Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans delivers a refreshingly strategic approach to the Dragon Ball universe by adopting a turn-based RPG system. Rather than relying on real-time brawling, battles unfold through menu commands and timing-based mechanics, giving players a chance to plan every ki blast and melee strike. The inclusion of the Active Guard system means that well-timed blocks can significantly reduce incoming damage, turning defense into an engaging mini-game. Meanwhile, the Sparking! Gauge adds spice to combat by rewarding players with powerful combination attacks and cinematic finishing moves when fully charged.

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Exploration in Attack of the Saiyans is woven seamlessly into the RPG framework. As you guide a trio of characters through sprawling environments—ranging from the arid landscapes of Planet Namek to the rocky terrain near Mount Paozu—you’ll encounter hidden capsules and environmental puzzles. Using ki blasts outside of battle to break obstacles or trigger switches feels faithful to the anime’s spirit and adds a layer of environmental interaction not often seen in turn-based titles. Capsules, a staple of the series, serve as consumable items that heal, buff, or even temporarily transform characters, encouraging you to scour every nook and cranny.

Party customization and character progression are at the heart of the experience. Starting with Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta, you’ll eventually unlock characters like Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien, each bringing unique abilities to the table. Leveling up grants new moves—ranging from basic ki blasts to multi-hit melee combos—and increases stats, allowing you to fine-tune your party’s strengths. While the game’s difficulty curve is generally well paced, boss encounters during the Saiyan saga can spike unexpectedly, demanding careful resource management and optimal use of the Active Guard and Sparking! mechanics.

Graphics

Visually, Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans captures the vibrant, high-energy look of the beloved anime series. Characters are rendered as detailed 2D sprites with expressive animations that shine during special attack sequences. When you unleash a Spirit Bomb or watch Goku power up to Super Saiyan, the screen flares with color and dynamic effects, evoking the same thrill seen on TV. Backgrounds are equally well realized, with layered parallax scrolling adding depth to forests, deserts, and the iconic wastelands of Planet Namek.

Despite the Nintendo DS’s hardware limitations, the game maintains a consistent frame rate even during visually intense battles. Cutscenes—composed of a blend of static artwork and limited animation—are used sparingly but effectively, ensuring that story beats land with impact without bogging down the pacing. The UI is clean and accessible, with stylized health and ki bars that mirror the series’ aesthetic. Menus are easy to navigate, allowing quick access to items, abilities, and character stats during the heat of battle.

One of the true highlights is the attention to detail in character portraits during dialogue. Whether you’re trading quips with Vegeta or sharing a heartfelt moment with Gohan, emotions come through clearly thanks to well-illustrated portraits. While some environments can feel a bit repetitive after extended play sessions, frequent changes in locale keep exploration fresh. Overall, the graphics pay homage to the source material and succeed in bringing the Dragon Ball Z universe to life on a handheld screen.

Story

Attack of the Saiyans picks up just before the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, sliding you into the heart of the Saiyan saga with a mix of familiar and new content. You’ll relive Goku’s legend as he returns from recovery to face off against Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta. However, the game doesn’t just rehash events you’ve seen a hundred times; it fills in untold moments involving Yamcha, Krillin, and Tien, giving side characters a chance to shine. These fresh story beats deepen the lore and provide satisfying character development that longtime fans will appreciate.

Narrative pacing is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Dialogue scenes are broken up by crisp battle sequences, ensuring that the plot moves forward at a brisk pace. Key confrontations are dramatized with well-timed cutscenes, including emotional highlights like Piccolo’s sacrifice and Goku’s first energy charge on the battlefield. This blend of storytelling and gameplay maintains momentum, keeping players invested in both character arcs and combat challenges.

While the overarching plot follows the anime’s timeline, the game’s writers take liberties to expand on motivations and relationships. Moments of levity—such as Krillin’s exasperation over Yamcha’s bravado—balance the high-stakes drama, and occasional side quests offer glimpses into daily life in the Dragon Ball world. Newcomers will find the narrative accessible, as the game provides brief recaps and character introductions, while veterans will enjoy discovering little-known anecdotes that enrich the Saiyan saga.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans succeeds in translating the high-octane energy of Dragon Ball Z into a turn-based RPG format without losing the essence of the series. The combination of strategic combat mechanics, environmental interaction, and faithful storytelling creates an experience that both RPG enthusiasts and Dragon Ball fans can enjoy. The game’s moderate difficulty and thoughtful use of series staples like capsules and ki attacks ensure that players remain engaged throughout their journey.

While it may not offer the frenetic button-mashing combat of other Dragon Ball titles, the depth of its systems—Active Guard timing, Sparking! combinations, and party customization—provides a unique challenge. The handheld nature of the Nintendo DS makes it perfect for on-the-go sessions, and the robust battle system allows for quick encounters or extended grinding sessions, depending on your play style. Minor quibbles, such as occasional backtracking or repetitive dungeon layouts, do little to detract from the overall momentum.

In summary, Attack of the Saiyans stands out as one of the most ambitious Dragon Ball games to date, blending an engaging story with satisfying RPG mechanics. For anyone looking to experience the Saiyan saga from a fresh perspective or wanting a strategic spin on their favorite franchise, this game is a must-play. The mixture of nostalgia, depth, and compelling gameplay makes it a standout title on the DS library.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10