DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO (2025)

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the Budokai Tenkaichi 4 fans have been waiting to get for a long, long time, but it's also the perfect first entry to jump into if you've never played a game in this series. It's a great first impression, and even better reunion.

Gameplay:

Flying around is freely possible and is much faster than it ever has been in the series before. Up-close fights are frenetic, and there are deeper abilities that allow you to guard, dodge and parry hits at the right time.

Story:

Episode Battle focuses on eight different fighter's paths throughout the story depending on when they take part. There are certain 'What If?' paths you take go down by either making a choice, or fulfilling a secret battle requirement.

Multiplayer:

You can choose to make them longer with Team Battles which let you take up to five fighters into a match (and swap out with them after a certain time). Battles feel fresh due to the number of options there are to take down your opponent.

Graphics:

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has a visual fidelity that gets as close to the anime as you might hope. Particle effects, explosions, dashing around, quick teleports, beams and more just look fantastic.

Controls:

There are additional movements mechanics included that make for better quality of life in general too. There's an extra dash step that makes closing in quicker, and the powered up ki dash can help you cross distances quickly.

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While yes, this is just another Dragon Ball game, it stands in line with the best of the best in style, presentation, graphics, sound design, gameplay, and content. It is surprising how polished DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO actually is.

Gameplay:

The gameplay in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO can be lightning fast and extraordinarily dynamic. This is the closest Dragon Ball game that we have got to actually looking like the fights from the anime.

Story:

The story mode in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, Episode Battle, is extensive and impressive. Some missions in the story mode will let you branch off into 'what-if' scenarios if you choose a certain option or fulfill a particular battle requirement.

Multiplayer:

You will have to increase your battle prowess and absorb all the intricacies of the combat mechanics if you want to go up against players online. Custom Battles are where you can create your very own Bonus Battle, which you can save and upload for others to play.

Graphics:

Graphically, the game looks astounding. The wisps of energy swirling a character as they power up feel magical with wind and particle effects swirling around.

Sound:

The sound design is consistent with what you would expect for anything evolving Dragon Ball and while that may sound pretty boring overall, it does a decent job here at keeping the energy of the matches up. The soundtrack is undefeated with blaring trumpets that roar and get you pumped to overcome your villain.

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Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is an outstanding achievement from studio Spike Chunsoft. You can feel their love and reverence for the series in every aspect.

Gameplay:

Sparking Zero is downright fun to play. It's designed to ensure every moment is engaging and worthwhile.

Story:

Episode Battles feature story highlights of beloved characters across their arcs. The cutscenes are barely animated and include many still shots with voiceovers.

Multiplayer:

I've played several online matches, including an entire tournament, and I'm stoked to say I've mostly had a solid connection without latency issues. Online battles are thrilling for me.

Graphics:

Courtesy of Unreal Engine 5, the 3D character models and animations look the best they ever have, along with stunning visual effects between super attacks, Ki energy, smoke, and destruction. The way the character's hair moves in the wind is a nice touch, along with clothing physics.

Sound:

Spike Chunsoft has also implemented stellar sound design and music between the new and familiar. Successfully chaining combos together is incredibly satisfying between the animation, sound design, and controller feedback.

Controls:

Sparking Zero feels phenomenal to play. The game features the classic control scheme and the new standard control scheme that remaps the controls to accommodate players who may approach the game with a more modern fighting game sensibility.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a triumphant return to form for the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, offering fans a nostalgic yet modernized experience that captures the essence of epic fantasy Dragon Ball battles. As a Dragon Ball and Toriyama fan, this game feels like a dream come true and is sure to leave a massive smile on many fans' faces.

Gameplay:

The core combat is the same, which consists of fast-paced aerial combat that requires fast reflexes and ki management. You'll use the left analog stick for movement, while the face buttons typically control your basic attacks, Ki blasts, and special moves.

Story:

Episode Battles are a single player mode that allows you to relive iconic moments from the manga series through the perspective of eight different characters, including Goku, Vegeta, Future Trunks, and even Goku Black. Some stages feature a choice system that can alter the story's outcome, creating alternative scenarios different from the original anime.

