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ARCADE GAMES
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan (and several other countries)
Japanese Release Date: Mid 1993
Publisher: Banpresto
Description: Choosing from eight characters, you battle up a ladder of computer challengers (or your friends) from the Furiza Saga. This game is very similar to the SFC Butoden games in many respects. The graphics are fairly standard for an arcade game of its time. Probably the best part of this game are the finishing moves, something which later appeared in Dragon Ball Legends. For example, Goku will fly up and fire either a Genki Dama or Kamehameha at his opponent to finish him. The controls, which consist of a joystick and three buttons, are fairly simple (almost too simple at times) and somewhat loose.
Who's In It?: Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Furiza, Rikum, Baata, and Ginyuu.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z V.R.V.S.
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan (and several other countries)
Japanese Release Date: 1994 ?
Publisher: Sega and Banpresto
Description: Choosing from Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, Gohan and others, you battle it out Super Punch-Out style. This one of a kind Dragon Ball game is built around Sega's System32 arcade board and features some fairly decent graphics. The controls look fairly simple, although I'll have to translate the control sheet to be sure.
Who's In It?: Super Saiya-jin Goku, Super Saiya-jin Gohan, Super Saiya-jin Vegeta, Piccolo, and others.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z 2
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan (and several other countries)
Japanese Release Date: Early 1995
Publisher: Banpresto
Description: An over all improvement over the last one, this game covers the Android and Cell Sagas of DBZ. The graphics are a vast improvement over the last game, with detailed backgrounds and larger character animations. There are ten characters to choose from (Androids 19 and 20 fight together), as opposed to the eight available in the last game. The game also features digitized voice samples from the series, as well as authentic sounds. The game play is much better as well, coming closer to Shin Butoden. One oddity, the game features attacks that don't appear in the manga. Although this shows a flare of originality, it detracts from the over all feel of the game.
NINTENDO
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Shenron no Nazo
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Riddle of Shenron
Game Genre: Action
Released in: Japan, America (Dragon Power)
Japanese Release Date: November, 1986
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This was the very first Dragon Ball video game, and was built around the early adventures of Goku. As noted above, the game was released under the name "Dragon Power" in the US. For the American release Goku's hair was cut down to nearly nothing, so he would resemble an adult karate fighter. Also, Kame-sennin's beard was lengthened and he received a toga (Why?, I have no clue). As with the English dubs of DBZ, this game was censored (blarg!). Sadly the game never sold well in America, and is a rare find in both its English and Japanese forms, but don't pay more than $20 for it.
Who's In It?: Goku, Bulma, Oolong, Kame-sennin, Yamucha, Puar , and Pilaf.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Daimao Fukatsu
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Return of the Demon King
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: August, 1988
Publisher: Bandai
Description: The first Dragon Ball RPG. This game deals with Goku's journey to his final confrontation with the demon king Piccolo.
Who's In It?: Piccolo Daimao, Goku, Tambourine, and Cymbal
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Goku Den
In English that Means: Dragon Ball History of Goku
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: October, 1989
Publisher: Bandai
Description: A continuation of the previous game, only this time Goku and friends (including Kuririn, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, and Chaozu) work towards the goal of facing off against Piccolo Jr. in the Tenkaichi Budoukai.
Who's In It?: Goku, Kurirrin, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Chaozu, and Piccolo Jr.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z Kyosho! Saiya-jin
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z Attack of the Saiya-jin!
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: October, 1990
Publisher: Bandai
Description: The first DBZ game for the Famicom. The game begins just like the series with the kidnapping of Gohan by Raditsu. After the fight with Raditsu, the story jumps ahead some 100 episodes to the Garlic Jr. saga. Before the fight with Vegeta, Goku trains on Kaio-sama's planet just as he does in the series. Your "training" consists of battles against the planet's gravity and Kaio-sama's assistant, Gregory. After that, the game reverts back to Earth as you control Goku in the final battle against Vegeta. Like so many other Dragon Ball RPGs, this game is based on the card battle system in which you chose a card that determines your attack type (punch, kick, ki blast) and your attack and defense strength.
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Kurirrin, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Chaozu, Raditsu, Garlic Jr., Kaio-sama, Nappa, and Vegeta
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z II Gekishin Furiza
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z II Lord Furiza's Furry
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: August, 1991
Publisher: Bandai
Description: In this game you take control of the entire Furiza saga. You must help Kurirrin, Gohan, and the others to protect the Dragon Balls from the villainous Furiza. At the same time you must guide Goku to Namek and ultimately defeat Furiza. As with the other Famicom RPGs, this game is extremely easy. In fact, it is the easiest of them all.
