Back in the mid 90s, fighting games started to get big character rosters. This one was one of the first, including 27 characters, 5 of them unlockable through a cheat code. This means that nearly all the protagonists from the Dragon Ball Z anime were featured (one of the unlockables is from the prequel Dragon Ball, and another one is from a movie only, while a third one had his prominent role in the prequel but nonetheless appeared in Z).

This guide will detail all available combos for each fighter, so mastering them becomes an easier task. From the general basic moves up to the most powerful blasts, everything will be covered in here.

Before Starting

In this game, all fighters start with two full bars of health, the first colored bright green and the second yellow, and below that a full bar of energy, colored red. The energy bar will deplete when using energy attacks, and if it’s completely depleted, your character will be unable to move or block, so always keep an eye on it. Of course, if your second health bar is depleted, then you lose the match.

Four different kinds of attacks can be distinguished: physical attacks, energy-based attacks, super moves and meteor attack. The first ones don’t consume energy and should serve as the primary weapon for close combat for their mid-range. The second ones are simple attacks, not very harmful and don’t consume much energy. Super moves use a good chunk of your energy bar, but also deal significant damage. Finally, each character has a finisher called meteor attack, which is a barrage of punches and kicks dealing significant damage. The amount of attacks each character has under each category varies greatly, except in meteor attacks as there’s only one per character, also super moves will usually be three. It should be noted that super moves have a small animation before being fired, giving your opponent time to avoid it or block it, so be careful with the timing and the energy they consume.

Last, but not least, not all fighters abide to all rules, so any character abiding to different rules will have them noted on their entry, as well as any significant property of its attacks.

NOTE: Only two super moves were listed in the instruction booklet, which means the additional ones are hidden (like the meteor attacks and some physical attacks). Technically, they should deal more damage and consume more energy than the other two, but sometimes this doesn’t happen. Any attack not worthy of the status of super move will instead be listed under energy-based attacks.

Control Explanation

Buttons: Directional buttons will be represented by its initial: d for down, u for up, f for forward and b for back (combinations of two directions will have the two initials, like db for down-back). Square, circle and X will be represented by their full name, since they will be the last buttons pressed in any combo.

Circles: Some combos require circular sequences to be performed. They will also be listed by initials. The available sequences are as follow:

-half circle forward (hcf): b, db, d, df, f

-half circle back (hcb): f, df, d, db, b

-upper half circle back (uhcb): f, uf, u, ub, b

-quarter circle forward (qcf): d, df, f

-quarter circle back (qcb): d, db, b

-inverse quarter forward (iqf): b, db, d

-inverse quarter back (iqb): f, df, d

General Moves

Generally, Square is used for punches, X for kicks and Circle for energy-based attacks, but some exceptions exist here and there. Besides those, there are three more buttons that serve a purpose, which are triangle (a grounded character will fly, and a flying character will land), and the L1/R1 buttons (the character will dash to the left with L1 and to the right with R1).

Recharging Energy: While the energy bar will refill by itself, you can contribute to refill it faster by holding either square, circle or X. Be careful, because your character will be unable to move or block while recharging.

Block: Simply walk back to block, but you will still lose health, so blocking all the way isn’t a solution. To defend from low attacks, block while crouching.

Deflect: Press square + X to deflect a simple energy attack (not usable against super moves). Precise timing is required, and since it mostly is a slap of sorts, can also be used up-close to damage the opponent.

Backstep: Double back. This will make your character avoid any attack, including super moves. Again, precise timing is required for it to work.

Barrier: qcb + circle. This will allow you to block super moves at the expense of a bit of energy. Holding down circle maintains the barrier active while draining energy, so it doesn’t require as much precision as the previous ones.

Renzoku Energy Dan: The common name given to a triple ki blast fired automatically by pressing qcf + circle. Some characters give it their own name while keeping the same effect, others have different effects while sharing the same button input, and a few completely lack the move.

Kiai: Hold back for roughly three seconds, then forward + circle. This throws an invisible blast at the opponent. Again, there may be some attacks with the same effect but different names, some sharing the button input but have different effects and characters lacking the move completely.

And without more delay, the characters

Super Saiyan Goku

Although he uses his regular Super Saiyan form, his sprite is that of his Super Saiyan 2 form.

Physical Attacks

Super Elbow Smash: qcf + Square

Super Turtle Sweep: f, b, f + X

Don’t be fooled by its name, it’s not a low kick but a forward jumping somersault instead

Shiriou Kick: hcf + X

Arrow knee: db, uf + X

Only works up-close.

