Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
In 2024, Dragon Ball celebrates its 40th anniversary. To commemorate four decades of unparalleled dominance, the saga is launching multiple projects aimed at its loyal fanbase. Alongside the anime Daima set to release this fall, a new video game adapted from the universe of the late Akira Toriyama is about to make its grand entrance. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is ramping up the excitement just 10 weeks before its release, proudly showcasing itself at Gamescom.
The Ultimate Fan Service
Bandai Namco doesn’t shy away from its intentions. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is designed primarily for the fans who grew up with the series, whether in the 90s or the 2010s. The story mode, aptly named “Episode Battle,” revisits key moments from the Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super anime series, covering arcs from the Saiyan Saga all the way to the Tournament of Power. But that’s not all. Spike Chunsoft, the game’s developer, revisits significant events from the saga, offering die-hard fans the opportunity to relive key moments through alternate scenarios reminiscent of “What if” stories.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bandai Namco introduces another unique mode called “Custom Battle.” Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero allows players from around the globe to imagine their own battles and alternate scenarios. Players can choose their opponents, music, dialogue, and even the cutscenes that punctuate these fan-made confrontations. The wealth of content doesn’t stop there. This fighting game features a comprehensive online multiplayer mode (as well as limited offline play within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber).
Returning after a 14-year hiatus, the Budokai Tenkaichi series (known as Sparking! in Japan) is back in a big way. In 2024, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero will feature no less than 164 playable characters—transformations included making it the richest roster in the history of Dragon Ball video game adaptations. The Saiyans naturally take center stage, but Bandai Namco ensures that the majority of iconic figures from the manga and anime are well represented. Videl, Mr. Satan, and even the major antagonists from Dragon Ball Super will delight purists. Fan service reaches its peak with Sparking! Zero, and the anime-faithful visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 only amplify the experience.
Epic and Accessible Battles
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero aims to be far more accessible and “gamer-friendly” than Dragon Ball FighterZ, which was primarily targeted at the e-sports scene. Spike Chunsoft’s title prioritizes fun above all else the joy of embodying the greatest fighters from one of the most iconic universes in popular culture during increasingly epic battles (and they truly are). However, this does not mean that the game sacrifices technical depth for instant gratification. The gameplay is accessible to a broad audience but still holds plenty of surprises.
Combos are easy to execute in Sparking! Zero, and devastating attacks can be unleashed that dynamically destroy environments, making the battles even more spectacular. It’s in these gaming subtleties that this Dragon Ball adaptation shines, whether it’s the teleportations to outmaneuver opponents or the management of Ki and Skill Points. One of the game’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke genuine joy in the hearts of all those who have ever encountered the Z Warriors, regardless of their skill level. Beware! A master of the genre will certainly outclass newcomers, but without ever diminishing their passion for the art of virtual combat.
Our Impressions
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a delightful treat for aficionados of the franchise. Developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco, this fighting game capitalizes on omnipresent fan service, an abundance of content, eye-catching visuals, and epic battles to stand toe-to-toe with the best video game adaptations of manga and anime ever made. If you’re a fan of Dragon Ball, Japanese animation, or fighting games, Sparking! Zero is tailor-made for you.