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Tenshinhan, Yamucha, Kurirrin, Dende, Zarbon, Dudoria, Ginyu Force, Furiza, and Nail.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z III Resen Jinzoningen
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z III Violent Battle Against the Androids
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: August, 1992
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game really takes on a lot of stuff! First, Goku's has to get off of Namek in time, fight against Furiza Bot and King Cold, unite all the Dragon Balls, defeat Coola, confront Dr. Gero and Android #19, meet up with #16, #17, and #18, and finally, kill Cell! Whew...
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Kurirrin, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Chaozu, Trunks, Vegeta, Android 16, Android 17, Android 18.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi Budoukai
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z World's Best Martial Arts Tournament
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: December, 1992
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game, while a little odd, was surprisingly popular in Asia. It entails the use of a bar-code scanner into which you feed bar-codes for each character to determine their strength and abilities. You can even create your own bar-codes! As with many other games that require special hardware, this is an extremely rare find and will easily fetch $100+ in an online auction.
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, and everyone else through the Cell Saga.
Japanese Title: DBZ Gaiden: Saiya-jin Zetsu Metsu Keikaku
In English that Means: DBZ Chronicles: Plan to Eliminate the Saiya-jin
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: August, 1993
Publisher: Bandai
Description: The last DBZ game for the Famicom, and the first to feature an original story designed just for the game. An animated version of the story, in 3 parts, was released at about the same time.
Who's In It?: Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, Trunks, Gohan, Furiza, Metal Coola, etc.
GAME BOY
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Goku Hishoden
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Goku's Historic Flight
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: November, 25 1994
Original Price: ¥4800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This cart begins in the 23rd Budoukai with Goku facing off against Chi-Chi, Kurirrin, Yamucha, and Piccolo. It ends with the final show down between Goku and Vegeta on earth. The games battle system is the same as that of most Famicom games, the card based system. This is a rare find. Expect to pay upwards of $100 (boxed) for it.
Who's In It?: Goku, Chi-Chi, Kurirrin, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Piccolo, Raditsu, Vegeta, and Nappa
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Goku Gekitouden
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Goku's Fighting Story
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: August 25, 1995
Original Price: ¥5800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: Weird game with a new aerial view fighting system, as opposed to the worn out card fighting system of the Famicom games. The game takes place on Planet Namek. The game also includes battle, and tournament modes, in addition to a story mode. One of the rarest DBZ Games released for a Nintendo system. Expect to pay over $100 (boxed) for this little gem.
Who's In It?: Goku, Kurirrin, Vegeta, Gohan, Dende, Guru, Kui, Zarbon, Dudoria, Furiza
GENESIS
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Buyuu Retsuden
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Brave Fighter Story
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: April 1, 1994
Original Price: ¥8800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game has many of the same features of the SFC fighters, but with some improvements. There is a different story mode for each character. Also, several characters make an appearance in this game who have not shown up in other SFC fighters, such as Kurirrin, Ginyu, and Rikum. Although the Genesis cannot match the graphics power of the SFC, the game features some awesome graphics.
Who's In It?: Goku, Kuririn, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, Android 18, Cell, Piccolo, Ginyu, Furiza, and Rikum
HAND HELD
English Title: Dragon Ball Z: Battle for Namek
Game Genre: Action
Released in: America
American Release Date: January, 2000
System: Self Contained Unit
Publisher: MGA
Description: From reader submissions, I have been able to sketch a fairly accurate picture of this game. Battle for Namek includes a small Goku figurine, with you can snap onto the game itself (seems wasteful to me). This is probably the best part of the game, because it all goes downhill form here. The "Three Levels of Play" advertised on the box is exactly that, the screen is divided into three "levels". Each of the three levels contains one enemy, in order from bottom to top, Jiisu, Ginyu, and Form Four Furiza. You receive 100, 100, and 300 points for killing Jiisu, Ginyu, and Furiza respectively. The two lower levels contain Dragon Balls which you can collect for bonus points. You receive 100 points for killing Jiisu, 100 for killing Ginyu, 300 for killing Furiza, and 200 for collecting a Dragon Ball. If you complete all four tasks listed above, you receive 1000 points. Once you reach Furiza's platform, you go SSj. It takes one hit to kill both Jiisu and Ginyu and three hits to kill Furiza. Goku dies in only one hit. After defeating Furiza, you start over. If you continue this loop, you can rack up to 99,800 points. All in all, not a very exciting game. I would recommend you steer clear of this one.
Who's In It?: Goku, Furiza, Ginyu, and Jiisu.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball: Kachimeke Tenkaichi Budoukai
In English that means: Dragon Ball: Winning the Tenkaichi Budoukai
Game Genre: Action
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: Unknown
System: Self Contained Unit
Publisher: Bandai
Description: Battle Piccolo's demons, Cymbal and Tambourine, after the 22nd Budoukai in an effort to meat up with Piccolo. Also battle bosses like Taio-pi-pi and others. More info coming soon.
Who's In It?: Goku, Piccolo, Cymbal, Tambourine, and Taio-pi-pi.
