《七龍珠Z 超究極武鬥傳》（ドラゴンボールZ 超究極武闘伝，Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden）是萬代南夢宮（Bandai Namco）於2015年在Nintendo 3DS平台推出的2D格鬥遊戲，由開發過經典《熱血硬派》系列的Arc System Works負責製作。以《七龍珠Z》的世界觀為基礎，操控經典角色進行高速戰鬥，並採用支援角色系統來增加戰略性。

主要劇情模式為「Z故事」，重現《七龍珠Z》中的經典戰役，從賽亞人篇、弗力札篇、賽魯篇到魔人普烏篇，透過悟空等主要角色，體驗他們的戰鬥旅程。故事模式透過2D動畫與對話來呈現劇情，忠實還原了漫畫與動畫的關鍵場面，讓粉絲能夠重新回味經典對決。

除「Z故事」外，還有「冒險模式」，採原創劇情模式，講述悟空與其他角色在不同的平行宇宙中展開戰鬥，並挑戰來自各時代的強敵。此外，還提供「VS模式」，可以與AI或其他玩家進行對戰，以及「挑戰模式」，要求在特定條件下完成戰鬥，提升整體的耐玩度。

畫面採用2D橫向格鬥玩法，但與傳統的《七龍珠》格鬥遊戲不同，強調戰略與角色切換，而非純粹的連擊與速度戰鬥。共有超過20名可操控角色，包括悟空、貝吉塔、悟飯、弗力札、賽魯等經典戰士，每個角色都有專屬的必殺技與超級技能，例如悟空的「龜派氣功」、貝吉塔的「最終閃光」，以及弗力札的「死亡彈」。

遊戲的核心機制之一是「支援角色」系統，除選擇主要戰鬥角色外，還能配置最多三名支援角色，這些角色可以在戰鬥中提供各種增益效果，或者直接發動攻擊輔助戰鬥。支援角色的範圍非常廣，除了主要戰士外，還包含龜仙人、琪琪、撒旦先生、界王等角色，為戰鬥增添更多變化與樂趣。

操作方面，採用較為簡單的輸入方式，適合3DS掌機的按鍵配置。透過輕攻擊(Y紐)、重攻擊(X紐)、氣功波等基本動作來組合連擊，並且能夠使用「氣」來發動超必殺技。戰鬥的核心在於掌握氣的運用，需要在攻擊、防禦與氣力管理之間取得平衡，以最大化輸出傷害或保護自己不被敵人擊倒。

關卡設計方面，除了故事模式的經典場景外，冒險模式與挑戰模式還提供一些原創戰鬥，例如特殊的「頭目戰」，對抗強化版的敵人，甚至需要在特定條件下獲勝。例如，某些戰鬥可能要求在限定時間內擊敗敵人，或是在生命值低於一定程度時逆轉戰局。這些挑戰增加遊戲的深度，讓玩家不只是單純的對戰，而需要運用不同角色的特性與支援系統來取勝。

此外，還有「究極七龍珠模式」，這是一種特殊挑戰，當蒐集七顆龍珠後，能夠召喚神龍，獲得特殊的獎勵或解鎖新的角色與內容。這個系統鼓勵玩家多次遊玩不同模式，以蒐集更多隱藏要素。

當年在發售後獲得中等至正面的評價，許多評論認為它在Nintendo 3DS平台上是相當不錯的格鬥遊戲，但也有一些缺點影響整體體驗。Metacritic給予61的評分，認為支援角色系統與經典劇情還原做得相當出色，但核心戰鬥系統較為簡單，缺乏深度，對於硬核格鬥遊戲玩家來說可能會感到略顯單調。GameSpot則給出7.9/10的評價，稱讚畫面風格與動畫表現優秀，但認為可操控角色數量過少，相較於其他《七龍珠》格鬥遊戲（如《超音戰士》系列），陣容顯得較為貧乏。

粉絲們則對畫面與角色表現給予高度評價。由於是由Arc System Works開發，團隊善用2D像素動畫技術，讓角色的動作流暢，必殺技演出也十分華麗，讓人有置身於動畫中的感覺。此外，背景音樂與聲優表現也受到讚賞，完整重現動畫中的經典配樂與角色語音，讓粉絲更具沉浸感。然而，部分玩家對於遊戲的對戰平衡性提出批評，某些角色的攻擊判定過於強勢，使得部分戰鬥變得較為單調。此外，雖然具備多人對戰模式，但並未支援線上對戰，這點讓許多希望能夠與全球玩家對戰的粉絲感到失望。

