Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the spiritual successor to the acclaimed Budokai Tenkaichi , arrives with high expectations. After a 17-year wait, Bandai Namco promised to revive the franchise's legacy with a cast of over 180 characters and stunning graphics in Unreal Engine 5. However, despite its visual appeal and fan service, the title suffers from structural issues that may frustrate even the most devoted fans.
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Nostalgia put to the test: charm in the menus and visuals
From the very beginning, Sparking Zero seeks to capture the essence of classic games. Interactive menus featuring popular characters create a welcoming atmosphere for nostalgic gamers. However, the poorly organized options and confusing navigation compromise the experience.
Graphically, the game is a celebration of Akira Toriyama's work. The 3D models and special effects are impressive, transporting the player to the anime universe. While it doesn't quite reach the visual refinement of Dragon Ball FighterZ , the vibrant art style is one of the game's highlights.
Game modes: between the familiar and the repetitive
Story Mode attempts to innovate by including Dragon Ball Super and alternative route options, such as hypothetical scenarios involving Gohan and Vegeta. Despite this, the execution lacks consistency, with rushed chapters and unclear objectives. Translation issues and progress bugs also hinder the mode's fluidity.
While the game introduces new defensive and offensive mechanics, such as parries and combo breaks, the lack of gameplay diversity becomes evident. Most characters share similar commands, making experimentation unrewarding.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Gameplay and Limitations
Even with a more agile combat system than its predecessors, Sparking Zero quickly becomes repetitive. The vast cast, while impressive in number, doesn't deliver the expected variety. Furthermore, the lack of netcode rollback compromises online play, especially in matches with unstable connections.
Local multiplayer is another limitation: only the Time Room scenario is available for two players. This choice, motivated by technical constraints, may disappoint those seeking more dynamic combat.
Conclusion: aesthetic brilliance, but lack of depth
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is visually charming and offers occasional moments of enjoyment, especially for longtime fans. However, the lack of gameplay depth and technical issues dilute the game's potential.
The sequel legitimizes the franchise, but still leaves room for significant improvements in future updates or possible new titles. The question remains: will nostalgia be enough to sustain its long-term appeal?
