Bandai Games Collection
Founded in 1955 as a toy manufacturer, Bandai (now Bandai Namco Entertainment) has grown into one of Japan's most influential game publishers, specializing in licensed entertainment and toy-game hybrids. Known for transforming physical play experiences into digital formats, Bandai has created some of gaming's most iconic franchises based on anime, manga, and original toy properties.
Early Years and Arcade Innovations
Bandai's gaming division emerged in the 1980s with groundbreaking arcade titles:- Dragon Ball Z fighting games (beginning 1986)
- Tamagotchi virtual pet arcade cabinets (1996)
- Gundam battle simulators with cockpit cabinets
These established Bandai's expertise in arcade experiences and licensed properties.
Home Console Revolution
Bandai became a major console publisher with:- Digimon World (1999) - Pioneering digital monster RPG
- Gundam Battle Assault series (1994-2002)
- The Idolmaster rhythm games (2005-present)
- Tales of RPG series (co-developed with Namco)
Their console games emphasized collectible elements and character progression.
Handheld Dominance
Bandai defined portable gaming with:- WonderSwan handheld system (1999)
- Digimon and Tamagotchi LCD games
- One Piece and Naruto adaptations for Game Boy Advance
Their handheld titles often included connectivity with physical toys.
Modern Era and Bandai Namco Merger
After merging with Namco in 2005, Bandai:- Expanded Dragon Ball games (Xenoverse, FighterZ)
- Developed Dark Souls (under Bandai Namco)
- Created Ace Combat and Tekken collaborations
- Pioneered Gundam VR experiences
Today, Bandai Namco remains a leader in anime gaming and toy-game integration.
Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension
1995
FightingThe final and most advanced Dragon Ball Z fighting game on SNES features cinematic special moves and six-button combat. With eight playable characters and dramatic story battles, it captures the intensity of the anime's Cell Saga with scaling sprites and screen-filling energy attacks.
Digimon: Battle Spirit
2001
FightingA 2D fighting game featuring Digimon from the first three seasons. Players battle in arena stages collecting Spirits to Digivolve mid-fight. Unique rock-paper-scissors elemental combat system.
Naruto: Konoha Ninpouchou
2001
FightingThe first Naruto game ever released, this WonderSwan exclusive features side-scrolling ninja action with chakra-based special moves. Play as young Naruto Uzumaki through key early manga storylines with authentic Japanese voice clips.
From TV Animation One Piece - Grand Battle Swan Colosseum
2002
FightingA 2D fighting game featuring characters from the early One Piece saga, designed specifically for Bandai's WonderSwan handheld. Players battle in arena-style matches with special attacks based on each character's Devil Fruit abilities and unique fighting styles.
Saint Seiya: Ougon Densetsu Hen - Perfect Edition
2003
RPGAn enhanced RPG adaptation of the classic 'Gold Legend' arc from the Saint Seiya anime, featuring turn-based battles where characters unleash their Cosmo energy through signature attacks like Pegasus Ryu Sei Ken.
Dicing Knight
1999
Action RPGDicing Knight is an action RPG developed by Bandai for the WonderSwan handheld console. Players control a knight who uses dice-based combat mechanics to battle monsters in a fantasy world. The game combines traditional RPG elements with unique dice-rolling mechanics for attacks and spells.
Rockman EXE WS
2003
Action RPGRockman EXE WS is an action RPG based on the Mega Man Battle Network series, developed for the WonderSwan handheld. The game follows Lan Hikari and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE as they battle viruses and cyber criminals in the cyber world, featuring a unique blend of real-time action and strategic deck-building elements.
Ultraman: Messenger of the Land of Light
2000
Action RPGAn action RPG adventure featuring Ultraman on the WonderSwan handheld. Players explore alien worlds and battle monsters while uncovering the mystery of the Land of Light.
Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout
1997
FightingDragon Ball GT: Final Bout is a 3D fighting game based on the Dragon Ball GT anime series, released for PlayStation in 1997. The game features characters from across the Dragon Ball timeline, including GT-exclusive forms like Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Vegeta, with combat taking place in destructible 3D arenas.
Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22
1995
FightingDragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 is a 1995 fighting game featuring 22 characters from the Dragon Ball Z series. Players engage in 3D-rendered 2D battles with signature moves like Kamehameha waves and Spirit Bombs across destructible arenas.