Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 vs Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The game features a revamped fighting system that lets you teleport, juggle, fly, and unleash combo attacks, while supporting both single‑player story campaigns and competitive multiplayer modes on PlayStation 2. With high replay value, multiple story outcomes, and online profile support, Budokai 3 delivers a comprehensive DBZ experience for fans and fighting‑game enthusiasts alike.
Step into the world of Dragon Ball Z with Ultimate Battle 22, a classic fighting experience that lets you control 22 playable characters, each equipped with a unique set of moves, kicks, spins, slashes, and special attacks. The game captures the high‑energy combat of the series while delivering tight controls and responsive gameplay for both solo and competitive play. Unlock five hidden fighters—including Master Roshi, Kid Goku, Super Saiyan 3 Goku, Vegito, and Mr. Hercule Satan—by entering a secret command, expanding the roster and adding fresh strategies for seasoned players.
- Deep branching story with high replay value
- Robust combat system with teleport and juggle mechanics
- Large roster of unlockable characters
- Supports both single‑player and multiplayer modes
- Large roster of 22 playable characters
- Unlockable secret fighters add depth
- Responsive controls suitable for arcade sticks
- Authentic DBZ aesthetic and sound
- Limited to PlayStation 2 hardware
- No modern online matchmaking features
- Story mode can be repetitive on subsequent playthroughs
- Limited to 2‑player local multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No online matchmaking support
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
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Experience next‑gen DBZ battles with stunning graphics and dynamic energy mechanics.
Epic Dragon Ball battles with 120+ fighters across Saiyan to GT sagas.
Fight with 22 iconic DBZ characters in fast‑paced arcade action
Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
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Epic DBZ battles with manga‑style graphics and destructible arenas.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 offers classic 2D arcade fighting with a solid 22‑character roster for local play, while Budokai 3 provides a deeper 3D experience, larger 40‑character roster and story mode but is limited to older PS2 hardware.
Key differences
- •Roster size: 22 vs 40 unlockable fighters
- •Combat style: 2D sprite arcade vs 3D movement with teleport/juggle mechanics
- •Story content: none vs branching story mode with replay value
- •Multiplayer scope: local 2‑player only vs local vs cooperative story and online profiles
- •Platform era: 1995 arcade/console release vs 2004 PS2 exclusive
Gameplay & fun factor
Budokai 3 adds 3D movement, teleport, juggle combos and a branching story, offering deeper combat variety.
Platform availability
Ultimate Battle 22 dates to 1995 and can run on modern emulators/arcade setups; Budokai 3 is PS2‑only.
Price & value
Both are one‑time purchases, but Ultimate Battle 22 lacks listed MSRP, implying likely lower cost than $49.99.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Budokai 3 supports local versus, cooperative story mode, and online profiles; Ultimate Battle 22 only local 2‑player.
Content & replayability
Budokai 3’s branching story and 40 unlockable characters give higher replay value than Ultimate Battle 22’s limited modes.
Difficulty & accessibility
2D controls of Ultimate Battle 22 are described as responsive and optimized for arcade sticks, easier for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Budokai 3’s 3D graphics are newer (2004) versus Ultimate Battle 22’s dated mid‑90s 2D sprites.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 if…
Players seeking a richer 3D combat system, story mode, and more characters, and who have a PS2 or emulator.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 if…
Fans wanting quick, nostalgic 2D arcade fights on any modern system, with simple local play.
Common questions
Which game has more characters?
Budokai 3 offers up to 40 unlockable fighters, while Ultimate Battle 22 has 22 playable characters.
Can I play online?
Neither game offers modern online matchmaking; Budokai 3 only has online profiles, Ultimate Battle 22 is local‑only.
What is the price difference?
Budokai 3 lists an MSRP of $49.99; Ultimate Battle 22’s price isn’t specified, suggesting it may be cheaper.