The connection people have with art—be it films, music, or video games—is often shaped by the timing of their discovery. For many, certain pieces resonate deeply during a pivotal moment in their lives. For one individual, that moment came at the age of seven with the arrival of “Dragon Ball.” The anime captivated them, leading them to tailor their homework schedules around its airtime on Toonami and to stay up late on weekends for uncut versions on Adult Swim. Their enthusiasm extended to the numerous video games based on the series, including titles on Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 2, marking “Dragon Ball” as a major part of their childhood.
After a long wait since the last release in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, “Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero” is set to rekindle that nostalgic connection. The previous installment launched back in 2007, leaving fans yearning for its return. Now, with “Sparking! Zero,” players are greeted with an expansive roster of 182 characters covering the entire history of “Dragon Ball,” from the original series to the latest “Dragon Ball Super” and even anticipated titles like DAIMA. Each character boasts unique combos and skills, requiring players to fully understand their abilities for effective gameplay.
“Sparking! Zero” encourages a fun, power-driven approach rather than strict balance. Characters like Broly or Cell drastically outperform others like Krillin, providing engaging matches with a sense of authenticity to the show’s power dynamics. The game features intricate mechanics that may initially feel daunting but ultimately rewards players who invest time in mastering their chosen characters.
The game shines in its presentation, reminiscent of the anime and detailed in every aspect, from the character roster to the vibrant menus set in familiar “Dragon Ball” locations. The attention to detail creates a pleasing experience, with interactions and dialogues among characters adding charm and depth.
Various gameplay modes, such as Super Training and Episode Mode, allow players to explore the “Dragon Ball” narrative from different characters’ viewpoints, offering long and engaging storylines with branching paths that enhance replayability. While the Episode Mode may have some minor frustrations, such as cutscene navigation, it strongly contributes to the overall enjoyment of the game.
“Sparking! Zero” also includes multiple tournament options, local versus matches, and customizable battle scenarios, fostering a creative atmosphere for players to enjoy solo or with friends. The game incorporates a point system for online play to ensure balance among character selections while keeping the excitement intact.
Upon completing the initial reviews, the anticipation for more gameplay remains high. With the game set to release on October 10, 2024, on platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, fans old and new will have the chance to dive back into the “Dragon Ball” universe—a thrilling prospect for those who fondly remember their childhoods spent immersed in the series.