Multiplayer:

Sparking! Zero is mainly aimed as an online competitive multiplayer game, but there does happen to be a local split-screen multiplayer, with the caveat that it's only on one map. For online battles, there are both casual and ranked duels, but just know that there's no rollback net code.

Graphics:

The game's art design and graphics are a dream come true for long-time DBZ fans, with character models and environments that faithfully recreate the anime's aesthetic and locale. Particularly impressive are the dynamic weather effects and the fluid animations of characters' hair during intense Ki charging sequences.

Sound:

The audio design compliments the visual spectacle, with explosive sound effects and returning voice actors from the previous Budokai Tenkaichi games.

Controls:

There are two types of controls featured: standard and classic. Standard is more manageable on your fingers and is in line with the current era of gaming controllers.

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Even after playing Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero with a massive grin on my face for more than 50 hours, I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of everything that it has to offer and still have so many more battles and events to make my way through. Its smart evolution of Budokai Tenkaichi's combat, stacked and detailed roster, and near-endless amount of modes and features make it one of the best Dragon Ball games of all time.

Gameplay:

The combination of light attacks, heavy finishers, vanishing, counters, and special attacks is fast-paced and crunchy as it was in the original trilogy, but with even more depth thanks to the introduction of a mid-air dash and the ability to deflect beam attacks. Although the combat mechanics take a lot of getting used to, once you do, Sparking Zero is just as satisfying to play as FighterZ and feels even more like an episode of the anime.

Story:

While most of these Episode Battles are just the story of Dragon Ball Z (and Super for the first time in the series) that you know like the back of your hand, Spike Chunsoft has made them far more interesting for long-term fans by going all-in on what-if scenarios. Some of them are minor and just offer alternate endings, like if Gohan beat Dabura before Majin Buu even shows up, but the most interesting are Sparking Episodes, which offer massive deviations and huge surprises.

Multiplayer:

With the community-focused Custom Battles, Tournaments, and online play (which is surprisingly stable from the limited amount I could try pre-launch), there's so much here at launch that it puts most other Dragon Ball games and triple-A releases to shame. Custom Battle is a lot of fun and far more in-depth than I expected, but it's really going to be worth talking about when the community goes hands-on with it.

Graphics:

Sparking Zero is just as satisfying to play as FighterZ and feels even more like an episode of the anime thanks to the gorgeous destructible environments and detailed character designs. FighterZ is a good comparison point here, as the overall look and sound of Sparking Zero is on the same, if not higher, impressive level.

Sound:

With 182 fighters to pick from, it's a triumph that they all feel like worthy picks and not clones of one another, thanks in part to the unique interactions, voice lines, and even character-specific moves like Goku swinging Frieza around by the tail. FighterZ is a good comparison point here, as the overall look and sound of Sparking Zero is on the same, if not higher, impressive level.

Controls:

Although the combat mechanics take a lot of getting used to (especially with a fairly unhelpful tutorial), once you do, Sparking Zero is just as satisfying to play as FighterZ. The camera is the biggest example of this, as it can often get caught in the scenery or go under the map altogether.

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At its core, Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is an absolutely addictive delight, firing on all cylinders, and is the dream Dragon Ball game for fans worldwide. Further, the several other modes, such as the bonus battles, custom creations, and tournaments, alongside the endless cycle of rewards, make this an entry diehards will occupy themselves with for quite some time, doubly so when considering the online play.

Gameplay:

The gameplay itself is a 3D brawler that has plenty going on with its fair share of captivating spectacle, and each character is immensely distinctive in overall feel. If you're not dashing or combo-ing someone ceaselessly, you're either standing still and charging your Ki or evading incoming attacks with frequent vanishing fakeouts.

Story:

It's a compelling idea, chiefly thanks to the occasional decisions you can make that deviate from the established canon, with some what-if scenarios even being unexpectedly extensive. However, not every character scenario is created equally.

