There’s never been a better time to be a Dragon Ball fan. With the series undergoing a massive resurgence since 2012, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero brings us back to the fast-paced, explosive combat of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. Seventeen years after the last installment, the franchise has expanded with new movies, Dragon Ball Super, and an upcoming anime. But how does Sparking Zero hold up in 2024’s gaming landscape?
The Legacy Continues: Budokai Tenkaichi Returns
Sparking Zero marks the fourth game in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, beloved by fans for its chaotic, yet accessible combat system. With over 180 playable fighters, including 19 different versions of Goku, the game delivers an impressive roster that will excite both newcomers and longtime fans alike. But beyond the numbers, does the gameplay still hold up?
Familiar Mechanics with Fresh Twists
At its core, Sparking Zero retains the simplistic, combo-based fighting mechanics the series is known for. Combos are based on button presses rather than traditional motion inputs, making it easy for players to jump into action, no matter which character they choose. With so many characters available, this intuitive system allows players to experiment without being overwhelmed by complex mechanics.
However, don’t mistake simplicity for lack of depth. The game challenges players to master the defensive aspects of combat, such as building Ki, blocking at the right moments, and executing well-timed counters. The Great Ape Vegeta battle early in the campaign sets the tone, proving that strategic play is essential for success.
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Reliving Iconic Dragon Ball Moments
Sparking Zero introduces Episode Battle, a campaign mode that takes players through pivotal moments in the Dragon Ball saga. Players can relive classic fights and experience unique “what-if” scenarios through Sparking Episodes, which are unlocked by completing specific mission objectives. These branching paths provide engaging challenges and new narrative directions, making the campaign mode a standout feature.
However, the cutscenes fall short of expectations. Bare-bones animations and overuse of freeze frames diminish the excitement of key moments, even with the nostalgia-fueled by original voice actors from both the Japanese and English versions of the anime.
Custom Battle Mode: Unleash Your Creativity in Sparking Zero
For those looking to create their own Dragon Ball experience, Custom Battle offers an impressive editor where players can build their scenarios. This feature goes far beyond simple match setups, allowing players to fine-tune battles with intricate details and trigger events mid-fight. The customization possibilities are nearly endless, making this mode a surprising highlight for creative players.
Multiplayer: Split-Screen Fun, but Limited Online Play
One of the best features of Budokai Tenkaichi has always been its split-screen local multiplayer, and while Sparking Zero includes this mode, it’s limited to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber map, likely due to performance constraints. Despite this restriction, the experience remains smooth and enjoyable.
On the downside, the online multiplayer scene is marred by the lack of crossplay and potential cheating issues, especially on PC. The absence of an anti-cheat system may deter competitive players from fully engaging with the game’s online modes. That said, the modding community has already started to thrive, opening the door to new possibilities for single-player mods and custom content.
Visuals and Performance: A Mixed Bag
While the game’s art style captures the vibrant energy of the Dragon Ball universe, the PC port leaves much to be desired. With 60fps lock, random stuttering, and underwhelming HDR support, Sparking Zero struggles to meet modern gaming standards. Console players will enjoy a more stable experience, but PC gamers should approach with caution, especially if they plan to play competitively online.
A Must-Play for Dragon Ball Fans
Despite its flaws, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero offers a thrilling experience for fans of the franchise. With a massive roster, easy-to-learn combat mechanics, and plenty of content to explore, the game delivers on its promise of high-octane Dragon Ball action. While the PC version has some performance issues and the online scene may suffer from the lack of anti-cheat and crossplay, casual and hardcore fans alike will find plenty to love in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Pros:
- Over 180 playable characters with unique movesets
- Intuitive, accessible combat system
- Episode Battle offers compelling story content with branching paths
- Custom Battle mode allows for impressive scenario creation
Cons:
- Lackluster cutscenes and barebones animations
- PC version suffers from stuttering and lack of crossplay
- No anti-cheat system, raising concerns for online play
Sparking Zero proves that Budokai Tenkaichi is still a force to be reckoned with, 17 years later. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned fighter, this game has something for everyone.