As a Dragon Ball fan, Sparking Zero hit all the right nostalgic notes for me. After years of waiting, we finally have a game that feels like a true follow-up to Budokai Tenkaichi 3. It’s packed with familiar elements from the old games, like the chaotic beam clashes and summoning Shenron to make wishes. For fans of the classic Tenkaichi series, Sparking Zero is a dream come true in so many ways.
Nostalgia Galore – The Heart of Sparking Zero
The moment I jumped into Sparking Zero, I was transported back to the Budokai Tenkaichi days. The game retains many beloved features that made the older titles legendary, like alternate storylines that let you explore “what if” scenarios—just like in the older games. The ability to summon Shenron mid-battle to make game-altering wishes brought back some serious memories. It’s those small touches that remind you this game is built for the fans.
Of course, the classic beam struggles (beam clashes) make a glorious return, and let’s be real: there’s nothing like watching two energy waves collide as you and your friend mash buttons to see who comes out on top. It’s one of those mechanics that made Tenkaichi special, and it still brings that rush of adrenaline every time it happens.
Combat and Couch Play – The True DBZ Experience
Dragon Ball games have always thrived on fast, chaotic combat, and Sparking Zero delivers that in full force. The fights are intense, and whether you’re teleporting behind an enemy for a sneak attack or charging up for a massive energy blast, every moment feels true to the anime. The game strikes that sweet balance between feeling complex yet approachable—though newcomers might need a bit of practice to catch up.
And let’s talk about couch play—yes, it’s back, but there’s a catch. Right now, you can only play couch co-op in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber arena. I would’ve loved to see more stages available for this mode, but hey, at least they didn’t completely forget about local multiplayer. There’s something special about sitting next to your friend and brawling out, and Sparking Zero gives us that opportunity.
If local play isn’t enough, you can also take your skills online. Playing with friends online is smooth enough, though don’t expect a hardcore competitive scene—this game is all about fun, not perfect balance.
Character Roster – A Fan’s Dream (and a Little Overkill)
The roster is massive, boasting over 180 characters, and while it’s exciting to have so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming. There are multiple forms of key characters like Goku and Vegeta, which adds variety but also makes the selection screen look a little cluttered. Still, it’s hard to complain when you’ve got the chance to relive battles with just about every Dragon Ball character you could think of, from Z to Super.
Modes and Custom Battles – Where the Game Shines
The story mode offers classic Dragon Ball nostalgia with the ability to alter familiar plots. Ever wondered what would happen if Goku survived a certain encounter? Now you can explore those alternate outcomes. This, along with the customizable battles, is where the game really shines. You can create your own epic matchups, from putting Gohan against Broly to pitting Yamcha in a completely unfair battle against Beerus (just for laughs).
While these custom battles are fun, the pre-written dialogue and limited customization options sometimes hold it back from its full potential. But the creativity it allows, especially when designing unique challenges, is enough to keep you coming back for more.
Visuals and Presentation – Pure Anime Goodness
The game looks amazing, with animations that perfectly capture the energy and intensity of the Dragon Ball universe. Ultimate attacks are pure eye candy, and watching the characters pull off their signature moves—like Vegeta’s Final Flash or Goku’s Spirit Bomb—never gets old. The arenas, from destroyed cities to Namekian battlefields, look incredible and are full of interactive elements that add depth to each fight.
The Verdict
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is a game made by fans, for fans. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just refines what we loved about Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and brings it into the modern age. Sure, it has its flaws, like some repetitive gameplay and a slightly bloated roster, but the fun factor is off the charts. From reliving epic beam struggles to couch play battles with your friends, this game feels like the ultimate Dragon Ball brawler.
If you’ve been waiting for a worthy successor to Budokai Tenkaichi 3, this is it. Grab a controller, summon Shenron, and let the chaotic fun begin!
Purchase Links:
For US:
Sparking Zero Standard/Ultimate Edition for PS5/Xbox (All Editions for All Consoles)
For Canada:
Sparking Zero (PS5)
Sparking Zero (Xbox Series X)
Sparking Zero Ultimate Edition (PS5)
Sparking Zero Ultimate Edition (Xbox Series X)