Multiplayer:

Sparking! Zero also contains offline and online tournaments, offering another way for players to battle each other, especially in a group format. The custom mode provides highly in-depth customization for just about any battle context you can conjure.

Graphics:

The character models and environments are abundantly faithful and gorgeous, both stationary in movement, and the framerate's relative stability amidst it all makes the entire experience feel like you are playing the anime. The stunning presentation of Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero faithfully recreates the visual style of the source material.

Sound:

The sheer number of voiced lines here is incredible, making an otherwise obligatory menu full of appreciated personality. Plus, while not intricate, hearing their thoughts on characters they've never met is pretty entertaining.

Controls:

Sparking! Zero is a game that is more understood by feel rather than description, so it helps that the controls are pretty intuitive, with two-button layouts meant for veteran fans or newcomers.

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Dragon Ball Sparking Zero captures the Budokai style of arena fighter and never pretends to be anything else. You could call it Budokai Tenkaichi 4, and I wouldn't even be mad about it.

Gameplay:

From the jump, even with only a few characters to play, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero has an overwhelming amount of options. From playing characters with planet-razing powers that range from beam clashes and rush attacks to just actual high-speed displays of ultimate attacks, there is so much to unwrap.

Story:

Episode battles span from Dragon Ball Z's Raditz arc to Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power, allowing you to play moments from the different series. Only now you can shake up the timeline of events by drastically altering the course of the character with the choice you pick.

Multiplayer:

The Battle Mode operates like the traditional versus mode with both online and offline capabilities. Because of the uniqueness of how people choose to play and the sheer variety of team comps, online matches are a whole new world of competitive play.

Graphics:

The game executes dynamic environments that yield wildly different matches when fought with different restrictions. Different versions of the same character aren't just palette swaps.

Controls:

This game intelligently incorporates an old formula and even gives you the Classic controller scheme into 2024. Speed and range are your best friends if you play as a small character against a large one.

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Sparking! Zero is, in my opinion, one of the best anime arena fighters we've received these past few years. The bar has been set, and it's incredibly high.

Gameplay:

What I love about Sparking! Zero is the variety of movements, combos, and techniques players can use. These can range from high-speed movements and attacks to advanced guards and counters.

Story:

Most cutscenes are presented as panels and still models, but fret not. Another aspect of story mode I liked are the What-Ifs Scenarios.

Multiplayer:

If you're playing with friends, I think you'll manage just fine, but when going to ranked mode, you will look like the Yamcha death pose. I encountered some matchmaking issues, which were at least enough for me to mention in this review.

Graphics:

In this game, no matter what mode you play, all you see are your favorite Dragon Ball characters using their super and ultimate moves, beam clashes, and environmental destruction; believe me when I say it's breathtaking. You have 182-characters with their movements, even the multiple variations of Goku and Vegeta.

Controls:

Input delay can happen when performing combos and could be at crucial moments. The camera was also finicky at times, glitching into the environment.

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Even with all these issues, most of which I am sure can be patched out of the game, I still absolutely LOVE Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero. Sparking! Zero is a visually stunning and action-packed game that captures the spirit of the Dragon Ball series.

Gameplay:

Combat in Sparking! Zero is extremely fast, I mean you will lose sight of your opponent at times; which makes sense with these fighters. One of the other things I love about Sparking! Zero is how completely unbalanced it feels, but this is a good thing.

Story:

When fighters with history meet, they will always banter before each fight, which was always awesome for me as my main is Vegeta, so I am forever trying to beat Goku. From the extensive roster of over 180 characters to its recreation of battles and stories we have seen countless times before, Sparking! Zero is a true lover letter to fans of Akira Toriyama's masterpiece.

Multiplayer:

While the game has a large number of stages to choose from for battles against the AI and even online against other players but if players plan to play locally with a friend be warned that you can only use the Hyperbolic Time Chamber level. While not a deal breaker by any means, it is a bit disappointing as I can't play online with some of my cousins and we had to settle our bouts in the barren time chamber level.

Graphics:

The graphical fidelity in Sparking! Zero can be described as nothing other than spectacular. The game boasts vibrant colors along with high-def graphics that bring Toriyama's iconic designs to life.

