Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball GT: Transformation delivers a classic side-scrolling combat experience that feels both familiar and fresh to long-time fans of the series. Players can dive into Story mode or select from a variety of arcade modes—including Standard, Endurance, Boss Endurance, Robot Swarm, and Piccolo—ensuring that replayability is baked right into the package. Each mode presents its own set of challenges, whether you’re fending off wave after wave of robotic foes or tackling gauntlet-style boss rushes that test your mastery of character abilities.

The single-player adventure is particularly engaging, as you control a trio of characters representing your lives. You can switch between them on the fly, tapping into special moves or healing reserves when the battle turns dire. This mechanic encourages strategic thinking: you might hang back with one character to recharge stamina while another plunges into the fray with a devastating ki blast. Unlocking additional characters throughout the Story mode also adds layers of depth, giving you access to favorite heroes like Pan or Trunks once you complete key missions.

Multiplayer action arrives via the Link system, transforming your living room into a brawling battleground. Up to two players can team up for cooperative runs or face off in head-to-head combat, leveraging each fighter’s unique skill set. The Link mode is surprisingly smooth, and even intense skirmishes maintain a stable framerate. Whether you’re teaming up to clear a challenging Boss Endurance run or duking it out in Standard mode, this flexibility elevates the overall package.

Graphics

Visually, Dragon Ball GT: Transformation leans into colorful, hand-drawn sprites that capture the essence of the anime. Character animations are fluid, with signature moves like Goku’s Kamehameha or Vegeta’s Final Flash rendered in eye-popping detail. The transitions between open-world planet exploration and enclosed battle arenas are seamless, preserving immersion throughout long play sessions.

Backgrounds in each planetary environment showcase varied terrain—from rocky wastelands to lush forests—each populated with dynamic elements like swaying foliage or drifting clouds. These set pieces aren’t just for show; they occasionally play a role in combat, with destructible scenery adding a layer of environmental interaction. The visual polish demonstrates a clear reverence for the source material, evoking the energy of the TV series while still feeling at home on modern hardware.

Special effects, such as glowing ki blasts and impact flashes, are vibrant without being overbearing. Even in crowded battle sequences with multiple characters and enemies, the game maintains a consistent framerate, ensuring that split-second dodges and counters never feel sluggish. On the occasional low-end hardware, you might notice minor slowdown when the screen fills with simultaneous super attacks, but these moments are rare and don’t detract from the overall spectacle.

Story

The narrative of Dragon Ball GT: Transformation follows the memorable arc where Goku is inadvertently de-aged into a child. To regain his adult form, you must gather the scattered Dragon Balls across multiple planets, each ruled by a fearsome boss you’ll battle at the end of your journey. This setup provides a clear progression path: explore, combat, then confrontation, all tied together by cutscenes that nod to pivotal moments in the GT saga.

While the main storyline stays relatively faithful to the anime, the game expands on key sequences by allowing you to switch characters mid-mission. If Goku is overwhelmed by a boss’s attack, you can swap to Pan or Trunks to turn the tables, a mechanic that underscores the “team” dynamic of the Dragon Ball universe. The script balances serious stakes—recovering the Dragon Balls to save the universe—with lighthearted banter, preserving the series’ trademark blend of humor and high drama.

Beyond the main campaign, optional side missions and bonus challenges flesh out the lore. Whether you’re tracking down elusive Robot Swarm pods or testing your endurance against endless waves, these diversions provide both context and rewards. They also offer glimpses into underused characters like Uub or Giru, making the world feel more populated and alive than a straightforward linear adaptation might achieve.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball GT: Transformation is a robust package for fans and newcomers alike. Its combination of varied game modes, unlockable roster, and cooperative multiplayer ensures that there’s always something new to tackle. The ability to switch between three active characters in Story mode keeps combat dynamic and encourages experimentation with different team compositions.

The audio-visual presentation is top-notch, with faithful sprite work, well-designed arenas, and a soundtrack that matches the high-energy tone of the Dragon Ball universe. Even those who haven’t followed the GT series closely will find themselves drawn into the quest to restore Goku’s true form, thanks to accessible controls and clear narrative beats.

Ultimately, Dragon Ball GT: Transformation stands out as a polished side-scroller that respects its heritage while offering modern conveniences. The unlockable characters and multiple difficulty settings give it long-term appeal, and the multiplayer Link mode adds a social element that keeps friends coming back for more. For anyone seeking a fast-paced, flashy brawler with a beloved anime license behind it, this title is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10