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80

MONSTER

Star Icon

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

2024
GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Fighting, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableOct 11, 2024
PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC
DeveloperSpike Chunsoft
Overview

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels.

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

76

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero dazzles with inventive "What If" narratives and Episode Battle variety, yet falters under static visuals, uneven pacing, and missed character moments, offering a nostalgic but flawed tribute to Dragon Ball.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

76

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

1%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story mode of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero receives praise for its creative approach to narrative structure and fan engagement. Critics like IGN Brasil and Eurogamer highlight the game’s branching paths and "What If" scenarios, which offer fresh twists on familiar arcs and cater to long-time fans’ nostalgia. The Episode Battle mode, as noted by GIGA and Vgames, allows players to experience key moments from multiple character perspectives, adding variety and replayability. Additionally, the inclusion of alternate endings and mission-based storytelling, praised by GameGrin and Impulsegamer, provides a sense of agency and depth that resonates with enthusiasts of the franchise. Many reviewers also appreciate the game’s dedication to capturing the essence of Dragon Ball through its faithful recreation of iconic battles and character dynamics, as noted by ZTGD and Gamepressure. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in the narrative execution. The reliance on static images and text-heavy storytelling is a recurring critique, with GamingTrend, IGN Portugal, and GamingBolt describing the presentation as low-budget and disjointed. The lack of animated cutscenes and cinematic flair detracts from immersion, as highlighted by GamesHub and GRYOnline.pl, who argue that the story feels rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some reviewers, like Malditos Nerds and Gaming Age, note that key characters such as Piccolo and Vegeta are underrepresented, while important battles are omitted. The pacing and structure of the narrative also face criticism, with GameGrin and CGMagazine pointing out that the fast-paced storytelling may alienate newcomers or fail to fully explore complex arcs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a mixed but ultimately rewarding experience for fans. While its narrative structure and "What If" scenarios are celebrated for their creativity and engagement—Eurogamer and IGN Brasil call it a "love letter" to the franchise—the technical and presentation flaws, such as static storytelling and uneven pacing, prevent it from fully realizing its potential. The game’s focus on character-driven episodes and branching paths appeals to dedicated fans, but its shortcomings in cinematic execution and narrative depth, as noted by GamingTrend and IGN Deutschland, leave some critics underwhelmed. Despite these issues, the majority of reviews acknowledge its value as a nostalgic and interactive tribute to Dragon Ball, balancing praise for its ambition with critiques of its execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero dazzles with inventive "What If" narratives and Episode Battle variety, yet falters under static visuals, uneven pacing, and missed character moments, offering a nostalgic but flawed tribute to Dragon Ball.

85

TL;DR

A dynamic, deep Dragon Ball brawler praised for its fast-paced combat, 180+ characters, and nostalgic flair, but bogged down by clunky controls, repetitive mechanics, and a steep learning curve—yet its core excitement and strategic depth win out.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

85

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

1%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is widely praised for its dynamic combat, depth, and variety, with many critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and nostalgic appeal. Reviewers like IGN Deutschland and Eurogamer commend the game’s balance between simplicity and complexity, noting that while it’s easy to pick up, mastering its systems—such as movement, counters, and ki management—offers a rewarding challenge. The inclusion of over 180 characters with unique abilities, as emphasized by Noisy Pixel and But Why Tho?, adds significant replayability, while features like destructible environments and transformations enhance immersion. GameSpew and GIGA praise the fast-paced, bombastic combat that captures the essence of Dragon Ball battles, with SpazioGames specifically noting its faithful replication of the anime’s "quick responses, counters, and perfect timing." The game’s emphasis on strategy and skill, as highlighted by GameStar and MGG, further cements its appeal to both casual and hardcore players. However, several critics point out notable flaws that detract from the experience. Gaming Age criticizes the "tedious" and "frustrating" combat system due to clunky controls and a lack of combo depth, while Voxel and GRYOnline.pl note that the sheer number of characters leads to repetitive gameplay, with many sharing similar mechanics. ZTGD and GLHF mention technical issues like poor lock-on systems and awkward mechanics that hinder immersion, and GIGA highlights balancing problems stemming from the vast roster. Additionally, TheXboxHub and Push Square point out a steep learning curve exacerbated by inadequate tutorials, making the initial experience daunting for newcomers. While some praise the game’s complexity, others argue that its depth can feel overwhelming without proper guidance, as noted by XGN and IGN Portugal, who mention the need for better onboarding. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority celebrating Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero as a strong entry in the genre. While some issues like repetitive character design and technical quirks persist, the game’s core combat system—described by IGN France as "dynamic" and Digital Chumps as "intense and dynamic"—is widely regarded as engaging and satisfying once mastered. The blend of classic Budokai Tenkaichi mechanics with modern innovations, such as skill counts and team-building strategies, resonates with both longtime fans and new players, as noted by Generación Xbox and MondoXbox. While the learning curve and minor flaws are acknowledged, they are seen as manageable trade-offs for a game that delivers "deep," "strategic," and "faithful" gameplay, making it a standout title in the Dragon Ball fighting genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

