dragon Ball fans will recognize, helping to create an authentic GT experience.
While not as well-known as other Dragon Ball games, GT: Transformation offers a solid handheld experience for fans of the series. It stands as one of the few games exclusively based on the GT storyline.
The game’s level design offers decent variety, taking players from alien planets to space stations. Each area presents new challenges and enemies to overcome.
For GT fans looking for a portable Dragon Ball adventure, this game delivers fast-paced action with familiar characters. It captures the spirit of Goku’s space adventures in a compact format.
9. Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo stands out as one of the few games that focuses on Goku’s childhood adventures. Released for the Nintendo Wii in 2009, this side-scrolling action game covers both the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo sagas from the original Dragon Ball series.
The game features simple but fun beat-’em-up gameplay that’s easy to pick up. Players control Kid Goku as he jumps, punches, and uses his power pole to defeat enemies across colorful stages.
What makes this game special is how it captures the adventurous charm of early Dragon Ball. The cartoon-like graphics match the style of the anime perfectly, making players feel like they’re playing through episodes of the show.
The story mode follows Goku from his battles with the Red Ribbon Army through his epic showdown with King Piccolo. Players can replay completed stages to find secrets or improve their scores.
An unlockable VS mode adds extra value. After progressing through the story, players can use different characters in battle matches against friends or the computer.
Many fans consider Revenge of King Piccolo among the best games covering Goku’s childhood. It joins Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure and Dragon Ball Origins as top games focusing on the original Dragon Ball story.
The controls make good use of the Wii’s motion features without going overboard. Most actions use standard button presses, with occasional motion controls for special moves.
Boss battles are a highlight, featuring iconic showdowns with major villains like Tao Pai Pai and King Piccolo. These fights require strategy and quick reflexes.
The game has been praised for its faithful recreation of the series’ humor and charm. Cutscenes between levels capture the funny and exciting moments fans love from early Dragon Ball.
While not as complex as later Dragon Ball fighting games, Revenge of King Piccolo offers a refreshing break from the usual focus on the Z era. Its pick-up-and-play style makes it perfect for younger fans or those looking for simple fun.
10. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure stands out as a hidden gem in the Dragon Ball game universe. This title, released for the Game Boy Advance, captures the magic of the original Dragon Ball series before the Z era began.
The game combines beat-em-up action with fighting game elements. Players can run, jump, and fight through levels that follow Goku’s early adventures. This mix of gameplay styles keeps things fresh and exciting.
Many fans consider it one of the best Dragon Ball games ever made despite its lower profile compared to more recent titles. Its charm comes from its faithful recreation of the original series’ story and characters.
The graphics use bright, colorful sprites that match the anime’s style perfectly. Character animations are smooth and capture each fighter’s unique moves and personality. The game looks impressive even by today’s standards for a GBA title.
Advanced Adventure includes many playable characters from the original Dragon Ball series. Players can unlock characters like Krillin, Master Roshi, and even villains like King Piccolo. Each character has their own fighting style.
One standout feature is the World Tournament mode. Players can fight through the famous martial arts tournament from the series. This mode adds lots of replay value to the game.
The European version of the game even includes the original Japanese voice acting, which many fans prefer. This attention to detail shows the care put into the game’s development.
Despite being made for older hardware, the controls are responsive and easy to learn. The game strikes a good balance between simple gameplay and deeper combat mechanics for more experienced players.
For those wanting to experience the original Dragon Ball story in game form, Advanced Adventure is highly recommended. It captures the fun and adventure of Goku’s early years before the higher stakes of the Z saga.
The game’s only downside might be its relatively high price on the collector’s market today. Still, many fans feel the experience is worth the cost for what many consider a classic Dragon Ball gaming experience.
Evolution of Dragon Ball Z Games
Dragon Ball Z games have transformed dramatically since their inception, with significant shifts in visual style and gameplay mechanics that mirror the evolution of gaming technology.
Transition from 2D to 3D
Early Dragon Ball Z games appeared on systems like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis as 2D fighters and simple adventure titles. Games like “Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden” featured basic sprite-based characters with limited animations.
The PlayStation era marked a turning point with titles like “Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22” still using 2D sprites but with improved visuals. The real revolution came with “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai” on PlayStation 2, which introduced full 3D models and environments.
This 3D shift allowed developers to create more faithful representations of the anime’s iconic battles. Games could now feature destructible environments and flying mechanics that weren’t possible in 2D.
The evolution continued through 39 years of development, reaching new heights with games like “Dragon Ball FighterZ.” This title returned to a 2D fighting plane but used 3D models with cel-shaded graphics to perfectly capture the anime’s look.
Advancements in Gameplay Mechanics
Early Dragon Ball games featured simple button-mashing combat systems with limited special moves. As technology advanced, gameplay mechanics became more sophisticated.
The “Budokai” series introduced combo systems and energy management that better reflected the anime. “Budokai Tenkaichi” revolutionized the formula with its 3D arena combat, allowing players to fight while flying freely.
