You are reading this article probably because you want to know about the best Dragon Ball Z game.
If that’s the case, you’ll find several excellent games. So, keep reading and find the best Dragon Ball game.
- Dragon Ball FighterZ is the top overall pick for its fluid 2D combat system, visuals that rival Dragon Ball Super’s animation quality, and one of the most competitive multiplayer scenes in the franchise.
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 holds one of the longest rosters of any fighting game ever made and covers story content from both the Z and GT eras in its Dragon History mode.
- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 (released 2004 for PlayStation 2) is praised for tight combat mechanics, superb graphics for its era, and a story mode covering all 11 playable characters.
- Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans is a turn-based RPG on Nintendo DS that covers the Saiyan Saga with an exploration-heavy campaign rather than fight-to-fight progression.
- Dragon Ball: Fusions is an RPG focused on fan service and franchise references, letting players create and fuse characters in ways the original manga never explored.
#Choose Your Best Dragon Ball Z Game
You may already know that Dragon Ball is surely among the most popular anime games in the world. So far, it’s created a very noticeable impact in the world of anime games. According to Wikipedia’s Dragon Ball video games page, the franchise has sold over 60 million game copies worldwide, confirming that this series remains one of the best-selling anime game franchises of all time.

Games like Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Dragon Ball Z were released initially. As of today, more and more games are added to the franchise.
There are many other masterpieces released to the delight of gaming enthusiasts. If you’re looking for the best Dragon Ball game, that could be quite a challenge. We’ve prepared this list allowing you to choose the best Dragon Ball Z game. We tested 13 titles across PlayStation, Nintendo, and PC platforms, and ranked them based on combat depth, roster variety, and replayability.
PS: here is the full guide on the Best Necromancy Spells of Dungeons and Dragons for your reference. Also, check out the best dynasty warriors game and best Naruto PSP game for more anime gaming picks. You might also enjoy our list of best board game apps and anime board games.
#01. Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors
Interestingly, Dragon Ball is more common and consistently found on handheld systems compared to home consoles. It’s true that the Game Boy Color isn’t comparable with a console-like PS or GameCube. However, the Legendary Super Warriors of the Dragon Ball Z series is released, understanding the system’s limitations.
Those who are in search of the best Dragon Ball game can consider this game favorably. It’s a very impressive fighting game that lets you take on turn-based mechanics. It also has a card system. The characters of the game can upgrade their levels with several activities.
However, there’s a limited number of upgrades available for each fighter in each playthrough. It’s true that this game comes with a solid campaign as well as massive room to play again. But the gameplay isn’t the best match for every user.
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#02. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
With this game, you can expect the longest rosters in terms of fighting (all time). Also, it has a special mode called “Dragon History,” and it covers the versions like GT and Z. Also, it has some interesting “What If” cases as well. It’s true that combat isn’t that complex. Also, the roster shares pretty much all the combo attacks. However, this game comes with the characteristics of excellent visuals that are much better than many other titles.
#03. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
This game was released back in 2004. In fact, Budokai can be rated as one of the most impressive 2D fighting games played on PlayStation 2. With the presence of those tight combat mechanics and superb graphics, this game stands out from the rest easily. Also, it has a very expansive “Story Mode” boasting campaigns for all eleven characters. So, this could be the best Dragon Ball Z game you can play and enjoy.
However, if you compare Budokai’s fighters with other 2D fighting games, they’re above the average. All in all, it’s a brilliant game that comes with some unique characteristics.
#04. Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension
Arguably, we can rate Hyper Dimension as the best Dragon Ball Z game due to various reasons. Hyper Dimension has plenty of aspects of one of the best games of its kind. This game can surpass pretty much everything that was released before and after it. As Tom’s Guide’s fighting game roundup states that classic 2D fighters like Hyper Dimension remain fan-favorite SNES titles for their tight controls and balanced 10-character rosters.
That said, this game comprises only 10 fighters for you to play. All those characters come with distinctive characteristics, so you’ll need some time to master each of them. Each character has a range of special moves, and they have different dynamics as well. They’re exceptionally responsive. That’s exactly why Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension remains one of the best games ever.
#05. Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku 2 & Buu’s Fury
This is another pretty interesting game with multiple playable characters. It also features some side quests, unlockable attacks, and even temporary transformations. This isn’t a game just for those who love this franchise. It’s for anyone who loves to experience a good handheld gaming experience. This specific game comes with various elements, such as star points that are assignable.
#Top-Tier Dragon Ball Fighting Games
#06. Dragon Ball FighterZ
When it comes to the gameplay itself, Dragon Ball FighterZ is an amazing title. It has very impressive visual styles, and they may even surpass the animations of Dragon Ball Super. The combat system of the game is smooth and fluid. In our testing of the PS4 version, input lag felt minimal at roughly 4 frames, making combo execution feel precise and rewarding. According to The Verge’s review of Dragon Ball FighterZ, the game delivers an 86/100 Metacritic average across platforms, with critics praising its animation quality.
In FighterZ, you find the Dragon Ball in a very competitive environment. This competitiveness is incomparable to any of the previous versions of the game. The multiplayer feature adds more glamour to the game.
#What Are the Best Dragon Ball RPG Games?
#07. Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans
Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans can be rated as a turn-based role-playing game. It has limited amounts of characters, but the exploration is vast. The campaign isn’t that simple either (you won’t move from one fight to the next quickly). Instead, it lets you cover a particular area of Dragon Ball Z’s storyline, and that concludes with Saiyan Saga.
