About Dragon Ball: Mystery of Shenron
Dragon Ball: Mystery of Shenron (original Japanese title: Dragon Ball: Shenlong no Nazo) is an action adventure game developed by Tose and published by Bandai, originally released in 1986 for the Family Computer. It is one of the earliest video games based on the Dragon Ball series, combining side-scrolling action with elements from the beginning of Goku’s journey. The game was later released in North America under the title Dragon Power with changes made to characters and presentation.
The game follows young Goku as he travels across the world searching for the seven Dragon Balls alongside Bulma and other familiar characters from the original Dragon Ball story. Players encounter enemies from the early series, including the Red Ribbon Army and various martial arts opponents, while collecting Dragon Balls and moving closer to summoning Shenron. The adventure covers events inspired by the early Dragon Ball manga, before the series focused on large-scale battles and powerful transformations.
You can play Dragon Ball: Mystery of Shenron online on Emulator Games Zone with a NES Emulator and experience one of Goku’s earliest game adventures directly in your browser. This NES version combines simple action combat with exploration elements, creating a different style from later Dragon Ball fighting games. Instead of focusing on one-on-one battles, it features stage-based progression where players travel through different locations, fight enemies, and collect items while following Goku’s search for the Dragon Balls.
Players control Goku as he moves through forests, villages, caves, and enemy bases, using his Power Pole and special techniques to defeat opponents. The game includes different stages inspired by the early Dragon Ball story, along with boss battles against familiar characters. Players can collect items to restore health, increase power, and improve their chances of surviving tougher encounters.
How To Play
Players control young Goku through a series of side-scrolling stages while searching for the Dragon Balls and facing enemies along the way. The gameplay combines platform movement, close-range combat, item collection, and exploration, with each area featuring different enemies and obstacles.
Goku attacks using his Power Pole, allowing players to strike enemies from a short distance while moving through each stage. Players can also use the Kamehameha technique as a special attack, providing a stronger option when facing groups of enemies or more powerful opponents. Managing health and choosing the right time to use special attacks are important when progressing through difficult sections.
The game features multiple areas based on locations from the early Dragon Ball story, including forests, towns, and hidden bases. Players need to defeat enemies, avoid traps, and collect useful items while searching for the Dragon Balls hidden throughout the adventure. Some stages also include boss encounters that require different approaches compared with regular enemies.
Unlike later Dragon Ball games that focus mainly on fighting mechanics, Dragon Ball: Mystery of Shenron offers a more traditional action adventure experience. The game emphasizes exploration and progression, with players following Goku’s journey rather than simply battling opponents in arenas. Its simple controls and story-based stages make it a unique early adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe.
