8Bit/Digi

Next Time on Dragon Ball: Sparking!

The Dragon Ball series and fighting games have always been a perfect match. Throughout the series rich history, numerous games have attempted to capture its intense and over-the-top style. Some have failed at this endeavor. Others have been successful in capturing the essence that makes Dragon Ball iconic.

One standout title in this endeavor is the Budokai Tenkaichi (or Sparking!) series. The latest entry, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, goes above and beyond, capturing the essence of the iconic Shonen series in thrilling, action-packed gameplay.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero marks the fourth entry in the Sparking! (or Budokai Tenkaichi) series and is the first entry released in 17 years. This 3D fighting game boasts a roster of over 180 fighters from across the Dragon Ball universe, making it a perfect experience for fans—whether they first watched on Toonami or are tuning in on Crunchyroll today.

I should note that I’ve only watched the Dragon Ball anime adaptations and have read very little of the manga. For this reason, I’ll only be referencing the anime series.

A Gathering of Rivals

Sparking! Zero includes over 180 unlockable characters from across the Dragon Ball universe. This includes different versions of Goku from the Z series to Super and the original Dragon Ball. Each character has unique strengths and weaknesses, designed to reflect a variety of fighting styles—much like in the anime. Like any other fighting game, certain characters will instantly capture your attention if they are your favorite. However, one should not limit themselves to their favorite and instead try to play as the other characters.

The single-player aspect of the game is an episodic series that recreates your favorite fight scenes. Players will start with Goku and unlock new characters to play as they progress. Each story will also feature a vast arena inspired by the setting of each story and arc. However, you are not limited to experiencing that moment from one character. For example in the fight against Vegeta, you will battle him as both Goku and as Piccolo. Players will also not be limited to playing as the heroes as they could also experience the story from the villain’s perspective.

Multiplayer can be experienced through split-screen co-op or online. Players could find a match online based on their personal preferences regarding rank, language, and tournament rules. Offline, it’s possible to play against another player via co-op. To accommodate the intense combat, the co-op will be split-screened.

It’s Over 9,000

Sparking! Zero has to be commended for how it brings the intense fighting the series is known for to life. It truly utilizes the fact it’s a 3D fighting game with a vast arena. While such a concept has been done in the past, using some of the most detailed anime-style visuals helps make it feel like an episode of the show only that you are in control of what happens.

The game’s wide array of gameplay options significantly enhances its replay value. Players aren’t limited to a few stages or modes; instead, they have numerous choices, each inspired by story arcs from the series. Adding to this variety is the Shop/Customize feature, where players can purchase items to personalize their characters. The shop offers an assortment of characters, clothing, emotes, and title cards, while Customize lets players tailor character designs to their preferences, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Taste of Defeat

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a game that fans of the series and fighting games will enjoy but it still has its shortcomings. I felt the tutorial to be annoying and fell short on some details while the split-screen multiplayer.

To complete the tutorial, you’ll need to attack Vegeta using specific moves as instructed. While some of these actions can feel tedious, the tutorial requires precise execution. Although I appreciate the co-op mode, split-screen can be challenging for players using smaller screens, such as desktop monitors, small TVs, or laptops. When the action heats up, a small screen can make it hard to keep track of the battle.

Despite these shortcomings, they will not hinder the overall experience.

Ready for Anything

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is more than just a fighting game adaption, it’s a love letter to the iconic shōnen. Its intense combat is on par with the anime, made even better by its visual design choices. Players have a plethora of choices in regard to playable characters and game modes while having plenty of reasons to come back.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Intense and over-the-top combat that is on par with the anime.
• Anime style visual details brings the action to life.
• Plenty of iconic characters to choose from.
• Rich in replay value in regard to gameplay and collectibles.

Cons

• Tutorial makes you do things in a certain way just to progress.
• Split-screen multiplayer can be hindered by your screen size.