《七龍珠Z 超究極武鬥傳》作為3DS平台上的2D格鬥遊戲，成功還原《七龍珠Z》的經典劇情，並透過支援角色系統增加戰略性，讓戰鬥不只是單純的連擊與對決，而需要考慮如何搭配不同角色來獲勝。雖然戰鬥系統偏向簡單，角色數量相對較少，且缺乏線上對戰功能，但畫面表現、音樂、動畫演出等方面都讓粉絲們感到滿意。對於喜愛《七龍珠》系列的玩家來說，仍然是值得一試的遊戲，特別是想在掌機上體驗經典戰鬥的粉絲，仍能帶來相當不錯的娛樂體驗。

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden (ドラゴンボールZ 超究極武闘伝) is a 2D fighting game released by Bandai Namco in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS. Developed by Arc System Works, the team behind the classic Kunio-kun series, the game is based on the world of Dragon Ball Z, allowing players to control iconic characters in fast-paced battles. It incorporates a support character system to enhance strategic depth.

Story and Game Modes

The main story mode, Z Story, recreates legendary battles from Dragon Ball Z, covering the Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Majin Buu Saga. Players experience these iconic fights through the perspectives of Goku and other key characters. The story mode presents its narrative using 2D animations and dialogue, faithfully reproducing critical scenes from both the manga and anime, offering fans a nostalgic retelling of classic confrontations.

In addition to Z Story, the game features Adventure Mode, an original storyline where Goku and other characters engage in battles across different parallel universes, facing powerful foes from various eras. There is also a VS Mode, where players can battle against AI or other players, and a Challenge Mode, which requires players to complete fights under specific conditions, adding replay value and difficulty variety.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The game follows a 2D side-scrolling fighting format, but unlike traditional Dragon Ball fighting games, it emphasizes strategy and character switching rather than pure combo execution and speed. There are over 20 playable characters, including Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Frieza, and Cell, each with their own signature moves and ultimate attacks. For example, Goku uses the Kamehameha, Vegeta has the Final Flash, and Frieza can unleash the Death Ball.

One of the game’s core mechanics is the Support Character system. Players can select up to three support characters in addition to their main fighter. These supports provide various effects during battle, such as attack boosts or direct attacks to assist in combat. The range of support characters is extensive, including not just major fighters but also figures like Master Roshi, Chi-Chi, Mr. Satan, and King Kai, adding depth and variety to battles.

The controls are designed to be simple and accessible, optimized for the 3DS’s button layout. Players can chain light (Y button) and heavy (X button) attacks with basic Ki blasts to form combos, while using Ki to unleash super moves. Managing Ki effectively is key to maximizing damage output while defending against enemy attacks.

Stage Design and Challenges

Besides the iconic locations featured in the Z Story, Adventure Mode and Challenge Mode introduce unique battles, including Boss Fights against enhanced enemies. Some battles require players to win under specific conditions, such as defeating an enemy within a time limit or making a comeback with low health. These challenges add depth beyond simple one-on-one fights, requiring players to strategize their character and support combinations.

Additionally, the game features the Ultimate Dragon Ball Mode, where players can collect all seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron and earn special rewards or unlock new content. This system encourages replayability by motivating players to explore different modes and uncover hidden features.

Reception and Criticism

Upon release, Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden received mixed to positive reviews. Many praised it as a solid fighting game for the Nintendo 3DS, though some aspects hindered the overall experience. Metacritic gave it a score of 61, noting that while the support character system and faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball Z story were well-executed, the core fighting mechanics lacked depth, which might make it feel simplistic for hardcore fighting game fans. GameSpot rated it 7.9/10, complimenting the art style and animation but criticizing the limited roster compared to other Dragon Ball fighting games like the Super Butōden series.

Fans, however, highly appreciated the game’s visuals and character animations. Since it was developed by Arc System Works, the studio leveraged 2D pixel animation to create fluid movements and flashy super attacks, making battles feel like scenes straight out of the anime. The soundtrack and voice acting also received praise for faithfully recreating classic Dragon Ball Z moments.

However, some players criticized the game's balance, as certain characters had overly dominant attacks, making some fights feel repetitive. Another major drawback was the lack of online multiplayer, which disappointed fans hoping to compete globally.

Conclusion

As a 2D fighting game on the 3DS, Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden successfully captures the essence of Dragon Ball Z’s classic battles while introducing strategic elements with its support character system. While the combat mechanics are simpler than other Dragon Ball fighting games and the roster is somewhat limited, the game excels in visual presentation, sound design, and nostalgia for longtime fans. For those looking to relive Dragon Ball Z's legendary fights on a handheld console, Extreme Butōden offers an enjoyable and entertaining experience despite its flaws.