Prepare to absolutely unleash all your rage and take the fight to arenas that are fully-destructible and would get greatly reshaped as the battle carries on. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is taking the legendary Action/Fighting gameplay of the popular Budokai Tenkaichi series and brings it to a completely new height of intensity. Make the earth shake and tremble as you break the skies with the incredible powers of the strongest fighters to have ever to appeared in a DRAGON BALL game so far!
Developed by Spike Chunsoft the Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO release date is planned for October 11, 2024 and is coming on PlayStation®5 / Xbox Series X|S / PC. The title is going to support both Single Player (offline) and Multiplayer (online/with even a possible limited local split screen mode).
Dragon Ball fighting games have been available in gaming for so long now and in 2024, Dragon Ball fans are still here to celebrate the beloved continuation of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. This upcoming installment not only going to continue the series’ legacy but also unifies it under one global name and in this review, we are going to discuss many of the different aspects in the gameplay modes, characters, new mechanics and other various features included in the game, as well as the multiple Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO steam editions the game is going to be available in.
Get ready to better understand how to master the incredible roster of playable characters in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero each coming with their very own signature abilities, combo moves and unique fighting techniques. So, focus all your KI force and let us go together on this heart-pounding journey!
PLAY THROUGH THE STORY MODE AND CHOOSE IF AND HOW TO CHANGE EVENTS
Get to relive some of the favorite moments from the series through the included cutscenes, you will be able to experience the events from the perspectives of eight different characters, with Goku being the main one of course, as he has the most scenarios to play in!
You will have to conquer the massive action-packed battles picked from the original anime story, you would also be able to discover and unlock new different encounter matches for your favorite fighters and have the option to even change the way events happen by making a new decision, causing a sort of a ripple effect that could boost up the replayability factor greatly for the game. This way there is lots more content to explore and expand the story in new and exciting directions.
EXPERIENCE THE MOST BREATHTAKING 3D FIGHTS IN THE DRAGON BALL UNIVERSE
For many of the fans, it would be difficult to believe that anything could surpass the legendary Budokai Tenkaichi games, a trilogy of fighting games from the mid-2000s notable for having the most complete Dragon Ball roster possible, but this year the franchise is making a promising return to the video game ring with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the fourth mainline entry in the series.
Engage in intense 3D battles that are as true to the original anime and gaming series as possible, with its stunning visual effects and authentic combat moves such as beam clashes, rush attacks and quick movements too difficult to be avoided and ultimate attacks that are so powerful that they completely reshape the level environment.
WATCH AS THE GROUND SHAKES AND THE WORLD CRUMBLES ALL AROUND YOU
Each time you step on the arena it would react to all the action that happens. As you steadily progress through the match your meter would fill and at some point you would unleash your most devastating attacks and have the opportunity to watch the grand show performed by the environment as it responds with stunning explosions and crashes, leaving a trail of sheer destruction and ruin after you.
The world around you would change constantly as the battle goes on, since not only would you switch the locations and terrain pretty often, the destructive powers of the fighters would also contribute to reshape the environment further. Based on Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero gameplay footage we saw it would all happen so seamlessly and would not skip a single frame or loading screen while doing it!
FIGHT AGAINST OPPONENTS BOTH ONLINE AND EVEN IN AN EXCLUSIVE SPLIT-SCREEN MODE
Sparking Zero is going to offer a very dynamic battle system that carries on the 1vs1 3D battle formula that got pioneered by the series. This allows players to enjoy the complete freedom of moving in three dimensions and thus feel truly immersed to the maximum in the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero action and its huge roster of characters.
You would able to go against different players online and test your fighting skills across the world or sit down with your friends at home and battle offline to practice your skills exclusively in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber split-screen level included by Bandai Namco after taking notice on fan feedback because of the great demand for it by pointing out that local multiplayer is going to be available on day one of the title. It is however on a map that has less detail as it would allow for two players to brawl at the same time without much strain on the performance, another detail to mention here is that there would not be an option for mirror matches, so players would not be able to choose the same fighter in the same game, but there is plenty of other things to enjoy, so read ahead!
MAKE CUSTOM MATCHES AND CREATE UNIQUE FIGHTS AND WHOLE NARRATIVE ENCOUNTERS
Fight your way to become a champion through the various tournament types including ones with custom rules, multiple settings and different victory conditions allowing for an extra bit of options. You can recreate your favorite battles from throughout the DRAGON BALL storyline, or even make your dream story battle up with your favorite fighters and see how it plays out; the list here has a truly insane number of options.
Sharing your creations with other fans in the community is also going to be possible and this way you would be able to experience the battles brought to life by imaginations of other players from around the world. We are truly curious to check out what the fans would create and imagine in terms of scenarios and setups!
TRAIN ALONGSIDE GOHAN, GOTEN, AND PICCOLO TO MASTER THE ART OF BATTLE
Whether you are a dedicated fan for years or you are just starting the journey through the franchise, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is designed with you in mind. This entry in the series has been in production for more than five years and there is a Training mode included which is a feature that would surely get you fully prepared for the ultimate Dragon Ball battle experience.
