![Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden 3 [Model SHVC-AZ4J-JPN] Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden 3 [Model SHVC-AZ4J-JPN] screenshot](images/game/61239_2.png)
Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden 3 © 1994 Bandai
Dragon Ball Z: Super Butouden 3 is the third installment in the popular fighting series. While it stripped away the traditional Story Mode found in its predecessor to focus entirely on competitive combat, it refined the core mechanics and expanded the roster to feature iconic characters from the Majin Buu saga, offering a faster and more focused competitive experience.
GAME ID: SHVC-AZ4J-JPN
Released on September 29, 1994 (Thursday) in Japan.
Competitive Focus: By removing the branching story mode, Bandai pivoted this title toward pure competitive play. The game engine was optimized for tighter frame data and more responsive inputs, making it a favorite among players who preferred the series as a dedicated fighting game rather than an anime simulation.
Roster Evolution: This title introduced characters from the later stages of the Z anime, such as Future Trunks, Goten, and Majin Buu, providing a different tactical feel compared to the previous entries. The character balance was adjusted to emphasize these new special move sets, encouraging players to master the unique timing of the newer fighters.
Aesthetic Polish: Despite the lack of a story mode, the game features some of the most vibrant sprite work in the Butouden trilogy. The stage designs, particularly those representing the later, more destructive battles of the anime, are highly detailed and visually striking, pushing the Super Famicom’s color palette to its limits.