The world of gaming inspired by Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is vast, with over 9,000 video game titles emerging from the beloved manga and anime series. However, pinpointing the greatest titles becomes challenging amid a sea of mediocre entries that often fail to distinguish themselves in this crowded market.
In 1986, Epoch introduced the first Dragon Ball game, Dragon Ball: Dragon Daihikyō, for the Super Cassette Vision. This shoot-’em-up, like many of its early counterparts, remained exclusive to Japan. It wasn’t until a decade later that the Western audience fully embraced the enchanting saga of Goku and his allies. Today, it’s not uncommon for new Dragon Ball-themed RPGs or fighting games to take the gaming shelves by storm almost annually.
Given the extensive roster of titles that stem from this famed series, what are the true best Dragon Ball games? As of January 4, 2025, the gaming community has seen a significant number of releases, and players who are passionate about the franchise are always on the lookout for what’s next. Currently, there isn’t a new Dragon Ball game announced, likely owing to the recent release of Sparking! Zero.
This ranking will also reflect on a somewhat contentious period in the franchise with the inclusion of a Dragon Ball GT game as well.
31 Dragon Ball: The Breakers
Decent Idea, Underwhelming Execution
Dragon Ball: The Breakers takes a different approach by adopting the asymmetrical multiplayer style popularized by games like Dead by Daylight. Players assume the roles of underpowered Survivors attempting to escape and strategize against iconic villains from the Dragon Ball universe. Unfortunately, the overall execution falls short, making it a compelling concept that lacks longevity.
Despite its potential, the game delivers a basic gameplay loop that fails to maintain long-term interest. Based heavily on a robust player community, The Breakers has battled to keep up engagement recently, although it still holds a small player base on Steam, as evidenced by its current statistics.
30 Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Z
Team-Focused Gameplay Just About Saves This One
Launched in 2014, Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Z didn’t garner much acclaim. Critics pointed to its lackluster story elements and overly simplistic combat. The game does, however, boast some benefits when played on the PS Vita, where it runs smoothly and showcases vibrant visuals. The emphasis on team dynamics and cooperative gameplay sets it apart, particularly in solo mode, which encourages strategic team composition.
29 Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans
Decent Entry-Level Turn-Based RPG
Nintendo’s handhelds have often inspired unique takes on the Dragon Ball series, particularly with Dragon Ball Z: Attack Of The Saiyans. This turn-based RPG offers a limited character roster and some exploration, covering only a portion of the Dragon Ball Z story, specifically concluding with the Saiyan Saga.
While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it serves as a decent introduction to turn-based mechanics for fans. This Nintendo DS game stands out as relatively unique in the Dragon Ball universe, despite its derivative nature.
28 Dragon Ball GT: Transformation
Even GT Deserves Some Love
Although generally viewed as a weaker installment in the franchise, Dragon Ball GT has its merits, particularly in its game adaptations. Notably, GT has been featured in several games but has only had two standalone titles: Final Bout and Transformation. While the former is widely criticized, Transformation offers a better experience, albeit still just an average beat-’em-up on the Game Boy Advance.
This game takes players through the early arcs, including the Baby saga, with some exploration across visually-reminiscent planets. While not revolutionary, Transformation provides satisfactory combat and a solid roster of characters.
27 Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo
Reliving Goku’s Formative Years
Despite being a Wii exclusive, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo is often forgotten in the timeline of Dragon Ball games. Aiming to deviate from DBZ, it explores Goku’s earlier adventures based on the original manga arcs.
This game operates as a straightforward beat-’em-up, with elements of light platforming present throughout. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking for the broader gaming audience, it can be a nostalgic throwback for fans who appreciate the source material.
26 Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
Something A Bit Different
As a popular mobile entry, Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle distinguishes itself from many free-to-play titles with innovative gameplay that intertwines puzzle-solving elements with traditional RPG mechanics. In a genre often criticized for shallow content, Dokkan Battle has found a niche, offering engaging gameplay that remains enjoyable for fans.
25 Dragon Ball Z: Buyuu Retsuden
Mega Drive Alternative To Super Butoden
While the Super Butoden trilogy graced the SNES and Super Famicom, Mega Drive/Genesis gamers instead received Buyuu Retsuden. This fighting game hit shelves in 1994 and captures the essence of the original Super Butoden, complemented by vibrant visuals and eye-catching character designs.
Although it reflects the typical challenges of early fighting games—particularly regarding accessibility—those familiar with the SNES iterations may find this alternative to be a worthwhile experience. The story mode presents distinct campaigns for each character, adding a narrative dimension to the gameplay.
24 Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team
Tag Team Addition Cannot Save A Tired Formula. Still, Not Bad.
Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team may appear as just another title that reiterates familiar arcs using a staler combat system, but it offers the hallmark of portability that distinguishes it from its predecessors. Exclusively available on PSP, it encapsulates the essence of the franchise’s console iterations while adapting it for handheld play.
While not a definitive entry within the franchise, its attention to gameplay controls and visual quality shines through. The Dragon Walker story mode offers a nostalgic experience, albeit merely a rehashing of familiar sagas with additional side modes to engage sporadically.
23 Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors
Enjoyable Story Mode
Serving as a key title for Game Boy Advance, Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors highlights the franchise’s fighting game offerings. Though the battle mechanics show their age, the title benefits remarkably from its engaging story mode, which encompasses the franchise’s key sagas while introducing fun what-if scenarios for additional replay value.
