After a 17-year hiatus, the Dragon Ball Tenkaichi Budokai franchise is back with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero and delivers on every front! The game reignites the fiery passion of fans while pushing the boundaries of what a Dragon Ball game can be. This latest entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series beautifully marries nostalgia with revolutionary gameplay mechanics that make it a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The game releases October 11, 2024 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®
A Perfect Balance Between Nostalgia and Innovation
For those of us who grew up on the original Budokai Tenkaichi games, Sparking! Zero is a dream come true. The game meticulously recreates the energy and excitement of some of the most iconic battles in the Dragon Ball franchise, letting players relive classic moments with modern visual flair. Whether it’s Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation on Namek or Vegeta’s final showdown with Majin Buu, the game knows how to trigger that nostalgia in the best possible way. The combination of vivid, anime-quality cutscenes and fluid gameplay makes every battle feel like an interactive episode straight from the anime.
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However, Sparking! Zero isn’t content with simply revisiting old memories. The game boldly steps forward with its “What If?” scenarios, allowing players to rewrite Dragon Ball history in creative and unexpected ways. Imagine a world where Piccolo defeated Raditz or where Future Trunks had to face Frieza alone. The possibilities are endless, and these scenarios provide hours of replayability, ensuring the game stays fresh long after you’ve experienced the main story arcs. By merging nostalgia with innovation, Sparking! Zero delivers a uniquely fulfilling experience that celebrates the past while crafting exciting new stories for players to explore.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Master Controls
The beauty of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero lies in its carefully balanced controls. For newcomers, the game is incredibly welcoming, with an intuitive control scheme that lets you jump right into the action without feeling overwhelmed. Basic moves are easy to execute, and pulling off iconic special attacks, such as Goku’s Kamehameha or Vegeta’s Galick Gun, feels natural and satisfying. The game’s combat system keeps things straightforward while maintaining the flashy, fast-paced style that Dragon Ball battles are known for. It’s easy to string together combos and look like a pro—even if you’ve never played a Dragon Ball game before.
But beneath this surface simplicity lies a depth that will keep more seasoned players engaged for the long haul. Mastering advanced techniques, such as the Revenge Counter or Super Perception, demands precision and timing, and the game rewards those who take the time to hone their skills. These mechanics add layers of strategy, requiring players to think several steps ahead of their opponent. As you dive deeper into the game, you’ll find that understanding the rhythm of battle and mastering the nuances of each character’s move set is essential to outplaying tougher opponents. The control scheme strikes the perfect balance, offering a rewarding challenge for experienced players without alienating those who are just starting out.
An Expansive Roster Like Never Before
One of Sparking! Zero’s most impressive features is its jaw-dropping roster of over 180 characters, making it the largest in the Budokai Tenkaichi series and one of the most expansive in the entire fighting game genre. From the original Dragon Ball Z characters to newer faces from Dragon Ball Super, the game ensures that no fan’s favorite fighter is left out. Iconic characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza are joined by lesser-known but beloved characters such as Gotenks, Beerus, and even Jiren. This diversity allows for an unparalleled variety of matchups, giving players the freedom to create battles that span generations of Dragon Ball history.
This expansive roster also plays a key role in keeping the game fresh. With so many characters to choose from, each with their own unique moves and abilities, the potential for creative gameplay is nearly limitless. Whether you’re reliving iconic rivalries or creating entirely new ones, the game’s wealth of fighters ensures that every battle feels unique. The sheer scale of the roster also means that players can experiment with different playstyles, as each character brings something distinct to the table. Whether you prefer the brute strength of Broly or the precision and speed of Android 18, Sparking! Zero offers something for every type of player, ensuring that no two matches are ever quite the same.
Gorgeous Graphics That Bring Dragon Ball to Life
Visually, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is nothing short of spectacular. The game borrows from the vibrant and striking style of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, creating a cinematic experience that immerses players in Akira Toriyama’s world like never before. The characters are brought to life with an unprecedented level of detail, from the flicker of energy around a Super Saiyan to the vivid destruction of battle environments. Every punch, every energy blast, and every transformation is rendered with the kind of loving detail that fans of the series deserve.
The environments, too, are stunningly crafted, perfectly capturing the iconic locations of the Dragon Ball universe. Whether you’re battling on the desolate plains of Planet Namek or the lush greenery of the Sacred World of the Kais, each stage feels alive with dynamic lighting and weather effects that enhance the action. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 elevates every aspect of its presentation, making battles feel larger-than-life and more immersive than ever before. The result is a game that doesn’t just look like Dragon Ball—it feels like you’re stepping into the anime itself.
A Minor Gripe: Finding Dragon Balls Can Be Tricky
If there’s one area where Sparking! Zero stumbles slightly, it’s in the difficulty of finding Dragon Balls. These powerful collectibles, once gathered, allow players to summon Shenron or Porunga for game-changing wishes, such as unlocking rare characters or gaining additional Zeni. However, acquiring all seven Dragon Balls can feel like a bit of a grind. The process involves completing specific challenges or objectives, and the random nature of the Dragon Ball drops can make it frustrating for those eager to make their wish. This system, while exciting in concept, may test the patience of some players who are looking for quicker rewards.
That said, the challenge of finding Dragon Balls isn’t a deal-breaker. In fact, it’s likely that the gaming community will soon find clever ways to streamline the process, making it easier for players to collect them efficiently. Moreover, the satisfaction of finally summoning Shenron and making your wish more than makes up for the occasional difficulty in tracking down the elusive orbs. While this aspect of the game could be improved, it adds a layer of depth and exploration that die-hard fans will no doubt appreciate.
A Dragon Ball Fan’s Ultimate Dream
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero not only brings the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series into the modern era but also shatters expectations by blending nostalgic content with revolutionary new features. The game’s expansive roster, thrilling “What If?” scenarios, and intuitive yet deep combat mechanics make it a standout not only for fans of the franchise but also for anyone who enjoys fighting games. It’s the perfect balance of easy-to-pick-up, hard-to-master gameplay that will keep both casual players and competitive gamers coming back for more.
The stunning visuals bring Akira Toriyama’s world to life like never before, delivering a truly cinematic experience that makes every fight feel epic. Even after unlocking all the familiar faces, there’s an undeniable excitement in continuing to explore the game’s vast content, from character customization to uncovering new gameplay possibilities. The potential for future DLC, including deeper cut characters and never-before-seen fusions, only adds to the anticipation. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero isn’t just a game; it’s an ongoing adventure for fans, and with each new battle, it pushes players to go beyond their limits—just like the heroes of the Dragon Ball universe.
I give Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO a
10/10
The wait is almost over—Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO launches on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. Don’t miss the chance to take part in the ultimate Dragon Ball fighting experience, where the fate of the universe is in your hands!
About Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
Release: October 11, 2024
Series: Tenkaichi Budokai (West)
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Fighting Action
Modes: Single Player (offline), Multiplayer (online)
Platforms: PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®
Synopsis: DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels. Learn and master an incredible roster of playable characters, each with signature abilities, transformations, and techniques. Take the fight to arenas that crumble and react to your power as the battle rages on. Shake the earth. Break the heavens. Make yours the destructive power of the strongest fighters ever to appear in DRAGON BALL!
Are you ready to relive the epic Buu Saga in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO? Which new character are you most excited to play? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
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