Dragon Ball Z: The Legend (1996). Play online

Summary

Dragon Ball Z: Legends (aka Idainaru Dragon Ball Densetsu) pushes the fighting‑game formula with free‑roaming 3D arenas populated by classic 2‑D sprites. Matches start on the ground but quickly launch players skyward, letting characters chase each other in all directions while throwing rapid punches, kicks and ki blasts. The title hinges on a six‑button layout and a team‑based 3‑on‑3 system; fighters can be swapped mid‑battle and the side that depletes the shared energy meter triggers an elaborate Meteo Attack cutscene to finish the opponent.

With a roster of 35 warriors and their transformations, the game covers the entire Dragon Ball Z saga through episode‑styled story missions that showcase the series’ most iconic battles. Ki isn’t infinite – it must be managed or a fighter will collapse from exhaustion, adding a tactical layer rarely seen in fighters of its era. Though launched in 1996, a 1997 budget re‑release helped the PlayStation version move over 70,000 units in its debut week, cementing its place as the franchise’s first foray into true 3‑D combat.

Storyline

Dragon Ball Z: The Legend’s story mode is split into distinct episodes, letting players relive the series in bite‑size chapters. It spans the entire Dragon Ball Z saga, kicking off with the Saiyan invasion and marching all the way to the final showdown of the Majin Buu arc. Each episode mirrors a major plot point, so the narrative feels like a condensed version of the anime’s core storyline. The game focuses on the most iconic battles, from Goku’s first clash with Vegeta to the epic team‑up against Kid Buu, delivering the series’ high‑stakes moments in a retro‑playable format.