A dynamic, deep Dragon Ball brawler praised for its fast-paced combat, 180+ characters, and nostalgic flair, but bogged down by clunky controls, repetitive mechanics, and a steep learning curve—yet its core excitement and strategic depth win out.

88

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals, cel-shaded flair, and Unreal Engine 5 mastery, capturing the anime’s essence while smashing expectations—though chaotic battles and clunky cutscenes stumble against its own ambition.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

88

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for its vibrant visuals, faithful recreation of the anime’s aesthetic, and technical execution. Many highlighted the game’s cel-shaded character designs, dynamic special effects, and attention to detail in environments, which effectively evoke the spirit of the original series. For instance, IGN France noted the “fluid animations” and “destructible environments,” while GIGA commended the “highly detailed graphics” and “vibrant colors” that closely mirror the anime’s style. The use of Unreal Engine 5 was frequently lauded for enhancing visual fidelity, with MondoXbox pointing to “impressive particle effects” and Generación Xbox noting the engine’s role in delivering “stunning animations.” Critics like Eurogamer and Inverse emphasized the game’s “jaw-droppingly gorgeous visuals,” particularly its lighting effects and beam clashes, while Push Square called it “one of the best-looking Dragon Ball games” with a “ridiculously good-looking release.” The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with modern polish was a recurring highlight, with GameSpot praising its “top-notch visual style” and PlaySense noting its smooth 4K/60fps performance. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the graphics and visual design. PCGamesN criticized the “basic cutscenes with simple animations and freeze frames,” which they felt undermined the experience despite nostalgic voice acting. IGN Deutschland noted that “battles can get chaotic with debris flying around,” while IGN France mentioned “poor animation quality” in cutscenes, likening them to a “puppet effect.” Other issues included technical hiccups during intense action, such as MondoXbox’s mention of “minor technical issues during intense battles” and CGMagazine’s critique of camera problems that distracted from combat. Additionally, Gamepressure and GLHF on Sports Illustrated pointed out that the fast-paced 3D arena combat could be hard to follow, and PlaySense noted a lack of “depth in impact and realism during battles.” While these criticisms were not universal, they underscored areas where the game’s visual design occasionally fell short of its ambitions. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers a visually impressive experience that honors the franchise’s legacy. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5, vibrant color palettes, and meticulous attention to anime-style animations were widely celebrated, as seen in GAMINGbible’s praise for its “faithful” and “modernized” visuals, or XGN’s assertion that it represents a “significant improvement” over previous entries. While some technical and design flaws were noted, they were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise stellar presentation. Critics like Push Square and Voxel emphasized the game’s ability to “bring the Dragon Ball universe to life,” with Shacknews highlighting its “stunning attention to detail.” The combination of nostalgic reverence and modern technical prowess solidified Sparkling! Zero as one of the most visually striking entries in the Dragon Ball series, even if it wasn’t without its imperfections.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals, cel-shaded flair, and Unreal Engine 5 mastery, capturing the anime’s essence while smashing expectations—though chaotic battles and clunky cutscenes stumble against its own ambition.