Instant Transmission: f + Square (when blocking)

Getting this one to work is hard. Still, if you make it work, Goku will get warped away. I’ve tested it on the ground and teleports Goku to the same position but flying.

Energy-based Attacks

Solar Flare: d, u + Circle

Doesn’t cause damage, just blinds the opponent for a brief while, leaving it wide open.

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Super Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Instant Kamehameha: qcb, hcf + Circle

Before firing the attack, Goku will warp right besides the character and fire the attack at point-blank range. However, this doesn’t ensure the move will hit.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Smash: hcb, f + Square

Mid range.

Super Saiyan 2 Gohan

Physical Attacks

Jet Uppercut: qcf + Square

Halo Stomp: iqb + X (while jumping)

Slingshot Sweep: iqf + X

Furious Double Hammer: qcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Masenko: hcf + Circle

Consumes more energy than the average super move.

Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Standing Kamehameha: qcf, b + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Jet: f, b, d, u + X

Short range.

Super Saiyan Goten

Physical Attacks

Goten Attack: d, u + Square

Can also be done while jumping, to cover a greater distance.

Jumping Spark: b + X

Flying Power Kick: db, uf + X

Hurricane Sweep: iqf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Super Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Super Goten Strike: d (hold three seconds), u + Circle

Imitates the Goten Attack, but instead of ramming the opponent from the air, fires an energy ball and lands on the same spot. Consumes little energy and deals little damage for a Super Move.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Ki Crash: hcb, hcf + Square

Mid range. Ends with a Kamehameha, so be sure to have your energy bar filled.

Super Saiyan Kid Trunks

Physical Attacks

Super Elbow Smash: qcf + Square

Reverse Tornado: b + X

Lightning Attack: b (hold three seconds), f + X

Pointed Charge: qcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Buster Cannon: iqb + Circle (while jumping)

Super Moves

Double Buster: hcf + Circle

Big Bang Attack: qcb, f + Circle

Kakusan Energy Dan: qcf, hcf + Circle

By pressing circle twice, you can launch a secondary energy ball. The attack consumes the same energy whether you launch one or two energy balls.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Ki Crash: f, b, d, u + X

Short range. Finishes with a Double Buster, so be sure to have your energy bar filled.

Super Saiyan Gotenks

Physical Attacks

Boar Attack: iqb + Square (while jumping)

Prodigal Super Punch: b (hold three seconds), f + Square

You’re Dead Kick: qcb + X

Super Brilliant Kick: db, uf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Jury’s Verdict: qcf + Circle

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Continuous Die Die Missile: qcb, f + Circle

Basically, a long lasting version of the Jury’s Verdict. It consumes a full energy bar and deals severe damage.

Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack: hcb, hcf + Circle

Unblockable attack.

Meteor Attack

Super Saiyan 3 Meteo Missile: hcb, hcf + Circle

Mid range.

Super Saiyan Future Trunks

Physical Attacks

Blast Attack: iqf + X

Falling Knee Crush: hcb + X

Step Ladder: f, b, f + X

Energy-based Attacks

Energy Fog: qcf + Circle

Instead of the triple straight ki blast, Trunks fires five at the same time: one straight, two pointing upwards and two pointing downwards.

Energy Jet: iqf + Circle

An energy wave that follows the ground. While flying, this attack will go nearly straight down until it reaches the ground, and then go straight as if fired normally.

Super Moves

Burning Attack: hcf + Circle

Finish Buster: qcb, f + Circle

Renzoku Energy Barrage: hcf, hcf + Circle

An attack similar to Gotenks’ Continuous Die Die Missile.

Meteor Attack

Shining Sword Attack: f, b, d, u + Square

Short range.

Piccolo

Physical Attacks

Mystical Jet: b (hold three seconds), f + Square

Halo Stomp: iqb + X (while jumping)

Supersonic Kick: f, b, f + X

Knee Uppercut: db, uf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Antenna Beam: db, uf + Circle

Super Moves

Special Beam Cannon: hcf + Circle

Unblockable attack.

Light Grenade: qcb, f + Circle

Hellzone Grenade: hcb, hcb + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Elastic Smash: f, b, d, u + Square

Krillin

Physical Attacks

Senkouken: qcf + Square

Shockwave Kick: f, b, f + X

Gariou Kick: iqf + X

Diving Kick: iqb + X (while jumping)

Energy-based Attacks

Renzoku Energy Dan: qcf + Circle

Reverse Kamehameha: iqf + Circle

Uses a ki blast to propel himself in the air and kick the opponent.

