Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero review - arena fighters don't get much better than this

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a polished arena fighter with an extensive roster.

: Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero excels as a top-notch arena fighter with its simple yet strategic gameplay. The game impresses with a massive roster, fan-service story modes, and excellent performance on PC and online. Though some characters function as palette swaps, the storytelling and visuals offer a rich experience. A faulty tutorial is a notable drawback, but the game is enjoyable for both fans and newcomers.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is an exceptional arena fighter developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game features simplistic mechanics with button-based combos and counters, offering a strategic edge over typical button mashers in the genre.

The 20-hour story mode includes 'character episodes' with 'what if' moments that deliver nostalgia and fan-service to Dragon Ball enthusiasts. These branching paths allow exploration of alternate narratives, like Goku defeating Raditz, adding depth to the game's appeal.

While most characters are unique, a few are mere palette swaps, which is mitigated by the game's total of 182 characters. Despite an inadequate tutorial, the game shines with its visuals and online play, making it attractive to both Dragon Ball fans and those new to the series.

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