Dragon Ball Z - Buyuu Retsuden (Japan)
Dragon Ball Z - Buyuu Retsuden (Japan) - Fighting Classic
Dragon Ball Z - Buyuu Retsuden is a 1-on-1 fighting game released exclusively in Japan for the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) in 1994. It was developed by Tose and published by Bandai, bringing the popular anime franchise to Sega's 16-bit console. This is an official commercial release, not a hack or fan translation, though it never saw a Western release.
You pick a fighter from the Dragon Ball Z roster and battle an opponent in best-of-three rounds. The game uses a traditional arcade-style layout with a health bar and a ki meter that fills as you fight. You can execute special moves by inputting directional commands and pressing attack buttons, and each character has signature techniques like the Kamehameha or Spirit Bomb. There's also a simple dash and jump system for mobility, and you can charge your ki to power up attacks.
For fans of both retro fighters and Dragon Ball Z, this game offers a solid, if straightforward, experience that captures the spirit of the series with sprite-based visuals and recognizable music. It's no technical marvel compared to later console fighters, but it remains a fun diversion and a notable part of the Mega Drive's import library. If you enjoy other 16-bit anime fighters or just want to see how DBZ games played before the 3D era, Buyuu Retsuden is worth a quick session.
How to Play Dragon Ball Z - Buyuu Retsuden (Japan) Online
To start playing, select a game mode from the Japanese title screen. The main options are likely "vs. COM" for single-player and "versus" for two players. Use the D-Pad to navigate and press X to confirm. You'll then pick a character from the roster; each fighter has their own set of special moves, which you can find listed in the manual if available.
The core loop is classic fighting game: defeat your opponent by draining their health bar before yours runs out. You can move left and right, jump, and perform basic attacks with the B button. For special moves, try quarter-circle forward (down, down-forward, forward) plus attack - many Dragon Ball attacks follow that pattern. Keep an eye on your ki meter; when it's full, you can unleash powerful super moves by pressing the appropriate combination.
Since the game is in Japanese, menu navigation may be tricky at first. The versus mode is straightforward - after selecting two players, you fight. In single-player, you'll face a series of opponents. The game does not have a story mode beyond the basic arcade ladder. Practice the controls in training if available, and remember that blocking (holding back) reduces damage but not entirely.
Dragon Ball Z - Buyuu Retsuden (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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