Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Gokū Gekitōden delivers a strategic twist on the classic fighter by introducing a timed, turn-based system. Instead of free-roaming brawls, you select a sequence of actions—such as move, charge ki, or attack—under a strict countdown timer. This mechanic adds a layer of tension as you must think quickly and anticipate your opponent’s next move before time runs out.

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Once both contenders have locked in their commands, the battle shifts to a compact grid where stylized character heads glide around the quadrilateral arena. As the positioning phase concludes, an anime-style illustration springs to life above the map, showing your chosen moves in dynamic panels. This approach blends tactical depth with the visual flair of the Dragon Ball Z universe.

During each engagement round, you’ll spend ki to power up energy blasts, dash attacks, or special moves. After an attack lands, a crisp damage number pops up next to your rival’s head, providing instant feedback on how effective your strategy was. This blend of resource management, rapid decision-making, and visual clarity keeps every skirmish engaging, even if you’ve played its predecessor, Gokū Hishōden.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Gokū Gekitōden leans heavily into the anime’s iconic art style. Character portraits and battle panels are rendered with bold outlines and vibrant colors, mirroring the look and feel of the TV series. These hand-drawn frames lend authenticity, making fans feel as if they’re flipping through manga pages in motion.

The real-time battle map might look minimal at first glance—just two spherical heads on a grid—but it serves its purpose well. Head icons bob and tilt with surprising expressiveness, communicating directional attacks and evasive maneuvers. Combined with clear damage indicators and ki-charge meters, the UI remains clean, readable, and true to the DBZ aesthetic.

Occasional full-screen cutscenes punctuate key story moments, offering higher-resolution artwork and dramatic camera angles. While these sequences are few, they shine brightest during Frieza’s transformations and the final climactic clash with Goku. Overall, the game’s graphics hold up nicely on modern displays, preserving the nostalgia of late-’90s anime games without feeling dated.

Story

Gokū Gekitōden faithfully adapts the Namek saga from Dragon Ball Z, beginning with Kuririn, Gohan, and Bulma under attack by Frieza’s henchmen. Each chapter unfolds in chronological order, guiding players through tense rescues, power-ups, and escalating threats as the heroes race to save their friends and the planet.

The narrative reaches its crescendo with the unforgettable showdown between Goku and Frieza. You’ll experience the full emotional weight of Goku’s legendary Spirit Bomb and Frieza’s desperate transformations. Dialogue snippets and panel art capture the drama perfectly, even if you’re already familiar with the series.

Side characters such as Vegeta and Piccolo receive brief playable sections, allowing for varied perspectives on the conflict. While the story mode moves at a deliberate pace—mirroring the slow build of the anime—it remains compelling thanks to the strategic gameplay. Fans looking for an authentic Namek arc retelling will appreciate the pacing and key plot points carefully preserved in every mission.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Gokū Gekitōden stands out as a refreshing take on the licensed fighting genre. Its turn-based mechanics introduce tactical depth without sacrificing the high-energy spirit of DBZ battles. The combination of timed decision-making and visual storytelling caters to both strategy enthusiasts and die-hard series fans.

Accessibility is another highlight. Newcomers will find the tutorial straightforward, with clear instructions on charging, aiming, and attacking. Veterans of Gokū Hishōden will appreciate the refined pacing and added pressure of the countdown timer, which tightens every move to keep matches brisk and engaging.

While the game isn’t the flashiest brawler on the market, its faithful adaptation, memorable artwork, and thoughtful combat system make it a compelling purchase. Whether you’re revisiting the Namek saga or discovering it for the first time, Gokū Gekitōden delivers an entertaining, strategy-driven journey through one of Dragon Ball Z’s most iconic storylines.

Retro Replay Score

null/10