Even decades later, some Dragon Ball games just refuse to fade away. Whether you grew up button-mashing on a Sega Genesis or charging up Kamehamehas on your PSP, these classics remind us why Dragon Ball has been a staple in anime gaming.
This list is by no means the definitive “best of all time” — how great a game feels will always be subjective. But for me, someone who still plays these titles on retro handhelds, these are the five that stand out the most. They’re what I personally consider my top five Dragon Ball games to revisit and enjoy even today.
1. Dragon Ball Z: Buyuu Retsuden (Sega Genesis, 1994)
Before 3D arena fighters and flashy transformations, Buyuu Retsuden gave Genesis owners a taste of pure 2D fighting action. It was fast, fun, and brought iconic battles to life in glorious 16-bit form — long before most of us even dreamed of full 3D Dragon Ball games.
Why it holds up: Tight controls, nostalgic visuals, and that signature Genesis energy make this a must-play for retro fighting fans.
Fun Fact: The game had secret moves and even “Super vs. Super” clashes where two characters could unleash ultimate attacks at the same time, creating a mini-game of energy waves. You could also block supers with precise timing — rare for its era and incredibly satisfying when pulled off.
2. Dragon Ball Z: Buu’s Fury (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
An action RPG that lets you relive the Buu Saga while leveling up, exploring areas, and smashing enemies in real time. For handheld players, Buu’s Fury was the ultimate way to feel like a Super Saiyan on the go.
Why it holds up: Classic pixel art, rewarding combat, and a surprisingly emotional story for a GBA title.
Fun Fact: Buu’s Fury is actually the third in the Legacy of Goku trilogy. It took everything that worked in Legacy of Goku I and II — tighter combat, smoother transformations, better story pacing — and perfected it. Out of all three, Buu’s Fury is easily the best and most polished GBA Dragon Ball adventure.
3. Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team (PSP, 2010)
Portable, explosive, and still one of the most fun Dragon Ball games to this day. Tenkaichi Tag Team let you fight solo or team up for wild 2v2 battles, bringing console-level gameplay to a handheld screen.
Why it holds up: Fast-paced combat, deep combos, and an iconic roster that’s still unmatched on PSP.
Fun Fact: Think of this as a lighter, portable version of Budokai Tenkaichi on PS2 — but with tons of content, customizations, and a full story mode. There’s also another hidden gem on PSP called Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, a 2.5D fighter — but between the two, Tenkaichi Tag Team stands taller thanks to its bigger roster, polish, and those chaotic 2v2 battles.
4. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
This one’s a gem. Covering Goku’s original adventures — from meeting Bulma to the final battle with King Piccolo — Advanced Adventure mixes platforming, exploration, and fighting into one charming package.
Why it holds up: It’s one of the few games that perfectly captures the humor, adventure, and heart of classic Dragon Ball. Plus, that 2D art style still looks fantastic today.
Fun Fact: This game is pure nostalgia — an action-platformer that tells Goku’s early story as a kid. It blends adventure, one-on-one battles, and side-scrolling action so well that even after all these years, it still plays great and captures the true spirit of early Dragon Ball.
5. Dragon Ball Fusions (Nintendo 3DS, 2016)
While it’s newer than the others, Fusions carries that old-school Dragon Ball spirit — letting you fuse just about anyone with anyone. The result? A chaotic, creative RPG that celebrates everything fun about the franchise.
Why it holds up: Unique mechanics, colorful visuals, and endless replay value make this one a modern classic with retro DNA.
Fun Fact: What makes Fusions stand out is its deep customization system — you can fuse different characters to create completely new fighters, customize your looks, fighting type, special moves, and skills. It’s a dream come true for fans who ever wished to create their own warrior in the Dragon Ball universe.
Final Thoughts
From Buyuu Retsuden’s 16-bit punches to Advanced Adventure’s playful nostalgia, these games prove that Dragon Ball’s legacy in gaming is just as strong as its anime roots.
Thanks for reading — it really means a lot. Which Dragon Ball game defined your childhood? Drop it in the comments — let’s talk classics.
EZRetro Plays 
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