77

TL;DR

Praise for immersive, nostalgic sound design and authentic voice acting, but critics panned a forgettable original soundtrack reliant on costly DLC for iconic Dragon Ball tracks, creating a divisive mix of admiration and frustration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

77

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

3%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero received generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, who praised its immersive qualities and nostalgic appeal. Critics like COGconnected highlighted the "stellar sound design and music" that blends new and familiar elements, while IGN and IGN Adria commended the audio for capturing the essence of the Dragon Ball series with iconic sound effects and authentic voice acting. GameOver.gr and PlaySense noted the atmospheric and nostalgic feel, with the soundtrack complementing the game’s visual spectacle. The inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting, as mentioned by GIGA and God is a Geek, added to the immersive experience, and Gaming Age emphasized how the audio transported players back to the "nostalgic era of watching Dragon Ball Z." Additionally, Inverse and PC Games praised the impactful sound effects that enhanced combat intensity, making battles feel epic. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the original soundtrack’s lack of iconic tracks and reliance on DLC. CD-Action criticized the "lack of some iconic tracks from the series," noting that key music was locked behind the most expensive game version. GRYOnline.pl and PlaySense echoed this, calling the original soundtrack "forgettable" and pointing out that essential anime melodies were only available via paid DLC. Voxel went further, labeling the soundtrack as "generic" and criticizing missed opportunities to include classic Dragon Ball music. SomosXbox and MGG also highlighted the absence of original anime tracks unless purchased separately, framing this as a negative aspect that detracted from the experience. While some praised the variety of sound effects and voice acting, others felt the musical elements fell short of expectations, particularly for long-time fans. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive but acknowledges room for improvement. The game’s sound design and music were widely praised for their authenticity, immersive qualities, and nostalgic value, with many highlighting the faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball universe. However, the reliance on DLC for iconic tracks and the perceived forgettability of the original soundtrack created a divide in opinions. COGconnected, IGN, and GameOver.gr stood out as strong advocates for the audio elements, while critics like Voxel and GRYOnline.pl expressed frustration over the lack of essential music. Despite these criticisms, most agreed that the sound design significantly enhanced gameplay, with many noting its ability to evoke the spirit of the franchise. The mixed reception reflects a balance between technical execution and fan expectations, leaving the audio as a standout feature with notable limitations.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Praise for immersive, nostalgic sound design and authentic voice acting, but critics panned a forgettable original soundtrack reliant on costly DLC for iconic Dragon Ball tracks, creating a divisive mix of admiration and frustration.

77

TL;DR

Voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines with nostalgic authenticity, reuniting original cast members and offering multilingual tracks, but inconsistent implementation, missing language options, and underused voice lines dampen its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

77

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

4%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero receives widespread praise for its fidelity to the original series and immersive quality. Critics like Digital Trends highlight "amazing voice performances" from most of the original English dub cast, while GIGA and God is a Geek commend the inclusion of both Japanese and English voice tracks, enhancing storytelling and character immersion. IGN notes that "most of the original voice actors reprise their roles," aligning with fans' nostalgic expectations, and PlaySense and PLAY! Zine emphasize the solid, choice-driven audio options. The return of veteran voice actors from previous Budokai Tenkaichi games, as noted by Hey Poor Player, further bolsters the audio design, creating a cohesive and authentic experience for long-time fans. However, some critics point to inconsistencies and omissions in the voice acting implementation. GameOver.gr criticizes the reliance on subtitles over voiceovers, arguing it "limits the experience," while Player 2 mentions a "reduced amount of voice acting in story content" that feels inconsistent. The absence of certain language options, such as German (noted by PC Games) and Spanish (highlighted by Generación Xbox), is seen as missed opportunities for broader accessibility. Additionally, Noisy Pixel notes that voice lines are primarily used in Gallery mode, and PCGamesN points out that cutscenes "lack immersion" despite the presence of original actors. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting itself is strong, its integration into gameplay and narrative could be more consistent. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for the game’s voice acting, with most critics acknowledging its strengths in authenticity and fan service. While there are valid concerns about language availability and narrative integration, the majority of reviews—such as those from IGN, Worth Playing, and SomosXbox—emphasize that the return of original voice actors and multilingual options significantly enhance the experience. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between technical execution and creative choices, but the positive reception underscores the importance of voice acting in preserving the Dragon Ball legacy for both newcomers and veterans.

TL;DR

voice acting

Voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines with nostalgic authenticity, reuniting original cast members and offering multilingual tracks, but inconsistent implementation, missing language options, and underused voice lines dampen its potential.

