Summary
- Kid Goku’s appearance has diminished in newer DB games, replaced by more powerful iterations like Super Saiyan Goku.
- Kid Goku relied on creativity and agility, unlike older Goku who powers up to overcome hardships easily.
- Different games offer diverse experiences with Kid Goku, showcasing his unique fighting style and nostalgic moments.
Since Dragon Ball has progressed a lot, it makes previous sagas more niche, especially for the original Dragon Ball. Kid Goku’s appearance in games has diminished greatly due to convenient scenarios when Goku would change into his younger form. These newer iterations would replace Kid Goku entirely, like in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 or Dragon Ball FighterZ. It makes sense since Goku uses nostalgic fighting styles in both Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Daima, though with access to his Super Saiyan form.
It’s easier for older Goku to overcome hardships by powering up, whereas the original Kid Goku was forced to adapt with his base strength. Since Kid Goku wasn’t overwhelmingly strong or tall, he relied on his high agility and creative improvisation during his struggles, like using the force of his blast for physical attacks or playing rock-paper-scissors. For players who want to step into Kid Goku’s shoes in a video game, check out these titles.
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8
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Underrated Fighter
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero adds a lot of representatives from across the entire Dragon Ball franchise, including Dragon Ball. Teen Goku is the only representative of his series, limiting his iconic interactions with his villains. His special skills remain unchanged from his previous iteration, though the fighter has more detailed designs, like his flying nimbus.
Teen Goku isn’t the only young form of Goku, since his other iterations are also playable. He doesn’t look strong at first since he can’t fly for long, though his kit allows him a more versatile team composition due to his low DP count. While having both ki blasts and rush specials for aggression, he can also use Afterimage Strike and False Courage for defensive maneuvers.
7
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Untapped Potential
Dragon Ball Budokai 3 covers mainly Dragon Ball Z, though it holds a little representation of other series. Kid Goku is one of the hidden fighters that’s unlocked through a specific event.
He’s played similarly to his older version, but with a limited attack range, like Link and Young Link in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. Since he is smaller, opponents have to take his smaller hitbox into account. Kid Goku can be a threat anywhere on stage with his power pole, letting him poke at further distances. For up-close combat, he can use his rock-paper-scissors move, which has multiple variations, including an unblockable attack.
6
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Nostalgic Battles
Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 covers the most significant moments of the Dragon Ball series. It’s one of the few games to feature multiple Dragon Ball sagas, like Demon King Piccolo, Captain Blue, Pilaf, and even Devilman. They help to portray their canonical tension for the young, pure-hearted Saiyan through both the implemented story and interactions.
What’s also unique to this version of Goku is his Saiyan potential. It’s the only game that allows Kid Goku to transform into a giant ape during the night stages. Due to his uncontrollable rampage, his special skills aren’t as great compared to the other trained giant Saiyan apes.
5
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Like Father, Like Son
Dragon Ball Z Kakarot 23rd World Tournament gives a more in-depth experience of the final Dragon Ball saga before the upcoming Dragon Ball Z. It is the only chance to not only control kid Goku, but also teenage Goku in an open world. He can explore all around Papaya Island to meet familiar friends, overcome threats, and complete relaxing activities.
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Since the DLC uses the new ground battle system, Goku has to rely on strategic positioning and combos rather than flight and ki blasts. His fighting style is more creative compared to the base game, with skills like his feet Kamehameha boost. Due to limited aerial combat, Goku has to be more cautious against stronger opponents in outside battlefields or tournament arenas, like Tien’s assassin techniques and Junior’s destructive force.
4
Dragon Ball: Origins
Animated Beginning
Dragon Ball: Origins takes Kid Goku through a top-down adventure in Emperor Pilaf and Tournament sagas. Each episode is uniquely designed for platforming and puzzle solving, like Fire Mountain and Pilaf’s Castle. Many foes await to challenge Goku, like thieves, tournament combatants, dinosaurs, and even an emperor.
Goku can shift his fighting style between his bare fists and power pole at any time. While he usually completes objectives himself, some allies may follow him, like Bulma. This forces Goku to escort and protect his partner, similar to Leon and Ashley in Resident Evil 4. The major difference is that Bulma can fight against other enemies and assist Goku along the way.
3
Dragon Ball: Revenge Of King Piccolo
Revolting Demon Rule
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo
- Released
-
October 20, 2009
- ESRB
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E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Cartoon Violence, Mild Language, Tobacco Reference
- Developer(s)
-
Media.Vision
Dragon Ball: Revenge Of King Piccolo features Kid Goku facing one of his worst enemies: the Red Ribbon Army and Demon King Piccolo. The small Saiyan travels between stages that test his 2D platforming in a 3D environment, similar to Megaman X8. He doesn’t just use his power pole and signature ki techniques, but also some wrestling moves to showcase a Saiyan’s strength.
With bright colors, onomatopoeia, and cut shots, the game is designed to look similar to a manga. It helps to make the combat more immersive and impactful, especially when a special cutscene plays during the match. The game does a good job at capturing iconic moments during boss fights, like Goku’s fight against a mysterious masked opponent.
2
Dragon Ball: Origins 2
Expressive Adventure
- Developer: Game Republic
- Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
- Release: June 22, 2010
Dragon Ball Origins 2 continues its predecessor’s formula while giving a spotlight to the Red Ribbon Army and Fortune Teller Baba sagas. While Goku has familiar controls and fighting styles, he faces many new challenges, including one-on-one arena matches and tower climbing.
In this new adventure, Goku isn’t the only character that players can control, as he has the help of other friends like Krillin and Android 8. Some allies even have exclusive minigames within certain levels. What’s best about multiple characters is access to multiplayer within the Survival Tower for co-op fun.
1
Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure
2D Childhood
Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure showcases all of Goku’s childhood, from the loss of his grandfather up to his final match with the Demon King. The game doesn’t just show the whole journey of Kid Goku, but lets him participate in other modes like one-on-one, versus, extra, and mini-games.
Kid Goku isn’t the only playable character. Other opponents he faced are also available to play, including Nam, Yamcha, and Jackie Chan himself. Its huge roster allows more diversity for various other modes, including playing through the main story in extra mode.
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