Play Dragon Ball Z – Buyuu Retsuden Online

Dragon Ball Z: Buyuu Retsuden came out for the Sega Genesis in 1994, published by Bandai. It was one of the few Dragon Ball fighting games to make it to the system, arriving at a time when the anime was gaining a foothold in the West. The game tried to capture the show's energy with a roster of familiar characters and signature moves, though it had to compete with more polished fighters on the market.

You pick a fighter from the Z Warriors or villains like Frieza and Cell, then battle through a series of one-on-one matches. The main goal is to deplete your opponent's health bar within the time limit, either in versus mode or the single-player arcade ladder. The controls are simple, with basic punches, kicks, and special moves executed by charging your ki meter and inputting directional commands. Matches can feel stiff and a bit slow compared to other fighters of the era, with some awkward hit detection and limited combo potential. Still, pulling off a Super Saiyan transformation or landing a Spirit Bomb delivers a genuine thrill, especially if you grew up with the series. It feels like a rough but earnest love letter to the source material.