Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero – The Budokai Tenkaichi Reboot Fans Have Been Craving

It’s an exciting era for Dragon Ball fans worldwide. Akira Toriyama’s original manga took its first leap into Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, and as the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, the celebrations are nothing short of spectacular. Shueisha has unveiled two significant projects: a new anime series, Dragon Ball Daima, and an eagerly anticipated game, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, both launching simultaneously. This synergy is more than a coincidence, marking a pivotal moment for Dragon Ball across both anime and gaming landscapes, while paying homage to the franchise’s enduring legacy.

Sparking! Zero is a nostalgic yet refreshing experience that will feel both familiar and new to long-time fans. Those who spent countless hours on the PlayStation 2 playing the original Budokai Tenkaichi series will see echoes of the past, fused with advancements that elevate the gameplay to today’s standards. It’s a remarkable blend of old-school charm and modern innovation, bringing forth the ultimate Dragon Ball experience fans have been waiting for.

A Revitalization of the Budokai Tenkaichi Legacy

The last official entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team, arrived in 2010 for the PlayStation Portable. Since then, multiple titles have emerged, each attempting to capture the essence of the Budokai Tenkaichi games, yet none fully succeeded. The transition from PlayStation 2 to PlayStation 3 wasn’t smooth for the franchise, as it struggled to replicate the magic that captivated so many. It wasn’t until Dragon Ball Xenoverse introduced a fresh take that fans felt a resurgence of the classic excitement.

Now, Sparking! Zero boldly steps back into the ring, a new yet faithful entry into the Budokai Tenkaichi lineage. Its title reflects a fresh start, echoing the original Sparking! moniker from the Japanese versions of the series, while delivering all the fan-favorite elements from the first three games. The gameplay, which has always prioritized capturing the Dragon Ball spirit over balanced mechanics, has returned in full force, ensuring players can enjoy the classic experience in a new package.

Gameplay: Larger Arenas and Enhanced Mechanics

At its core, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is an arena fighter that offers vast spaces for combat. The gameplay has seen notable enhancements, allowing for smoother and faster aerial maneuvers. The addition of new movement mechanics enriches the game, with a dash step for swift close-range attacks and a charged ki dash for rapid traversal. When fully utilized, these mechanics recreate the intense, high-energy fights seen in the Dragon Ball series with remarkable accuracy.

The Skill Count meter is a standout new feature, adding another layer of strategy. This meter, which fills as you land hits or over time, unlocks abilities like stat boosts, special skills such as the iconic Solar Flare, and even the option to overcharge your Ki for super attacks. It effectively prevents the spamming of powerful techniques by placing a limitation on their frequency. However, players can still exploit some moves, like firing a basic Kamehameha followed by a Super Kamehameha in rapid succession. The game’s sprawling arenas also enable players to spam long-range attacks instead of engaging in close combat, a minor drawback for those seeking more varied fights.

The Appeal of Dragon Ball’s Unique Fighting Style

Fans familiar with traditional fighting games may find Sparking! Zero lacks the balance typical of competitive titles, but this is by design. The developers have intentionally allowed powerful characters to dominate in strength and health, embracing Dragon Ball’s canon. For instance, Mastered Ultra Instinct Goku is far superior to early Dragon Ball Z characters, a decision that reflects the lore of the series and allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the Dragon Ball universe. Despite this disparity, skilled players can still overcome the odds, making matches between characters like Mr. Satan and Full Power Jiren possible, albeit challenging.

The vast roster, featuring 182 characters at launch, gives fans a breadth of options and makes for a diverse gameplay experience. The trade-off, however, is a lack of balance. While some characters are inherently faster or more durable, they all retain their unique moves and abilities, reflecting the deep fan service that defines the series.

Immersive Single Player Modes and Fan Service Galore

One of the most appealing aspects of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is its single-player content. Players can explore multiple modes, including the main story-driven Episode Battle and the customizable Custom Battle. Episode Battle offers story arcs from various characters’ perspectives, such as Goku’s journey from the Saiyan Arc to the Tournament of Power, and Jiren’s role in the latter saga. The paths diverge based on player choices or specific in-game achievements, unlocking unique “What If?” scenarios that add to the intrigue. For example, in one arc, Goku survives the battle with Raditz, changing the course of the Saiyan Arc by removing the necessity for his journey to King Kai.

Custom Battle allows players to craft their own stories, complete with customizable elements such as episode titles, background music, and scenarios. The level of detail is impressive, enabling fans to create, play, and share their own Dragon Ball adventures. This mode is bound to be a hit among the fanbase, fostering a sense of creativity and personalization that’s sure to keep players engaged for hours.

Stunning Visuals and Faithful Animations

Visually, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a feast for the eyes, and it brings the Dragon Ball universe to life like never before. The game’s vibrant particle effects, dynamic camera angles, and fluid animations capture the series’ signature style, almost as if the anime had come to life in 3D. Every beam, explosion, and high-speed teleport is rendered with care, preserving the essence of the Dragon Ball aesthetic.

Although the game occasionally experiences frame drops during intense sequences, these moments are rare and do little to detract from the overall experience. The visuals are sharp and polished, delivering a game that looks and feels like an authentic Dragon Ball experience. The attention to detail in every character’s appearance and special moves reflects a deep love for the source material.

A Triumphant Return for Budokai Tenkaichi Fans

Ultimately, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the long-awaited successor that fans of the Budokai Tenkaichi series have yearned for over the past decade. It serves as both a fresh introduction for new players and a nostalgic return for veteran fans, blending classic elements with modern enhancements. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragon Ball fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this game offers a dynamic and enjoyable experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

With its expansive roster, innovative mechanics, and unparalleled fan service, Sparking! Zero sets a high bar for future Dragon Ball titles. While it may not be the most balanced fighter, it excels in providing a faithful, immersive, and thoroughly entertaining adventure that stays true to the heart of the series. It’s the Dragon Ball game that fans have dreamed of, and it’s finally here, ready to deliver countless hours of action-packed fun.