When Akira Toriyama created his Journey-to-the-West-inspired story in 1984, no one was ready for the kind of masterpiece he unleashed on the world. Not only did Dragon Ball cement itself as one of the best and most iconic battle shounen works of all time, but it’s also one of the few anime titles that actually have very good games.
In honor of the great Toriyama, as well as our early celebration of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (which will be released later this year—who else is excited?), we’re compiling our list of the best Dragon Ball games that have graced consoles, PCs, and even mobile phones over the years. Let’s get to it, DB friends!
Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans
Release Date: 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Developer: Monolith Soft
Attack of the Saiyans was an inventive foray into the JRPG genre, deviating from the usual fighting game mechanics in most Dragon Ball games. Developed by Monolith Soft of Xenoblade fame, this turn-based Saiyan adventure was perfect for Nintendo’s little handheld console then.
You get to take on the roles of six characters and play from the Piccolo Jr Saga up to the Saiyan Saga where you face off against Vegeta. Although quite different from other Dragon Ball games, this game was praised for its JRPG mechanics and did well in Japan (third best-selling game in May 2009). It deserves a moment in the spotlight in this list, alright!
Dragon Ball Fusions
Release Date: 2016
Platform: 3DS
Developer: Ganbarion
The idea of fusing two characters to create a totally new one was a revolutionary idea from Toriyama. It’s such a genius mechanic that it’s a surprise no game focused on it until this Nintendo game.
Yep, in Dragon Ball Fusions, everyone can fuse with everyone, resulting in new and never-before-seen (or even thought-of) creations. To make this crazy possibility make sense, it conveniently takes place in a separate timeline created from a time-space rift. For its unique mechanics, it deserves a spot on this list.
Dragon Ball Legends
Release Date: 2018
Platform: Android, iOS
Developer: Dimps
Don’t let its mobile game status deter you from it, as Dragon Ball Legends offers a unique gaming experience for fans despite not being a console or a PC game. It fuses (heh) two kinds of gameplay: the card game battle system and the usual fighting mechanics we know and love from Dragon Ball games.
But what made us truly love this game is its constant updates and new content, even after six years since release, making it one of the best Dragon Ball mobile games to date. Got ya convinced? It’s not too late to catch up and join the Saiyan fray. You can easily find DB Legends account for sale to help zoom you through the gameplay.
Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku Trilogy
Release Date: 2002 to 2004
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Webfoot Technologies
We’re counting the whole trilogy as one entry because it doesn’t feel right to separate these three. These action-adventure RPGs collectively forge the full DBZ experience in video game form, starting from Raditz’s arrival up to the Buu Saga.
The first game was a bit rough at certain parts, but II was a massive improvement, with Buu’s Fury being equally amazing, if not the best out of the three. This trilogy is one of the best Dragon Ball games to experience as a fan of the DBZ anime and deserves a spot on this list.
Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World
Release Date: 2008
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Dimps
This might be a controversial take, but Infinite World deserved better, and we’re putting it with the greats where it belongs. While it never got the acknowledgment from critics similar to what other games received, like its counterpart Burst Limit, Infinite World got a cult following throughout the years.
It’s a solid fighting game, and it took everything that made the Budokai games great, polished it, and even amped it up. It added new combos like the Continuous Energy Bullets and Dash Attacks, new specials like Krillin’s Solar Flare, and even mini-games for the Gravity Room training. Think of it like the final form of the Budokai series.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Release Date: 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: CyberConnect2
Dragon Ball games have told the core story of DBZ numerous times already. But what makes Kakarot stand out from the rest is its modern gameplay and graphics. It’s absolutely stunning, plus it’s somewhat open-world and has entertaining mini-games that can be experienced through Intermissions.
If you just want pure and unadulterated fighting, you might not enjoy Kakarot as much. But if you’re into mini-games like fishing, cooking, and hunting (as DBZ characters, to boot), you’ll have a grand time with this action RPG.
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Release Date: 2004
Platform: PlayStation 2
Developer: Dimps
You could say that Budokai 1 and 2 walked, so Budokai 3 could run. While the first two games were impressive fighting games, 3 took everything they did and made it even better. Its full roster alone—all DBZ characters up to the Buu Saga, plus characters from the films, GT, and even the original Dragon Ball—blows them outta the water.
Budokai 3 also polished the gaming mechanics of the previous Budokai games. Notably, it changed the Ki system and had Goku and Vegeta go into their Super Saiyan 4 form. Our favorite change? The Beam Struggle. Instead of two beams canceling each other out, you can go ham on your control sticks to push the beam on your opponent!
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Release Date: 2007
Platform: PlayStation 2, Wii
Developer: Spike
For a while, Budokai 3 was arguably the best fighting Dragon Ball game—until Budokai Tenkaichi 3 entered the stage. With 162 characters, it has one of the largest rosters among fighting games—it even has the Saiyan’s Great Ape forms. To get the Great Apes, you need the moon, right? Well, the game added a night and day system for that, too!
More importantly, it became the first in the series to get online features through the Wii console. Sure, it wasn’t perfect due to lag, but Budokai Tenkaichi 3 became the blueprint and predecessor to many Dragon Ball games online. It was fun in epic proportions and quite innovative.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Release Date: 2016
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Dimps
In a sea of amazing DB games, Xenoverse 2 made its mark by executing its premise perfectly. Its premise isn’t even that outrageous—you’re simply a new character trying to help DB characters keep the peace in the universe. But the fact that you get to be your own character, cruise around in Dragon Ball locations, and get training from your favorite characters makes the game stand out.
Character customization is quite in-depth. For example, your chosen race can affect your stats and quests. The story changes depending on your choices, too. Plus, this being a co-op multiplayer makes it one of the most unique Dragon Ball games online. It’s no surprise that it still has a solid number of players even after almost a decade. With 8 years’ worth of DLCs, Xenoverse 2 continues to be the gift that keeps on giving to DB fans.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Release Date: 2018
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Arc System Works
Straight up, FighterZ is the quintessential Dragon Ball fighting game in its purest form. It has a limited roster of only 24 characters and is far from being gimmicky, but it delivers well on the fighting aspect where it matters. Not too surprising, given its developer is of Guilty Gear and BlazBlue fame!
Players can pick up its controls quickly but will need time to “git gud”, so to speak. Its art style and animation are sleek, which helps with the immersion. If you need to pick up only one DB fighting game, make it this one.
Conclusion
Given how popular Dragon Ball is, it’s no surprise that it constantly has a barrage of video games throughout the years. As much as we love the series, not all DB games are good—some rise to the top better than others. We hope this list narrows down the games you should play as a DB fan.
Speaking of lists and rising to the top, DB Legends players should take a peek at our Dragon Ball Legends Tier List to know which characters are better. Happy gaming, DB friends!
