Three console generations and multiple video game adaptations later, arguably the most iconic video game adaptation of the Dragon Ball franchise is coming back.
Bandai Namco confirmed the fourth Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi installment at the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour. It doesn't have a release date or window and, because it's in early production, fans shouldn't expect it to come out soon.
If it's any consolation though, the Japanese-only trailer we have confirmed updated visuals for the fourth entry in the series and at least Super Saiyan Blue Goku.
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「ドラゴンボール Sparking！」シリーズ
最新作情報が解禁！
＼映像はコチラから↓#ドラゴンボール #バトルアワー pic.twitter.com/VMMPWWeSUr
— ドラゴンボールゲームスバトルアワー2023公式 (@db_eventpj_jp) March 5, 2023
Dragon Ball has seen a massive resurgence in its popularity over the better part of the past decade, especially in the west. After the original manga and anime run concluded several years ago, the hype surrounding the video game adaptations eventually died out.
It wasn't until the release of the animated film, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, and the video game, Dragon Ball Xenoverse, in 2013 and 2015, respectively, that fans started flocking to it again. Since then, Dragon Ball has been at the forefront of mainstream media even after the 131-episode run of Dragon Ball Super ended in 2018. Dragon Ball fans currently have a multitude of choices on the market but it's clear that all eyes are on Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi for now.
Fingers crossed, the release of the next Budokai Tenkaichi game coincides with the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime.
In the meantime, fighting game fans can look forward to the release of Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Mortal Kombat 12 later this year.
