Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 (1995)

by Christopher September 13, 2022

written by Christopher September 13, 2022 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1995
Genres: Fighting
Platforms: PlayStation
Developers: Tose
Publishers: Atari Games, Bandai, Infogrames

Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22: The Definitive SNES Dragon Ball Z Experience

Released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 is a side-scrolling fighting game that pits players against each other as their favorite Dragon Ball Z characters. With its fast-paced combat, diverse roster, and faithful recreation of the anime’s iconic moments, Ultimate Battle 22 remains one of the most beloved Dragon Ball Z games ever made.

Gameplay

Ultimate Battle 22 features traditional 2D fighting game gameplay, with players battling it out on a 2D plane. Each character has a variety of basic attacks, special moves, and super moves that can be chained together to create devastating combos. The game also features a unique “ki” system, which allows players to power up their attacks and transform into their more powerful Super Saiyan forms.

One of the standout features of Ultimate Battle 22 is its massive roster of playable characters. With 22 characters to choose from, including all of the mainstays from the anime such as Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Gohan, as well as some more obscure characters like Nappa and Captain Ginyu, there’s a character for every playstyle.

Roster

Goku
Vegeta
Piccolo
Gohan
Trunks
Krillin
Yamcha
Tien
Chiaotzu
Master Roshi (unlockable)
Kid Goku (unlockable)
Super Saiyan 3 Goku (unlockable)
Vegeto (unlockable)
Mr. Hercule Satan (unlockable)

Graphics and Sound

For a SNES game, Ultimate Battle 22’s graphics are impressive. The character sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game also features some impressive animation, especially during the super moves. The sound is also top-notch, with a catchy soundtrack and excellent voice acting.

Legacy

Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It is considered by many to be one of the best Dragon Ball Z games ever made, and it is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s success led to a number of sequels, including Ultimate Battle 23 and Ultimate Tenkaichi.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 is a classic fighting game that perfectly captures the excitement and intensity of the Dragon Ball Z anime. With its fast-paced combat, diverse roster, and faithful recreation of the anime’s iconic moments, Ultimate Battle 22 is a must-play for any fan of the series.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.