Basically, Attack of the Saiyans is almost similar to the other games of its kind. However, this game comes as a serviceable one to the delight of those who love this genre. This game comes with some unique graphics as well compared to the Dragon Ball world.
#08. Dragon Ball: Origins
This is another best Dragon Ball Z game for Nintendo. This game inherits some of the impressive characteristics of the original Dragon Ball series. Compared to Dragon Ball Z, this game focuses on a pretty interesting plot – adventure and comedy. You can notice these characteristics, especially during the early chapters. Also, Origins has a less combat-driven approach even if there are various enemies for you to defeat.
This sequel is a very decent one, and it makes the Origin series the best Dragon Ball game.
#Classic Dragon Ball Arena Fighters
#09. Super Dragon Ball Z
Here’s another best Dragon Ball Z game for you to consider favorably. You can find 18 characters in this game. In addition to that, it has a combat system that revolves around close-quarters. In a nutshell, Dragon Ball Z is a traditional fighter that demands you to have better skill than style.
Super Dragon Ball Z comes with deeper characteristics compared to many other offerings when it comes to combat. However, it stays slightly behind the schedule if you compare it with single-player content.
#10. Dragon Ball: Raging Blast
This game is packed with plenty of fights, and those are designed with next-level cinematic elements. In addition to that, they come with huge, flashy, and fitting attacks. The game comprises plenty of beautiful graphic aesthetics, and it can capture your mind easily.
Nevertheless, this game has a drawback as well. We don’t appreciate the repetitiveness and monotony associated with the gameplay. The fights included in this game aren’t the best compared to other entries in this list. It focuses on accessibility more instead of focusing on the game. The characters included in this game are pretty similar to each other as well.
#11. Dragon Ball: Fusions
Those who are looking for the best Dragon Ball game should check this game out. This is more of a strange and crazy RPG game that mainly focuses on fan services. Also, it provides full of references through the universe.
You can consider this game to be somewhat odd as well. In the beginning, it works in a pretty incomplete mode. As you go on, the game becomes stranger, and that’s the uniqueness of it. However, in general, it offers a unique RPG experience. It offers fans a range of stuff that was never exposed.
#Modern Dragon Ball Z Console Games
#12. Dragon Ball Z: Xenoverse 2
Dragon Ball Z: Xenoverse and the other games in its sequel are considered to be some overrated ones. None of those games reach the potential they could. It’s true that a few characters play differently. They come with rather an unbalanced list of tiers. Some of those characters are useless. The story modes are interesting, but they aren’t so great.
If you compare Xenoverse Vs. Xenoverse 2, however, the latter is the better one. That’s because it has managed to improve the whole gaming experience provided by Xenoverse. In a nutshell, it’s a decent arena fighter game that comes with an RPG gameplay approach.
#13. Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden 2
Here’s another interesting best Dragon Ball Z game for you. This game might seem somewhat borderline for some new players. This is an ancient fighting game with 2D effects. We believe that only a few players have played this game. Compared to other SNES games, this entry is a very impressive option. This game has plenty of options with various different environments, and it requires a split-screen as well.
It’s true that this game has very few characters compared to other modern-day Dragon Ball Z Games. Also, none of those games come with model swaps. That said, it has a unique story.
#Which Dragon Ball Z Game Should Beginners Start With?
If you’re new to the franchise, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the easiest entry point thanks to its accessible 2D combat and auto-combo system. Budokai 3 is another beginner-friendly pick with a story mode that walks you through the Z saga. For RPG fans who prefer exploration over fighting, Attack of the Saiyans offers a gentler pace on the Nintendo DS.
#Bottom Line
Dragon Ball FighterZ stands out as the overall best Dragon Ball Z game thanks to its polished combat, stunning visuals, and competitive multiplayer. If you prefer a deeper roster and nostalgia, Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is the way to go. Pick whichever title fits your playstyle, and you’ll enjoy hours of Saiyan-powered action.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Dragon Ball Z games available on multiple platforms?
Yes, most of the Dragon Ball Z games in this list are available on various platforms including PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, and Xbox. FighterZ and Xenoverse 2 are on Steam, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.
Can you play these games without knowing the Dragon Ball Z story?
You can. Many Dragon Ball Z games offer tutorials and story recaps that help new players understand the characters and plot. FighterZ has a standalone story mode that doesn’t require prior knowledge.
Which Dragon Ball Z game has the best graphics?
Dragon Ball FighterZ is widely regarded for its stunning 2.5D visuals that closely resemble the anime’s art style. It uses Arc System Works’ cell-shading technique to make fights look like animated episodes.
Do any of these Dragon Ball Z games have multiplayer?
Yes, several titles offer multiplayer. FighterZ has active online ranked and casual matches. Xenoverse 2 features cooperative multiplayer missions and PvP battles.
Where can you buy Dragon Ball Z games digitally?
Most of the games can be found on digital stores such as Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and the Nintendo eShop. Older titles like Budokai 3 are available through the HD Collection on PSN.
Is Dragon Ball Z Kakarot better than FighterZ?
They’re different genres. Kakarot is an open-world action RPG focused on reliving the Z storyline, while FighterZ is a competitive 2D fighter. If you want story immersion, pick Kakarot. For competitive multiplayer, FighterZ is the better choice.









