DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Review
If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting ages for a new Budokai Tenkaichi game, and now it’s finally here. Released on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, it quickly became a hit, selling over 5 million copies worldwide by December 2024, according to the official Bandai Namco. As a long-time fan of the series, I was thrilled to dive back into the world of Dragon Ball and experience the high-octane battles that made the original games so memorable. Let’s break down what makes this game tick and whether it’s worth your time in 2025.
Gameplay Experience
The core of “Sparking! ZERO” is its high-speed, 3D arena fighting gameplay. You can fly around massive arenas, charge up your ki, and unleash devastating special moves like Kamehameha or Final Flash, with environments that crumble under your power. The game introduces new combat systems such as Skill Count, Revenge Counter, and Vanishing Assaults, adding strategic layers. However, the control scheme is the same for all 181 playable characters, which includes close-range attacks, ki blasts, special moves, dodging, dashing, and ultimate attacks via Sparking mode after charging ki. This simplicity makes it easy to pick up, but can lead to a feeling of sameness, with battles sometimes devolving into button-mashing, especially in longer sessions. The adrenaline-filled combat is fun for quick plays, but may lack the depth for competitive players, with a loop of attacks, knock-aways, and ki charging that can feel repetitive.
Roster: Quantity Over Quality
One of the game’s biggest draws is its massive roster of 182 playable characters, with 100 available at launch and others unlockable using Zeni, the in-game currency. This includes icons like Goku, Vegeta, and lesser-known fighters, but it’s inflated by multiple forms: Goku has a ridiculous number of different forms/versions (19), including base forms, Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct, kid versions from GT, Goku Black, and fusions with Vegeta, while Vegeta has 14 slots, Gohan 11, and so on. Each form has unique combo animations and special moves, but the shared controls mean they don’t feel as distinct, which might disappoint players looking for variety. Still, it’s a treat for fans to play as their favorite versions and see iconic moves in action.
Game Modes
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO isn’t just a game you watch someone else play on YouTube. It’s a game you need to experience for yourself. Sure, a video can show you the dazzling ki blasts and over-the-top transformations, but it can’t replicate the adrenaline of landing that game-changing combo or the groan you let out when a boss just won’t stay down. The game modes here are packed with variety, from story-driven adventures to chaotic multiplayer showdowns, and they’re built to pull you in deep. Let’s break them down and see why playing it yourself is the only way to truly get it; especially for those wild “What If” moments.
Episode Battle Mode
The Episode Battle mode is the single-player core of the game, and it’s a nod to Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super fans. You step into the boots of eight iconic characters, Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Future Trunks, Frieza, Goku Black, and Jiren. Each with their own story arc that revisits the anime’s biggest moments. It’s not just a nostalgia trip, though; the game spices things up with decision points that branch into different endings. These “What If” scenarios are the real hook. Ever wondered what’d happen if Piccolo squared off against Krillin during the Goku vs. Raditz fight? Or how a timeline might twist if Frieza made a different call? You won’t get the full weight of those surprises by watching a playthrough; hitting those choices yourself and seeing where they lead is what makes it special.
That said, it’s not all fun and games (well, it is, but you know what I mean). Some of these battles are tough. Take Great Ape Vegeta, I’m sure you all seen the complains and videos about that. The Ape Vegeta is a tank, and he’s grinning like he knows it. Then there’s the unskippable cutscenes when you lose. Picture this: you’ve just been crushed for the fourth time, and you’re forced to sit through the same defeat animation again. It’s maddening. I’ll be honest, I struggled hard with some of these episode battles. There were nights I nearly yeeted my PS5 controller across the room out of pure frustration. But here’s the thing: when you finally break through, when that last health bar vanishes and you get the win, it’s euphoric. That grind, that personal victory, it’s not something a YouTube video can hand you. You’ve gotta feel the sting and the payoff for yourself.
