Dragonball: Sparking! ZERO Review – Xbox Series X

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has been a highly anticipated title, marking the return of the Budokai Tenkaichi series after more than a decade. This new instalment combines what fans have longed for—intense, character-driven gameplay—with some much-needed updates to keep up with modern fighting games. It’s packed with an impressive character roster, lovingly recreated locations, and the essence of the Dragon Ball universe. However, just like any good anime arc, it has its highs and lows.

 

 

Story – Nostalgic Frenzy with a Twist

At its core, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a faithful adaptation of iconic battles and story arcs, encapsulated within the “Episode Battle” mode. This mode allows players to relive the franchise’s legendary battles, from the early clashes with the Saiyans to epic confrontations with universe-destroying antagonists. But the magic doesn’t end with merely following the main arcs of Dragon Ball lore.

Sparking Zero takes it a step further, offering “what-if” scenarios that enable players to explore alternate outcomes to familiar battles. Have you ever wondered how the story would’ve panned out if Vegeta had bested Goku in their initial showdown? Or if Frieza had emerged victorious on Namek? Sparking Zero answers these questions, providing endless possibilities for storytelling that will keep fans guessing.

The plot delivery, however, is a bit of a mixed bag.

While the game’s what-if scenarios are thrilling, the pacing can feel disjointed, like reading the cliff notes of entire sagas. Long-time fans will appreciate the subtle nods and easter eggs peppered throughout, yet new players might find themselves lost amid fragmented story snippets. The result is a format that caters heavily to seasoned fans, offering little in the way of backstory or context for those less familiar with Dragon Ball lore. The absence of a structured narrative guide means new players may struggle to keep track of the numerous characters, arcs, and transformations.

Still, for die-hard fans, these story fragments are a treasure trove of nostalgia. Each episode is designed to keep players on their toes, incorporating specific objectives within battles. Completing these objectives not only unlocks extra scenes but also opens new pathways within the story, adding a layer of depth and replayability to the game.

 

 

Graphics & Audio – Faithful Homage with a Few Hiccups

One of the most commendable aspects of Sparking Zero is how it captures the aesthetic of the Dragon Ball universe, translating it into a vibrant, interactive experience. Character models have been meticulously crafted to mirror their anime counterparts, from Goku’s spiky Super Saiyan hair to Frieza’s imposing final form. The game’s environments are equally impressive, recreating key locations like Planet Namek, the World Tournament stage, and the barren wastelands where so many battles have taken place. Even minor visual details, such as the craters left behind by powerful attacks, add to the immersive experience.

However, while the visuals are stunning during gameplay, the cutscenes don’t always keep pace. Many of these story moments rely on static frames, with minimal animation, making them feel more like a slideshow than the fluid, action-packed scenes fans might expect. This lack of animation can disrupt the narrative immersion, especially when contrasted with the energetic, vibrant fighting sequences.

In terms of audio, Sparking Zero truly shines. The game brings in voice actors from both the Japanese and English versions of the anime, delivering a performance that’s sure to resonate with long-time fans. Hearing Goku shout “Kamehameha!” or Vegeta deliver one of his fiery monologues never gets old, and the sound effects during combat, from the crackling of energy beams to the ground-shaking thuds of punches, are as crisp as ever. However, the soundtrack, though true to the anime’s themes, doesn’t stray much from familiar tunes. While this may please purists, it may leave players hoping for a fresher audio experience slightly underwhelmed.

 

 

Gameplay – Frenzied Fun or Button-Mashing Mayhem?

The Budokai Tenkaichi series has always been celebrated for its accessible yet deeply rewarding combat mechanics, and Sparking Zero proudly carries on this tradition. With over 180 playable characters, this instalment boasts one of the largest rosters in fighting game history. From classic characters like Goku and Vegeta to lesser-seen figures such as Goku Black and Jiren, the game caters to all fan favourites. However, this vast character pool is somewhat deceptive, as multiple forms of the same character (think 19 versions of Goku) populate a good chunk of the roster.

Gameplay mechanics revolve around simple button combinations, making combat feel intuitive and beginner-friendly. The emphasis is on flashy, anime-style moves rather than complex combos, which works well in a game based on a high-energy series like Dragon Ball. Special moves are easy to execute, allowing players to pull off jaw-dropping attacks without a steep learning curve. However, this simplicity also leads to one of the game’s main drawbacks: repetition. Battles can quickly devolve into button-mashing sessions, particularly in single-player mode, where opponents often lack the tactical prowess of human players.

Nevertheless, Sparking Zero includes a range of mechanics to deepen the combat experience. The game encourages players to focus on defensive strategies, like building Ki and timing counters to capitalise on opponents’ openings. The strategic element is especially noticeable in tougher battles, where victory hinges on more than just brute force. Additionally, Sparking Zero introduces a Custom Battle mode, which allows players to create and share their own unique scenarios. This mode injects fresh creativity into the game, letting players recreate iconic scenes or invent entirely new ones, all while setting specific victory conditions. It’s like Dragon Ball meets a sandbox mode, and for fans with a creative streak, it’s an absolute goldmine.

 

 

Additional Features – Multiplayer & Customisation

Beyond its single-player offerings, Sparking Zero features both online and offline multiplayer, where players can pit their favourite characters against one another in epic clashes. Split-screen multiplayer, a staple of previous games, makes a welcome return, though limited to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber map. This restriction is likely due to performance limitations, as the map is minimalistic, with fewer elements to render during the intense split-screen battles.

The game also offers customisation options, including unlockable costumes, collectable cutscenes, and alternate music tracks. These collectables provide additional motivation for players to revisit battles and achieve specific objectives, offering a satisfying sense of progression. While the costume selection is extensive, with references to some of Dragon Ball’s more obscure moments, it lacks certain fan favourites, like Vegeta’s infamous pink “Badman” shirt. Still, the sheer volume of content will keep completionists busy for hours on end.

 

 

Verdict – For the Fans, By the Fans

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is, at its heart, a love letter to Dragon Ball enthusiasts. It’s packed with fan service, from its immense character roster to its nods to classic battles and “what-if” scenarios. The game’s strengths lie in its dedication to recreating the look, feel, and energy of the Dragon Ball universe. Yet, it falls short in areas that modern players might take for granted, such as the depth of its cutscene animations and the complexity of its combat.

For newcomers, Sparking Zero may be a challenging entry point due to its fragmented storytelling and occasionally repetitive gameplay. But for long-time fans, it’s an irresistible blend of nostalgia and new content. The expansive roster and creative possibilities in Custom Battle mode ensure that there’s always something new to discover, even after the main story arcs are complete.

In essence, Sparking Zero is a game made with fans in mind, and it delivers on most of what they could ask for. However, with a few tweaks to the story pacing, animation quality, and perhaps a deeper combat system, it could have been a near-perfect title for both veterans and newcomers alike.