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Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Item: Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

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

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero serves up nostalgia and intriguing 'What If?' scenarios, appealing to fans with branching paths and multiple perspectives. However, it falters with a shallow story mode, relying on static images and text that fail to capture the essence of the Dragon Ball saga. Critics agree it has potential but ultimately disappoints with its low-budget presentation and lack of depth, leaving many fans wanting more from such a beloved franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero reflects a mixture of appreciation for its nostalgic elements and the potential for engaging narratives. Critics like IGN Adria and GamingTrend acknowledge the appeal of the game’s branching paths and 'What If?' scenarios, which allow players to explore familiar arcs from the Dragon Ball universe while adding unique twists. The inclusion of multiple character perspectives, as highlighted by GameSpot and PC Gamer, is also seen as a positive feature, enhancing the replayability and allowing fans to relive iconic battles. Moreover, some reviewers, such as Eurogamer and Wccftech, commend the game for its fanservice moments and the potential for DLC expansions, suggesting that there is a solid foundation for future storytelling enhancements. However, the criticisms largely center around the lack of depth and engaging presentation in the story mode. Reviewers like GamingTrend and GIGA express disappointment with the condensed narrative that fails to capture the richness of the Dragon Ball saga. Many critics, including IGN Portugal and GamingBolt, point out the reliance on static images and text for storytelling, which detracts from the overall experience and feels inadequate given the potential of the source material. The fragmented nature of the narrative, as noted by CD-Action and GRYOnline.pl, may leave newcomers feeling disconnected from the story, while seasoned fans might find the execution lacking in excitement and emotional engagement. The consensus among critics indicates that while Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has the potential to deliver a compelling narrative experience, it ultimately falls short in execution. The game is praised for its nostalgic elements and the innovative 'What If?' scenarios, yet it is criticized for its low-budget presentation and lack of depth, as highlighted by multiple reviews. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Gaming Age emphasize that the game does not do justice to key characters and iconic battles, leaving many feeling that it merely summarizes rather than fully engages with the beloved Dragon Ball lore. Overall, the game appears to be a mixed bag, offering some enjoyable moments for fans but failing to meet the high expectations set by its rich source material.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero impresses with its fast-paced combat and diverse roster of over 180 characters, making it enjoyable for both casual and competitive players. Critics praise its engaging mechanics and vibrant animations, but warn about clunky controls, imprecise hit detection, and a lackluster tutorial that can hinder newcomers. While some find the combat repetitive, the game is overall well-received as a worthy addition to the franchise, offering depth and strategic play for fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging combat mechanics and the depth offered by its diverse character roster. Many reviewers, such as GamingTrend and GIGA, praised the game for its fast-paced and intuitive combat system that rewards skill and mastery. The presence of over 180 characters, each with unique abilities, adds significant replayability and variety to the gameplay, as noted by But Why Tho? and Noisy Pixel. Critics like LevelUp and PCGames emphasized the balance between accessibility for newcomers and the complexity required for mastery, making the game enjoyable for both casual and competitive players. The vibrant animations and faithful representation of the Dragon Ball universe further enhance the overall experience, with VG247 highlighting the fun and outrageous nature of the core gameplay. However, despite the overall acclaim, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. Issues such as clunky controls, imprecise hit detection, and a lack of depth in some combat mechanics were mentioned by Gaming Age and ZTGD, leading to a frustrating experience at times. The tutorial system received mixed reviews, with some critics like PLAY! Zine and GIGA arguing that it is insufficient for new players, resulting in a steep learning curve that can deter casual gamers. Furthermore, while the combat is fast-paced, some reviewers, including Voxel and GINX TV, felt that it could become repetitive due to similarities in character playstyles, which may limit the long-term engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers a compelling gameplay experience that successfully captures the essence of the beloved franchise. While there are valid criticisms regarding the tutorial and certain mechanics, the majority of reviewers agree that the game offers a rich and rewarding combat system that encourages skill development and strategic play. Critics like Digital Trends and Inverse highlighted the satisfying depth and variety of combat options, affirming that the game is a worthy addition to the Dragon Ball series. Despite its flaws, the game's engaging mechanics and extensive character roster make it a significant title for both fans of the series and fighting game enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero wows with stunning visuals and fluid animations that capture the anime's essence, earning praise from many critics. However, it suffers from issues like poor cutscene quality and camera glitches, which slightly detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game is hailed as one of the best-looking entries in the series, delivering a vibrant visual feast for fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's ability to capture the essence of the beloved anime. Reviewers such as GamingBolt and Push Square highlighted the stunning visuals and fluid animations that bring the characters and environments to life, effectively recreating the aesthetic of the series. Critics like IGN and Vgames noted the impressive attention to detail in character models and special effects, particularly during dynamic battles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 has been commended by several reviewers, including MondoXbox and Generación Xbox, for enhancing the visual fidelity and providing vibrant colors that resonate well with fans of the franchise. However, despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are notable criticisms that detract from the visual experience. PCGamesN pointed out issues with basic cutscenes and simple animations that undermine the overall presentation, while IGN France echoed similar sentiments regarding the poor quality of cutscenes, which resembled a 'puppet' effect. Additionally, some critics, such as GamesHub, mentioned instances of camera clipping and chaotic battles that can make it difficult to follow the action. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Player 2 acknowledged that while the graphics are impressive, they do not reach the same level of fidelity as Dragon Ball FighterZ, indicating a slight shortfall in comparison to other titles in the genre. