Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a remarkable addition to the Dragon Ball gaming universe. Known for its incredible range of characters and cinematic design, the game is packed with features that both celebrate and elevate the iconic franchise. It’s a celebration of everything fans love about the Dragon Ball franchise, and honors the late great Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball series who passed away earlier this year.

An Expanded Roster

For the first time, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero unites characters from Dragon Ball Super and other series, creating the most extensive roster in franchise history. With over 180 playable characters, fans can take on the roles of familiar heroes and villains, including figures from Dragon Ball GT and even upcoming story arcs in Dragon Ball DAIMA. This expansive lineup brings unparalleled variety and authenticity to gameplay, making it a fitting tribute to Toriyama’s vast world.

Relive (and Rewrite) Classic Dragon Ball Battles

The game’s primary focus is immersive storytelling and combat. Players can dive back into iconic battles, from Goku’s epic showdown with Frieza on Namek to the intense climax of the Cell Saga. However, Sparking! Zero offers a unique twist: the chance to alter these historical moments. Choices made before and during key battles can change outcomes, allowing players to explore “what-if” scenarios. For example, what if Piccolo didn’t assist Goku against Raditz? Or if Gohan didn’t face Cell alone? This creative feature encourages players to engage deeply with Dragon Ball’s story in new and unpredictable ways.

Cinematic Combat in a 3D World

As a continuation of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers high-energy 3D combat that captures the heart-pounding, rapid-fire exchanges fans expect. Spike Chunsoft has enhanced this combat experience, providing smoother animations, dynamic environments, and visually stunning effects that mirror the anime’s iconic style. Combat is intuitive for beginners yet challenging to master, ensuring a rewarding experience for all skill levels. It feels like they have fully realized the vision they set out to achieve with this installment. The 3D fighting games of the past aspired to recreate the kinetic energy you get when watching a Dragon Ball fight scene. Sparking! Zero captures that energy and takes it over 9000!

Single-Player Stories and Multiplayer Action

The game’s single-player mode allows players to pick from numerous characters and storylines, each uniquely tailored to immerse them in Dragon Ball’s rich lore. Multiplayer, though less explored, is a compelling aspect, offering an online community for fans to connect, compete, and share their love for the game. It would benefit the multiplayer experience greatly with the addition of a potential spectator mode. Tournament play may soon become a thrilling way for fans to enjoy the action from the sidelines.

A Competitive Future for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

With its polished mechanics and vibrant fan base, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has potential for a competitive scene at EVO, akin to Dragon Ball FighterZ. Support from the developers could see this title flourish among Esports audiences, adding to its appeal as a competitive and replayable game.

A Game for Fans and Newcomers Alike

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is an exhilarating journey through the Dragon Ball universe, perfect for fans eager to relive (and reimagine) their favorite moments. While newcomers might find the story depth overwhelming, the game remains accessible for anyone willing to dive in. Its strategic gameplay and nostalgic callbacks make it a stellar addition to the Dragon Ball series. For die-hard fans and competitive players, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers endless replayability, a gripping storyline, and thrilling combat that captures the essence of Dragon Ball’s legacy.

Title: Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Kurosh’s Verdict: 8/10

Reviewed code provided by the publisher. Reviewed on PS5.

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