73

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines with buttery-smooth 60fps on PS5/Xbox Series X/PC, but glitches, lag, and UI hiccups dog its polish—proof of a technically strong yet imperfect experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

73

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

4%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero across platforms generally receives positive feedback, with many reviewers highlighting smooth gameplay and consistent frame rates. On the PS5, critics like COGconnected, GameSpot, and GIGA note stable 60fps performance with minimal frame drops or glitches, while IGN Adria and Impulsegamer acknowledge minor issues like camera problems or animations. The Xbox Series X version also impresses, with Gamers’ Temple and Generación Xbox praising its lack of slowdowns during intense battles, and Pure Xbox emphasizing smooth frame rates and visual effects. On PC, Eurogamer and Checkpoint Gaming commend the game’s optimization, with Eurogamer citing excellent performance and minimal texture pop-ins, while PC Gamer highlights 1440p/60fps stability despite some Steam Deck launch issues. The Nintendo Switch 2 version, as noted by Final Weapon, runs smoothly at 30 FPS without frame drops, marking a significant improvement over the original Switch’s performance. However, technical shortcomings are evident across platforms. On the PS5, several critics like IGN and Gaming Age point to responsiveness issues in multiplayer, while Push Square and VG247 mention limitations in local versus mode and camera control during fast-paced action. The Xbox Series X faces UI stuttering (XboxEra) and input delays during combos (Xbox Tavern), though these are minor compared to the overall stability. On PC, PCGamesN and Wccftech report stutters and a hard 60fps lock, while CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming note camera issues and AI glitches that disrupt immersion. The Switch 2 version, despite its improvements, still struggles with incomplete post-launch content and occasional menu lag, as highlighted by Final Weapon. These issues, while varied, collectively suggest that the game’s technical foundation is robust but not flawless. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a positive assessment of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero’s technical performance, with platform-specific nuances. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are praised for their stability and visual polish, though both face minor online and UI challenges. PC’s mixed reception reflects optimization struggles, while the Switch 2’s improved performance contrasts with its predecessor’s flaws. Despite these issues, most reviewers agree that the game delivers a smooth, immersive experience, with technical hiccups largely overshadowed by its engaging combat and presentation. As noted by GameSpot and PlaySense, the game’s strengths in frame rate consistency and visual fidelity make it a standout title, even if some platform-specific bugs warrant further refinement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines with buttery-smooth 60fps on PS5/Xbox Series X/PC, but glitches, lag, and UI hiccups dog its polish—proof of a technically strong yet imperfect experience.

83

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero thrives on customizable battles, 180+ characters, and endless online play, but its shallow single-player story and clunky UI risk alienating fans craving depth over diversity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

83

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

1%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight strong positives regarding the replay value of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, emphasizing its diverse modes, character variety, and creative tools. Multiple reviewers praise the game’s Custom Battle mode, which allows players to craft unique scenarios, story paths, and challenges, as noted by GLHF on Sports Illustrated and Worth Playing. The inclusion of over 180 playable characters (IGN Brasil) and unlockable content, such as alternate story outcomes and DLCs (MeuPlayStation), adds significant depth. Online multiplayer, tournaments, and community-driven content (e.g., user-created battles via Xbox Tavern and PC Gamer) further enhance longevity. Critics like GameGrin and Pure Xbox stress that the game’s “endless replay value” stems from its flexibility for both solo and competitive play, while IGN Brasil and Malditos Nerds highlight the creative freedom offered by the creator mode. These elements collectively position the game as a robust experience for fans seeking variety and customization. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that may limit long-term engagement. GamingTrend and GameSpot criticize the limited single-player depth, noting repetitive gameplay mechanics and a lack of compelling narrative content beyond combat. Voxel and GIGA mention that while there are multiple modes, the cumbersome UI and simplistic character controls (CD-Action) could deter players over time. Additionally, some reviewers, like Malditos Nerds, point out practical issues such as the absence of a search function in Custom Battle mode, which hampers usability. The lack of substantial offline content for solo players (GIGA) and the potential monotony of repetitive battles (GameSpot) also surface as concerns. While these critiques don’t negate the game’s strengths, they suggest that its replayability may depend heavily on player preferences for customization versus structured narratives. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward optimism, acknowledging the game’s replay value as a product of its flexibility and depth while recognizing its flaws. Many reviewers, including IGN Brasil, GameGrin, and Pure Xbox, argue that the sheer volume of content—ranging from character rosters to user-generated scenarios—makes it appealing for dedicated fans. However, others like GamingTrend and GameSpot caution that the game’s reliance on customization and online play might not satisfy those seeking a more traditional single-player experience. Despite these divergences, the majority agree that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers substantial replay value for its target audience, with its strengths in creativity and variety outweighing its shortcomings for many players.

