Our connection to art forms like film, literature, music, television, and video games is often shaped by the timing of their introduction into our lives. Personal experiences can make certain works resonate forever. For instance, Dragon Ball entered my life at the age of seven—a perfect moment, leading to an obsession. I planned my homework around the airing time of Dragon Ball Z on Toonami and stayed up late on weekends to catch Dragon Ball Z: Uncut on Adult Swim. I also explored all the direct-to-video films, with a special mention to Bojack Unbound, which stands out as a favorite.
Alongside watching, I dedicated a significant amount of time to the video games, from the Legacy of Goku series on Game Boy Advance to the Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi franchises on PS2. Dragon Ball was ingrained in my childhood. I remember when I caught the flu for two weeks; my dad, who spent many days at sea, brought me a Budokai game to help keep my spirits up. My love for fighting games blossomed in arcades, and the combination of Dragon Ball with the genre felt perfect.
Returning to my anticipation, I have awaited a game in the Dragon Ball Sparking series for a considerable time. The last entry, known as Budokai Tenkaichi in Western regions, was released in 2007 when I was 17 and still completing high school. Now at 34, settled in a new state with a Master’s Degree and a family, I find Sparking! Zero like a reunion—albeit a nostalgic one that presents a fresh experience.
Sparking! Zero is a rich fighting game, featuring 182 characters drawn from the entire Dragon Ball saga, transcending from the original series through to Dragon Ball Super and beyond. This expansive roster includes various transformations and characters from all eras, though not all transformations are available for each character. The uniqueness of each fighter being linked to different skill sets and combos means mastering your chosen characters is vital for success.
What sets Sparking! Zero apart is its approach to character abilities, focusing on embodying the essence of Dragon Ball rather than aiming for strict balance. Characters like Broly and Beerus possess tremendous strength, while others, like Yamcha, might find themselves in trouble against stronger foes. This dynamic results in exhilarating matches where victories can occur against the odds.
Sparking! Zero also surprises with its depth and mechanics. While arena fighters generally lack complexity, this game challenges players through its varied systems, such as effective ki management, dodge mechanics, and advanced offensive strategies. Learning to utilize these aspects intensifies the gameplay experience, rewarding those who practice and hone their skills.
Visually and atmospherically, Sparking! Zero excels, mirroring the aesthetic of the Dragon Ball universe. The gameplay animations feel authentic, capturing moments directly influenced by the show and manga. The attention to detail extends to menu navigation, immersing players in beloved locations from the series, like Bulma’s house or Master Roshi’s Kame House, enhancing the overall experience with character interactions in the background.
Additionally, the variety of modes available in Sparking! Zero is impressive. The Super Training mode offers comprehensive tutorials, ensuring players can grasp the gameplay mechanics effectively. Episode Mode presents the Dragon Ball storyline through different character perspectives, with possibilities for branching paths based on players’ choices during battles.
The challenge of replaying certain battles to unlock alternate scenarios adds replayability. While some mission difficulties can spike unexpectedly, the game provides options to adjust the challenge level. Players can also explore multiple tournament formats, engaging both locally and online, though local versus matches have restrictions to specific stages.
Among the most exciting features are Bonus and Custom Battles, which allow players to create personalized scenarios with unique conditions. This creativity is further rewarded through challenges, contributing to currency and character unlocks while keeping the gameplay fresh.
While I couldn’t test the online features due to the early-access release, the game’s structure offers plenty of content to explore, whether solo or against others, ensuring a continual sense of progress.
As I wrap up my experience with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, I feel the same excitement I had at the start. With much more to achieve and experiment within the game, the nostalgia and thrill are palpable. This title fulfills the longing that began years ago, and I’m convinced that even the child who once adored Dragon Ball would be thrilled with what Sparking! Zero has to offer. The release is set for October 10, 2024, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.