Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Review

Gameplay and Mechanics

Sparking Zero keeps the core formula that fans of the Budokai Tenkaichi games loved—arena-style battles in destructible environments—while enhancing it with modern mechanics. The combat revolves around Ki management, combo attacks, and signature cinematic finishers called Ultimate Blasts. There’s a strategic depth here: ki charges, defensive parries, and skill meters make sure that button-mashing won’t get you very far against tougher opponents.

The controls can feel overwhelming at first, especially for newcomers, but once you master the mechanics—like Dragon Homing (which lets you chase down enemies mid-air) or Vanishing Attacks to dodge at the last moment—the game’s depth truly shines​.

That said, the learning curve might be off-putting for some, and the tutorial system doesn’t do much to ease new players in​.

For those who love customization, there’s a lot to explore. You can create your own battle scenarios, complete with unique transformations and pre-set intros for characters. The level of personalization in modes like Custom Battle makes it a fan’s dream.

Story Mode

The Episode Battle mode is where Sparking Zero shines for solo players. It spans across Dragon Ball Z and parts of Dragon Ball Super, letting players relive iconic sagas, from Goku's battle with Raditz to the Tournament of Power. A fun twist is the inclusion of alternate, "what-if" scenarios. Imagine Gohan becoming the one to defeat Golden Frieza, or Goku unlocking his Super Saiyan form early on against Vegeta​.It’s a refreshing spin for players who have retread these storylines for over 20 years.

While Dragon Ball Super and the later arcs are well-represented, the original Dragon Ball era doesn’t get much love here—something fans of Goku’s earlier adventures might miss​.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Sparking Zero is a treat. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game faithfully captures the art style of Akira Toriyama. Whether it’s the detailed energy beams or the facial expressions during cinematic attacks, everything looks and feels authentic to the show​.

The stages are destructible, and watching characters blast each other through mountains and cities adds to the intensity of battles.

The sound design also holds up, with iconic voice lines and music that will have fans feeling right at home in the Dragon Ball universe. The dramatic beam clashes make a triumphant return, complete with camera sweeps and high-octane sound effects​.

Value and Replayability

Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Zero is packed with content. Beyond the single-player modes, there’s an impressive online multiplayer offering, including various tournaments with customizable rule sets. For those wanting a challenge, there are over 20 difficulty levels in the game’s custom AI battles​.

Even after the story mode is complete, you’ll find yourself coming back to unlock alternate costumes, rare characters, and a host of other goodies.

Final Verdict

Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Zero is an exhilarating return to form for the Budokai Tenkaichi series. Its rich roster, intense combat, and homage to the Dragon Ball saga make it an absolute blast for fans, though the steep learning curve and repetitive strategies may deter newcomers from fully embracing its depth. Still, this game is as much a celebration of Dragon Ball as it is a fighting game, and for that, it earns a spot in the upper echelon of anime fighters.

Score: 8.5/10

For:

• Massive roster with deep cuts from the series and movies

• Beautiful graphics and faithful adaptation of Toriyama’s art

• Satisfying, strategic combat mechanics

• Tons of content with story mode, tournaments, and custom battles

Against:

• Steep learning curve for new players

• Tutorial system feels clunky and unengaging

• Repetitive tactics can become stale in single-player mode