Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku delivers a unique twist on the traditional card-based RPG formula, blending strategic deck-building with familiar Dragon Ball Z combat mechanics. Players take command of five iconic characters—Son Goku, Son Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Mirai Trunks—each boasting their own set of cards that represent attacks, defenses, and special moves. Learning to balance your deck is critical; over-investing in energy-intensive attacks can leave you vulnerable, while a defensive-heavy build may struggle to finish off tougher foes.

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Character progression is driven by training sessions that reward you with new cards and stat boosts. These training segments are simple yet satisfying: repeatedly choose training options that enhance power, speed, or stamina and watch your fighters grow stronger. The open-ended structure encourages experimentation, and mastering each character’s card set becomes a rewarding puzzle in itself. With five distinct playstyles, from Goku’s balanced approach to Vegeta’s high-risk, high-reward tactics, the system feels rich despite the hardware limitations of the NES.

Combat unfolds on a straightforward grid where positioning matters. You can move your characters into melee range, and then unleash card combinations that can be chained for devastating results. The outcome of every clash hinges on your choice of cards, making each fight feel like a tactical duel rather than a mere button-mashing exercise. Some encounters demand quick adaptation, especially when an enemy unleashes status effects from that mysterious toxic gas, forcing you to swap characters or pivot your deck strategy mid-battle.

While the core loop of training and battling is engaging, a few pacing issues emerge in longer sessions. The mid-game can feel grindy if you seek every rare card drop, and the turn-based nature occasionally slows the tension during less dramatic skirmishes. Nevertheless, for fans of card-RPG hybrids and Dragon Ball enthusiasts alike, the gameplay loops back into satisfying territory as soon as you unlock a new technique or outwit a boss with a cunning card combo.

Graphics

As one of the last releases for the NES, Dragon Ball Z Gaiden showcases remarkably detailed 8-bit sprite work that captures the essence of Akira Toriyama’s art style. Each character is instantly recognizable, with Goku’s spiky hair, Vegeta’s fierce scowl, and Mirai Trunks’ iconic sword all rendered crisply despite the limited color palette. Enemies and background elements exhibit a surprising amount of personality, from toxic gas billowing across ruined landscapes to the ancient scientist’s weathered laboratory.

Animations are kept brief but effective: a few well-chosen frames convey the power of a Kamehameha blast or the force of a Final Flash. During card attacks, the screen often shifts to a close-up of the move’s name, accompanied by simple but impactful visual flourishes. Though the NES hardware cannot compete with 16-bit contemporaries, the game’s art direction and animation choices make the best of every pixel, delivering moments that feel both nostalgic and alive.

Environmental variety is one of the game’s visual strengths. From urban rooftops choking under the toxic haze to lush mountains where the air remains pure, each stage tells part of the unfolding crisis story. The color shifts—greens and browns for polluted zones, vibrant blues for clear skies—help players sense the stakes without reading lengthy text. These background touches reinforce the narrative, reminding you exactly why Goku and friends are on this perilous mission.

That said, occasional screen flicker and frame drops surface when multiple characters execute card combos simultaneously. It’s a minor blemish, and most players will overlook it in favor of the overall aesthetic charm. In an era when many late-stage NES titles pushed the console’s limits, these hiccups feel more like badges of ambition than true flaws.

Story

Dragon Ball Z Gaiden departs from the main manga timeline to weave an original side-story centered on an insidious toxic gas that blankets Earth. The premise is simple but effective: something or someone has orchestrated this environmental catastrophe, and the Z Fighters must unravel the mystery. From the first moments, you sense the urgency: towns are evacuated, forests wither, and civilians beg for salvation. This backdrop gives every fight a palpable weight, as you’re not just battling villains—you’re racing against an ecological clock.

Early in the journey, the heroes encounter a reclusive scientist who claims to have survived a cosmic showdown long ago. His presence adds a layer of mythic depth, hinting at galactic forces that could dwarf even Frieza or Cell. Flashbacks narrated through brief on-screen text reveal snippets of that ancient conflict, planting seeds of intrigue without bogging down the flow. The result is an understated yet effective narrative scaffold that keeps you hooked between battles.

Character interactions remain a highlight. Goku’s optimistic bravado contrasts neatly with Vegeta’s ruthless determination, while Piccolo adopts the role of the cautious strategist. Mirai Trunks, as the only time-traveller, offers fresh perspective—his knowledge of potential futures casts a shadow over every victory. These dynamics enrich the story, making the side-plot feel like a true extension of the Dragon Ball universe rather than a one-off gimmick.

The finale pits you against the game’s ultimate enemy, an enigmatic mastermind revealed to be the architect of the toxic gas. While the boss design and final showdown deliver the expected spectacle, a few loose narrative threads remain untied—particularly regarding the origin of the gas and the full extent of the scientist’s backstory. Yet this ambiguity also leaves room for player speculation, adding an almost fan-fiction allure that many series devotees will appreciate.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku stands out as a memorable swan song for the NES era, blending card-based strategy with the high-octane flair of Dragon Ball Z. Its accessible yet deep gameplay loop invites both casual fans and genre veterans to dive in, while the original story offers fresh motivation to accompany familiar faces. The balance of training, exploration, and tactical battles keeps the pacing brisk, even if occasional grind segments pop up in the mid-game.

Visually and aurally, the game maximizes the NES hardware, delivering crisp sprites, evocative backgrounds, and sound effects that nail the spirit of energy blasts and battle cries. Although the presentation may feel dated to newcomers expecting modern resolution or orchestral audio, retro enthusiasts will find charm in every pixel and chiptune flourish. The small technical hiccups—like sprite flicker during heavy action—are largely forgivable in light of the overall effort.

Story-wise, the side-plot about a global toxic threat expands the Dragon Ball mythology in intriguing ways, even if it leaves a few mysteries unexplored. Character chemistry shines throughout, and the inclusion of Mirai Trunks adds a compelling time-travel angle that elevates stakes and replay value. While hardcore RPG fans might lament a lack of deeper character customization, the card system’s simplicity makes it approachable for a wide audience.

In sum, Dragon Ball Z Gaiden: Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku is a must-play for NES collectors and Dragon Ball aficionados seeking a unique corner of the franchise. Its blend of strategic combat, original narrative, and signature Dragon Ball flair offers a satisfying throwback experience. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering Goku’s early home console adventures for the first time, this gaiden adventure delivers a surprisingly rich package for its 8-bit pedigree.

Retro Replay Score

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