Play as Young Goku: The 8 Dragon Ball Games That Nail Kid Goku’s Classic Adventures

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Summary

  • Kid Goku’s appearance has diminished in newer DB games, replaced by more powerful iterations like Super Saiyan Goku.
  • Kid Goku relied on creativity and agility, unlike older Goku who powers up to overcome hardships easily.
  • Different games offer diverse experiences with Kid Goku, showcasing his unique fighting style and nostalgic moments.

As the storyline of “Dragon Ball” has evolved significantly, it tends to make earlier sagas less popular, particularly for those who followed the original series. The character Kid Goku’s appearances in games have decreased substantially due to plot devices that allow Goku to transform into his younger form. These newer versions often replace Kid Goku entirely, such as in “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2” and “Dragon Ball FighterZ.” This shift is understandable given that Goku employs nostalgic fighting techniques in both “Dragon Ball GT” and “Dragon Ball Daima,” but with the ability to access his Super Saiyan form.

In contrast to the original Kid Goku who had to rely on agility and cleverness due to his lack of overwhelming strength and height, the older version of Goku finds it easier to overcome hardships by increasing his power. Since Kid Goku wasn’t particularly strong or tall, he used his quick reflexes and inventive thinking to tackle challenges, such as converting his energy blasts into physical attacks or playing rock-paper-scissors. Video game enthusiasts interested in emulating Kid Goku can explore these titles.

8. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

Underrated Fighter

Dragon Ball: Ignition! Zero features numerous characters hailing from all parts of the Dragon Ball universe, with Teen Goku being the lone representative from his own series. This means that some iconic encounters between him and his adversaries are absent. However, his unique abilities remain consistent with their previous manifestations, although the reimagined fighter now boasts more intricate designs such as the flying nimbus he rides.

Goku as a teenager isn’t the sole youthful version of himself in the game, because other versions of him are also playable. Although he doesn’t initially appear strong due to his limited flying duration, his diverse team composition is enhanced by his low Defense Points (DP) count. He not only possesses ki blasts and rush specials for offensive strategies, but also utilizes Afterimage Strike and False Courage for defensive tactics.

7. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3

Untapped Potential

In Dragon Ball Budokai 3, the game primarily focuses on Dragon Ball Z, but there’s a small portion dedicated to other series as well. One of the secret characters you can unlock is Kid Goku, which requires a particular in-game event to be triggered.

He’s playing much like his previous self, yet with a reduced attack reach akin to Link and Young Link in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. Given his diminutive size, opponents need to consider his reduced hitbox. Kid Goku poses a potential danger across the entire stage thanks to his power pole, enabling him to jab from greater distances. In close-quarters combat, he can employ his rock-paper-scissors move, which comes with several different versions, even an unblockable attack.

6. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3

Nostalgic Battles

Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 recaps the major events of the Dragon Ball series. It’s rare among games as it includes various story arcs such as Demon King Piccolo, Captain Blue, Pilaf, and even Devilman. These different sagas contribute to depicting the conflict between the young Saiyan with a pure heart and the villains, both in the game’s narrative and through interactions.

In this particular version of Goku, what sets him apart is his Saiyan potential. This is the only game where Kid Goku can metamorphose into a colossal ape during the night levels. However, due to his uncontrollable rage during these transformations, his special abilities aren’t as refined as those of the other, more disciplined giant Saiyan apes.

5. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Like Father, Like Son

The 23rd World Tournament in Dragon Ball Z Kakarot offers a richer exploration of the closing chapters of the Dragon Ball tale, leading up to the release of Dragon Ball Z. This is your unique opportunity to take command not just of adult Goku, but also younger Goku, within an expansive open-world setting. On Papaya Island, you can interact with old friends, confront dangers, and engage in leisurely pursuits at your own pace.

In the updated DLC version, Goku primarily employs strategic positioning and combo attacks instead of flying and energy blasts, as the new ground battle system is utilized. This switch in approach makes his fighting style more inventive than it was in the original game, with moves like his enhanced Kamehameha kick. However, due to reduced aerial combat options, Goku must exercise greater caution when facing stronger adversaries on open battlefields or tournament stages, such as Tien’s stealth attacks and Junior’s powerful destruction abilities.

4. Dragon Ball: Origins

Animated Beginning

In the game Dragon Ball: Origins, Kid Goku embarks on a journey through different scenarios inspired by the Emperor Pilaf and Tournament sagas. Each level is crafted for platforming challenges and puzzle-solving, with locations such as Fire Mountain and Pilaf’s Castle. Along the way, Goku encounters various adversaries, including thieves, tournament opponents, dinosaurs, and even an emperor himself.

Goku has the ability to switch between fighting using just his hands or a power pole during combat. Often, he manages tasks independently, but companions like Bulma may join him. This situation necessitates Goku not only leading the way but also ensuring their mutual safety – much like Leon and Ashley in Resident Evil 4. Unlike Ashley, however, Bulma can engage in fights against other adversaries and contribute to Goku’s efforts throughout their journey.

3. Dragon Ball: Revenge Of King Piccolo

Revolting Demon Rule

As a hardcore gamer, I’m diving headfirst into the thrilling world of Dragon Ball: Revenge Of King Piccolo! This time around, it’s none other than Kid Goku taking on his formidable foes – the Red Ribbon Army and the menacing Demon King Piccolo. The journey isn’t easy, as I leap, dash, and traverse through various stages that challenge my 2D platforming skills in a dynamic 3D environment – just like in Megaman X8!

But it’s not all about ki blasts and power pole smashes this time. To truly showcase a Saiyan’s raw strength, I’ve got to bust out some wrestling moves too. It’s an all-out brawl as I take down one enemy after another!

The game is designed to mimic the style of manga with vibrant hues, sound effects, and quick edits, enhancing its immersion and impact during combat, particularly when a unique scene unfolds within a match. Notably, it successfully replicates significant moments in boss fights, such as Goku’s confrontation with an enigmatic masked adversary.

2. Dragon Ball: Origins 2

Expressive Adventure

  • Developer: Game Republic
  • Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
  • Release: June 22, 2010

In “Dragon Ball Origins 2”, the storyline picks up where the first installment left off, delving deeper into the tales of the Red Ribbon Army and Fortune Teller Baba. Although Goku retains his traditional moves and combat style, he encounters a variety of fresh hurdles such as individual arena battles and scaling towering structures.

In this fresh journey, it’s not just Goku who takes center stage; players can also command other companions such as Krillin and Android 8. These friends aren’t mere spectators, some even have unique mini-games hidden within specific stages. The most exciting aspect? The ability to engage in multiplayer action within the Survival Tower, providing a cooperative gaming experience.

1. Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure

2D Childhood

In Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure, you’ll follow Goku’s childhood storyline, starting from his grandfather’s passing and culminating in his battle against the Demon King. This game doesn’t just tell the entire tale of Young Goku; it allows him to engage in various modes such as one-on-one battles, versus matches, special modes, and mini-games as well.

Not just Kid Goku is playable; other characters that Goku squared off against can be chosen as well, such as Nam, Yamcha, and even Jackie Chan himself. This extensive cast offers a broader range of options for different gameplay modes, including playing through the main story in an extra mode.

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2025-05-03 03:37