Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo – A Classic Adventure on the Wii
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo – A Classic Adventure on the Wii
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo is a side-scrolling action-adventure game released exclusively for the Nintendo Wii in 2009. Developed by Media.Vision and published by Namco Bandai, the game revisits the original Dragon Ball series, focusing on the Red Ribbon Army Saga and the King Piccolo Saga. With its vibrant visuals, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic charm, Revenge of King Piccolo offers fans a chance to relive Goku’s early adventures in a unique format.
This article explores the story, gameplay, features, and fan reception of Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo, highlighting its place in the franchise’s extensive gaming history.
1. Storyline: Revisiting the Origins
1.1 The Red Ribbon Army Saga
The game begins with Goku’s quest to retrieve the Dragon Balls while battling the Red Ribbon Army. Players journey through iconic locations such as:
- Muscle Tower.
- The Pirate Cave.
- General Blue’s hideout.
1.2 The King Piccolo Saga
The second half of the game shifts to the King Piccolo Saga, where Goku must face the demon king and his minions. Key moments include:
- Goku’s battle against Tambourine and Drum.
- The climactic fight with King Piccolo himself.
1.3 Authentic Adaptation
The game faithfully adapts the anime’s story, complete with dialogue and cutscenes that capture the humor and drama of the original series.
2. Gameplay: Side-Scrolling Action Meets Dragon Ball
2.1 Action-Adventure Mechanics
Revenge of King Piccolo combines classic side-scrolling action with Dragon Ball-style combat:
- Players control Goku as he traverses levels, battling enemies and solving platforming challenges.
- Combos, special moves, and power-ups enhance the action.
2.2 Boss Battles
The game features epic boss fights against iconic villains, including:
- Major Metallitron.
- General Blue.
- King Piccolo.
2.3 Tournament Mode
In addition to the main story, players can engage in Tournament Mode, a multiplayer battle mode where they select characters from the series to fight in head-to-head matches.
3. Visuals and Presentation
3.1 Cel-Shaded Graphics
The game uses cel-shaded visuals to emulate the anime’s art style, creating a vibrant and immersive experience.
3.2 Voice Acting and Music
- The game includes voice acting in both Japanese and English, adding authenticity for fans of either dub.
- The music is reminiscent of the original series, enhancing the nostalgic feel.
4. Features and Highlights
4.1 Collectibles
Players can collect Zeni and items throughout the game to unlock:
- Characters for Tournament Mode.
- Alternate costumes and extras.
4.2 Accessible Difficulty
The game’s straightforward controls and moderate difficulty make it accessible to newcomers and younger players, while still providing enough challenge for seasoned fans.
4.3 Fan Service
Revenge of King Piccolo is packed with references to the Dragon Ball series, making it a treat for long-time fans.
5. Reception and Legacy
5.1 Critical Response
The game received generally favorable reviews for:
- Its faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball storyline.
- Fun, engaging gameplay.
- Nostalgic appeal for fans of the original series.
However, critics noted that the game’s simplicity and repetitive mechanics might not appeal to hardcore action gamers.
5.2 Fan Appreciation
Fans praised the game for focusing on the original Dragon Ball series, which often takes a backseat to the more action-packed Dragon Ball Z in other media.
5.3 A Unique Entry
Revenge of King Piccolo stands out as one of the few games that spotlight Goku’s early adventures, making it a unique addition to the franchise’s gaming catalog.
6. Tips and Tricks for Players
6.1 Mastering Combat
- Use combos effectively: Experiment with different moves to maximize damage.
- Charge your Kamehameha: Hold the button for a stronger blast to take down tough enemies.
6.2 Explore Thoroughly
- Collect all Zeni and items in each level to unlock extras and bonuses.
6.3 Practice in Tournament Mode
- Use Tournament Mode to familiarize yourself with characters and hone your skills.
7. Conclusion: A Must-Play for Dragon Ball Fans
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo is a love letter to the original Dragon Ball series, capturing the charm and excitement of Goku’s early adventures. While its gameplay may be straightforward, the nostalgic presentation, engaging story, and faithful adaptation make it a delightful experience for fans.
Whether you’re a long-time Dragon Ball enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the series’ beginnings, Revenge of King Piccolo is a gem worth revisiting.