Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai vs Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai brings the iconic anime battles to the PlayStation Portable, letting players fight as heroes or villains with flight, energy attacks, and signature transformations. The game features seven story modes and robust multiplayer via PSP Wi‑Fi, delivering a classic DBZ experience in a portable format. With 18 playable characters and a blend of counterattacks, special moves, and character‑specific techniques, the title offers both single‑player depth and competitive multiplayer, making it a must‑play for fans of the series 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.
- Large roster of iconic characters
- Authentic DBZ moves and transformations
- Wi‑Fi multiplayer on handheld
- Multiple story modes for 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 PSP hardware
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- No online ranking system
- 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: Shin Budokai
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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 fighters, but Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 (1995 arcade) offers a larger roster and local arcade‑style play, while Shin Budokai (2006 PSP) adds Wi‑Fi multiplayer and story campaigns but is limited to handheld hardware.
Key differences
- •Roster size: 22 fighters vs 18 fighters.
- •Multiplayer mode: local 2‑player only vs worldwide Wi‑Fi battles.
- •Platform: arcade/PC emulator style vs PSP handheld only.
- •Story content: no dedicated story mode vs seven story‑driven campaigns.
- •Release era: 1995 mid‑90s graphics vs 2006 handheld graphics.
Gameplay & fun factor
Ultimate Battle 22 emphasizes combo depth and arcade‑style balance for competitive and casual play.
Platform availability
Shin Budokai runs on PSP, a portable console; Ultimate Battle 22 requires arcade or emulation.
Price & value
Both are one‑time paid titles; no price data to differentiate.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Shin Budokai supports real‑time Wi‑Fi duels worldwide; Ultimate Battle 22 only local 2‑player.
Content & replayability
Shin Budokai adds seven story campaigns plus Wi‑Fi matches; Ultimate Battle 22 offers only story battles and local play.
Difficulty & accessibility
Ultimate Battle 22’s responsive controls and arcade‑stick optimization make it easier for fighting‑game newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated by modern standards; no clear superiority.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai if…
Players who need handheld portability and online Wi‑Fi battles with story modes.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 if…
Fans who want the biggest DBZ roster and classic arcade feel on PC/emulator.
Common questions
Which game has more characters?
Ultimate Battle 22 offers 22 playable characters; Shin Budokai has 18.
Can I play against friends online?
Only Shin Budokai provides Wi‑Fi multiplayer; Ultimate Battle 22 is limited to local 2‑player.
Do either games include story campaigns?
Shin Budokai includes seven story‑driven campaigns; Ultimate Battle 22 has only single‑player story battles without separate campaigns.