You don’t have to be a Supreme Kai to understand the impact Dragon Ball Z has had on the anime community. From its first debut in 1984 to its newer variations today, viewers have witnessed a deluge of action-packed battles, heartfelt storylines, and honorable sacrifices.
Now that the franchise is over 30 years old, it’s grown into far more than just a television series—it’s an experience—one you can enjoy through multiple ways, including Dragon Ball Z gifts,merch, and even Dragon Ball Z games.
From recently released games to ones that date back to the early ‘80s, you can explore Akira Toriyama’s vast saga through a variety of single and multi-player creations. What is the best Dragon Ball Z game? We’ve narrowed down the list to the top eight best Dragon Ball games. All that’s left to do is spike your hair, open your Dragon Ball Z box and throw on your favorite apparel, and get ready for some fast fights and epic twists with your favorite Dragon Ball Z fighter.
#1 Dragon Ball FighterZ
One of anime’s most iconic action franchises teams up with one of the most effective fighting game developers out there in Dragon Ball FighterZ—and it’s epic.
Arc System Works incorporates the quick pace and thrilling storyline from a Dragon Ball Z battle scene and adapts it seamlessly into a video game. The DBZ game itself has multiple features, including:
- 3v3 gaming capabilities
- 2D graphics
- Beginner-friendly combo system
It’s simple to throw your opponent into the air, smash them down, and teleport behind them only to finish them off with an energy blast. Epic. It holds a fairly good roster of characters, too, with 24 to choose from.
You’ll find the central characters, such as Goku, and even some more peculiar ones, like Ginyu. Other notable characters include:
- Super Saiyan Blue Goku
- Piccolo
- Majin Buu
- Tien Shinhan
- Kid Buu
The entire roster has unique mechanics and gameplay capabilities to experiment with, providing players with a combination of user-friendly and complex characters that require more time commitment to learn.
#2 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
There’s no shortage of epic battles in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, which features some of the franchise's most notable characters like Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta. However, players can also transcend the classic storyline to fight, eat, fish, and train with the likes of Goku.
As you move forward through the game you’ll form bonds with the heroes of the Dragon Ball Z universe. You’ll also have the chance to join some epic battles unlike any you’ve seen before.
Your combat abilities will certainly be put to the test—the extensive battlefields include environments that are destructible and you’ll have ample opportunity to take on Goku’s most formidable foes.
#3 Dragon Ball: Origins
This Dragon Ball Z game was designed for Nintendo DS and features dynamic gameplay that features some of the franchise’s OG characters, like Master Roshi, Bulma, Yamcha, and Krillin.
The best part? The Dragon Ball game features arduous battles and brainteasers that appeal to gamers of all kinds—not just anime fans.
It’s a single-player setup where you act as Goku. Alongside his clever sidekick Bulma, you’ll find yourself immersed within the fantasy world as you battle enemies and overcome obstacles in search of the 7 Dragon Balls.
Goku and Bulma act as complementary partners, but a big part of the game is to protect Bulma from various enemy attacks. Use your special skills and Burma’s inventive personality to defeat any enemy that comes your way with all sorts of new weapons and machines.
#4 Dragon Ball: Attack of the Saiyans
When Dragon Ball: Attack of the Saiyans was first released, much of the excitement centered around several of its original features. It offered brand new gameplay, even more unique game modes, and additional never-before-seen side quests.
The Dragon Ball game also features new storylines that diverge from the anime and manga series, making it one of the best Dragon Ball Z games for fans looking to expand their knowledge of the Dragon Ball universe.
The gameplay begins at the World Tournament, where Goku heroically defeats Piccolo and embarks on the Saiyan Saga that was native to the original Dragon Ball Z storyline.
Playing as Goku, you’re able to travel throughout the Dragon Ball Z universe, going from the thrilling peaks of snowy mountains to the lush canopies of deep jungles.
Notable characters in this game include:
- Son Goku
- Gohan
- Piccolo
- Krillin
- Yamcha
There are also a few notable bosses like:
- Legendary Super Saiyan Broly
- Jackie Chun
- Paopao
- Spring Majin and Spring Guardian
- Giant Octopus
Pick your favorite Dragon Ball Z fighter and start playing.
#5 Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2
Building off of and continuing from Dragon Ball Xenoverse, the second installment takes the success of the first game to another level. New, enhanced graphics allow you to fully immerse yourself into one of the most detailed and vast Dragon Ball worlds.
Ever.