TL;DR

replay value

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero thrives on customizable battles, 180+ characters, and endless online play, but its shallow single-player story and clunky UI risk alienating fans craving depth over diversity.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

80

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

80

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praise Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero as a vibrant, nostalgic revival of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, emphasizing its engaging gameplay, expansive character roster, and faithful representation of the franchise’s spirit. IGN highlights its “engaging story elements” and “rich roster,” while Eurogamer calls it a “polished and rich experience” that combines fanservice with “stunning visuals.” Critics like GameGrin and IGN France commend its “impressive visuals” and “creative scenarios,” noting the game’s ability to capture the chaotic energy of Dragon Ball battles. The game’s depth, such as its “deep combat system” (as noted by ComicBook) and “balanced mix of accessibility and depth” (per PlaySense), resonates strongly with fans, particularly those seeking a return to the 3D fighting mechanics of older entries. Additionally, SomosXbox hails it as the “definitive Dragon Ball game,” praising its “vast character roster” and “technical execution.” However, several critics point out significant flaws that detract from the experience. Issues like technical glitches, uneven gameplay balance, and repetitive content are frequently mentioned. GamingTrend notes the game’s struggle to “balance casual and competitive play,” while Voxel criticizes its reliance on online play with potential input delay. IGN Portugal acknowledges “repetitiveness” and areas needing improvement, and GINX TV highlights “repetitive content” and a “fragmented story.” Others, such as GIGA, point to poor tutorial support and limited offline options, while PC GamesN mentions “technical shortcomings.” The narrative is also criticized for being underdeveloped—GamesHub states it “falls short in its narrative execution,” and GamingBolt calls the Story Mode “lackluster.” These issues, though not universal, create friction for players seeking a more refined or accessible experience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero a standout entry in the franchise. The game’s strengths—its nostalgic appeal, combat depth, and character variety—resonate strongly with fans, as noted by IGN, Eurogamer, and Carole Quintaine, who calls it the “ultimate Dragon Ball game.” While some critics like GamingTrend and Voxel express reservations about its limitations, they acknowledge its value for dedicated fans. The majority agree that, despite flaws, the game successfully revives the Budokai Tenkaichi legacy, offering a rewarding experience for those invested in the series. As MeuPlayStation states, it’s “highly recommended for both newcomers and long-time fans,” reflecting a broad appreciation for its ambition and execution.

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a nostalgic, chaotic revival of Budokai Tenkaichi with deep combat, sprawling characters, and vibrant visuals—but technical glitches, repetitive content, and a lackluster story temper its impact, though fans hail it as the ultimate Dragon Ball game.

80

MONSTER

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Reviews

181 reviews found

100

ComicBook

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is highly praised for being a fusion of past and present Dragon Ball games, offering a great gameplay experience with a deep combat system and impressive visuals. It's recommended for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

Read full review

Full review

100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 8, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is a polished Dragon Ball game with extensive content, fun combat mechanics, and impressive visuals, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Read full review

Full review

97

Hooked Gamers

PC

Oct 9, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sparking Zero is a labor of love that successfully revitalizes the beloved series, offering gripping gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a wealth of content for fans.

Read full review

Full review

95

SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Oct 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO is hailed as the definitive Dragon Ball game, combining enjoyable arcade gameplay with depth, a vast character roster, and impressive technical execution, making it a must-play for fans.


95

COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Oct 9, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a polished and fun Dragon Ball game with abundant content, gorgeous presentation, and satisfying gameplay, despite minor issues with episode battle presentations and rare online connection problems.

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Full review

95

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is highly recommended for both newcomers and long-time fans, offering electrifying combat, a massive character roster, and exciting gameplay mechanics, despite minor flaws like lack of Portuguese dubbing and limited maps.

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Full review

95

GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero exceeds expectations by delivering a worthy sequel to Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Combines familiar gameplay with new mechanics, impressive visuals, and a high level of customization. Offers a variety of engaging game modes and promises post-launch DLC content.

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Full review

95

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Oct 15, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is considered a wonderful fighting experience with a rich array of characters and customization options, though the imbalanced fighting may challenge some players.

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Full review

90

LevelUp

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is a love letter to the franchise, modernizing the classic formula while introducing new mechanics and modes, making it a top-tier arena fighter.

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Full review

90

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a triumphant return to form for the Budokai Tenkaichi series, offering fans a nostalgic yet modernized experience that captures the essence of epic Dragon Ball battles.

Read full review

Full review
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