Controls:

Not only is there the odd hit detection but there are times when it feels like the controls just aren't registering inputs. Which can be incredibly frustrating as the majority of defensive options have to be timed correctly to be effective and I was maybe 50/50 on success with button inputs.

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It's been an incredibly long wait, but this series is arguably more super than ever on the current generation of hardware. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero may just be the 'ultra instinct' entry fans have always wished for.

Gameplay:

The combat itself is built on the foundations of past entries – where you engage in close and long-range brawls, build your Ki (energy), power up and then transform or unleash a devastatingly powerful attack on your opponent. The action is just as speedy as the source material as well, with the usual moves like instant transmission, offensive rush attacks and speed move combos to send your opponent flying.

Story:

In the 'Episodes' mode you'll pick a character and play through their entire arc. The story here is told mostly through images rather than proper cinematics which may disappoint some, but the fights are what it's about.

Multiplayer:

This huge roster of characters, which now exceeds 180 fighters, is once again supported by multiple modes including 'Episodes', custom battles, tournaments and multiplayer (including online and split-screen local play limited to just one level). Players can also expand on this by sharing their own custom-made scenarios with other fighters around the globe.

Graphics:

From a visual standpoint, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero looks absolutely stunning. The combat in this new title is now powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 5 – making the fights incredibly fast and frenetic on the latest generation of console hardware.

Sound:

Backed by plenty of familiar-sounding voices from the actual series. The audio presentation complements the visual experience effectively.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is undeniably a great 3D fighter that's geared up to pander to fans in the best way. The impressive visuals, the nostalgia-fuelled Episodes, the humongous roster of characters, and the exciting action are praiseworthy.

Gameplay:

Throwing a few kicks or punches, sending simple Ki blasts, activating skills, and performing awesome looking Super Attacks, should be straightforward enough to pull off. The Sparking Mode is especially cool as it enhances your combos and, most importantly, opens up a character's Ultimate Blasts.

Story:

In Episode Battle mode, you'll delve into some of the greatest and most memorable arcs of the Dragon Ball anime. The potential downside is how rushed the storytelling is and the gaps within it probably won't do justice to the epic arcs for newcomers to the franchise.

Multiplayer:

For the most part, it's relatively quick to find a match and upon doing so, the connectivity holds up well to ensure the high octane action isn't hindered. There are few slouches online however, with competent opponents waiting in Player and Ranked options.

Graphics:

The pace is absolutely in keeping with the nature of Dragon Ball fights in the anime and the on-screen effects really convey the destructive action. Simply giving each one a run out and going through their arsenal of moves will occupy you for a while, plus it's great to watch the animated manoeuvres.

Sound:

The narratives are told in between battles using a mixture of stills and wonderful animated scenes featuring top drawer voiceovers.

Controls:

On the whole, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is definitely a case of easy-ish to pick up, but hard to master. Accurately blasting the opponent with Ki-based super moves, chaining attacks together through rapid dashing, countering or blocking incoming attacks effectively takes a little while to get to grips with.

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DRAGON BALL Sparking! ZERO is a great 3D arena fighter. It's got a sizeable roster, huge maps, and a fun combat system that I quite a bit of mileage out of over the weekend.

Gameplay:

Players pick their favourite Dragon Ball characters and proceed to pummel the other side with a variety of moves all Dragon Ball fans know and love. It's a unique fighter thanks to a number of mechanics like 'Instant Transmission', having a giant open-zone to do battle in, being able to swap-in and out of up to five characters on the field, and the like.

Story:

You have Character Episodes, which sends players (once again) through the history of Dragon Ball Z and beyond (though I did like Goku Black's route quite a bit!). Depending on whether you win or lose a battle, you might see a different clear result that shows an alternative point in history where X won over Y.

Multiplayer:

Splitscreen play only lets players fight in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber map. Splitscreen mode doesn't support a second Xbox login either, so only the main player will see progression to their challenges.

