Oct 2024
After a decade-long slumber, Dragon Ball returns with a roar crafted by the hands of Spike Chunsoft—yes, the very masterminds behind previous hit series 'Budokai' and 'Tenkaichi'. Welcome to 'Sparking! Zero', which challenges your thumbs more creatively than your last crush. It's time to find out if this game blows the roof off—or if it’s just another mediocre hit.
Ah, let's talk gameplay. Strap yourself in, my dear readers, as 'Sparking! Zero' brings an electrifying twist to the palette of Dragon Ball fighters. Picture this: a robust roster with 182 playable characters! Yes, I said 182—so many that you might accidentally summon the entire Dragon Ball universe! And don't worry about running out of combo moves; the game is designed so you could lose yourself in a barrage of Ki blasts and Super Saiyan rage-fuelled fistfights. The core fighting mechanics are more complex than a time travel plot in 'Dragon Ball Z', allowing players to utilize a behind-the-back third-person perspective. To everyone who feels nostalgic about Goku's iconic Kamehameha, rejoice! Each character boasts unique Blast skills and game-changing mechanics. Plus, there's a new Max Power Mode that makes your character super fast, super strong, and super dramatic, but beware; using your ultimate move ends the mode faster than you can say, "It's over 9000!" The story mode includes various modes—like Z Battle Gate, and you can recreate epic battles from both the manga and anime, as well as exclusive scenarios from 'Dragon Ball Super'. And speaking of epic, if you've miscalculated on character attributes in battle, don’t fret! Jump to alternate scenarios where you could rewrite history. Did I mention fusion? Yes, you can fuse characters to summon the power of the Dragon Balls! But don’t expect to merge your GPA with this game; there's no fusion for that—and, frankly, no amount of sparking will change the grades.
Graphically, if you ever dreamed of seeing the Dragon Ball universe captured in a visual hug of vibrant colors and dramatic animations, this is your wish come true! The game utilizes Naohiro Shintani's animation style from 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly', wrapping the characters in stunning visuals that shine brightly on the PS5. The destructible arenas also add a satisfying layer of chaos that leaves you wondering if your virtual fight has temporarily shattered the fabric of reality. Let's not kid ourselves: if you've ever wanted to plow through the gameplay while bursting through terrains, here lies your sandbox. The destruction mechanics are so satisfying it almost feels like 'Hulk Smash' 2.0, minus the issue of suddenly collapsing buildings or a certain green wrath—just a cool Saiyan flying through the air.
So, is 'Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero' the herald of greatness we’ve been yearning for alongside our wish to obliterate our hating friends in multiplayer? Most definitely! With a hearty blend of frenetic action, compelling storylines that weave player journeys through time and space, and graphics worthy of your favorite animated masterpieces, this franchise is in tip-top shape. Now, while it may not solve world hunger or write your thesis paper, it's a captivating escape into a world of colorful fighters blasting each other senseless. Whether you're a Dragon Ball veteran or a curious newcomer unwilling to back down in the shadow of mighty Saiyans, this game promises to satisfy. Get your fists ready, and may your Kamehamehas always find their target!
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