Dragon Ball Z: Budokai vs Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dive into the iconic story arcs of Dragon Ball Z, from Goku’s first encounter with Raditz to the intense Cell Games showdown. The game captures the series’ high‑octane action with a blend of story mode and tournament challenges. Experience classic fights, train in practice mode, and collect all seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron for powerful rewards. With both single‑player and multiplayer options, you can battle friends or hone your skills solo.
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.
- Faithful recreation of DBZ story arcs
- Robust move‑purchase system adds depth
- Multiplayer support for local battles
- Unlockable Shenron rewards enhance replay value
- 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
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No online multiplayer functionality
- 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
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Experience next‑gen DBZ battles with stunning graphics and dynamic energy mechanics.
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 dataBoth are classic DBZ fighting games, but Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 (A) offers a larger character roster and arcade‑style controls, while Budokai (B) adds a story mode and move‑purchase system but is limited to PlayStation 2.
Key differences
- •A has 22 playable characters (plus 5 unlockable); B’s roster size isn’t specified.
- •A is a 1995 arcade‑style game for PC/console unspecified; B runs only on PlayStation 2.
- •B includes a cinematic story mode covering Saiyan‑Namek‑Cell arcs; A offers only single‑player battles and local multiplayer.
- •B features a move‑purchase system and Shenron rewards; A focuses on combo execution with no such system.
- •Both lack online multiplayer, but A supports any controller/arcade stick, while B is limited to PS2 gamepad.
Gameplay & fun factor
A provides 22 distinct fighters with tailored move sets and responsive arcade‑stick controls, offering deeper combo play.
Platform availability
B runs on PlayStation 2, a single console; A’s platform isn’t listed but being a 1995 arcade title suggests broader PC/console compatibility.
Price & value
B lists an MSRP of $49.99; A has no price listed, making B’s cost explicit.
Multiplayer / co‑op
A supports local 2‑player arcade matches with optimized controls; B only mentions local PS2 multiplayer.
Content & replayability
B adds a story mode, move‑purchase system, and Shenron unlocks, giving more long‑term goals than A’s limited modes.
Difficulty & accessibility
A’s responsive controls and balanced roster favor both casual and competitive players; B’s move‑purchase system may add complexity.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated; B’s 2002 graphics are newer than A’s 1995 2D sprite style.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Budokai if…
Players who want a story-driven DBZ experience on PlayStation 2 with unlockable moves.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 if…
Fans wanting the biggest DBZ roster and arcade‑style fighting on any controller.
Common questions
Which game has more characters to play?
A offers 22 distinct fighters plus 5 hidden unlockables; B’s character count isn’t specified.
Can I play either game online?
No. Both only support local multiplayer; neither provides online matchmaking.
Do I need a PlayStation 2 to play Budokai?
Yes. Budokai is released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 console.