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers a visually appealing experience that resonates well with fans of the franchise, with many praising its vibrant graphics and faithful representation of the anime. While there are some criticisms regarding cutscene quality and minor technical issues, the majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the game's visual design. Critics such as Eurogamer and Gamers' Temple encapsulate this sentiment, describing the game as one of the best-looking entries in the series, ultimately reinforcing the notion that the graphics and visual design are a significant highlight of the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines with stellar sound design and voice acting, immersing players in the Dragon Ball universe, but critics are disappointed by a lackluster soundtrack. While the game nails authenticity and intensity, many iconic tracks are missing or locked behind DLC paywalls, leaving fans wanting more. Overall, it captures the spirit of the franchise but falls short of expectations for its music.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero have garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for their ability to immerse players in the beloved Dragon Ball universe. Reviewers like COGconnected praised the game for its "stellar sound design and music," effectively combining new and familiar elements that enhance the overall experience. Critics such as Digital Trends highlighted the impressive voice performances that are faithful to the series, contributing to the authenticity of the gameplay. Additionally, many reviewers, including IGN and Hey Poor Player, noted that the sound effects capture the essence of the Dragon Ball series, with explosive effects that elevate the intensity of battles. The inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting, as mentioned by God is a Geek and PlaySense, further caters to player preferences and enhances the nostalgic feel for fans of the franchise. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the soundtrack and music selection. CD-Action and GameOver.gr expressed disappointment over the absence of iconic tracks from the series, with some music locked behind DLC paywalls, which could alienate long-time fans. Voxel criticized the soundtrack for being "generic" and lacking a strong connection to the franchise, while GRYOnline.pl felt that the original music was forgettable and underutilized. Critics like SpazioGames and SomosXbox echoed these sentiments, indicating that while the existing music is enjoyable, it could have benefited from a broader selection of classic melodies from the anime. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero excels in sound design and voice acting, creating an immersive experience, it falls short in delivering a comprehensive and iconic musical score. Many reviewers, including those from Gaming Age and MGG, acknowledged the nostalgia factor brought by original voice actors but lamented the lack of access to beloved tracks without additional purchases. This combination of strong sound design and disappointing music availability paints a mixed picture, indicating that while the game successfully captures the spirit of Dragon Ball, it could have done more to satisfy the expectations of its devoted fanbase.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero boasts stellar voice acting, with critics praising the original cast's performances that resonate with fans. However, there's a downside: reliance on subtitles and limited voice-over coverage—especially in languages like German and Spanish—hampers immersion. While nostalgia shines through and the option for English or Japanese enhances the experience, inconsistencies in voice acting and language options may alienate some players. Overall, a mixed bag of commendation and critique, indicating the need for improvements in future titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has received a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the performances of the original cast. Digital Trends highlights the "amazing voice performances," particularly noting the return of most of the original English dub cast, which resonates well with long-time fans. Similarly, IGN mentions that the original voice actors deliver performances that align closely with fans' memories, despite minor inconsistencies. Critics like GIGA and God is a Geek appreciate the option to choose between English and Japanese voice acting, enhancing the storytelling and character immersion. Additionally, the returning voice actors from previous Budokai Tenkaichi games, as noted by Hey Poor Player, contribute positively to the audio design, making it a significant aspect of the game. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that detract from the overall experience. GameOver.gr points out that the narrative relies heavily on subtitles and lacks sufficient voice-overs, which limits immersion. Player 2 echoes this sentiment, mentioning a reduced amount of voice acting in the story content, leading to inconsistencies that may detract from the experience. Moreover, critics like Generación Xbox and PC Gamer highlight the absence of voiceovers in languages such as German and Spanish, which they consider missed opportunities for emotional resonance and broader accessibility. This inconsistency in voice acting coverage across different languages may leave some players feeling less connected to the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mix of admiration for the voice acting's quality and concerns about its limitations. While many reviewers, including Worth Playing and Pure Xbox, commend the strong performances and nostalgic value brought by the original cast, others highlight the inconsistencies and lack of comprehensive language options as significant drawbacks. The game succeeds in delivering a nostalgic and immersive experience for fans, but the limitations in voice acting availability and execution may hinder its appeal to a wider audience. As such, while the voice acting is a strong point for many, it is accompanied by caveats that suggest room for improvement in future installments.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero shines technically on PS5 and Xbox Series X with smooth 60fps gameplay and stunning visuals, receiving praise for stability and dynamic loading. However, technical issues persist across platforms, including bugs, input delays, and matchmaking glitches, dampening the overall experience. Critics agree that while the game has potential, it needs significant fixes to enhance player satisfaction.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has garnered a mix of positive feedback across different platforms, particularly on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Many critics highlighted the game's ability to maintain a smooth gameplay experience, with consistent frame rates, particularly at 60fps. For instance, COGconnected praised the PS5 version for its stable performance over 25 hours of playtime, while Hey Poor Player noted the dynamic loading screens and accessibility settings that enhance the overall experience. