Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is one of the most successful manga and anime franchises in the West. With such a large following, it’s no wonder that the video games inspired by the series face lofty expectations. After all, what would be the point of a Dragon Ball game if it couldn’t evoke the exhilaration and thrill of your favorite episodes? But not all Dragon Ball games are cut from the same cloth. Here are some of the best Dragon Ball games you can play when just watching the show isn’t enough.
Best 2D fighter: Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ really stands in a league of its own as far as 2D Dragon Ball fighters go. The gorgeous art style manages to capture the essence of the anime in motion with solid visuals and animations. There’s also small details throughout for long-time fans that showcase a deep love for the source material. And that’s merely scratching the surface before diving into its gameplay.
One of its standout features is the character roster, which spans multiple anime series. Even with five versions of Goku, each character feels distinct and offers a unique playstyle. The bouts genuinely feel thrilling through a combination of speed and technicality. It’s one of those fighting games that’s fun even if you only play the CPU. Though fortunately, FighterZ has nurtured a vibrant competitive scene, drawing massive audiences on platforms like Twitch for high level tournament play.
While available currently on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC, a PS5 and Xbox Series X version is on the way with rollback netcode.
Best 3D fighter: Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 stands out due to the absolutely massive roster of characters it offers. Nearly every character from the Dragon Ball universe is playable in some capacity. Ever wanted to see if Android #8 can beat Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta? Well, that’s why we have Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3.
The games 3D fights do well at immersing players in epic battles, creating that feeling of colossal showdowns within expansive venues. The ability to soar through buildings and witness the impact of battle damage just makes combat feel like an episode. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is supported by a devoted and loyal fan community, with enthusiasts still passionately playing this game over 15 years after its release.
You’ll have to hop a couple generations back to play this one on the PS2 or Wii, but fans of the series should be happy to know a new Budokai Tenkaichi is on the horizon.
Best RPG: Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
If Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot had come out when I was 11, I don’t think I’d have finished middle school. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is the game I’d always dreamed of playing. Sure, I played plenty of the fighters, but I wanted to walk around Kami’s Lookout or explore Namek. I wanted to fish with my tail … Well, actually, even my 11-year-old brain didn’t think of that one.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot had the daunting task of taking the entirety of Dragon Ball Z and making it into a massive RPG adventure and I think it actually exceeds expectations. Flying around the map and looking for secrets for hours makes the world so lived in. And let’s not forget how… strange… that world actually is—its inherent oddity undeniably part of its charm. It’s also a solid retelling of the Dragon Ball Z anime. The cutscenes look great and the major battles feel epic, even if the combat is at times repetitive.
Kakarot is available on all modern systems and even got free upgrades to PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles.
Best strategy game: Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors remains a bit of a hidden gem in the world of Dragon Ball games. It was a relatively unique title for the GameBoy Color, offering players the opportunity to experience the entirety of the Dragon Ball Z saga through a card-based battle system. The game is fun, but really shines during a second playthrough when you can take on the role of any character you’ve unlocked in the battles. This leads to exciting matchups like Trunks vs. Vegeta in the Saiyan Saga or even Yamcha vs. Frieza.
The game incorporates a deck building component that forms the heart of its strategic depth, and many battles ultimately hinge on the luck of the draw. While the difficulty can be unforgiving due to this element, the sheer scope of the game’s narrative and its replayability makes it one of the best and most unique Dragon Ball games available.
Unfortunately, it was only ever released on the Gameboy Color. However, if you can find a way to play it I do think it holds up.
In a series that revolves around combat, it’s refreshing to see the diverse range of Dragon Ball games on offer. Whether you want thrilling battles or yearn for an adventure, there are plenty of outstanding Dragon Ball games to cater to you.
