Akira Toriyama's Legacy In Video Games - Plato Data Intelligence

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One month ago, the anime world and arguably the entire entertainment world received shocking news. Akira Toriyama, legendary manga artist and creator of “Dragon Ball,” passed away on March 1, 2024.

News of this came from a statement posted on the official Dragon Ball website and issued by Toriyama’s Bird Studio, which confirmed his passing due to acute subdural hematoma.

The post on X received over 82 million views

Akira Toriyama’s creativity transcended the anime world, with cartoons, animes, movies, and video games referencing Dragon Ball. There is almost no person who does not know of Goku and the Dragon Ball series.

To honor his creative works and memory, we will dive into the biggest games relating to Dragon Ball and his other creative works that have impacted the gaming community.

Note: This list is not a tier list, in any order, or to say that these works are Toriyama’s best works, these are simply works that have had a big impact on the gaming community and what brought many people together.

1. Dragon Ball FighterZ

It’s the biggest competitive Dragon Ball fighting game. This game put competitive players, fans, and spectators in arenas, screaming, crying, and ultimately immersed in incredible, fast-paced gameplay that left everyone in awe. Since its original release in Jan. 2018, the game is still being played, and hosted in major tournaments such as EVO, EVO Japan, CEO, and many more.

Legendary fighting game players such as Dominique “SonicFox” McLean, Goichi “GO1” Kishida, and William “Leffen” Hjelte, all competed and enjoyed the game. Dragon Ball FighterZ left such an impact on the fighting game community, creating iconic moments and players, and it was through Dragon Ball that the game was possible.

2. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Many games tell the tale of Goku, the Z Fighters, and the antagonists Goku has faced throughout his adventures to become the strongest while protecting Earth, his home.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot gives a modern taste of previous PS2 and PS3 Dragon Ball games, fighting from the start of the Saiyan Saga, all the way to the Buu Saga.

This role-playing game will have you wanting to learn more about Dragon Ball. With a refined combat system, the original cast of voice actors, and the feeling of nostalgia while playing, Kakarot is a good entry to experience Goku’s story. The story Toriyama wrote for us was adapted into a different medium and impressed fans with the game.

3. Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger

Fans of JRPGs have likely heard of Chrono Trigger or Dragon Quest, perhaps even played some of the many games the franchises offer, however, some fans may also be unaware that Toriyama helped develop some games.

Toriyama did not only create Dragon Ball but he also helped develop and design characters in the Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger franchises. Dragon Quest, which has roughly 30 games since its original start in 1986, has become a fan favorite in the Japanese role-playing genre. Since then, Toriyama would reference Dragon Quest in his Dragon Ball mangas, such as medislimes, orcs, sabrecats, and other creatures from the Dragon Quest series.

4. Dragon Ball Xenoverse

Every fan’s dream was to fight like Goku, eat like him, and transform into a Super Saiyan. Although we could not, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 1 and 2 gave us the best opportunity. Fans could dive into the game, create characters, and fight battles with Goku and against foes. And even learned moves from the various instructors such as Piccolo, Vegeta, and Goku.

Xenoverse 1 and 2 gave fans the closest thing to experiencing their avatar as a Super Saiyan. When the news of Toriyama was public, hundreds of players hopped on Xenoverse 2 to do the “Spirit Bomb” emote, holding their hands to the sky to gather, or in this case, give their energy to the late Toriyama.

Toriyama has influenced an entire generation. Even if you are not a fan of Dragon Ball, there is no denying that Toriyama has made a surmountable impact on the manga/anime community, and even on the entertainment industry.

Since his passing, fans, creators, developers, and even the Chinese Foreign Ministry of Affairs, paid tribute to Akira Toriyama’s passing. It truly speaks volumes.