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Gamers' Temple and Generación Xbox echoed similar sentiments, reporting no major issues and a smooth gameplay experience that showcases the game's stunning visuals. Despite the generally positive reception, several critics pointed out notable technical issues across all platforms. On the PS5, Carole Quintaine mentioned bugs during combat, including inactive characters, while IGN raised concerns about responsiveness issues and lag in multiplayer modes. Similarly, Xbox reviews highlighted problems such as camera glitches and matchmaking issues, with Xbox Tavern noting input delays during combos and ZTGD mentioning hit detection problems. On PC, while some critics like Eurogamer found the performance excellent, others pointed out issues like disappearing textures and stuttering, with PCGamesN specifically mentioning performance inconsistencies that could detract from the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers a solid technical foundation, particularly on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, but is marred by various bugs and performance issues that can affect gameplay. While many reviews reflect a generally positive sentiment, with critics like Inverse and Vgames praising the stability and smoothness of the game, the recurring mentions of technical hiccups across platforms suggest that there is room for improvement. The mixed feedback indicates that while the game has the potential to deliver an enjoyable experience, developers may need to address these technical shortcomings to enhance player satisfaction across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero scores high on replay value with over 180 characters and diverse modes, praised for multiplayer and customization. However, it falters with shallow single-player content and repetitive gameplay, limiting its appeal for solo players. Great for fans craving multiplayer action, but lacking depth for those seeking a robust single-player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's extensive features that encourage players to return for more. Reviewers such as IGN Brasil and Pure Xbox emphasize the impressive roster of over 180 characters, which not only enhances the gameplay experience but also provides a wealth of customization options. Critics like GIGA and Player 2 appreciate the variety of game modes, including Custom Battles, Episode Battles, and online multiplayer, which contribute to the game's replayability. Additionally, community-created content and the ability to explore alternate storylines, as noted by GamingTrend and GAMINGbible, further enrich the gameplay and allow players to engage with the game in diverse ways. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value, particularly concerning the depth and engagement of its single-player modes. Critics like GamingTrend and GameSpot point out that the single-player experience feels limited, with some modes lacking the depth required to sustain long-term interest. The repetitive nature of gameplay, as mentioned by Voxel and Digital Trends, may also deter players from investing significant time in the game. Furthermore, some reviewers, including Digital Chumps and GIGA, express concerns about the lack of offline content for players who prefer solo play, which could restrict the game's appeal to a broader audience. In summary, the consensus among critics indicates that while Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers substantial replay value through its vast character roster and diverse game modes, it is hampered by limitations in single-player content and repetitive gameplay mechanics. Critics like Wccftech and GamesHub affirm that the game's strengths lie in its multiplayer and customization features, making it particularly appealing to fans of the franchise. Overall, the game seems to cater well to those looking for engaging multiplayer experiences, but it may fall short for players seeking a rich and varied single-player journey.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its nostalgic elements and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like GamingBolt and GameStar highlight the game's impressive visuals and vast character roster, which contribute to a rich and immersive experience for fans of the franchise. The game is described as a successful revival of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, with IGN Brasil and Hooked Gamers emphasizing its ability to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. Critics such as GameSpew and Player 2 also mention the wealth of content available, making it a must-play for dedicated fans and newcomers alike. Despite the overall enthusiasm, several critics point out notable shortcomings that could affect the game's appeal. Technical issues, such as input delay and camera problems, are mentioned by IGN Portugal and GIGA, potentially detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, the game struggles with gameplay balance, as noted by GamingTrend and Voxel, which may disappoint competitive players seeking depth in combat mechanics. The repetitive nature of some content and the fragmented storytelling are also highlighted by critics like GINX TV and Gaming Age, suggesting that these factors could hinder the enjoyment for casual players. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a commendable addition to the franchise, successfully capturing the essence of the beloved series while offering an engaging gameplay experience. While there are valid concerns regarding technical issues and gameplay balance, the majority of reviewers, including those from Eurogamer and VG247, agree that the game delivers a fun and nostalgic experience that appeals to long-time fans. Overall, it stands out as a worthy successor to its predecessors, making it a recommended title for both fans and newcomers to the series.

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero hits nostalgia hard with stunning visuals and a massive character roster, winning over critics for its engaging gameplay and successful revival of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. However, it faces criticism for technical flaws like input delays and camera issues, as well as gameplay balance concerns that may disappoint competitive players. Despite some repetitive content and fragmented storytelling, the game is largely praised as a fun, worthy addition to the franchise, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

MONSTER

Reviews

175 reviews found

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.

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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.

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Hooked Gamers

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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

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

Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is an addictive delight for Dragon Ball fans, offering a must-play experience with its diverse gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and high replay value.

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PlaySense

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

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

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO exceeds expectations after 17 years, delivering a balanced mix of accessibility and depth, stunning anime visuals, and a vast character roster for epic battles. Despite some minor drawbacks like limited 'What if' scenarios and missing music/personalities in the base game, it offers an immersive experience for fans.

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