Multiplayer
If solo play isn’t your thing, the multiplayer modes bring the heat with one-on-one matches and World Tournament brackets, available both offline and online. Offline’s perfect for chilling with friends on the couch or for practicing when you’re too salty to face the world after a losing streak. Online, though? That’s where the chaos lives. Calling launch day was a bit rocky was an understatement, it was filled with lag spikes and disconnects were real buzzkills. However, in 2025, it isn’t so bad now, patches have ironed out most of the kinks. Still, be prepared for the occasional Goku main spamming Kamehameha like it’s their job. It’s infuriating, but beating them anyway? That’s a flex you can’t get from watching someone else do it. The thrill of outsmarting a real opponent, the trash talk with buddies, it’s all part of the experience you’re missing if you’re just a spectator.
Custom Battles
The Custom Battles mode is where you get to play director. You can craft your own dream fights, picking the characters, stages, and even adding custom cutscenes with backdrops, poses, and dialogue. Want to stage an epic Goku vs. Frieza rematch with a cheesy intro you cooked up? Go for it. The catch? You’re limited to pre-written phrases with some word swaps. It’s like handing you a script and saying, “Make it your own, but not too much.” It’s fun for a bit, especially if you’re into flexing your creative side, but the restrictions keep it from being a total sandbox. Still, there’s something satisfying about seeing your setup come to life, way better than just watching it through a video.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, DB Sparking! ZERO is a standout, with top-notch character movements and delightful ultimate attack scenes, like Ultra Instinct Goku’s Point-Blank Kamehameha. The environments react dynamically, with destructible elements like buildings and cliffs, adding immersion. The sound design is equally impressive, featuring authentic voice acting from the original cast and a soundtrack that captures the epic feel of Dragon Ball, enhancing the overall experience.
State of the Game
As of April 2025, Sparking! ZERO remains popular, with a dedicated player base and ongoing support from the developers. The game has received several updates and DLC packs, including the “Hero of Justice” pack released in January 2025, adding 11 new characters, 1 exclusive costume, and 3 custom battles, as seen on the official site Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Official Site. On Steam, it boasts a “Very Positive” rating with over 44,177 user reviews, 90% positive, as of January 2025, according to Steam Store. While the Steam Chart numbers does dwindle month over month, as of April 2025 there still a 1.4k users 24-hour peak
Why I’m Playing It
For me, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO isn’t just another game, it’s a nostalgic memory trip to my childhood obsession with the Dragon Ball series. Growing up, I adored everything about Goku, Vegeta, Gotenks and the wild battles that defined the show, and that passion spilled over into my gaming life. I still have vivid memories of messing around with Dragon Ball custom maps on Warcraft 3, throwing together chaotic fights with friends. The last time I really sank my teeth into a full-fledged AAA Dragon Ball game was many many years ago on the PSP, and it left me hungry for more. So when this game dropped, it was pretty much a no-brainer, I had to buy it. Sure, the gameplay can get pretty repetitive after a while, with the same combos and explosions on repeat, but that hasn’t dimmed my enjoyment. What really hooks me is the single-player experience, especially those “What If” stories. I get a kick out of seeing the game remix classic Dragon Ball moments into fresh, unexpected twists; like, what if Goku teamed up with Frieza? That blend of nostalgia and new surprises is exactly why I bought the game and keep playing it. It’s like reconnecting with an old friend who’s got some wild new tales to tell.
Is It Worth Playing?
Absolutely. If you’re a Dragon Ball fan, Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO is a must-play. It captures the essence of the series’ epic battles and offers a ton of content to explore, from the massive roster to the branching story mode. Even if you’re new to the franchise, the game’s accessibility and fun factor make it worth checking out. Just be aware that it might not have the same depth as some other fighting games, with some finding the combat repetitive and customization limited. For series vets, it’s a love letter to the past with modern flair, and for newcomers, it’s a fun entry point into the Dragon Ball universe. Overall, it’s a solid addition to the franchise and well worth your time in 2025. Just buy it, it may not be completely GOTY, but it sure is fun.