Graphics:

Nothing is more satisfying than countering an opponent and kicking them through half of Capsule City, not to mention just how beautiful everything looks. The maps you fight in are huge, and are far more destructible than ever.

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For fans, Sparking! ZERO will undoubtedly be worth the wait, with the largest Dragon Ball roster to date, impressively flashy visuals, and accessible action. As the first Budokai Tenkaichi game since the series temporarily bowed out on PS2 and Wii, back in 2007, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is pure fan service, with its 180+ character roster, numerous story arcs, and the chance to create your own epic battles.

Gameplay:

Each battle invariably boils down to button mashing, however, so if you're hoping for nuanced and deep fighting mechanics, you won't find them here. Happily, this is a simple and intuitive game to pick up, incredible combos easily strung together with a few button taps, while dashes to close distance and retina-searing finishers can be busted out on a whim.

Story:

The crux of Sparking! ZERO is to be found in Episode Battle mode, wherein you relive key moments and battles from an array of classic story arcs, chopping and changing between each character's saga as you see fit. It covers an awful lot of ground, from the Saiyan Saga to the Namek Saga, the Cell Saga, Android Saga, Majin Buu Saga, and beyond.

Multiplayer:

Custom Battle mode is also home to Bonus Battles, as well as a library of user-made levels that you can play, effectively adding endless longevity to Sparking! ZERO. Throw in online and offline tournaments, as well as straight-up online battles, and you have a pretty comprehensive suite of modes and options.

Graphics:

Built using Unreal Engine 5, it's easily one of the best looking Dragon Ball games since Dragon Ball FighterZ. Sparking! ZERO's colourful Unreal Engine 5 graphics really pop, just like the anime series itself.

Sound:

Sweeping, suitably epic music to fit the action, and a plethora of voice over available in English or Japanese. Good stuff.

Controls:

Developer Spike Chunsoft has clearly made an effort to ensure there's a bit of variety to Sparking! ZERO's combat, but it invariably descends into button mashing. There are counters and reversals, too, requiring good timing.

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17 years have passed since Budokai Tenkaichi 3, three generations of videogame consoles have come and gone, and tons of new plot points and characters have been introduced to the Dragon Ball series, and it is incredibly clear every way you look at it that Spike-Chunsoft took the time they had and created a real labor of love that is Sparking Zero. Enemy AI can feel a bit wonky at times and you can occasionally find destructible environments not cooperating with being blown up, but that's few and far between, with this game being a highlight of the wide variety of characters, forms, and gripping battles that have caused millions of fans to adore the Dragon Ball series since its inception 40 years ago.

Gameplay:

Sparking Zero also includes newly updated clash mechanics for when blows engage with each other, from the classic beam struggle to different ways to block strikes and leave your opponent open. The game was designed to be simple to learn and tough to master, and Spike-Chunsoft certainly succeeded.

Story:

Episode Battle is the first of these main modes for Sparking Zero, and depicts the major battles throughout Dragon Ball Z. Starting with Goku's Episode, players are tasked with going through the story that fans know and love, but this also includes the Sparking series' What-Ifs.

Multiplayer:

Finally there is Battle & Training, which contains your more standard fighting game fare of picking fighters and an arena and duking it out, either single player against a CPU or online to take your skills up against other foes. This includes Battle, Training, and World Tournament, which has several 'Tournaments' inspired by the separate sagas of the series.

Graphics:

One of the big things to note about Sparking Zero is how amazing it looks. Spike-Chunsoft took full advantage of Unreal Engine 5 and it shows how everything from fabric and hair to Ki Blasts looks while playing.

Sound:

The game also offers customization in the way of alternate outfits, voicelines, accessories, and even what music is used when your character engages Sparking! Mode. This allows for your variant of Gohan to really feel like your own variant if you put the time and Zeni into unlocking items from the shop.