This robust training mode feature is going to happen in the classic Master and Apprentice scenario with Piccolo and Gohan, but Goten also gets to have a guest appearance in it. All the basic commands in the game are covered, but it also goes into the more advanced techniques for players to explore and guides them through the process of successfully executing the actions covered in the instructions they are given.
HIGHLY-VERSATILE CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS FOR YOU TO PLAY WITH
In Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZEROyou would be able to customize each and every character in the game so that you make them fit with your preference and style of gaming. These options include different items, outfits, accessories and even abilities!
You are able to change the outfit of a character based on the costumes you have unlocked up to now. But keep in mind that this is only a cosmetic change and does reflect on the character’s stats, but there is the possibility to sometimes change the move set a bit when equipped. You can decide to equip some of the characters with their accessories in order to replicate their iconic moves.
Depending on the character type that you have selected the additional characteristics/abilities could be enhanced by using customization capsules that could boost the power, speed or agility of your fighter and this way to make your online battles even more unique!
A HUGE ROSTER OF PLAYABLE CHARACTERS INCLUDING THEIR DIFFERENT TRANSFORMATIONS
Crafting a massive roster with unique abilities for each of the characters and ensuring that every battle feels fresh and at the very same time strategic is a process that would understandably take a lot of time to perfect and balance. The DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO characters list promises on an impressive lineup, ensuring players can experience the diversity of the Dragon Ball universe with more than 160 playable characters variants planned.
Simply put, if there is a character and a variant of them in Dragon Ball history, they will are almost surely bound to make the cut for this game's massive roster. That is the reason why there are so many Goku and Vegeta variants (both having 13 unique variations to chose from) already previewed in trailers and gameplay videos, but the rest of the confirmed roster members includes so many of the familiar faces and plenty of new characters coming directly from Dragon Ball Super. These include mighty warriors such as Jiren plus the Super Saiyan Blue versions of Goku and Vegeta, intergalactic assassin Hit, and dozens of other powerful fighters. Even the notorious Mr. Satan is ready to rumble in the action!
After choosing your fighter you would have to then select one of the stages to battle on and enter the arena. At first you may feel like you are watching an episode of the anime since the visuals made on the Unreal Engine 5 technology make them seem identical to the show and not a real-time interactive experience.
Once you begin moving around and attacking though, it really does become a Dragon Ball fight. Not only are you to fly anywhere you wish – including suddenly launching your character high in the air with the press of a button – but you also can unleash an environment-destroying attack with ease such as Goku’s Meteor Smash that would be able to reduce a mountain to shreds of dust in an instant.
For your convenience we have gathered a list of all the confirmed Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO characters below:
Goku (Early Dragon Ball Z)
Goku (Dragon Ball Z Middle Saga)
Goku (Super Saiyan)
Goku (Dragon Ball Z End Saga)
Goku (Super Saiyan 2)
Goku (Dragon Ball Z Middle Saga, Super Saiyan)
Goku (Super Saiyan, Dragon Ball Z End Saga)
Goku (Super Saiyan 3)
Goku (Dragon Ball Super)
Goku (Super Saiyan God)
Goku (Super Saiyan Blue)
Goku (Dragon Ball Super, Ultra Instinct Sign)
Goku (Dragon Ball Super, Ultra Instinct)
Vegeta, with scouter (Dragon Ball Z, Early Saga)
Great Ape Vegeta
Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z, Early saga)
Vegeta (Super Saiyan)
Super Vegeta
Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z End Saga)
Vegeta (Super Saiyan, Dragon Ball Z End Saga)
Majin Vegeta
Vegeta (Super Saiyan 2)
Vegeta (Dragon Ball Super)
Vegeta (Super Saiyan God, Dragon Ball Super)
Vegeta (Super Saiyan Blue)
Kid Trunks
Kid Trunks (Super Saiyan)
Goten
Goten (Super Saiyan)
Caulifla
Caulifla (Super Saiyan 2)
Kale
Kale (Super Saiyan)
Kale (Legendary Super Saiyan)
Gotenks
Gotenks (Super Saiyan)
Gotenks (Super Saiyan 3)
Kefla
Kefla (Super Saiyan)
Kefla (Super Saiyan 2)
Vegito
Super Vegito
Vegito (Super Saiyan Blue)
Gogeta (Dragon Ball Super)
Super Saiyan Gogeta (Dragon Ball Super)
Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta (Dragon Ball Super)
Zamasu
Fused Zamasu
Fused Zamasu (Half-Corrupted)
Kid Gohan
Gohan (Majin Buu Saga)
Gohan (Adult, Super Saiyan 2)
Future Gohan
Future Gohan (Super Saiyan)
Trunks (With sword)
Super Saiyan Trunks (With sword)
Trunks (Melee)
Super Trunks
Future Trunks (Dragon Ball Super)
Videl
Beerus
Whis
Master Roshi
Master Roshi (Max Power)
Dyspo
Kakunsa
Nappa
Burter
Jeice
Broly
Broly (Super Saiyan)
Super Saiyan Broly (Full Power)
Toppo
Hit
Mr Satan
Yajirobe
Spopovich
Dabura
Goku Black, Super Saiyan Rosé
Goku Black
Ribrianne
Roasie
Anilaza
Jiren
Jiren (Full power)
Krillin
Yamcha
Tien
Piccolo
Majin Buu
Android 17
Android 18
Frieza
Golden Frieza
Raditz
Bardock
Cell (Perfect Form)
Bergamo
Chiaotzu
Saibaman
Cui
Dodoria
Zarbon
Super Zarbon
Nail
Frieza (First Form)
Frieza (Second Form)
Frieza (Third Form)
Frieza (Fourth Form)
Frieza (Fourth Form, Full Power)
Guldo
Recoome
Ginyu
HUD, CONTROL SETUPS AND OTHER FEATURED GAME MECHANICS
The HUD of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO has the same style of the Budokai Tenkaichi Series, giving players a great overview during the whole fight. Below we are going to list the main things to look after while playing:
HP Gauge - The bar shows the character's current HP level and decreases when you take damage and every HP Bar has a different color, going from Blue to Orange.