PLAYDIA
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Shin Saiya-jin Semmetsu Keikaku - Chikyuu Hen
English Translation: Dragon Ball Z: True Plan to Sliminate the Saiyjin - Earth Story
Game Genre: Interactive Story
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: September, 1994
Original Price: ¥4800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: Bandai's next generation system never really took off, but this was one of the first games made available when it was released in Japan. Using CD's , this game uses a ton of footage from the three episode "Gaiden" OVA. The gimmick is that you watch the cool anime footage, and periodically, the motion freezes, and like a choose your own adventure book, you're given several options on what to do next (i.e. Should Goku punch, kick, use Kamehameha, or go home and eat?) It's up to you to decide. I imagine it would be pretty cool to mess around with for a while, but good luck finding a Playdia in America. I also imagine it would get old after a while, but who knows?
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Shin Saiya-jin Semmetsu Keikaku - Uchuu Hen
English Translation: Dragon Ball Z: True Plan to Sliminate the Saiyjin - Space Story
Game Genre: Interactive Story
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: December, 1994
Original Price: ¥4800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: Basically the same as the above game.
PLAYSTATION
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Aruteimetsu Batoru 22
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan, England (Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22)
Japanese Release Date: July, 28 1995
Original Price: ¥8000
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game is a continuation of the DBZ fighting craze which started with Super Butoden, but makes several improvements. The game features 22 base characters and five bonus ones. There is even a build up mode where you pick a fighter and gain levels by beating computer opponents. You can then take your built up character and duel with others' built up players, very cool! This game also features 3D stages with 2D characters. The characters look just like their animated counterparts, but the stages could have used some more work. Unlike Butoden, the screen zooms out as you move away from each other rather than splitting. Also unlike Butoden, this game features dozens of CD quality speech samples for each character. Like the SFC games, this fighter includes a Budoukai mode, but once again breaking from tradition, the game gives you the option of doing a 16 player tournament, instead of of just 8. UB22 was a popular game, and like DBZ Legends, it is not that rare. Expect to pay from $35-$75 for it.
Who's In It?: SSj Goku, Future Trunks, Chibi Trunks, Goten, Gotenks, Chibi Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Cell, Buu, Majin Buu, Furiza, Android 16, Zarbon, and lots more!
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Dragon Ball Densetsu
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Great Dragon Ball Legends
Game Genre: 3-D Fighter
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: May, 31 1996
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game is yet another fighter in the long line of DBZ fighters, but this one is unique. Unlike traditional fighters, you and up to two other CPU controlled duke to out with up to three other CPU players. The controls in this game are surprisingly simple, yet effective. The backgrounds in this game are 3D with 2D rocks, trees, etc. The characters themselves are 2D, but don't look nearly as impressive as their counterparts in UB22. The game features story, VS, and tournament modes. For those of you who beat the game, a special "what if" battle mode awaits you. This game is not that rare, as it is only a few years old. Expect to pay from $35-$75 for this one.
Who's In It: Goku, Vegeta, Kurirrin, Nappa, Piccolo, Furiza, Cell, Android 16, Android 17, Android 18 and basically the whole DBZ crew.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball: Final Bout
In English that Means: Dragon Ball: Final Bout
Game Genre: Fighter
Released in: Japan, America (Dragon Ball GT Final Bout)
Japanese Release Date: August, 21 1997
English Release Date: January, 1998
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game is a 3D fighter similar is style to Virtua Fighter. Don't let its likeness to Virtual Fighter get your hopes up, this game stinks. The controls are not very tight. This causes punches to sometimes take 2 seconds to happen on screen. Furthermore, pulling off combos is far too easy, so easy in fact that one cheap combo can take out your opponent. Granted, the graphics are nice for a PSX game, but characters move slow! This was one of three Dragon Ball games which came to America, and it sucked. The dubbed voices are simply horrible (worse than FUNimation's dubs). Some how they just seem to pick the worst games to bring here (Dragon Power sucked too). Despite what people try to say in their e-bay auctions, this game is not rare. Don't pay more than $45 for it.
(Note: If you feel the urge to buy this game, I suggest buying the Japanese version and use this FAQ to learn how to play it)
Who's In It: Goku, Cell, Piccolo, Majin Buu, Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, Bebi Vegeta, Furiza, and the DBGT Crew.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Shin Butouden
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: True Battle History
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: November 17, 1995
Original Price: ¥6800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game is the Saturn's equivalent to UB22. Although the backgrounds are 2D, they look a lot better than UB22's half ass attempt at a 3D background (pardon my language, but that's the only way to word it). Also, Shin Butoden reverts to its SFC origins and features a split screen battle system. I do have one complaint about Sun Butoden, the video sequences are not as sharp as UB22's for the PSX. UB22's FMVs look like they came off of the TV show, while Shin Butoden's FMVs look grainy. However, the grainy video is due to the Saturn's hardware limitations, so I think it is unfair to hold this against the game. As for gameplay, it rocks. There is a VS, Budoukai, and a special betting mode, where you take on the role of Satan and bet on fights to pay Android 18 her one million zenni. Since the Sega Saturn never sold well in Japan, or in America for that matter, Shin Butoden can be a hard find, and will easily run you $125 or more.
