Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu reinvents the traditional fighting formula of the DBZ franchise by introducing a card-based combat system. Instead of mashing buttons to execute a Kamehameha, you’ll be carefully selecting from eight distinct card types—ranging from basic attacks and energy charges to powerful special moves and defensive counters. This shift places strategy at the forefront, rewarding players who learn to anticipate their opponent’s plays and chain cards into devastating combos.

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The story mode is divided among three main characters—Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo—with a hidden fourth hero waiting to be unlocked. Each character’s deck plays differently, reflecting their unique fighting styles: Goku’s deck emphasizes raw power and flashy specials, Gohan’s balances speed with tactical energy builds, and Piccolo’s offers a defensive edge with tricky counters. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh as you switch between campaigns, experimenting with new card synergies and unlocking rare cards that change the tide of battle.

Multiplayer adds another layer of depth, allowing up to four participants to duke it out using their personalized decks. Whether you’re linking up four Game Boy Advance systems or engaging in a two-player duel with a single cartridge, the competitive aspect is robust. Trading and comparing cards with friends becomes a meta-game in itself, as you seek to optimize your deck for both casual showdown and intense tournament play.

The learning curve can be steep for newcomers to card games, especially if you’re expecting the straightforward action of previous DBZ titles. However, the game’s in-depth tutorial and gradual introduction of new card types smooth out the experience. By the time you’ve mastered energy management, turn order tactics, and advanced combo setups, you’ll appreciate the nuanced strategic layer that Harukanaru Densetsu offers.

Graphics

Visually, Harukanaru Densetsu pushes the Game Boy Advance hardware to its limits with vibrant, detailed sprites and richly illustrated card art. Each card features hand-drawn portraits of beloved characters in dynamic poses, capturing the essence of the original anime. When you play a key attack card, the game seamlessly transitions into an animated sequence, showcasing a miniaturized version of the special move complete with flashy effects and impactful sound cues.

The battlefield itself is rendered with clean, colorful backgrounds that evoke familiar locales from the series—Kami’s lookout, the World Martial Arts Tournament arena, and the rocky plains where Goku and Vegeta first clashed. While the resolution constraints of the handheld system prevent ultra-fine detail, the overall polish and consistency of the visual design make for an engaging presentation that stays true to Akira Toriyama’s style.

Even in multiplayer duels, the card animations and effects remain crisp, ensuring that each energy blast or defensive barrier feels satisfying. Load times are minimal, and the interface is intuitively laid out: health bars, energy meters, and card zones are clearly labeled, allowing you to focus on strategy rather than squinting at small icons.

One minor quibble is that the palettes can feel a bit crowded during high-action exchanges, leading to occasional visual clutter. However, this rarely detracts from gameplay, and the overall aesthetic remains a standout feature that enhances the feeling of stepping into the world of Dragon Ball Z.

Story

Harukanaru Densetsu follows the major arcs of the Dragon Ball Z saga, faithfully recreating iconic battles from the Saiyan invasion to the climax against Frieza—and beyond. Each chapter is introduced with a brief cutscene that succinctly sets the stage, reminding fans of the stakes while seamlessly transitioning into card-based skirmishes. The narrative pacing is well-balanced, delivering enough story beats to keep you engaged without overloading you with text.

Playing as different protagonists offers varied narrative perspectives. Goku’s campaign focuses on personal rivalries and his unrelenting drive to surpass his limits; Gohan’s story highlights his internal conflict between scholarly pursuits and heroic duties; and Piccolo’s arc delves into his growth from loner to mentor. Unlocking the secret fourth character—whose identity we won’t spoil here—adds an extra twist that veteran DBZ aficionados will appreciate.

Side missions and optional battles pepper the main story, granting opportunities to earn rare cards and discover hidden lore segments. These optional challenges are well integrated into the narrative, often depicting “what-if” scenarios or expanded backstories for secondary characters like Krillin or Tien. While these do not alter the core plot, they enrich the world-building and encourage thorough exploration.

The writing strikes a comfortable balance between fan service and coherence. Dialogues capture each character’s voice—from Vegeta’s trademark arrogance to Bulma’s sharp wit—and the translation maintains the spirit of the original Japanese script. Even if you’re not a die-hard DBZ fan, the game’s storyline delivers enough drama and epic moments to stand on its own.

Overall Experience

Dragon Ball Z: Harukanaru Densetsu stands out as one of the most innovative spinoffs in the franchise, marrying the beloved characters and high-stakes drama of DBZ with a deep, card-based strategy system. It offers a refreshing change of pace for series veterans tired of button-mashing fighters, while remaining accessible enough for newcomers intrigued by collectible card games.

The combination of single-player content, unlockable cards, and multiplayer modes ensures high replay value. You’ll find yourself replaying chapters to discover new cards, refine your deck, and tackle increasingly challenging opponents. Trading cards with friends adds a social dimension, fostering friendly competition and deck-building showdowns that can last for hours.

While its specialized mechanics and learning curve may put off casual players seeking immediate action, dedicated fans of both Dragon Ball Z and tactical card games will find Harukanaru Densetsu to be a richly rewarding experience. The presentation is top-notch for a handheld title of its era, and the faithful adaptation of the DBZ storyline provides an emotional core that complements the strategic gameplay.

In summary, Harukanaru Densetsu delivers a unique and engaging twist on the Dragon Ball Z formula. With its blend of strategic depth, fan-favorite characters, and robust multiplayer, it proves to be a compelling addition to any DBZ enthusiast’s collection. Whether you’re aiming to relive classic battles in a new format or seeking a competitive card game on the go, this title is well worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

6/10