Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero carries the Budokai Tenkaichi spirit forward

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero carries the Budokai Tenkaichi spirit forward

As a longtime Dragon Ball Z fan and avid gamer, I was beyond excited to get my hands on Bandai Namco’s latest creation, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, at EVO 2024. The hype was real as I approached the booth, and I wasn’t disappointed.


At EVO 2024, I was blown away by the abundance of fighting games. Major publishers like Bandai Namco were there to unveil their newest offerings. Not only did they bring Lidia from Tekken 8, but they also showcased the latest version of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. As a huge fan, I was given the opportunity to test out this highly anticipated title, which is said to be the successor to the beloved Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero boasts an impressive cast of characters, making it one of the largest rosters yet for a Dragon Ball fighting game. Newcomers from Dragon Ball Super join the fray, including some debuting figures. With countless playable characters available, ranging from various Goku and Vegeta versions to fusion fighters, as well as fresh faces like Jiren, it was impossible to explore them all during our playtime. However, we did get a glimpse of a few in the game’s team-based 3v3 mode.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero carries the Budokai Tenkaichi spirit forward

For individuals accustomed to Budokai Tenkaichi games since childhood, operating the game’s controls will feel instinctive, particularly when choosing the traditional control setup. The action unfolds in full 3D, with players charging toward adversaries to release their hidden power. The visuals, reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z anime episodes, can be immersive and tempting to engage in reckless punching sprees. However, these battles involve strategy beyond mindless assaults.

In the heat of these quick-paced battles, it may be challenging to defend yourself, but you can still skillfully dodge left and right. This comes in handy when a projectile is hurtling towards your face. Should you maintain a distance, take advantage by building up your Ki energy to unleash stronger attacks. For instance, Goku utilized Kamehamehas, yet these abilities could be even more potent. At a certain moment, I managed to fill my Ki gauge completely as Super Broly and annihilated the surroundings with an explosive display, ultimately defeating my adversary in grand fashion.

As a long-time fan of Dragon Ball Z and its captivating universe, I can’t help but feel elated by the recent announcement of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Although I’ve only had a sneak peek into this upcoming title, the nostalgia-inducing locations and the exhilarating action sequence have left me craving for more.

At EVO 2024, I played an early version of this game on PlayStation 5, which was showcased by Bandai Namco. However, please keep in mind that the finished product may still undergo some adjustments.

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2024-07-25 01:27