Controls:

Every form and character has different combos and attacks, some of which change drastically when they enter what is called Sparking! Mode by overcharging their ki, and allow for many different ways for gamers to try and put the hurt on their opponents. The game was designed to be simple to learn and tough to master.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is undeniably one of the best games based on Akira Toriyama's series. With an engaging story mode that includes intriguing what-if scenarios, a combat system that's easy to learn but challenging to master, a massive character roster, and impressive attention to detail, Spike Chunsoft has created a must-have for Dragon Ball fans.

Gameplay:

Like its predecessors, the new entry in the series is an arena fighting game that plays very differently from games more in line with traditional fighting games like Dragon Ball FighterZ. Controlling one of the many, many characters available in the roster, players can traverse big 3D arenas and unleash their destructive Ki attacks to destroy elements of the battlefield and alter it significantly during the course of a game.

Story:

Episode Battle mode is made interesting by some branching paths that allow players to experience several what-if scenarios, including Sparking Episodes, which significantly alter the original storyline in some interesting ways. These scenarios go from Goku refusing Piccolo's help in the fight against Raditz to him becoming a Super Saiyan much earlier than in the final confrontation against Frieza on Namek.

Multiplayer:

The online mode, powered by delay-based netcode, works reasonably well with players using a proper wired connection, although the experience is right now plagued by a massive amount of rage quitters who leave a match right before defeat due to the currently light punishment they receive for their bad conduct.

Graphics:

The cel-shaded character models look incredible, as do the destructible arenas and the special effects flying all over as soon as a fight starts. To be honest, I feel there is some visual clutter in some instances that makes it difficult to understand what is going on.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero isn't a perfect sequel to Budokai Tenkaichi 3, but it has successfully recaptured its spirit. Custom Battle and a decent online suite help this game find its own voice, both compared to its PS2 forebears and its more focused modern Dragon Ball peers.

Gameplay:

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the new standard for simulated Dragon Ball Z combat, featuring lightning-fast characters blitzing through huge environments at the push of a button. Combat is conceptually simple, but hides a depth that players can, and have, spent years mastering.

Story:

Sparking Zero's Episode Battle story mode isn't bad, but it leaves much to be desired. Episode Battle tells Dragon Ball Z and Super's stories from eight major characters' viewpoints, only with fewer surprises than one would expect from a Budokai Tenkaichi successor.

Multiplayer:

Rollback netcode is absent despite becoming standard in fighting games, but the limited time Game Rant had online suggested a stable experience is possible, albeit player-dependent, with a wired connection and proper matchmaking filters. Offline splitscreen can only take place in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a compromise that robs Sparking Zero of its highly interactive environments.

Graphics:

While Sparking Zero's looks fall short of Dragon Ball FighterZ, it's hard to fault a negative visual comparison to an Arc System Works title. Many obscure Dragon Ball characters have never looked this good, and their animations are every bit as faithful as their models.

Sound:

Familiar voice cast options are available and do a stellar job as always, even if Sparking Zero's soundtrack is tragically devoid of PS2 Dragon Ball tracks. Even with the two Anime Music Packs being confined to DLC for licensing reasons, players should be able to make Sparking Zero look and sound right to them.

Controls:

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's mechanics will be familiar to Budokai Tenkaichi players, especially if they opt for the classic control scheme. The controls are fully re-mappable everywhere, and beginners can enjoy Sparking Zero's extensive accessibility features.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is the new benchmark for Dragon Ball games. It captures the magic of the original Tenkaichi games perfectly, while the fresh approach to the well-worn story and its deep roster of characters serve as the ultimate celebration of Akira Toriyama's classic.

Gameplay:

The combat is as bonkers as it's ever been. While not deep in the way of Street Fighter or Tekken—you won't be memorising lengthy combo inputs or attack frame data and will mostly be mashing square and triangle—it is mechanically complex.

Story:

If you deviate from the main story, you will be thrust into a 'Sparking Episode' which tells an alternate storyline, like one where Goku awakens to his Super Saiyan powers while fighting Vegeta instead of later. These deviations turn it from a solid recreation of the saga to a must-play mode for Dragon Ball fans.

Multiplayer:

I've also only been able to test the online very briefly, but so far it seems to hold up well in the same region, although it did struggle at times.