Plus, its character customization makes it feel as though you’re creating each character yourself. It also comes jam-packed with a ton of new upgrades and special features. Some of the biggest changes from Xenoverse to Xenoverse 2 include:
- Next-generation visuals
- A hub city that’s seven times bigger than the original, which holds up to 300 players at onc
- New gameplay elements like time travel
- Enhanced character installments and boss fight sequences
You can also customize and develop your own character and go through intense training to develop new skills. Once you’ve trained your character, you can put your skills to the test by fighting new enemies throughout the Dragon Ball Z universe to restore it to the original story.
#6 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
If you’re a fan of Dragon Ball Z, you know that the fights are action-packed and heated, and there are frequently special attacks that can stun the opponent out of nowhere. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 builds these dynamics into the game.
This fighting, action game has a 3D gameplay that’s built within an arena-style setting, which makes for an epic environment for even the most straightforward battles. But let’s face it, when are battles ever uncomplicated?
Test your skills in a World Tournament where you can compete against up to eight other players. The game also features a dueling mode where you can fight an opponent using custom powers.
When it comes to the game’s story mode, Budokai 3 allows players to explore the key fights featured in the series. Simply pick a character, choose your battle, and begin your epic saga. 111 story reenactments are hidden throughout.
The game also includes a free-roaming feature that allows players to wander through the Dragon Universe as well as a collection of new characters:
- Bardock
- Broly
- Cell Jr.
- Cooler
- Gogeta
- Kid Goku
#7 Dragon Ball Dokkan Battle
Dragon Ball Dokkan Battle is the best Dragon Ball Z game if you’re looking for an experience that’s compatible with mobile devices. This free-to-play video game features numerous original storylines from the OG Dragon Ball Z saga. Players can participate in battle tournaments, puzzle games, and collectible card games as they navigate the universe and attempt to save the Dragon Universe.
As you play, you’ll see many familiar faces, including:
- Vegeta
- Trunks
- Piccolo
- Cell
- Frieza
The mechanics are similar to a match-three puzzler, but players will also have ample opportunity to participate in fights, power-ups, and traps. And if you manage to collect all 7 Dragon Balls, players can summon a powerful being and exchange the balls for three wishes.
#8 Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors
This 2D fighter came is compatible with Game Boy Advance and features storylines that divert from the series original arcs.
Players can also pit two of the franchise’s key players against each other for epic battles where players must cultivate attack combos to beat their opponent. Each player comes with three unique “Kill” skills that can be used depending on where the character is located in relation to their foe.
Like Goku’s character in the series, your character has three levels that increase depending on the player’s strength. There are thirteen playable characters in the Supersonic Warriors game, including:
- Goku
- Gohan
- Piccolo
- Krillin
- Vegeta
- Future Trunks
- Captain Ginyu
- Frieza
- Android 18
- Dr. Gero
- Cell
- Majin Buu
- Gotenks
When it comes to the game’s Story Mode, players can pick a character and embark on a journey of eight battles. There are multiple scenarios possible for each character—while some follow the storylines set by the Namek, Androids, and Majin Buu Sagas, there’s also one “What If” option that allows the player to divert from the established storyline.
There are also three additional game modes, including:
- Z Battle Mode
- Challenge Mode
- Training Mode
- Free Battle Mode
- Remote VS. Mode
- Option Mode
With at least 8 of the best dragon ball games, every Dragon Ball Z fan can find the action game that reminds them of why they love the series. After playing your DBZ game, keep your fan energy running by watching the best dragon ball z episodes of all time.
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When it comes to the best Dragon Ball Z games, you’re going to have no shortage of options to choose from. Everything from Dragon Ball FighterZ to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 provides plenty of gameplay thrills that are sure to catapult you into a universe of action-packed encounters and unique gameplay features. With at least 8 of the best dragon ball games mentioned above, every Dragon Ball Z fan can find the action game that reminds them of why they love the series.
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Sources:
IGN. Dragon Ball FighterZ Review. https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/22/dragon-ball-fighterz-review
Metacritic. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/dragon-ball-z-kakarot/details
Metacritic. Dragon Ball: Origins. https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/dragon-ball-origins
Fandom. Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans. https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z:_Attack_of_the_Saiyans
Metacritic. Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2. https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/dragon-ball-xenoverse-2
Bandai Namco Entertainment. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-xenoverse-2
TheGamer. 5 Reasons Why Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 is the Best Game in the Series. https://www.thegamer.com/budokai-budokai-tenkaichi-3-best/
Fandom. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai3. https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z:_Budokai_3