Dragon Ball Z Gaiden - Saiya Jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku (Japan)

Dragon Ball Z Gaiden - Saiya Jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku is a unique role-playing game (RPG) for the NES, distinguished by its card-based battle system instead of traditional turn-based combat.

Players control Goku's party as they navigate a vast overworld map, exploring locations, interacting with NPCs, and triggering story events. Random encounters occur as you traverse the map.

Upon entering a battle, the screen shifts to a first-person or third-person perspective, and players are presented with a hand of five cards drawn from their collected deck. Each card has two main attributes: a number from 1 to 7 representing power (akin to Ki energy) and another number or symbol representing skills or actions (e.g., physical attack, Ki blast, defense, healing).

To perform an action, players must select two cards: one to determine power and one to determine the action. For instance, choosing a 'power 7' card and a 'Kamehameha' card will result in a powerful Kamehameha attack. The combined power of the selected cards determines the effectiveness of the attack or defense. This system demands strategic thinking, requiring players to carefully consider which cards to use for maximum effect, while also managing their remaining hand to prepare for subsequent attacks or defenses.

Beyond combat, the game features familiar RPG elements such as character leveling, item collection, and an original storyline revolving around Dr. Raichi's Saiyan extinction plan and the emergence of legendary 'Ghost Saiyans'. It offers a very different Dragon Ball Z gaming experience, providing strategic depth and novelty for fans of the series.