As soon as I picked up Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, I knew this wasn’t just another entry in the long line of Dragon Ball games. This was different, the kind of game that pulls you in with nostalgia but then surprises you with its depth and complexity. From the first moments, it becomes clear that Sparking Zero is more than just a throwback to the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series—it’s an evolution, blending old-school chaos with refined mechanics. But it’s not a game that holds your hand, and that’s where the challenge begins.
The tutorial doesn’t do much to ease you in, as it lacks clear instructions on key mechanics like energy management, teleportation, and combo execution. The absence of step-by-step guidance leaves players struggling to grasp the game’s complexity from the outset. You’re immediately faced with a learning curve that makes even something as simple as movement feel like a skill you’ll need to master over time. Ascending and descending, boosting and teleporting—all these inputs require energy management and precise timing, making the game more of a strategic experience than its button-mashing predecessors. The tutorial doesn’t quite prepare you for the full breadth of the mechanics, leaving you to figure out much of the depth on your own through trial and error.
Initially, the mechanics felt overwhelming, requiring frequent pauses to process how everything fit together. Movement, of course, is the heart of any Dragon Ball game.
In Sparking Zero, it’s much more than just flying around—there’s a tactical element to how you approach your opponent. Teleporting behind them or dashing away to gain distance isn’t just about looking cool (though it certainly does)—it’s about survival.
The game rewards patience and strategy, a refreshing break from the usual chaotic button-mashing that has defined so many anime fighters over the years.
But as soon as you settle into the rhythm of the game, Sparking Zero transforms into a deeply satisfying experience. Combos become second nature, and as your muscle memory kicks in, you start to realize just how much potential each fight holds. It’s not simply about landing the next hit—it’s about building up to that spectacular, over-the-top move that Dragon Ball is famous for. Charging up a Kamehameha and watching the screen explode with light as your opponent is blown across the battlefield never gets old.
The combat system feels like a more refined, polished version of what we loved in Budokai Tenkaichi. You can unleash light attacks, mix in heavy finishers, and perform the signature moves that every Dragon Ball fan will instantly recognize.
And then there’s the added depth—vanishing at the right moment, countering your opponent’s next move, or deflecting a beam attack that could have wiped out half your health bar. These moments, though small, add a layer of finesse to the fights, making every battle feel like a personal victory when you pull it off just right.
Of course, no Dragon Ball game would be complete without the special moves that define the franchise. In Sparking Zero, every ultimate attack is a spectacle. Charging up to unleash a massive energy blast, watching the cutscene play out as your character shouts their iconic line—it’s everything you want from a Dragon Ball game.
The downside, though, is that the cutscenes sometimes break the momentum of a fight, especially during key moments when you are building up a combo or trying to execute a critical move. For example, just as you’re about to land a powerful attack, the game will often switch to a cutscene, which disrupts the intensity of the battle.
When your opponent uses these moves frequently, you end up watching more than you’re actually fighting, which can be a bit jarring, especially in the heat of a high-stakes battle.
It’s in the story mode, however, where Sparking Zero truly comes alive. The game takes you through the key moments of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, but it’s the What If scenarios that really stand out.
These alternate paths offer long-time fans the chance to see how the universe could have been shaped if certain events had unfolded differently. What if Goku had defeated Raditz without dying? What if Gohan had stopped Dabura before Majin Buu even had the chance to awaken? These deviations are a thrilling twist, especially for fans who think they’ve seen it all before.
But while the What If scenarios breathe new life into the familiar stories, they can also be a challenge to unlock. The conditions required to access these alternate paths aren’t always clear, and you’ll often find yourself replaying battles to meet the requirements. Though this adds a layer of replayability, it can also feel a bit tedious at times, especially when you’re eager to dive into the next saga.
That said, there’s no shortage of content to keep you hooked. With eight different character sagas to play through, including arcs for Vegeta, Piccolo, and even Frieza, there’s always something new to discover.
These sagas don’t just retell the events we know so well—they enhance them with new cutscenes, fresh dialogue, and, of course, those alternate outcomes that keep you on your toes. It’s a nostalgic journey, but one with enough surprises to make it feel fresh, even for the most dedicated Dragon Ball fans.
The sheer size of the character roster in Sparking Zero is staggering. With 182 characters to choose from, it’s one of the most expansive lineups ever seen in a Dragon Ball game. And it’s not just about quantity—there’s a surprising amount of diversity among the fighters. Yes, there are plenty of Gokus and Vegetas in various forms, but each version feels distinct, with its own set of moves, transformations, and special attacks. It’s a testament to how much care has gone into making every character feel unique, even within such a large roster.
Customization is another highlight. As you collect Dragon Balls, unlock characters, and earn currency through battles, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your favorite fighters with new abilities, outfits, and boosts. There’s something immensely satisfying about personalizing your go-to team and then unleashing them in battle. It’s these little touches that keep you coming back, eager to perfect your squad and try out new strategies.
Online play in Sparking Zero is a mixed bag. When it works well, it’s a blast. Quick battles, ranked matches, and custom tournaments give you plenty of options to challenge friends or random players online. The tournament mode is particularly fun, allowing you to set unique rules like banning flying or limiting characters to specific arcs. But as with many online modes, there are moments of lag or connectivity issues that can dampen the experience, though they’re far from a deal-breaker.
Visually, Sparking Zero is a feast for the eyes. The game perfectly captures the vibrant, explosive energy of the anime. The character models are spot-on, and the destructible environments add a sense of scale to every fight.
Watching a mountain crumble under the force of a ki blast or seeing the battlefield scarred by the aftermath of an ultimate attack—it’s a spectacle that never loses its impact. The voice acting is equally impressive, with the option to switch between English and Japanese voice tracks, letting fans experience the game however they prefer.
Despite all its strengths, Sparking Zero does have its flaws. The tutorial, as mentioned earlier, is woefully inadequate, leaving much of the game’s mechanics unexplained. It’s only through hours of practice in the training mode that you’ll start to feel comfortable with the deeper layers of combat. For new players, this steep learning curve could be a significant barrier to entry.
There’s also the issue of pacing. While the special moves and cutscenes are a visual treat, they can sometimes disrupt the flow of a fight. When you’re in the middle of an intense battle, being pulled out of the action to watch yet another cutscene can be a bit jarring. It’s a minor annoyance, but one that becomes more noticeable the longer you play.
At its core, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is a game that emphasizes the importance of patience and dedication.
It’s not an easy ride—the game demands that you put in the time to learn its systems and master its mechanics. But for those who are willing to rise to the challenge, the payoff is immense.
The combat is thrilling, the story mode is packed with content, and the sheer scope of the game is staggering.
For fans of the Dragon Ball universe, Sparking Zero is a must-play. It’s a celebration of everything that makes the series great, from the larger-than-life battles to the iconic characters that have defined a generation. It’s a game that will keep you coming back, not just for the nostalgia, but for the sheer joy of diving back into the world of Dragon Ball and becoming part of the action once again.
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