Solar Flare: d, u + Circle

Doesn’t cause damage, just blinds the opponent for a brief while, leaving it wide open.

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Consumes less energy than usual, damage is the same.

Destructo Disc: qcb, f + Circle

Consumes less energy than usual, damage is the same. Unblockable attack.

Chain Destructo Disc Barrage: hcf, hcf + Circle

Same attack as above, but this time shoots four discs instead of one. All four are unblockable.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Irritation: hcb, f + Square

Tien

Physical Attacks

Machine Gun Punch: Square (tap repeatedly)

Hammerhead: f, b, f + Square

Super Knee Uppercut: qcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Domination Blast: qcf + Circle

Mystery Ray: db, uf + Circle

Solar Flare : d, u + Circle

Doesn’t cause damage, just blinds the opponent for a brief while, leaving it wide open.

Super Moves

Dodon Ray: hcf + Circle

Tri-Beam: qcb, f + Circle

This ki blast is invisible, but blockable.

Neo Tri-Beam: hcb, hcf + Circle

Same attack as above, but shoots multiple invisible ki blasts.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Brute Combo: hcb, f + Square

Mid range.

Great Saiyaman

Physical Attacks

Victory Uppercut: qcf + Square

Super-Hero Punch: f, b, f + Square

Halo Stomp: iqb + X (while jumping)

Double Avenger Kick: qcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Energy Direct: qcf + Circle

Creates a round ki blast and punches it towards the opponent.

Intergalactic Cannon: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Cricle

Great Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Standing Kamehameha: hcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Dance of Justice: hcb, f + X

Eastern Supreme Kai

Physical Attacks

Kienjin: f, b, f + Square

Crazed Assault: b (hold for three seconds), f + Square

Quadruple God Kick: hcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Energy Rain: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold for three seconds), f + Circle

Shockwave: iqf + Circle

An energy wave that follows the ground. While flying, this attack will go nearly straight down until it reaches the ground, and then go straight as if fired normally.

Renzoku Energy Distortion: hcb, hcf + Circle

Technically a Super Move, as it consumes a full energy bar, but only fires a handful of ki blasts in all directions, so damage inflicted is ridiculous.

Super Moves

Energy’s Last: hcf + Circle

Gekiretsu Shin’ou’hou: qcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Telekinesis: f, b, d, u + Circle

Any distance. Fires an invisible blast, so no way of seeing it coming.

Majin Vegeta

Physical Attacks

Super Elbow Smash: qcf + Square

Hammer of Vegeta: f, b, f + Square

Dive Slash: iqb + X (while jumping)

Slash Kick: db, uf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Exploding Wave: d, u + Circle

Scatter Shot: qcf, b + Circle

Similar to Piccolo’s Hellzone Grenade, but this one consumes a lot less energy, deals a lot less damage and can only affect flying foes.

Super Moves

Big Bang Attack: hcf + Circle

Final Flash: qcb, f + Circle

Final Explosion: uhcb, f + Circle (while jumping)

This attack, suicidal in nature in the anime and manga, consumes like one and a half bars of energy, but it also can deplete as much as one full health bar from the opponent. Probably because of this incredible destructive power was made available only when jumping. Also, being an explosion, has a short range.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Barrage: hcb, f + X

Short range.

Zarbon

Physical Attacks

Purple Circle: d, u + X

Super Footslide: iqf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Cosmic Energy Flash: qcf + Circle

Zarbon shoots the three ki blasts at once, instead of one by one.

Pinkeye Breaker: iqf + Circle

Shoots downwards, so doesn’t have a long range.

Super Moves

Star Hail: hcf + Circle

Crusher Ball: qcb, f + Circle

Vanity Spread Shot: qcf, hcf + Circle

Simply a Crusher Ball shot to the ground, which then spreads into three balls, one upwards, one straight and one diagonally up.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Change Charge:

Recoome

No energy-based attacks for him.

Physical Attacks

Catapult: hcf + Square (in close)

Recoome Death Driver: hcb + Square (in close)

Recoome Kick: qcf + X

Recoome Kick High: db, uf + X

Recoome Kick Press: iqb + X (while jumping)

Super Moves

Recoome Bomb: hcf + Circle

Eraser Gun: qcb, f + Circle

Recoome Fighting Bomber: hcb, hcf + Circle

Being an explosion, has a short range.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Guillotine: hcf, hcb + Square (in close)

Captain Ginyu

Physical Attacks

Dynamite Punch: hcb, f + Square

Strong Jersey: hcf + Square

Processed Power Crush: f, b, f + X

Energy-based Attacks

Parmesan Shower: qcf + Circle

Milky Cannon: iqf + Circle

Super Moves

Genius Dynamite Attack: hcf + Circle

Painful Awakening: qcb, f + Circle

Body Change: b, hcb + Circle

Captain Ginyu damages himself, about half a life bar, and changes body with the opponent. For the remainder of the fight, you will control the body of your opponent, unless changed back.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Ginyu Strike: qcb, iqb + X

Medium range.

