Among the many hidden gems in theDragon Ball Zfranchise, Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans stands out as a unique OVA (original video animation) that most international fans have never seen dubbed in English. Released in 1993, this two-part animation served as an animated promotional guide for a Japan-only video game and was later remade in 2010 as Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans for inclusion in Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2. The English release of this remake featured subtitles, but has never received an official English voice dub. Its limited distribution, unique origin, and tie-in nature have led it to become something of a cult favorite among dedicated fans looking to explore the broader Dragon Ball canon.
History and Origin
1993 OVA: Animated Game Guide
The original Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans OVA debuted on August 6, 1993, as a two-part VHS set created to complement the Famicom game Saiyajin Zetsumetsu Keikaku. It follows Dr. Lychee, a surviving Tuffle who unleashes deadly Destron Gas devices on Earth. Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Piccolo race to shut them down and ultimately battle Ghost Warriors and the powerful entity Hatchiyack. Its storyline fits into the timeline between the Cell Games and Broly’s appearance.
2010 Remake for Raging Blast 2
Seventeen years later, Toei produced a reimagined 30-minute version Plan to Eradicate the Super Saiyans for the Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 video game. This version trimmed scenes, updated visuals, and slightly altered the narrative, such as featuring Bulma disabling a barrier and Vegeta being the only base-form Saiyan initially.
The English Dub Status
Despite widespread global interest, no official English dub has been produced for either the original or the 2010 remake. The remake included English subtitles only, with no voice-over track.
No, there isn’t a dub for it the TFS version is the closest you’re getting.
This absence of an English dub is primarily due to its limited release through video games and magazine DVDs, meaning it never reached a broader North American audience via television or home video. Rights and localization priorities likely deprioritized the investment required for a full English voice-over.
Plot Summary and Key Highlights
The story revolves around the last Tuffle scientist, Dr. Lychee, who seeks to eradicate Saiyans and humanity through Destron Gas emitters. Goku and the others must locate and neutralize the gas devices within a 72-hour window. They face Ghost Warriors apparitions of villains like Frieza, Cooler, Turles, and Lord Slug that can only be destroyed if the gas is stopped. The final battle against Hatchiyack culminates in a powerful Super Saiyan showdown.
What Differentiates the Versions?
- The original offers a broader exploration with extra locations such as Satan City and Jingle Village, and includes King Kai aiding Goku.
- The 2010 remake trims most filler locations, has new animated scenes, and highlights Bulma’s critical role in deactivating the barrier.
Fan Reception and Legacy
Although overshadowed by anime specials like Episode of Bardock, both OVAs have important places in Dragon Ball lore. Reviewers praise the character focus on Vegeta and the novelty of the Hatchiyack boss battle, with some arguing the original surpasses many theatrical DBZ movies.
However, the 2010 remake receives mixed reviews some fans appreciate the tighter pacing and visual updates, while others criticize it as a hollow shell of the original, lacking depth and core world-building scenes.
Availability Today
In Japan, both versions have been released: the original on the 2003 Dragon Box set, and the remake bundled in the 2012 SaikyÅ Jump DVD.
Fans seeking to experience this side story must rely on imported editions, fan-subbed versions, or those included in specialty magazines and game extras. The lack of an official dub keeps it underground, but also more intriguing as a rare piece of Dragon Ball history.
Why No English Dub Exists?
- Created for niche promotion and released through limited channels with minimal international reach.
- Rights complications involving Toei, Namco Bandai, V Jump, and SaikyÅ Jump.
- Dub investment outweighed by limited audience and distribution routes.
Future Possibilities?
While fans still hope Funimation or Crunchyroll might localize the OVAs officially, recent reactions and rights inertia suggest it’s unlikely. Reddit users note that even though France received dubbed versions, North America hasn’t seen interest. Until licensing conditions change, only subtitled releases are expected.
Should You Watch It?
Fans of Vegeta, Broly-style villains, or unseen Dragon Ball lore will appreciate this hidden gem. Despite some dated animation or narrative gaps, the OVA offers nostalgic combat, rare character arcs, and a showcase of Vegeta’s mindset during Cell-era events. For serious completists or combat-focused fans, both versions are worth tracking down even without an English dub.
Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans remains an intriguing footnote in Dragon Ball Z a lost OVA born from a game, never officially dubbed, yet offering rare lore and unseen battles. Its 1993 version provides retro charm and story depth, while the 2010 remake delivers slick visuals and streamlined action. Though the lack of an English voice track may deter casual viewers, dedicated fans can still access the subtitled versions through select mediums. This OVA stands as a unique cultural artifact proof that the Dragon Ball universe extends far beyond what was ever aired on TV.