10 Things You Need to Know About Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero

“Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero” is one of the most anticipated Dragon Ball video game releases, and fans of the “Budokai Tenkaichi” series have a lot to look forward to. This game, which goes back to the roots of the “Dragon Ball Z: Sparking” series (the Japanese name for the “Budokai Tenkaichi” games), is promising massive upgrades in terms of gameplay, roster size, and features.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know about “Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero.”

1. Return of the Budokai Tenkaichi Gameplay

The gameplay style from the beloved “Budokai Tenkaichi” games is making a comeback. These games were known for capturing the feel of Dragon Ball battles by allowing players to fly, shoot blasts, and destroy environments in ways that truly represented the over-the-top action of the anime.

While the combat wasn’t particularly complex, it was highly immersive, making you feel like you were in a Dragon Ball fight. The new game retains this approach but with some added tweaks to the system for modern audiences.

2. A Massive Roster of Fighters

If you’re a Dragon Ball fan, you’ll be thrilled to know that the roster is massive. The game will launch with 182 playable fighters, with more being added through downloadable content (DLC), which will push the total count beyond 200. This includes characters from across the Dragon Ball universe, including 17 versions of Goku alone. Fans can expect to see characters from Dragon Ball Z, Super, and even GT, making for a comprehensive selection of fighters from all Dragon Ball eras.

3. Focus on Character Fidelity Over Balance

Unlike other fighting games that focus on balancing the power levels of the characters, “Sparking! Zero” is more about staying true to the source material. The game allows more powerful characters, like Super Saiyan God Goku, to have clear advantages over weaker characters.

This makes battles feel closer to the anime, where power scaling was a key aspect. However, this lack of balance might be frustrating for competitive players but adds to the authenticity of the Dragon Ball experience.

4. Split-Screen Mode

In an age where many games are shifting entirely to online multiplayer, “Sparking! Zero” is keeping the split-screen option, allowing local multiplayer battles on a single TV. However, there’s a downside: split-screen players will be limited to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber stage, which is a white, featureless void. While this is great for straightforward combat, it limits the enjoyment of the destructible environments the game is known for.

5. New Combat Mechanics

To make the battles more dynamic, the game has introduced some new combat mechanics. Movement speed has been increased significantly, and a new skill counter system has been added. Players can earn skill points during a battle to perform special moves or use new mechanics like the Revenge Counter, which allows you to retaliate in the middle of your opponent’s combo. This makes the combat faster and adds more depth to each battle, giving it a fresh feel while staying true to the core mechanics of the old games.

6. Episode Battle Story Mode

The game’s story mode, called “Episode Battle,” will have you relive the defining moments of the Dragon Ball saga through the eyes of various characters. There are eight main characters you’ll follow, including Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and even villains like Frieza and Goku Black.

What’s more interesting is that your choices during the story mode will affect the outcome, allowing you to alter key events in Dragon Ball history. These changes may lead to new battles or alternate storylines, adding replayability and depth.

7. Custom Battles

For players who want to create their own Dragon Ball moments, the game offers a custom battle mode. This feature allows players to edit battles, create their own cutscenes, and change the conditions of the fight. It’s similar to the story editor modes found in old WWE games.

You can also share these custom battles online, giving players the chance to challenge each other’s creations. While there are some limits on the complexity of the custom dialogue, this feature adds a layer of creativity and fan interaction.

8. No Character Creator

While some Dragon Ball games like “Xenoverse” include a character creation system, “Sparking! Zero” will not feature this option. However, there is a customization menu where you can adjust costumes and accessories for your fighters. You’ll be able to give characters different looks, such as alternate outfits or accessories like a scouter or a halo. This adds a bit of personalization but won’t allow for the in-depth customization that “Xenoverse” players might expect.

9. Online Play and Tournaments

Online play is back, with options for both ranked and casual matches. While the gameplay style might not be suited for professional-level esports due to its focus on spectacle rather than balance, the game will support competitive play. Tournaments are also returning, and players will have the option to create custom tournaments with their own rules, which can be played both online and offline.

10. Release Date and Editions

“Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero” is set to release worldwide on October 10, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Pre-orders come with bonuses like Dragon Ball Da Goku as a free character, early unlocks, and DLC that will bring in over 20 additional characters from newer Dragon Ball content like the “Superhero” movie and the upcoming “Da” anime. There are also Deluxe and Ultimate editions available, offering season passes, cosmetic packs, and three-day early access.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero” is shaping up to be a love letter to fans of the series. With a massive roster, new gameplay mechanics, and plenty of customization options, it promises to be a standout entry in the Dragon Ball gaming universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the “Budokai Tenkaichi” series or a newcomer, this game looks like it has something for everyone.