“Dragon Ball Xenoverse” added RPG elements, letting players create custom characters and level up through an original story. Later games incorporated online play, creating competitive communities.
Modern titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ brought professional fighting game mechanics to the franchise, with technical systems that appeal to both casual fans and competitive players. Mobile games like “Dokkan Battle” and “Legends” introduced new card-based and touch mechanics for on-the-go play.
The gameplay has evolved from simple button combinations to complex systems requiring strategy, timing, and skill.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Dragon Ball Z games have transformed the video game landscape, bringing anime-inspired combat and storytelling to mainstream gaming audiences while helping define fighting game mechanics that continue to influence developers today.
Influence on Fighting Game Mechanics
Dragon Ball Z games introduced unique combat mechanics that many fighting games later adopted. The Budokai series pioneered accessible control schemes that balanced depth with playability, making fighting games more welcoming to casual players.
Games like Dragon Ball FighterZ raised the bar for anime-based fighters with their technical combat systems. Fighting game experts often praise FighterZ for its:
- Fast-paced tag-team mechanics
- Balanced character roster
- Smooth animation transitions
- Accessible combo systems
These innovations didn’t stay within Dragon Ball games. Many modern fighting titles now use similar systems for special moves, combos, and power scaling that DBZ games helped perfect.
Role in Popularising Anime Games
Before Dragon Ball Z games hit the market, anime-based video games were niche products with limited appeal outside Japan. The massive success of titles like The Legacy of Goku II and Budokai 3 showed publishers that anime games could achieve mainstream success.
This opened doors for other anime franchises to enter gaming. Publishers saw how Dragon Ball Z games successfully:
- Attracted both anime fans and regular gamers
- Maintained the original show’s appeal while adding gameplay value
- Built lasting franchises across multiple console generations
The art style and presentation of DBZ games also set new standards. FighterZ’s graphics showed that anime games could look as good or better than their source material, pushing other developers to improve their visual quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dragon Ball Z games span across multiple platforms with different gameplay mechanics and features. Fans often wonder which titles deliver the best experience on their preferred gaming system.
What are the top-rated Dragon Ball Z games on PlayStation 4?
Dragon Ball FighterZ ranks as the highest-rated DBZ game on PlayStation 4. This 2.5D fighting game offers stunning anime-style graphics and precise combat mechanics.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot also performs well on PS4. It provides an RPG experience that follows Goku’s story through major sagas with open-world exploration.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 remains popular on PS4 with its character customization and online multiplayer features. Players can create their own fighters and participate in iconic battles from the series.
Which Dragon Ball Z game is considered the best for PC gamers?
Dragon Ball FighterZ stands out as the top choice for PC gamers. Its smooth performance and competitive fighting system make it perfect for the platform.
The game offers excellent keyboard controls and maintains a steady framerate even during intense battles. PC players also benefit from an active online community for multiplayer matches.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 follows closely behind with its MMO-like features that work well on PC. The game receives regular updates and has extensive mod support from the community.
How does Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot compare to previous games in the series?
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot takes a different approach by focusing on RPG elements rather than pure fighting mechanics. Unlike Budokai or FighterZ, it lets players explore an open world and experience Goku’s journey.
The game includes side quests, fishing, and cooking activities not found in earlier titles. This makes it more story-focused than combat-centered games like Budokai Tenkaichi 2.
Kakarot features better graphics and more detailed environments than previous DBZ RPG attempts. However, its combat system isn’t as deep as specialized fighting games in the series.
What are the most acclaimed Dragon Ball Z games available for Nintendo Switch?
Dragon Ball FighterZ leads the pack on Nintendo Switch with its perfect adaptation to the platform. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 performs well on Switch and includes exclusive motion controls. Players can take their custom characters on the go thanks to the Switch’s portability.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission offers card-based gameplay unique to the Switch. It features one of the largest rosters of any Dragon Ball game with characters from across the franchise.
Which Dragon Ball Z mobile game offers the best gameplay experience?
Dragon Ball Legends provides the most console-like experience on mobile devices. Its card-based combat system works perfectly with touch controls and features impressive 3D graphics.
Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle remains the most popular mobile option with over 300 million downloads. The game combines puzzle elements with collecting characters from the entire Dragon Ball universe.
Both games offer regular events based on fan questions and interests from the community. They’re free to play but include optional in-app purchases.
Are there any Dragon Ball Z games for the PS5 that stand out in terms of quality?
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot got a PS5 upgrade that makes its visuals and performance better. The game now runs at a higher resolution and with faster loading times on the newer console.
Dragon Ball FighterZ also runs very well on the PS5 through backward compatibility. Players get to enjoy faster loading times and more stable online matches.
A fully optimized Dragon Ball Z game made specifically for the PS5 hasn’t been released yet. Fans are waiting for announcements about new titles that will fully use the console’s capabilities.
