Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, spiritual successor to the acclaimed Budokai Tenkaichi , arrives with high expectations. After 17 years of waiting, Bandai Namco has promised to revive the franchise's legacy with a cast of over 180 characters and stunning graphics in Unreal Engine 5. However, despite the visual appeal and fan service, the title stumbles upon structural problems that can frustrate even the most devoted fans.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection release date revealed
- Dragon Ball Daima Ep 2 Glorio: Available to watch
Nostalgia proof: charm in the menus and visuals
Right from the initial interface, Sparking Zero seeks to capture the essence of classic games. Interactive menus featuring popular characters create a welcoming atmosphere for those nostalgic. However, the poor organization of options and confusing navigation compromise the experience.
Graphically, the game is a celebration of Akira Toriyama's work. The three-dimensional models and special effects are impressive, transporting the player to the anime universe. Although it doesn't reach the visual refinement of Dragon Ball FighterZ , the vibrant artistic style is one of the game's high points.
Game modes: between the familiar and the repetitive
Story Mode tries 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 hamper the fluidity of the mode.
Although the game introduces new defensive and offensive mechanics, such as parries and combo breaks, the lack of diversity in the gameplay becomes evident. Most characters share similar commands, which makes experimentation unrewarding.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Gameplay and Limitations
Even with a more agile combat system than its predecessors, Sparking Zero becomes repetitive in a short time. The vast cast, although impressive in number, does not deliver the expected variety. Furthermore, the lack of support for rollback netcode compromises the online mode, especially in games with an unstable connection.
Local multiplayer is another point of limitation: only the Time Room scenario is available for two players. The choice, motivated by technical restrictions, may disappoint those looking for more dynamic combats.
Conclusion: aesthetic brilliance but lack of depth
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is visually charming and offers occasional moments of fun, especially for longtime fans. However, the lack of depth in gameplay 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?
