Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku is an action-adventure title based upon the Dragon Ball Z anime. The storyline remains faithful to the cartoon series and begins shortly after Goku's son, Gohan, is kidnapped by a man named Raditz, who claims to be Goku's brother. Ever the doting father, Goku, sets off to rescue his son, a quest that will ultimately decide the fate of the universe. Accompanied by his best friend Piccolo, Goku will journey throughout the Dragon Ball Z world, from Earth to the Home for Infinite Losers and everywhere in between.

The smattering of RPG elements manifest themselves further into the quest as Goku meets and converses with more than 75 characters. Often, they'll request his help and by completing tasks and defeating enemies, Goku will earn experience points. These eventually translate into additional combat abilities, allowing Goku to harness a handful of melee and Ki powers, in addition to enabling him to move faster. When in battle, Goku is able to punch the enemy or unleash one of three different Ki attacks, the more powerful of which, in true RPG fashion, are only earned deep into the quest. Ki Blast, Solar Flare, and the powerful Kamehameha! can all be utilized in the game's real-time battles.

Inventory and Quest menus enable players to keep track of their current assignment as well as the items currently on hand. Senzu beans for example, can be collected and used to rejuvenate Goku's health when the need arises. Two bars in the upper-left portion of the screen represent his health and Ki. As in the cartoon, Goku is able to take flight, however, the length of time he can stay airborne is limited and players will need to collect red, green, or brown orbs in order to replenish his Flight Meter and once again enable his flight ability. Each task Goku completes brings him one step closer to rescuing his son...and saving the world. Battery backup allows players to save at will.