The Nintendo SNES era was a time of great excitement for gamers worldwide. With the release of iconic titles such as Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the console cemented its place as one of the most beloved gaming systems of all time. However, it wasn't just these flagship franchises that made an impact on the market.

In this article, we will delve into a lesser-known title from the SNES era - Dragon Ball Z: La Legende Saien (France) [En by Ginew v20010305] (~Dragon Ball Z - Super Butouden 2). This game has gained a cult following over the years, and for good reason. With its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich storyline, it's no wonder why fans of the Dragon Ball Z franchise still eagerly seek out this hidden gem.

Background

La Legende Saien is the French version of Super Butouden 2, a sequel to the critically acclaimed Super Butouden: La Vieille Guerre. The original game was released in 1990 for the Sega Game Gear and served as an adaptation of the Dragon Ball Z manga series by Akira Toriyama.

The SNES port of Super Butouden 2 was developed by CRI Middleware, a renowned Japanese video game developer that worked closely with Toei Animation to create faithful adaptations of the popular anime series. The game's storyline follows Goku and his friends as they embark on a perilous journey through time to prevent a catastrophic future.

Gameplay

La Legende Saien is an action-adventure game that takes place in both the present and alternate timelines, featuring intense battles against powerful foes from the Dragon Ball Z universe. Players take control of Goku and his friends as they navigate through various environments, including 3D battlefields and intricate puzzle sequences.

One of the standout features of La Legende Saien is its combat system. The game boasts a variety of innovative mechanics that set it apart from other action-adventure titles of the time. For instance, players can utilize Goku's Kamehameha wave to blast enemies or engage in hand-to-hand combat with foes using a unique " ki" meter.

Additionally, La Legende Saien incorporates various mini-games and side quests that add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay experience. These range from puzzles that require strategic thinking to mini-boss battles against formidable opponents.

Visuals and Audio

At the time of its release, La Legende Saien's graphics were considered impressive for the SNES era. The game features vibrant colors and detailed character models, bringing the world of Dragon Ball Z to life in a way that was both faithful to the source material and visually stunning.

The soundtrack is equally noteworthy, with a catchy and energetic score that perfectly complements the game's fast-paced action sequences. The voice acting, courtesy of Japanese voice actor Nobuyuki Takahashi, adds an extra layer of immersion to the gameplay experience.

Age Rating

In France, La Legende Saien was originally rated "Jeune de 10 ans et plus" by l'ONEL (Office National d'Education et de la Lutte Contre le Tabac), indicating that children under the age of 12 should not play the game due to its mild violence and mature themes.

However, it's worth noting that this rating system is no longer in effect today. In modern France, the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) equivalent would be the "PEGI" system, which assigns ratings based on the level of content found in a game.

The current rating for La Legende Saien under PEGI 3+ indicates that it is suitable for players aged 7 and above. This rating takes into account the game's mild violence, suggestive themes, and brief cartoon violence.

Conclusion

La Legende Saien, the French version of Super Butuden 2, is a hidden gem in the world of Dragon Ball Z games. With its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich storyline, it's no wonder why fans of the franchise still seek out this game today.

While La Legende Saien may not be as well-known as some other titles in the Dragon Ball Z series, it is undoubtedly a worthy addition to any collection of classic gaming systems. Its age rating of 7+ under PEGI ensures that it is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families and gamers looking to experience a more mature take on the beloved franchise.

As we look back on the SNES era, La Legende Saien stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of CRI Middleware and Toei Animation. Its influence can be seen in many modern action-adventure games that have followed in its footsteps, making it an essential title for any gaming enthusiast looking to experience the best of the past.

In short, La Legende Saien is an excellent example of how a well-crafted game can leave a lasting impact on the world of gaming. If you're looking to experience a classic Dragon Ball Z adventure with a unique twist, look no further than this iconic title from the SNES era.