Ranking the Best Dragon Ball Games Ever

The Best Dragon Ball Games of All Time: Shooting for the Stars

Ah, Dragon Ball. The beloved manga and anime series that has spawned well over 9000 video games. But let’s face it, not all of these games are winners. In fact, many of them are just mediocre and fail to stand out from the crowd. But fear not, my fellow Saiyans! I have combed through the vast sea of Dragon Ball games and narrowed down the list to the absolute best titles of all time. So get ready to power up and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!

Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō – A Blast from the Past

Let’s start with the game that kicked it all off back in 1986. Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō made its debut on the Super Cassette Vision and introduced the world to the iconic series in gaming form. Unfortunately, this shoot’em up never made it out of Japan, leaving the West craving for Goku’s adventures for another decade. But fear not, my friends. Nowadays, we’re bombarded with an endless stream of Saiyan-themed fighting games and RPGs every year.

The Best of the Best Dragon Ball Games

Now, let’s get to the real reason you’re here. Without further ado, here are the best Dragon Ball games of all time:

24. Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Z – A Vita Surprise

Released in 2014, Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Z didn’t exactly receive a standing ovation. It’s one of the franchise’s lowest-rated modern games, with criticism aimed at its by-the-numbers storyline and simplistic combat. However, the game shines on Sony’s PS Vita. It boasts stunning visuals, smooth gameplay, and a unique focus on team-building and co-op play. This game proves that the PS Vita has its place in the Dragon Ball universe.

23. Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans – Turn-Based Z-Fun

Nintendo’s handheld systems always bring something different to the table, and Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans is no exception. This turn-based RPG takes a limited roster of characters and puts them on an adventure through the Saiyan Saga. While it may not break new ground, it offers a solid experience for fans of the franchise and the genre. It’s a unique gem in the Dragon Ball world that shouldn’t be overlooked.

22. Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle – Puzzles and Power-Ups

Ah, mobile gaming. It’s a treacherous territory, but Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle manages to rise above the rest. This anime game combines puzzle elements with strategic battles, forcing players to think their way through each encounter. While it may not compare to the console gems of the franchise, Dokkan Battle is a respectable entry in the world of mobile gaming.

21. Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors – Game Boy Greatness

The Game Boy Advance may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to Dragon Ball games. Enter Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors, a fighting game that fills the GBA’s need for a Z-themed brawler. While its mechanics may not hold up perfectly, Supersonic Warriors offers a delightful story mode with what-if scenarios that fans will love. It’s a blast to see the Dragon Ball universe in this handheld adventure.

20. Dragon Ball: Origins – A Journey into Adventure

Another gem on the Nintendo DS, Dragon Ball: Origins shines a light on the often overlooked original series. This adventure game focuses on exploration, comedy, and the early chapters of Dragon Ball. It’s a refreshing change of pace that offers solid gameplay, beautiful 3D visuals, and plenty of nods to Akira Toriyama’s work. The sequel is also worth checking out, making the Origins series a must-play for Dragon Ball adventure enthusiasts.

19. Super Dragon Ball Z – A Fighting Game with Style

Before Arc System Works took the Dragon Ball series by storm, Super Dragon Ball Z attempted to bring the franchise into the realm of legitimate fighting games. With a curated roster of 18 characters and a combat system focused on skill, Super Dragon Ball Z is a traditional fighter that stands apart from the crowd. While it may fall short in terms of single-player content, its deep combat mechanics make it a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts.

18. Dragon Ball Legends – Mobile Mayhem

Dragon Ball Legends proves that not all mobile games are created equal. This mobile experience brings the console feel to your fingertips, blending fighting mechanics with a card battle system. The result is a fast-paced, strategic, and visually impressive game that will keep you hooked for hours. With an impressive roster of playable characters and an engaging story, Legends is a shining star in the realm of mobile Dragon Ball games.

17. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit – A Forgotten Gem

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit may not be fondly remembered these days, but it still deserves a spot on this list. Despite its limited roster and truncated story mode, Burst Limit boasts beautiful graphics and fast-paced combat that outshines its predecessors. It may not be the best of the best, but it’s still a solid game that deserves a second look.

16. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure – A Surprisingly Ambitious Release

Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure may be on the Game Boy Advance, but it’s anything but a simple handheld game. This side-scrolling beat ’em up combines solid gameplay with fighting mechanics, allowing players to pit their favorite characters against each other. With a refreshing focus on the original Dragon Ball series and a fun story mode, Advanced Adventure is a competent and enjoyable entry in its genre.

15. Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2 – Underrated and Simplified

While the Raging Blast series may not compare to the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi games, Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2 still manages to shine. Simplified combat and a more accessible experience make it a great choice for newcomers to the franchise. The introduction of unique techniques for each character adds depth to the roster, and the “Galactic Missions” offer a fresh take on the typical story mode. It may not be the best Dragon Ball Z game out there, but it’s definitely worth a try.

14. Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 – A Sequel Packed with Potential

Supersonic Warriors 2 builds upon its predecessor but falls just short of surpassing it. While it offers a branching system that weaves an interesting story, it lacks the surprises and creativity of the original game. However, the improved gameplay and expanded roster make it one of the better fighting games on the Nintendo DS. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a fighting game aficionado, Supersonic Warriors 2 has enough punch to keep you entertained.

13. Dragon Ball: Shin Budokai – Another Road – A PSP Adventure

Most people think the Budokai series ended with Budokai 3, but they’re wrong. Dragon Ball: Shin Budokai – Another Road proves that there’s still more to be done with the franchise on the PSP. With similar gameplay mechanics to its PS2 predecessor, Another Road removes certain features, resulting in faster and more intense battles. The original story featuring Future Trunks and an altered timeline adds a refreshing twist to the Dragon Ball universe.

12. Dragon Ball Fusions – Fusion Fever

What if anyone could fuse with anyone else in the Dragon Ball world? Dragon Ball Fusions answers that question with explosive results. This Nintendo 3DS game offers a huge open world, satisfying RPG combat, and a bonkers story that will leave you wanting more. It’s a handheld DBZ adventure that fans won’t want to miss.

11. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot – Revisiting the Epic Tale

In 2020, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot breathed new life into the beloved main story. This single-player, story-driven RPG captures the essence of the anime like no other game before it. With stunning visuals, solid combat mechanics, and clever easter eggs for hardcore fans, Kakarot is the ultimate Dragon Ball Z experience. It’s a meaty game that delivers on all fronts and is a must-play for any fan of the franchise.

10. Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission – Arcade Excitement

Super Dragon Ball Heroes: World Mission brings the immensely popular arcade trading game from Japan to the West. In this unique universe, Dragon Ball is an anime that spawned a popular card game. Now, the virtual and real worlds collide, and you must collect cards of your favorite Z-fighters to battle a wild array of villains. With a cheesy story, addictive turn-based gameplay, and a mind-boggling number of cards to collect, World Mission is a must-play for fans of the franchise.

9. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden 2 – A Classic Fighter

Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden 2 holds a special place in the hearts of many Dragon Ball fans. This classic fighter on the Nintendo 3DS and SNES captured the essence of the anime in a way that few others could. With solid 2D combat and an authentic presentation, Super Butoden 2 is a true gem of the franchise’s gaming history.

8. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – Customization and Content

Dragon Ball’s console games had a rough patch, but Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 rose above the rest. Building upon its predecessor, this game offers deep customization options and a vast amount of content. While the combat may lack the depth of some other fighting games, the customization system and quantity of quests will keep you hooked for hours on end.

7. Dragon Ball Z: The Legend – PlayStation Power

In the realm of PlayStation 1 releases, Dragon Ball Z: The Legend stands tall as the best of the bunch. Running through the entirety of Dragon Ball Z’s main arcs, this game offers a roster of over 30 fighters and a strategic team battle system. With stunning graphics and dynamic gameplay, The Legend showcases the best of Dragon Ball Z on the PlayStation 1.

6. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors – Handheld Heroics

The Game Boy Color may seem limited, but Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors goes above and beyond. This fighting game combines turn-based mechanics with a card system, allowing for strategic battles and satisfying upgrades. With a robust campaign and tons of replayability, Legendary Super Warriors proves that epic battles can be fought on the small screen.

5. Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension – A Timeless Classic

Last but certainly not least, Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension stands as the most influential and important Dragon Ball fighting game of all time. This SNES classic covers all of Dragon Ball Z’s main sagas with its dynamic combat and responsive controls. With a limited roster of ten playable fighters, each with their own unique playstyle, Hyper Dimension remains a timeless masterpiece.

There you have it, the absolute best Dragon Ball games to ever grace our screens. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed fighters, immersive RPGs, or unique handheld adventures, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, grab your Dragon Balls, power up, and let the games begin!

Ranking the Best Dragon Ball Games Ever