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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the latest installment in the Budokai Tenkaichi series. It has been 17 years between releases, and in only a few hours of the game’s early release, I can say it is off to a hot start.
As an avid Dragonball fan, I highly regard the massive library of games. Even games like Dragon Ball Z: Sagas (which sucked) holds a place in my childhood. Sparking! Zero has everything going for it right now, especially with the high expectations from the previous three installments.
The Tenkaichi series (known as Sparking in Japanese) was the first game to depict fights like the Manga series. The addition of more life with a more open zone rather than a typical fighting game side-scroller view. This meant a new layer to combat as you could play as your favorite Dragon Ball characters and send each other through any environment your heart desires.
In the 17 years since Tenkaichi 3, countless Dragon Ball games have attempted to recapture Budokai’s glory. I am still waiting for Xenoverse 3, but many of the following Dragon Ball games have been mixed. Sparking! Zero does not fall into the trope of failed series reboots we have seen in recent years. It nails the feeling of those PS2 classics and games like Dragon Ball: Raging Blast.
Of course, as much as has led up to the release of this game, there is the passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama—the restless fanbase awaiting a game to put Dragon Ball back in the gaming spotlight. The pre-order numbers surpassing Black Ops 6 on PlayStation shows a glimpse of Dragonball fans’ passion. Sparking! Zero, as of right now, is a reflection of that.
The massive roster includes over 180 characters from the series, including GT and Super. Understand that the roster size is bloated, as you can pick the same character with a different form. For example, Ultra Instinct Goku is his own character. The roster also includes characters from the movies, like Garlic Jr., and it is expected to have more throughout the game’s lifecycle.
Vegito vs. Gogeta, Jiren vs. Broly, Z Broly vs. Super Broly, and many more what-if combinations, all with unique dialogue and incredible visuals.
The game’s visuals are not just good; they are stunning. It is the best-looking game to date using an Unreal engine. Bandai Namco brings not only the characters but the environment to life. Suppose I go for a Kamehameha at the World Tournament arena, and the crowd is in harm’s way. In that case, everyone runs for the exits as I blow a crater into the stadium also, as the controls won’t have you learning combos left and right like a Street Fighter. You need to consider a learning curve.
In story mode, you can play as one of eight fighters from Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, experiencing the main arcs and films. The game includes what-if scenarios instead of just retelling the same stories. Apart from Goku’s journey, the storylines for the other characters are not as widespread (for example, Gohan starts in the Cell saga, and others, like Jiren, only appear in some arcs). You’ll know what to expect if you’re familiar with the show or have played the games before. The what-if stories you can come across through the main story will keep you on your toes whenever they become available.
A personal highlight for me is the addition of a custom battle mode for players to create their own stories with the roster and all the game’s assets. This mode is a game-changer, offering endless possibilities and enhancing the game’s replay value. Especially for players who are afraid of getting their butt handed to them online or as of right now by great-ape Vegeta.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero sets a new standard for Dragon Ball games. It perfectly captures the magic of the original Tenkaichi games while offering a fresh approach to the beloved story and a deep roster of characters. This serves as the ultimate celebration of Akira Toriyama’s classic. It’s great when it stays true to the pure Dragon Ball that millions know and love. Sparking! Zero has delivered out the gate. I recommend that any fan of Dragonball get their hands on it.
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