Most people forget the original Dragon Ball. Seriously. Everyone wants to talk about Super Saiyans, golden hair, and planets exploding, but they ignore the period when Goku was just a kid with a tail and a stick. If you’re looking to actually live through that era, Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo is basically the gold standard, even years after its release on the Nintendo Wii.
It’s a weird game. It’s a 2.5D side-scrolling beat 'em up mixed with some light platforming. It came out in 2009. Developed by Media.Vision—the folks who did the Wild Arms series—it feels way more "video gamey" than the arena fighters we get now. It’s got heart.
The Problem With Modern Dragon Ball Games
Look, Sparking! Zero and FighterZ are incredible. They are. But they focus almost exclusively on the Z-era onwards. When you play those games, the "classic" Dragon Ball stuff usually feels like a tacked-on DLC or a handful of characters with no story context. Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo is different because it focuses entirely on the Red Ribbon Army and King Piccolo arcs.
It covers the meat of Goku’s childhood.
You start around the time Goku raids the Red Ribbon Army headquarters. You’ve got the Muscle Tower. You’ve got the underwater pirate cave. It’s colorful and bright, exactly like Akira Toriyama’s early art style. It doesn't try to be "gritty." It just tries to be fun.
How the Gameplay Actually Works (It’s Not Just Mashing)
The combat is simpler than Budokai Tenkaichi, but it has this specific rhythm. You have a "Lock-On" system that lets you zip toward enemies. It’s snappy. You’re jumping, dodging, and hitting a Kamehameha when the gauge fills up.
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There are these platforming sections that, honestly, can be kinda frustrating if you aren't used to the Wii's physics. You're swinging from poles and jumping over pits. It’s not Mario, but it adds variety. Most Dragon Ball games are just: fight, cutscene, fight. This feels like an adventure. You’re exploring levels. You’re finding hidden treasures.
The boss fights are the real highlight. Fighting General Blue or Tao Pai Pai feels personal. When you finally get to the King Piccolo fight? It’s a massive spike in difficulty. He feels like a genuine threat, just like he did in the manga. He’s not just another health bar to deplete; he’s a wall you have to climb.
Why the Graphics Still Hold Up
Technically, it’s a Wii game. It’s 480p. But because Media.Vision used a heavy cel-shaded style, it looks clean. The character models are expressive. Goku’s animations have that bouncy, round quality from the early 80s designs. It’s charming.
The World Tournament Mode
Once you finish the main story, there’s an unlockable World Tournament mode. This is where it turns into a more traditional fighting game. It’s not deep. You won’t be seeing this at EVO. But being able to play as Jackie Chun or Ranfan is a treat for fans who actually remember the 21st and 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai.
It’s about nostalgia, sure. But it’s also about completeness. Most games skip the 22nd World Tournament entirely. Here, it’s a core part of the experience.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
A lot of reviewers back in 2009 called it "too simple." They were comparing it to Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. That’s a mistake. This isn't a complex character action game. It’s a licensed game meant to evoke the feeling of an adventure.
Is it repetitive? Sorta. You’re going to punch a lot of generic Red Ribbon soldiers. But the pacing is fast enough that it doesn't overstay its welcome. You can breeze through the story in about 6 to 8 hours. It’s a perfect weekend game.
Finding a Copy in 2026
Since this was a Wii exclusive, you can't just buy it on Steam. That sucks. You have to hunt down a physical disc or use... other methods. Prices for the physical North American version have been creeping up because Dragon Ball collectors are realizing how unique this title is. It didn't sell millions of copies. It’s a bit of a cult classic.
If you have a Wii or a Wii U, it’s worth the hunt. If you're using an emulator like Dolphin, it looks even better in 4K. The lines stay sharp. The colors pop.
The Legacy of the King Piccolo Saga
The King Piccolo arc was the turning point for Dragon Ball. It’s when the series went from a goofy comedy about finding magic balls to a high-stakes martial arts drama. Krillin dies. Roshi dies. Chaos dies. It’s heavy stuff.
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Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo treats this shift with respect. The cutscenes use the original Japanese or English voice casts (depending on your setting), and the music fits the vibe perfectly. It captures that transition from "fun adventure" to "desperate struggle for the world."
Why We Won't See Another Game Like This
Bandai Namco seems convinced that fans only want 3D arena fighters. They look at the sales of Kakarot and think "bigger is better." But there’s something lost when everything is an open world. This game’s linear levels allow for choreographed moments that Kakarot just can't do.
It’s focused. It knows what it wants to be. It doesn't have 500 side quests about collecting 10 wolf meats. It’s just Goku vs. the World.
If you’re tired of the same "Raditz to Buu" storyline that we've played fifty times, find a way to play this. It’s a breath of fresh air from fifteen years ago.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Check Local Retro Stores: This game often sits in the $30-$50 range, which is a steal compared to some rarer Wii titles.
- Look into the Japanese Version: If you're a collector, the Japanese box art for Dragon Ball: Tenkaichi Daiboken (the local name) is vastly superior to the Western art.
- Focus on the Collectibles: To get the most out of the game, try to find all the hidden items in the levels. They unlock character bios and gallery items that are a goldmine for lore nerds.
- Play with a Classic Controller: While the Wii Remote works, the game feels much more precise with a Classic Controller Pro. Your thumbs will thank you during the King Piccolo fight.