Final Form Frieza

Physical Attacks

Frieza Head Smash: f, b, f + Square

Nova Strike: iqb + Square (while jumping)

Tail Smash: qcb + X

Energy-based Attacks

Killer Ball: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Death Wave: iqf + Circle

Shoots downwards, so it has a very short range.

Super Moves

Death Ball: hcf + Circle

Mega Buster: qcb, f + Circle

Frieza Invisible Blast: hcb, f + Circle

Performed like the Death Wave, this time it shoots an invisible and unblockable blast.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Telekinesis: f, b, d, u + Circle

Short range.

Android 18

Incapable of performing the “recharge energy” command, however her energy bar recovers way faster than normal characters.

Physical Attacks

Flying Head Grab: f, b, f + Square

Graceful Revolution: iqf + X

Graceful Orbit: f, b, f + X

Triangular Kick: qcf, b + X

Energy-based Attacks

Infinity Bullet: qcf + Circle

Energy Jet: iqf + Circle

An energy wave that follows the ground. While flying, this attack will go nearly straight down until it reaches the ground, and then go straight as if fired normally.

Flash Beam: hcb + Circle

Shoots a ki blast right in front of her feet, so has an extremely short range even if used when flying.

Super Moves

Energy Ball: hcf + Circle

Energy Wave: qcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Bloody Drive: hcb, f + X

Short range.

Android 16

Incapable of performing the “recharge energy” command, however his energy bar recovers way faster than normal characters.

Physical Attacks

Super-Power Direct Attack: qcb, f + Square

Destructive Tackle: iqf + Square

Rocket Punch: qcf + Square

After 16’s right arm returns, there’s a brief period where you can enter the command again and repeat the move with the left arm instead.

Energy-based Attacks

Hyper Cannon: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Eye Beam: db, uf + Circle

Super Moves

Mega Energy Bomb: hcf + Circle

Hell’s Flash: qcb, f + Circle

Hell’s Beam: qcf, hcf + Circle

Being a combination of the Rocket Punch and the Hell’s Flash, it can deliver two hits, first with the released arm and then the energy ball.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Hell Flash Combo: qcb, hcf + Square

Medium range.

Perfect Cell

Physical Attacks

Battering Ram: f, b, f + Square

Rockslide Tackle: f, b, f + X

Climbing Attack: db, uf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Negative Power Rain: qcf + Circle

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Death Beam: b, f + Circle

Super Moves

Big Bang Attack: hcf + Circle

Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Super Kamehameha: hcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Self-Destruct: f, b, d, u + Square

Medium range. Despite what the name implies, Cell doesn’t explode or anything.

Dabura

Physical Attacks

Fury Blade: qcf + Square

Double Fury: qcf + X

Darkness Sword Attack: hcb + Square

Energy-based Attacks

Stone Spit: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Dabura spits at short range, immobilizing the opponent for a brief while. In the anime, they were turned to stone, hence the name.

Evil Spear: b, f + Circle

The curved trajectory that the lance describes can miss a small opponent at close to mid range.

Energy Shoot: hcb + Circle

Super Moves

Energy Breath: hcf + Circle

Evil Impulse: qcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Lance Slicer: b, f, d, u + Square (in close)

Majin Buu

Physical Attacks

Fat Headache: db, uf + Square

Can hit when raising up or when falling down

Super Fat Headache: f, b, f + Square

Majin Buu Jumpkick: iqb + X (while jumping)

Majin Buu Low Kick: iqf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Energy Splitter: qcf + Circle

Buu creates a ki blast in front of it, then smashes it with both its hands to produce several more ki blasts in all directions.

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Chocolate Beam: hcf + Circle

Flame Shower Breath: qcb, f + Circle

Angry Explosion: hcb, f + Circle

Being an explosion, doesn’t have a long range. Plus, it doesn’t consume as much energy as the Flame Shower Breath.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Dance: b, f, d, u + Square

Short range.

Super Buu

Physical Attacks

Elastic Tentacle: b, f + Square

Crazed Elbow Hit: qcf + Square

Super Triple Combo: qcb, f + X

Energy-based Attacks

Super Energy Split: qcf + Circle

Shoots the triple ki blast at the same time, like Zarbon.

