![Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden [Model SHVC-Z2] screenshot](images/game/61237_2.png "Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden [Model SHVC-Z2]")
Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden © 1993 Bandai
Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden is a landmark title in the fighting game genre, credited with pioneering the split-screen, cinematic style of competitive anime combat. By focusing on high-energy, fast-paced duels with a heavy emphasis on beam clashes and signature special moves, it set the template for nearly all Dragon Ball fighting games that followed.
GAME ID: SHVC-Z2
BARCODE: 4 902425 373737
Released on March 20, 1993 in Japan.
The Split-Screen Revolution: Super Butouden is best known for its innovative split-screen mechanic. When two fighters moved apart, the screen would divide, allowing players to remain engaged in the action across a wider arena. This was a technical masterstroke for the Super Famicom, solving the problem of how to represent the massive, long-range energy battles characteristic of the show.
Beam Clashes: The game introduced a cinematic system for "beam clashes," where players would enter a button-mashing sequence to determine the outcome of opposing energy attacks. This became a core, defining feature of the series, perfectly capturing the high-tension, decisive moments from the anime.
Cultural Impact: As the first Butouden title, it was a massive commercial success in Japan, selling 1.45 million of copies and proving that the Super Famicom could deliver a high-quality, competitive 2D fighting experience. It established a brand that would span several sequels and become synonymous with Bandai’s output for the console.