Graphics:

Despite the frenetic pace of battles, and the large arenas, the game ran perfectly at 1440p/60fps on high settings for me and feels extremely well optimised.

Controls:

As you fight you'll need to deal with movement, teleporting, charging up your ki, and triggering transformations. Once I got into that flow it was hard to resist getting hyped up.

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I ended my time with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero much the same way I started it: really excited to play more of it. It's been a long, long time coming, but Sparking! Zero is worth the wait.

Gameplay:

What gives Sparking! Zero its depth, though, are the system mechanics. Once you're using High-Speed Evasion to get behind your opponent, winning beam battles, and nailing long combos, it feels awesome.

Story:

Episode Mode guides you through the Dragon Ball story from the perspective of several characters, including Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and a couple other surprises. The cool thing about Episode Mode is the branching paths, which open up interesting 'What if?' scenarios.

Multiplayer:

Local versus matches with friends are limited to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber stage, and nowhere else, which is a bummer. Of course, there is online play, but I wasn't able to test it before the game's early access release.

Graphics:

Sparking! Zero nails Dragon Ball's look and feel during matches, and like Dragon Ball FighterZ before it, you'd swear certain animations were ripped straight from the show or the manga. They look that good, and the attention to detail is there in matches.

Sound:

All the while, you'll hear characters talking to each other or see them interact in the background. I liked the Girl Talk segments in the Encyclopedia section of the Gallery so much that I spent a while just picking characters at random and listening to what the girls had to say.

Controls:

While there's a lot here, Sparking Zero's tutorial is very good. It'll walk you through everything with pretty detailed explanations, will give you demos of what things look like, and makes it easy to retry something if you mess up.

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Sparking! Zero is everything Dragon Ball fans will have wanted, but it's also just a blast for those unbothered by its extensive fan-service. Unlike countless other examples I could name, Sparking! Zero is a polished, rich experience.

Gameplay:

The real meat of the game is in its movement and its surprisingly in-depth system of counters. It's simple to learn and even simpler to master, but I couldn't just switch off during fights.

Story:

Story mode, meanwhile, is divided into 'character episodes' in which you follow a character from Dragon Ball as they make their way through parts of the story. There's clearly genuine Dragon Ball enthusiasm and knowledge informing the writing here.

Multiplayer:

The online also felt solid. I never felt like my inputs were being eaten at any point, nor did I experience much in the way of lag.

Graphics:

Sparking! Zero is a beautiful game. It's the lighting effects in Sparking! Zero that sells the entire experience.

Controls:

One button is punch. One button is a ranged attack, and these two buttons, used in tandem with some directional inputs, can be combined to create some relatively simple combos.

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Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO offers some incredible highs and noticeable lows. While I would have preferred a better Story Mode, the rest of its features are pretty robust, the combat is the best it's ever been, bolstered by the new mechanics and exceptional roster, while the fidelity is off the charts.

Gameplay:

The gameplay is phenomenal, whether you're unlocking everything from Episode Battle, clearing all the Bonus Battles, or partaking in Tournaments. Many tenets of Budokai Tenkaichi remain, like charging up Ki and unleashing projectiles, Dragon Dashing towards opponents and executing combos up close.

Story:

Episode Battle feels underwhelming, from missing important fights in the series to cutting corners with its slideshow cutscenes. Episode Battle also suffers from a lack of certain important fights, like Vegeta vs. Cabba or Goku vs. Hit from Super's Tournament of Destroyers arc.

Multiplayer:

Online play was solid overall with no hitches or lag, and the rules of Destruction Point Battle lend to some pretty unique and fun battles.

Graphics:

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is a stunning game. Whether leveling environments with Ki Blasts, unleashing planet-shattering beam attacks or transforming, there is much to love about the visuals and animation.

Sound:

The voice work and music are also on point throughout, adding to the nostalgia while keeping you immersed in the action.

Controls:

All of this feels great to control, with solid performance throughout. Build up enough Ki, and you can unleash devastating Special Attacks and whatnot.

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