Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans

Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans is a turn-based RPG developed by Monolith Soft for the Nintendo DS. Players control a party of up to three characters drawn from the Z Fighters roster, navigating a top-screen overworld that spans fields, forests, caves, and towns while the bottom touch screen displays available equipment dispensed from Capsule Corporation Dyno-Caps. Obstacles such as rocks and brush block progress through area maps and require ki blasts of varying strength to clear, adding a light puzzle element to exploration.

Combat places the active party against enemies or bosses on a dedicated battle screen, with commands entered via the control pad rather than the stylus. Each character carries a set of unlocked attacks alongside techniques that must be purchased or upgraded using Ability Points earned from victories. The Rage Gauge fills over the course of a fight and, when full, triggers Sparking! mode, surrounding the character with a red aura and enabling powerful ultimate attacks. If two or more characters reach Sparking! simultaneously, they can execute a Sparking Combo, a coordinated assault that depletes the gauge completely upon use. Players also benefit from the Active Guard system, which allows a chosen character to absorb minimal damage by pressing the corresponding button just before an enemy strike lands.

The game presents its visuals in traditional 2D animation sprites, maintaining an aesthetic consistent with the television series. Six playable characters are available, and the roster expands as the story progresses. The skill menu for each character forms a branching upgrade tree, so unlocking one ability frequently opens access to further techniques, encouraging players to invest AP thoughtfully across the entire party.

Attack of the Saiyans begins its narrative at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, well before the events that define Dragon Ball Z. This entry point allows the game to explore the training, rivalries, and camaraderie of the Z Fighters during a period the animated series covers only briefly. The story then advances through the arrival of Raditz, the death of Goku, and the desperate preparations the remaining warriors make before the Saiyan invasion reaches Earth.

The Saiyan Saga forms the climax of the campaign, culminating in the battle against Nappa and the final confrontation with Vegeta, who must be faced in both his base form and as a Great Ape. The game incorporates numerous alternate storylines designed to deepen the player's understanding of the Dragon Ball universe, including side quests and encounters not depicted in the anime. A secret boss encounter with Legendary Super Saiyan Broly is hidden within the game, rewarding thorough exploration beyond the main narrative path.

The narrative covers much of the same ground as the 1994 Game Boy title Dragon Ball Z: Goku Hishoden, but with significantly expanded scope and a far larger cast of supporting characters. The inclusion of original subplots and branching encounters gives the campaign a texture that distinguishes it from a straightforward adaptation, making it one of the more story-rich portable Dragon Ball titles of its era.

Attack of the Saiyans received generally positive coverage from critics, who praised the battle system for its depth and the game's visual faithfulness to the source material. The RPG format was noted as a refreshing departure from the fighting game template that dominated Dragon Ball releases at the time, and the Sparking! combo mechanic drew particular attention for rewarding coordinated party management.

The game became the third best-selling video game in Japan during its release window, a strong commercial result for a handheld title based on a franchise already well represented in the market. Its North American and European launch in November 2009 coincided with Namco Bandai's acquisition of the Dragon Ball gaming license from Atari, marking a significant transition in how the franchise was published in Western territories. Attack of the Saiyans stands as one of the most accomplished Dragon Ball RPGs released for a portable platform and remains a reference point for fans interested in turn-based interpretations of the series.