Super Moves

Chocolate Beam: hcf + Circle

Flame Shower Breath: qcb, f + Circle

Human Extinction Attack: hcf, hcf + Circle

Doesn’t have a long range. Consumes more than one energy bar, but deals significant damage.

Meteor Attack

Dangerous Liquid Bomb: hcb, hcf + Square

Long range.

Master Roshi

Incapable of flying or dashing. Instead of performing the barrier with qcb + circle, he performs an evasive maneuver with qcf + circle (he seems to have a second evasive maneuver with iqb + circle, though this one is harder to pull out for some reason). No energy-based attacks for him.

Physical Attacks

Two Level Knee Hit: f, b, f + X

Drunken Turtle Punch: qcf + Square

Drunken Turtle Kick: qcf + X

Elephant Punch: iqb + Square

Afterimage Technique: f, b, f + Square

Simply teleports Roshi behind his opponent.

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

MAX Power Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Consumes a full bar of energy.

Thunder Shock Surprise: hcb + Circle

Consumes very little energy and has a short range, but can deal massive damage depending on how many hits connect.

Meteor Attack

Mafuda: hcb, hcf + Circle

Since it shoots a ki blast, can be used from any distance.

Kid Goku

Physical Attacks

Fists of Fury: hcf + Square

Magic Stick: b (hold three seconds), f + Square

Rock, Scissors, Paper: b, f + Circle/Square/X

While each button does perform a different attack, it merely changes the shape of Goku’s hand: closed fist for rock, index and middle fingers out for scissors, open palm for paper.

Energy-based Attacks

Flying Kamehameha: iqb + Square (while jumping)

Similar to Krillin’s Inverse Kamehameha, but used in the air and aiming downwards.

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Bending Kamehameha: hcb, f + Circle

Once fired, the energy ball can be controlled at will with the directional buttons.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Kong: hcf, hcb + Square

I’ve only managed to pull it out while in close.

Super Saiyan 3 Goku

Physical Attacks

Hyper Elbow Smash: qcf + Square

Double Halo Stomp: iqb + X (while jumping)

Frontflip: qcb, f + X

Backflip: qcf, b + X

Double Frontflip: hcf + X

Energy-based Attacks

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Kamehameha: hcf + Circle

Super Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

True Kamehameha: hcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

Meteo Instant Transmission Smash: b, f, d, u + Square

After the input, Goku teleports right besides the opponent, so it can be used at any distance.

Super Gogeta

Mistakenly called Vegito. Vegito did appear in the anime and Gogeta is from a movie, so technically it would make more sense for Vegito to star here.

Physical Attacks

Gogeta Super Kick: qcb + X

Perforating Spinner: f, b, f + X

Halo Smash: iqb + X (while jumping)

Aerial Bomb: hcf + Square

Can only hit jumping foes, though.

Teleport: L1/R1 + Square, Circle or X

Square performs a low kick, X performs a Perforating Spinner, Circle performs a Halo Smash.

Energy-based Attacks

Kiai: b (hold three seconds), f + Circle

Super Moves

Double Buster: hcf + Circle

Final Kamehameha: qcb, f + Circle

Chou Energy Dan: qcb, hcb + Circle

Fires three energy balls at once. Don’t worry if you end up jumping for trying to input the combo too fast, it can be done in mid-air.

Meteor Attack

Meteo Meteor Attack: hcf, hcb + Square

Long range.

Mr. Satan

Incapable of flying, dashing or creating a barrier. Uses weapons instead of energy, so it has no energy bar. Oddly, he can still perform the “recharge energy” command, but obviously with no result whatsoever.

Physical Attacks

Rolling Attack: iqf + Square

Doesn’t cause damage, just a bluff attack.

Volcanic Sting: qcb + Square

Fearful Fist: qcf + Square

Dynamite Kick: qcf + X

Satan Ultra Dynamite: hcb, f + Square

Special Grenade: Circle

Mr. Satan’s usage of weapons is also reflected in his normal ki blast, which is a grenade.

Super Moves

Special Bazooka: hcf + Circle

Causes substantially less damage than the ones below.

Megatron Special Mortar: qcb, f + Circle

Megatron Special Mortar Misfire: qcb, hcf + Circle

In this occasion, Mr. Satan throws the oversized missile upwards, falling just in front of him. The explosion blows Mr. Satan away unharmed, but can damage the opponent if it’s really close to him.

Four Missile Launch: hcb, f + Circle

Meteor Attack

 Meteo Muscle Buster: hcb, hcf + Square

Short range.