Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden vs Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden brings the early saga of the Dragon Ball series to the Nintendo Switch, letting players fight through key moments from Goku’s showdown with Piccolo to the epic Cell Games. Developed by Tose and published by Bandai, this 1993 title offers both single‑player and multiplayer modes, delivering nostalgic combat for fans of the franchise.
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 iconic battles
- Local multiplayer adds replay value
- Authentic retro visuals
- Wide character roster
- Large roster of 22 playable characters
- Unlockable secret fighters add depth
- Responsive controls suitable for arcade sticks
- Authentic DBZ aesthetic and sound
- Limited to local multiplayer only
- No online features
- Aged control feel for modern players
- Limited to 2‑player local multiplayer
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No online matchmaking support
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Alternatives to Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games offer classic 2D DBZ fighting with local multiplayer, but Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 provides a larger roster and secret characters, while Super Butouden focuses on story arcs and includes alternate costumes.
Key differences
- •Ultimate Battle 22 has 22 playable fighters plus 5 unlockable secret characters; Super Butouden’s roster size isn’t quantified but is described as classic characters.
- •Super Butouden includes the full Cell Games saga and alternate costumes; Ultimate Battle 22 emphasizes balanced competitive roster.
- •Release dates differ: Ultimate Battle 22 (1995) is newer than Super Butouden (1993), potentially affecting sprite polish.
- •Both support only local multiplayer; neither offers online play.
- •Control optimization: Ultimate Battle 22 mentions arcade sticks and modern gamepads; Super Butouden highlights Nintendo Switch Joy‑Cons.
Gameplay & fun factor
Ultimate Battle 22 offers more characters and secret fighters, increasing combo variety and replay depth.
Platform availability
Super Butouden explicitly mentions Nintendo Switch Joy‑Cons; Ultimate Battle 22’s platforms aren’t specified.
Price & value
Both are paid one‑time purchases; no price differences given.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support only local 2‑player multiplayer; no online or co‑op modes.
Content & replayability
22 fighters + 5 hidden characters vs. unspecified roster; Ultimate Battle 22 provides more character-driven replay.
Difficulty & accessibility
Super Butouden notes “aged control feel” but also optimized Joy‑Cons; Ultimate Battle 22 targets arcade sticks and gamepads.
Graphics & performance
Super Butouden’s retro 2D sprites are highlighted as capturing original aesthetic; Ultimate Battle 22’s graphics are called dated.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden if…
Buyers who prioritize story mode arcs, costume variety, and Switch compatibility.
Choose Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 if…
Buyers wanting the biggest character selection and secret unlocks for competitive play.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No, both are limited to local multiplayer only.
Which game has more characters to play?
Ultimate Battle 22 lists 22 fighters plus 5 secret characters; Super Butouden’s roster size isn’t specified.
Are these games compatible with modern controllers?
Ultimate Battle 22 mentions modern gamepads and arcade sticks; Super Butouden is optimized for Nintendo Switch Joy‑Cons.