22 Dragon Ball Legends
Dragon Ball Legends takes a different route by employing a combat system that merges traditional fighting mechanics with card battles. It offers mobile players a console-like experience with impressive graphics while delivering robust gameplay.
With a solid roster that features numerous characters unlocked via a gacha system, Legends crafts an original storyline revolving around Shallot, a new Saiyan character faced with amnesia. The game has solidified its position as one of the noteworthy entries within mobile gaming, effortlessly appealing to both casual and hardcore fans.
21 Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2
Fine Evolution Of Budokai Formula
While often overshadowed by the Budokai Tenkaichi series, Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 stands out as a commendable fighter. It simplifies several mechanics, making it more approachable, all while introducing unique techniques for each character, thus making the gameplay feel distinctive.
Rather than rehashing the anime’s saga, the game features isolated “Galactic Missions.”These allow players to engage in unique battles that let characters express their individual strengths. It may be a simplified version of its predecessors, but it excels in providing a fun gaming experience.
20 Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
Simple But Fun Adventure
Offering a unique take on the franchise, Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure serves as both a beat-’em-up and a fighting game. It effectively blends side-scrolling action with an engaging narrative focused on the original Dragon Ball anime, allowing players to revisit iconic moments.
This title appeals to die-hard fans and newcomers alike, combining adventure and fighting mechanics, making it worth the attention of both audiences seeking engaging gameplay.
19 Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2
Not Quite Hyper Dimension, But Good Enough
Launched a year after its predecessor, Supersonic Warriors 2 exemplifies both improvement and decline. While lacking the standout story mode of its predecessor, this sequel offers a more refined gameplay experience, showcasing the franchise’s evolution on the Nintendo DS.
It expands the roster and introduces new characters, enhancing gameplay. While the previous iteration had a superior narrative experience, the sequel excels in combat mechanics and overall balance.
18 Dragon Ball: Origins
A Proper Adventure
Dragon Ball: Origins takes a fresh perspective on the original series, departing from the combat-driven narrative of Dragon Ball Z. Instead, it emphasizes adventure and comedy, capturing the whimsical essence of early chapters from the manga.
With solid 3D graphics and a well-structured episodic format, the gameplay is designed with both combat and exploration in mind. The sequel also holds its own, making the Origins series a notable consideration for fans seeking an adventurous spin on Dragon Ball.
17 Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
Style Over Substance, But The Former Is Impressive
Regarded as a gemstone among DBZ games, Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit has fallen into obscurity despite its initial hype as the first title for the Xbox 360 generation. While its character roster is limited and concludes the story arc at Cell, the visuals showcase the series in stunning detail, particularly in its cinematic cutscenes.
The gameplay, while simplified compared to the Budokai series, still offers speed and a level of enjoyment that helps keep it relevant within the franchise’s array of offerings.
16 Dragon Ball: Shin Budokai – Another Road
Contrary to popular belief, the Budokai franchise continued beyond the acclaimed Budokai 3. One such sequel available on the PSP, Shin Budokai – Another Road, ranks as a hidden gem.
Though running on the less powerful PSP hardware, it retains familiar gameplay of its predecessors while introducing some enhancements. The story is not the most compelling compared to other entries, yet it successfully navigates branching paths influenced by player victories and defeats, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
15 Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden
A Very Good 3DS Fighting Game
Among the notable titles for Nintendo 3DS, Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden serves as a solid fighting game option, thanks to the expertise of Arc System Works behind its development.
While it may initially seem limited, players will uncover rich content as they peel back the layers. The primary Z Story mode presents familiar anime arcs through varied team battles, leading into the more exciting Adventure Mode, which delivers a fresh narrative experience.
14 Dragon Ball Fusions
Turn-Based Battle System Overstays Its Welcome, But Fusing Characters Never Gets Old
The concept of character fusion is a staple in the Dragon Ball series, brilliantly personified in the 3DS title Dragon Ball Fusions. The premise is straightforward yet exhilarating; the game invites players to experiment with fusing any characters from the Dragon Ball universe, resulting in a wealth of fan service and diverse gameplay mechanics.
This unique focus on fusion coupled with accessible gameplay engenders a delightful experience that resonates with fans across the franchise. The endless fusion possibilities keep players engaged and contribute to its charm.
13 Super Dragon Ball Z
Great Combat & Visuals, Mediocre Everything Else
Before Arc System Works revitalized the franchise, Super Dragon Ball Z attempted its own fighting game adaptation, focusing on a curated lineup of characters and a traditional combat system prioritizing skill and strategic maneuvers.
This approach allowed for deeper combat mechanics, although it suffered from a lack of rich single-player content and limited unlockables, influencing its position within the franchise.
12 Dragon Ball Z: Scratch
Gorgeous Visuals, Open-World Attempt, & Decent RPG Mechanics
Debuting in January 2020, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot emphasizes that the beloved narrative can still engage players, even when revisiting familiar ground. As a single-player RPG focused on story, it arguably delivers the most comprehensive representation of the main DBZ storyline yet.
Sports a visually stunning open-world format, Kakarot successfully combines light RPG mechanics with satisfying combat reminiscent of the Xenoverse series. While it embodies certain weaknesses, its clever side quests and nods to longtime fans affirm its worth to anyone in the Dragon Ball community.
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