Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden

Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden

Introduction

Released in 1993, Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden stands as a monumental landmark in the history of anime-based video games. As the very first fighting game to carry the legendary Dragon Ball license on the 16-bit generation, it transitioned the franchise from the card-based RPGs of the NES era into the competitive world of fighting titles. Often referred to simply as Dragon Ball Z or Dragon Ball Z: Super Butoden, this game captured the imagination of fans worldwide who had long dreamed of controlling Goku and his allies in high-speed combat. By delivering a cinematic experience that mirrored the intensity of the manga and anime, it laid the foundation for decades of future fighting games.

Story & Setting

The narrative scope of Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden is impressively broad for its time, covering several of the most pivotal arcs in the series. The game’s campaign, often recognized by the title Dragon Ball Z: Super Fight Story, begins at the end of the original Dragon Ball era with the climactic 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament battle between Goku and Piccolo. From there, players are propelled into the "Z" era, facing off against the Saiyan invaders, traveling to Namek to confront the tyrant Frieza, and eventually culminating in the high-stakes showdown of the Cell Games. This journey through the series' history allows players to relive iconic moments, from the defense of Earth to the ultimate struggle against the bio-android Cell.

Gameplay

The core mechanics of Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden (or Dragon Ball Z: Super Butou-den as it is frequently spelled) were revolutionary for the era. The most striking feature was the "Dual Screen" or split-screen system. When the two fighters moved far apart, a vertical line would divide the screen, allowing players to fly high into the air or retreat for a tactical advantage while still keeping both characters in view.

Combat revolves around a mix of traditional physical strikes and Ki-based energy attacks. Players must manage their Ki meter to perform signature techniques like the Kamehameha or the Special Beam Cannon. The game also introduced cinematic "Super Attacks," where the screen would change to a dramatic close-up as a character launched a massive blast, requiring the opponent to quickly input commands to either block, deflect, or counter the move with an energy struggle. The roster features 13 playable characters, including fan favorites like Trunks, Gohan, and Vegeta, each with their own unique move sets that reflect their fighting styles from the show.

Platforms

This game was released on several platforms, including the Super Famicom in Japan and the Super Nintendo in Europe.

  • SUPER FAMICOM: NTSC-J
  • NINTENDO SWITCH: WORLDWIDE
  • SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: PAL

Legacy

The historical significance of 七龍珠Z 超武鬥傳 (the game's title in traditional Chinese markets) cannot be overstated. It was the title that proved Dragon Ball could thrive as a 2D fighter, sparking a trilogy on the Super Famicom and influencing the direction of anime games for years to come. While its sequels would eventually refine the speed and mechanics, the original Dragon ball Z fighter remains a nostalgic favorite for those who grew up during the 16-bit revolution. Its success ensured that Dragon Ball would remain a staple of the gaming industry, leading to modern masterpieces like Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Fun Facts

  • Despite the series' massive popularity, the SNES version was never officially released in North America during the 90s, making it a highly sought-after import for Western fans.
  • The game features a secret code that can be entered during the intro sequence to unlock several characters from the later arcs immediately.
  • It was one of the first games to accurately depict the "energy clash" mechanic, which became a staple of almost every Dragon Ball game thereafter.
  • The French version of the game is particularly famous among European collectors, as it was one of the few places outside of Japan where the game was officially localized during its initial run.

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