Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero marks the return of the Budokai Tenkaichi series to consoles and PC after almost 15 years of absence, presenting itself with a new name and an ambitious promise: to be the best Dragon Ball fighting game ever created. Sparking!’s combat system Zero, while sharing some similarities with more recent titles such as Xenoverse and Kakarot, stands out for a more frenetic and dynamic pace. Basic attacks revolve around “rush attacks”, combinations of punches, kicks and energy projectiles that allow you to overwhelm your opponent. Ki management is crucial, as special moves, such as “Ki Blasts” and the two powerful abilities unique to each character, consume the energy bar. Recharging Ki at the right time therefore becomes essential to prevail in battles.
But the combat system offers much more: dodges, counterattacks, blocks and the ability to fly enrich the tactical options available. By entering the Sparking! state, which can be obtained by charging Ki beyond the limit, it is possible to enhance combos and unleash devastating attacks capable of turning the tide of battle. Sparkling! Zero offers a wide range of game modes, both online and offline. The story mode allows you to relive the most iconic battles of the saga through the eyes of different characters, with the addition of interesting “What if?” scenarios. While this mode offers a satisfying experience for fans, on the other it is not ideal for those approaching the story of Dragon Ball for the first time.
The custom battle mode offers additional scenarios with special conditions and restrictions, with the ability to create and share your own challenges. The offer is completed by the classic training and quick battle modes, as well as online modes which include ranked matches, clashes between players and tournaments. One of Sparking’s strong points! Zero is the impressive amount of content, starting from the roster of around 180 playable characters. It’s true that many are variations of the same character, but each has unique characteristics that make it interesting. Furthermore, you can customize your fighters by changing their clothing or equipping items that enhance their abilities.
The selection of stages is also generous and, together with the numerous customization options available, contributes to making the gaming experience long-lasting and satisfying, especially for Dragon Ball fans. Despite its qualities, Sparking! Zero has some small imperfections. The shoulder camera, for example, does not always offer an optimal view of the action, and some aspects of the gameplay are not fully explained. Newbies will need to spend some time in training mode to master all the mechanics. Ultimately, Sparking! Zero ranks among the best Dragon Ball games, a fast-paced and fun 3D fighting game with surprising depth and top-notch graphics. Thanks to the unprecedented roster of characters and the abundance of game modes, it is an unmissable title for fans of the saga and a potentially interesting experience also for fighting game fans in general.
Format: PS5 (tested version), Xbox Series, PC Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: Spike Chunsoft Rating: 8/10
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