Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu’s combat system strikes a satisfying balance between simplicity and depth. Every fighter shares a core moveset—blocks, throws, ki blasts—but distinguishes themselves with three unique, high-damage attacks. Stringing together light punches into combos feels intuitive, while the inclusion of air combat sequences introduces a quick-time element that tests your reflexes under pressure. Pressing the prompted button combinations during airborne clashes keeps encounters fresh and dynamic.

The One Player “Tournament” mode is the heart of the single-player experience. You begin with seven iconic warriors and unlock additional fighters—up to 15 in total—by winning matches or earning prize money. The mode’s progression loop of unmatched bouts, unlockable characters, and incremental rewards gives a strong sense of accomplishment, even if every character handles similarly at their core.

Beyond Tournament lies Endurance, where you take on a gauntlet of foes with a single life bar, and Time Challenge, which asks you to dispose of adversaries as quickly as possible. Completing these modes nets you more Zenny, which you can spend in the Z-Store for bonus artwork, character biographies, or wacky match modifiers like invisibility or one-hit KOs. Sparring mode offers a pressure-free environment to hone inputs, while Endurance 2x doubles the challenge for seasoned players who crave extended runs.

Local multiplayer via the Game Link Cable elevates Taiketsu from a solid solo fighter to a must-have party game. By teaming up with a friend, you can take on CPU opponents in two-on-two brawls, experimenting with team compositions and strategies. The link-up matches run smoothly, ensuring bytes of lag don’t disrupt your combo strings or timing-based maneuvers.

Graphics

Taiketsu’s visual style faithfully captures Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs in vibrant, well-animated sprites. Each fighter leaps off the screen with bold outlines, fluid idle animations, and expressive attack frames that make punches and energy blasts feel weighty. Even on the Game Boy Advance’s modest palette, color choices pop, lending life to every battle stage.

Backgrounds pay homage to classic Dragon Ball locales—Rocky Plateaus, Capsule Corp courtyards, and derelict ruins—each rendered with layered parallax scrolling for added depth. Subtle environmental details, like drifting dust or flickering energy auras, enhance immersion without taxing the hardware. The stages never feel barren; they reinforce the series’ larger-than-life atmosphere.

Special effects for ki attacks, beam clashes, and super finishes are surprisingly robust. Explosions bloom with multiple sprites, and energy waves trace smooth arcs before dissipating in pixelated flares. The UI elements—health bars, round counters, and combo prompts—are cleanly integrated, ensuring you always know your status without obstructing the action.

Story

As a fighting game, Taiketsu doesn’t present a traditional narrative campaign, but its connection to the Dragon Ball Z saga is woven into character selection and mode structure. Fighters like Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza arrive on the roster at appropriate progression points, loosely mirroring pivotal confrontations from the anime and manga. This framing adds thematic weight to each duel.

Character biographies available in the Z-Store serve as a compact lore compendium for newcomers and longtime fans alike. Unlockable images and bios delve into each warrior’s motivations, signature techniques, and personal history, helping you invest in every punch-up—even if there’s no fully voiced story mode to speak of.

While there’s no cutscene-driven storyline, the sense of following major DBZ battles emerges organically through matchups and fighter intros. Expert fans might wish for more narrative depth, but the game’s emphasis on faithful character representation and unlockable lore makes up for the absence of a linear plot.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu delivers a polished handheld fighting experience tailored for GBA-era enthusiasts. Its core combat is straightforward enough for newcomers, yet the plug-in challenges—air combos, endurance runs, and time trials—offer layers of mastery for skilled players. Minor quirks in move variety are offset by the depth of unlockable content and the addictiveness of chasing new characters.

Visually, Taiketsu punches above its weight class, translating the vibrancy of Toriyama’s universe into crisp sprites and detailed stages. The sound design complements the action with roaring punches, crackling energy blasts, and fitting background tunes that capture the series’ epic spirit. Even without a formal story mode, the game’s nods to Dragon Ball Z lore will satisfy fans craving authenticity.

Replay value is high: multiplayer brawls through the link cable, streaks through Endurance 2x, and the thrill of filling the Z-Store gallery keep you coming back. Whether you’re a DBZ aficionado or a fight-game newcomer seeking quick action on the go, Taiketsu offers hours of head-to-head excitement and unlockable rewards.

For players eager to relive iconic battles, test their combo prowess, or simply unlock all the hidden goodies in the Z-Store, Dragon Ball Z: Taiketsu stands out as a must-try portable fighter. Its balanced mix of accessibility, fan service, and multiplayer fun makes it a memorable addition to any GBA collection.

Retro Replay Score

4.1/10