Ki Gauge - Ki is the power that is used to perform super attacks and other moves. To increase the Ki gauge, you could either charge it whenever you hit your opponent with hand-to-hand combos.
Sparking! Gauge - Once your Ki gauge is filled; you could start building up your Sparking! Gauge in order to enter a special state known as "Sparking! Mode" (it requires at least 1 skill gauge to enter in this mode). It gets decreased as you dash, or use Ki Blasts and Blast Attacks (in-game Super Attacks) and once the Ki Bar turns red, you would not be able to move around until it returns back to normal.
Skill Count - The Skill Count gets used when you do various moves like transformation, fusion, and specific skills such as Super Perception or Revenge Counter. It also charges over time, since each time the blue bar gets full, it would add one charge to the count.
Transformation Icon - Displays the current number of available Transformations for the character.
Let us now also have a quick look at the DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO two different types of control schemes and other newly added features for players to enjoy:
Standard setup: the recommended controls for the game with more accessible moves and combos.Classic setup: offers similar controls to those of the previous Budokai Tenkaichi games!
Wear & Tear – The characters would have much more detailed and visible tears of their outfits as well as bruises when they have taken damage, it is all progression-based so it would look a bit different each time depending on the hits the fighter has taken.
Clash grabs – when both characters make a grab at the same time, they would clash in a KI stance in which they would have to perform a specific button combo in order to overcome and defeat the opponent in the clash.
Adjustable camera angle – with this option in some cutscenes and moments you would be able to control the perspective and view events even from a first-person perspective if you like, or choose a more cinematic option to observe how things play out by using the analogue button.
Sonic dodge – a move to perform super fast dodges from the attacks of your opponent in an elegant and very agile manner.
Revenge counter – essentially a combo breaker that would allow you to interrupt an ongoing combo at a specific trigger moment.
Vanishing assault – allows players to choose which side of the opponent to attack (front/back) with the use of a teleportation-like skill.
MULTIPLE GAME VERSIONS AND A PRE-ORDER OPTION PACKED WITH EVEN MORE CONTENT
The DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO steam versions that would be available apart from the STANDARD EDITION, which includes the base game only, are going to be:
DELUXE EDITION
Includes the Base Game + Season Pass (DLC 1-3) + Season Pass Bonus - Summon Shenron + Early Access - Play 3 Days Early
ULTIMATE EDITION
Base Game + Ultimate Upgrade Pack + Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole + Emote Voice Set + 2 Player Card Backgrounds + 1 Customization Item + Ultimate Edition Bonus + Summon Super Shenron + Season Pass (DLC 1-3) + Season Pass Bonus - Summon Shenron + Early Access - Play 3 Days Early
PREMIUM EDITION
Base Game + Ultimate Edition Upgrade Pack Voucher Code + Lenticular Card + DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Exclusive Diorama + Exclusive Cards + Steelbook + Metallic Bookmark
PRE-PURCHASE OFFER
A Pre-order exclusive offer is available too and it packs another additional set of unlockables since you would receive the following content as a bonus for purchasing DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO early: Exclusive new mysterious playable character that has not yet been announced and Early unlock of the following six characters:
• Gogeta
• Gogeta, Super Saiyan
• Gogeta, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan
• Broly
• Broly, Super Saiyan
• Broly, Super Saiyan (Full Power)
With so much raw power packed in a single title Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO seems to be shaping up as the ultimate fighting brawl the franchise could offer to fans at this point in time. It would surely deliver on tons of fun for the dedicated warriors out there and we are really stoked to start having epic matches, both from the story and custom ones!
What excites you about this upcoming title in the Dragon Ball series? Is there anything you would like to add in the mix so that it gets even better (if it is even possible)? Let us know your thoughts if you like as we continue our mission to inform you about any important updates in the great world of gaming in the coming weeks, after all a whole new season of interesting releases is coming once the summer ends and there is lots to be discussed across all the major genres in the industry, so make sure to stay tuned for the coming articles ahead!
