New Characters in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero: A Fresh Take on the Classic Franchise

Lalaine_Capucion

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is set to redefine the landscape of fighting games within the Dragon Ball franchise, featuring an astonishing 182 playable characters at launch. This roster is the largest ever seen in a Dragon Ball game, surpassing its predecessor, Budokai Tenkaichi 3, by 20 characters. The game promises to expand further with additional characters through downloadable content (DLC) in the future. 

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero platforms include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. It's scheduled to launch on October 11, 2024. 

Game Overview 

Developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero pays homage to the iconic manga series created by Akira Toriyama. This installment marks a significant return to the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, which has not seen a new entry since 2007. It's the first Budokai Tenkaichi game to incorporate content from both Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima. 

The gameplay is designed around 3D arena battles, allowing players to engage in dynamic combat across various environments. Characters can unleash their signature moves and abilities, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the anime. For PC players, a machine like the Predator Helios Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice due to its powerful hardware, including advanced cooling systems and high-performance graphics, ensuring smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. 

Sparking! Zero features several gameplay modes, including Episode Battle and Custom Battle. In Episode Battle, players can relive key moments from the series with different character options, while Custom Battle allows for unique scenarios crafted by players themselves. The game also boasts destructible environments, enhancing the intensity of battles as fighters can alter the landscape with their powerful attacks.  

Character Roster 

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero boasts the largest character roster of any Dragon Ball game to date. This extensive lineup includes fan favorites from various Dragon Ball series and movies, with additional characters promised through upcoming expansions or downloadable content (DLC).  

Some fans view characters and their various forms as a single entity, appreciating the continuity of power progression, while others argue that each form should be treated as a distinct character due to their unique abilities and gameplay mechanics, leading to debates about roster management and character representation within the game. 

In any case, this diverse selection not only pays homage to the series' legacy, but also introduces fresh dynamics to gameplay. Below are some of the game's notable new characters: 

Goku (Super) 

Goku, the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball series, is renowned for his immense strength, speed, and combat skills, which he continuously hones through rigorous training and battles. He possesses the ability to transform into various powerful forms, including Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan God, and Ultra Instinct, each significantly enhancing his abilities. Goku’s signature techniques, such as the Kamehameha and Spirit Bomb, are iconic and devastating in battle. In Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, Saiyan God Super Saiyan Goku makes his debut in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, showcasing his enhanced power and agility in this form. His relentless pursuit of strength and his unwavering determination make him one of the most formidable warriors in the Dragon Ball universe. 

Goku Black 

Goku Black, an alternate incarnation of Zamasu, possesses all of Goku’s combat abilities, including mastery of martial arts and powerful techniques like the Kamehameha. In his Super Saiyan Rosé form, Goku Black’s power rivals that of Super Saiyan Blue, enhancing his strength, speed, and energy manipulation to formidable levels. He is known for his signature God Split Cut attack, a powerful energy blade technique that can slice through opponents with precision and devastating force. 

Vegeta

Vegeta, the Saiyan prince, is renowned for his immense strength and combat skills, which include powerful techniques like the Galick Gun and Final Flash. His transformations include various forms such as Super Saiyan Blue, each enhancing his strength, durability, and speed significantly while introducing new techniques that reflect his relentless training. 

Toppo 

Toppo, a hot-blooded proponent of justice, utilizes techniques like Justice Flash and Justice Crusher. In his Destroyer form, Toppo gains access to the Energy of Destruction, significantly enhancing his power and allowing him to generate destructive energy spheres. This form also grants him increased durability and the ability to nullify attacks. 

Jiren 

A tall, muscular, humanoid-like warrior, Jiren is renowned for his superhuman strength, speed, and durability. He exercises advanced ki manipulation, allowing him to perform powerful energy blasts and create defensive barriers. In his Full Power state, Jiren’s abilities are further amplified, enabling him to rival even Perfected Ultra Instinct Goku. This form enhances his physical prowess and energy output, making him nearly unstoppable in battle 

Frieza (Super) 

Frieza is a powerful antagonist. In his Final Form, Frieza’s power is fully unleashed, making him sleeker and more agile while retaining immense destructive capability. His Golden Frieza form, achieved through intense training, further amplifies his power, speed, and energy control, allowing him to rival even the strongest fighters. This form also grants him enhanced durability and the ability to maintain his peak performance for extended periods. 

Beerus 

Beerus, the God of Destruction, can effortlessly obliterate planets and even entire solar systems using his God Ki and the Hakai technique. Beerus also possesses incredible speed and agility, allowing him to outmaneuver most opponents. In combat, he utilizes a variety of powerful energy attacks and can create clones of himself to overwhelm his enemies. 

Whis 

Whis, the Angel attendant of Beerus, possesses extraordinary combat skills, including the ability to manipulate time, allowing him to rewind events by several minutes. Whis is also a master of Ultra Instinct, a state that grants him unparalleled speed and reflexes. Additionally, he has strong magical abilities, such as teleportation and matter manipulation, making him a versatile and formidable fighter. His calm demeanor and vast knowledge further enhance his effectiveness as both a mentor and a combatant. 

Pre-Order Perks 

Bandai Namco is making available several editions of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for pre-order, which include early unlocks for Broly (Super) and Gogeta (Super) and their transformations. These editions also provide access to a secret character: Daima Goku or Goku (Mini). Additionally, Dragon Ball! Sparking Zero Collector's Edition features a detailed art book, a collectible Super Saiyan Goku figurine, a steelbook case, and in-game items.  

With the Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero release date fast approaching, fans can look forward to an experience that's both nostalgic and new, with familiar, beloved characters and dynamic 3D battles. 

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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.