Project Proposal: Making the "Definitive" DBZ Legends via Sprite/Move Swapping

[RRSplash20]

What's up guys!

First, HUGE shoutout to @wonder-inc for the incredible English translation patch! It’s breathed new life into what I believe is the superior version of Dragon Ball Z: Legends!!!

I’m writing because there’s one major "ball-drop" in the Saturn version that has always bothered me personally & probably some of the community: The missing Big Bang Attack for Super Saiyan Vegeta.
As many know, the later PS1 port added this move, while the Saturn version uses a generic, lackluster ki blast. However, the PS1 version suffers from a 30fps cap and duller backgrounds. I’m wondering if it’s technically feasible to "restore" this move to the Saturn version to create the ultimate definitive edition?

The Technical Angle:
I’ve been comparing the assets, and the Saturn already has the perfect "engine" for this: Goku’s Spirit Bomb (Genki Dama).

• The Spirit Bomb is a high-quality scaling sphere that runs beautifully at 60fps on the Saturn's VDP1.
• The Idea: Could we use the scaling/transparency code from the Spirit Bomb, shrink the sprite/palette, and recolor it to Vegeta’s blue-white energy?
• By mapping this "Mini-Spirit Bomb" asset to Vegeta’s Super Attack, we’d finally have an anime-accurate Big Bang Attack that looks and performs better than the PS1’s "chunky" flame version!!!

I know the VDP1 is a beast with quads and scaling—it seems like the Saturn was born to handle this move better than the PS1 ever did. Is anyone familiar enough with the move-set pointers or VDP1 sprite handling for this game to see if an asset swap/recolor is possible?

I'd love to help test or provide any more side-by-side logic if someone is interested in looking under the hood!

 

[RRSplash20]

Update on Asset Source:

I noticed the small blue/white energy spheres during Goku’s Spirit Bomb charge. If those are standalone sprite assets or part of a reusable particle routine, could one potentially be repurposed and scaled for Vegeta’s Big Bang Attack?

 

[RRSplash20]

From visual inspection, the Spirit Bomb gathering particles appear to be clean, scaleable quad sprites that overlap without visible mesh dithering. If these are spawned through a reusable particle routine rather than being hard-coded inside Goku’s move script, could one instance potentially be repurposed for Vegeta and scaled via VDP1 over animation frames?

 

[P0PiTiN]

I’ve always felt the same way about this game, as Vegeta isn’t the only one with different attacks. There were several characters; even Krillin had another special like the Kakusandan. It would be great to include them all in the Saturn version.

(Ideally, all characters should have at least two attacks. A single finishing move isn't just enough).

And given the current state of the Homebrew scene, I’ve always thought a version 2.0 of the game could be made. Including a couple more chapters in the story, starting from Raditz right up to Beerus. And adding a few more extra characters: Yamcha, Ten...

Also including a new combat mechanic: the grab. Because you’ll agree with me that when you’re playing against a friend who knows how to play, constantly blocking can make the battle drag on longer than necessary. It would be a way to ‘break’ that moment.

Perhaps some recolouring of the auras... or scenario selection for VS mode. I think that would be ideal, like a dream, without going overboard on changing things of course.

__
Oh, and I almost forgot! It’s really important to restore the Japanese voiceovers for the intros to each episode, because they’re missing from the PAL version.

 

[RRSplash20]

Love this take. You’re right — Vegeta isn’t the only one missing move variety, and expanding multiple characters would make the Saturn version even stronger.

A full 2.0 dream version would be amazing someday. For now, even restoring a few missing/alternate attacks from the PS1 version (Big Bang Attack, Krillin specials, etc.) could be an awesome first milestone if move tables are editable.

The grab mechanic idea is smart too — matches can definitely stall when both players know how to defend.