A long-lost Dragon Ball racing game, originally released in Japan in 2009, has resurfaced after 16 years, thanks to a dedicated fan archive effort. This mobile-only title, known as Dragon Ball Racing, was previously considered lost media and is now available for fans to experience.
Developed and published by Bandai Namco, Dragon Ball Racing was exclusive to Japanese FOMA 903i phones, limiting its reach and contributing to its obscurity. The game drew comparisons to the popular Mario Kart series, featuring characters from the beloved Dragon Ball franchise. Despite its official status, information about the game was scant, primarily found on blogs and fan sites.
The revival of Dragon Ball Racing is attributed to game preservationist RockmanCosmo. After navigating various downloads and employing translation tools, players have successfully run the game on PCs through a platform called Keitai Archive. The archived version currently available is a trial, allowing players to control Goku as he races through a map inspired by the iconic Kame House from the manga and anime series.
In the game, players can see Goku launching Kamehameha waves at his rival, Frieza, while encountering other characters like Piccolo and Bulma. Though the content is limited, the novelty of experiencing this previously inaccessible title has garnered interest among fans of the franchise.
While only the trial version has been archived, the game offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a slice of Dragon Ball history. For those who consider themselves fans—whether casual or dedicated—taking a few minutes to play Dragon Ball Racing might provide a delightful glimpse into an obscure chapter of video game history.
As the gaming community continues to prioritize the preservation of such titles, Dragon Ball Racing serves as a reminder of the importance of archiving and sharing gaming history. Fans looking to dive deeper into the Dragon Ball universe can also explore guides on how to watch the series in order, enhancing their appreciation for this iconic franchise.