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Majin Vegeta, Future Trunks, Chibi Trunks, Gotenks, Piccolo, Kurirrin, Tenshinhan, Kame-sennin, Zarbon, Rikum, Ginyu, Furiza, #16, #18, Cell, Kaioushin, Dabura, Majin Buu, Mr. Satan, Great Saiyaman, Chibi Goku, and Gogeta.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Idainaru Dragon Ball Densetsu
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Great Dragon Ball Legends
Game Genre: 3-D Fighting
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: May, 31 1996
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This game is yet another fighter in the long line of DBZ fighters, but this one is unique. Unlike traditional fighters, you and up to two other CPU controlled duke to out with up to three other CPU players. The controls in this game are surprisingly simple, yet effective. The backgrounds in this game are 3D with 2D rocks, trees, etc. The characters themselves are 2D, but don't look nearly as impressive as their counterparts in UB22. The game features story, VS, and tournament modes. For those of you who beat the game, a special "what if" battle mode awaits you. This game is rarer than its PSX counterpart, but don't pay more than $50 - $80 for it.
Who's In It?: Goku, Vegeta, Kurirrin, Nappa, Piccolo, Furiza, Cell, Android 16, Android 17, Android 18 and basically the whole DBZ crew.
SUPER NINTENDO
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Suupaa Saiya Densetsu
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Super Legend of the Saiya
Game Genre: Role Playing Game
Released in: Japan
Japanese Release Date: January, 1992
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This is the first DBZ game for the SFC system. It begins just like the series with the kidnapping of Gohan by Raditz. After the fight , Goku trains on Kaiosama's planet just as he does in the series. Your training consists of battles against the planet's gravity and Kaiosama's assistant, Gregory. After that, the game reverts back to earth as you control Goku in the final battle against Vegeta. Next, comes the ever popular Furiza Saga portion of this game. In it, you must help Kuririn, Gohan, and the others to protect the Dragon Balls from the villainous Furiza and at the same time you must guide Goku to Namek and ultimately defeat Furiza Although this game is (if you haven't noticed from the description) basically Kyosho Saiya-jin and Gekishin Furiza slapped together. The graphics have been somewhat updated, as well as the games movement system, but the battle system remains intact.
Who's In It?: Goku, Gohan, Raditsu, Kurirrin, Kame-sennin, Piccolo, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Vegeta, Nappa, the Ginyu Force, Zarbon, Dudoria, and Furiza.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Suupaa Butoden
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Super Battle History
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan, France
Japanese Release Date: March, 1993
Publisher: Bandai
Description: This is the game which started off the DBZ fighting craze. It featured good graphics for its time and a "Street Fighter" fighting style with a few twists such as a split screen and the ability to fight in the air. It also included sampled speech such as Goku's Kamehameha. As with the first game in any series, Butoden has its flaws. The game play is slow, and you cannot charge up your Ki. This game sold well in Japan, and is not hard to find in good condition.
Who's In It?: Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, Furiza, Android 16, Android 18, Android 20, and Cell.
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Suupaa Butoden 2
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Super Battle History 2
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan, France (La Légende Saien)
Japanese Release Date: December, 1993
Original Price: ¥9800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: Butoden 2 is Butoden done right. Almost all of the flaws in the original Butoden were fixed for this release. The graphics, controls, game speed, and sample speech are much better in Butoden 2 than in its predecessor. In addition, you can generate your own Ki, and every character except Cell Jr. has a Super Meteo attack. Despite all of the improvements, this game is a rare find.
Who's In It?: Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, Trunks, Cell, Cell Jr., Bojack, and Zangya (Brolly and Goku are hidden characters).
Japanese Title: Dragon Ball Z: Suupaa Butoden 3
In English that Means: Dragon Ball Z: Super Battle History 3
Game Genre: Fighting
Released in: Japan, France, Korea (Dragon Ball Z)
Japanese Release Date: September, 1994
Original Price: ¥9800
Publisher: Bandai
Description: In the third edition of Butoden there are some welcome improvements such as faster Ki charging and the ability to fly while on the same screen as your opponent. On the same token, the game lacks a story mode, which greatly reduces the reply value of this game. This game is about as easy to find as the original Butoden.
Who's In It?: Goku, Majin Vegeta, Chibi Trunks, Goten, Gohan, Android 18, Dabura, Majin Buu, Kaioshin, with Future Trunks as a hidden character.
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