Introduce
Dragon Power for the NES is an action-adventure game primarily played from a top-down perspective, with certain levels or boss battles switching to a side-scrolling view. Players control the protagonist, Goku, on his quest to find the legendary Seven Dragon Balls. The game takes players through various environments, from forests and deserts to caves, encountering numerous enemies and obstacles.
Gameplay primarily focuses on combat and exploration. Goku can utilize his Power Pole for close-range attacks and unleash powerful Kamehameha blasts. Throughout the levels, players can collect various items to increase Goku's strength, health, or Kamehameha energy. Special items like the Flying Nimbus help Goku move faster or overcome specific obstacles.
A significant aspect of Dragon Power is its heavy Westernization compared to its original Japanese counterpart, Dragon Ball: Shenron no Nazo. Many characters and story elements were altered or censored to fit Western markets. For instance, Bulma was renamed "Nora," Master Roshi became "Master Poo," and sensitive elements like panties were changed to "sandwiches." This creates a unique yet significantly different experience from the original Dragon Ball source material.
Boss battles are a crucial part of the game, requiring players to master Goku's combat skills and effectively use his special moves. The ultimate goal is to gather all the Dragon Balls and confront the most formidable foes to complete the quest.