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CRITIK

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

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

2024

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Fighting, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 11, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, 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

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for its inclusion of iconic battles from the Dragon Ball series and the incorporation of 'What if?' scenarios in the story mode. Critics like But Why Tho?? and ZTGD appreciate how the game captures the essence of the beloved series with fidelity, offering battles and stories that fans have seen before but with unique twists. IGN Brasil and Pure Xbox commend the game for presenting Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super stories in an accelerated manner, providing branching paths that lead to alternate outcomes and fresh twists to familiar events. Additionally, ComicBook and GAMINGbible highlight the branching paths and 'What if' scenarios in the story mode, which add depth and replay value to the narrative. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the storytelling in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. Digital Trends criticizes the disjointed and unevenly paced delivery of the story, lacking buildup and weight in presenting iconic moments. GamesHub and Push Square mention that the narrative pieces of the game feel undercooked, with a campaign mode that relies too heavily on static cutscenes and exposition, making it challenging for players to get invested in the plot. IGN Deutschland also criticizes the story for being lackluster and disjointed, not meeting the expectations of fans of the series. These criticisms indicate a consensus among some reviewers that the storytelling in the game may not fully deliver on the expectations set by the Dragon Ball franchise. Overall, while Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero receives praise for its inclusion of iconic battles, 'What if?' scenarios, and branching paths in the story mode, there are concerns about the storytelling execution. Critics like Siliconera and VG247 appreciate the alternate outcomes and narrative choices that tap into fan speculation, providing a refreshing twist for Dragon Ball fans. However, the criticisms from reviewers like Digital Trends and Push Square regarding the disjointed storytelling and lackluster presentation suggest that there is room for improvement in how the game delivers its narrative. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus seems to be that the game offers an engaging experience for fans of the Dragon Ball series, with its mix of familiar story arcs and hypothetical scenarios providing some interesting narrative twists.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero impresses critics with iconic battles, 'What if?' scenarios, and branching paths, capturing the essence of the series. Some reviewers praise its fresh twists on familiar events, while others criticize its disjointed storytelling and undercooked narrative pieces. Despite mixed feedback, the game offers an engaging experience for Dragon Ball fans, blending familiar story arcs with speculative twists.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for its positive aspects. Critics like IGN Brasil highlighted the dynamic and challenging combat mechanics, while COGconnected and Noisy Pixel appreciated the smooth and responsive gameplay with satisfying depth in combat mechanics. Gamepressure and SpazioGames commended the silky smooth fighting game engine that offers a variety of defensive options and faithfully replicates the fast-paced battles seen in the Dragon Ball series. Additionally, critics like Digital Trends and GAMINGbible emphasized the depth beyond button-mashing, requiring players to master techniques and customization for rewarding combat experiences. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. Gaming Age and Voxel criticized the lack of depth in combos and character differentiation, leading to a tedious and repetitive experience for some players. ZTGD mentioned issues with hit detection and the lack of a proper lock-on mechanic, impacting the overall immersion and gameplay experience. GameSpot highlighted how the gameplay could devolve into button-mashing exercises with limited depth, potentially reducing the overall engagement for some players. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. The game is praised for its depth, variety of moves and techniques, and the vast roster of characters that offer unique playstyles. Critics appreciated the balance between familiar mechanics and fresh innovations, providing a high learning curve but ultimately rewarding combat experience. The majority of critics found the gameplay to be engaging, immersive, and faithful to the Dragon Ball series, with a focus on strategic depth and replay value. In conclusion, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero's gameplay is widely regarded as very good by critics, offering a mix of fast-paced action, diverse combat possibilities, and a satisfying level of challenge that resonated positively with the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero's gameplay, praising its dynamic combat mechanics, smooth gameplay, and depth beyond button-mashing. Some critics note issues with combos and hit detection, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game offers a high learning curve, varied playstyles, and faithful adaptation of the Dragon Ball series, making it engaging, immersive, and strategically deep. In short, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero's gameplay is highly regarded for its fast-paced action, diverse combat options, and rewarding challenge.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like IGN Brasil, Pure Xbox, and ZTGD commended the game for its grandiose and spectacular visuals, with vibrant colors, high-def graphics, and detailed character designs that closely resemble the anime. They also appreciated the dynamic environments, familiar voices from the series, and the stunning special move effects that enhance the overall spectacle. Additionally, critics such as COGconnected and ComicBook lauded the game for its visually stunning 3D character models, animations, and visual effects that showcase the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. The faithful recreation of the anime's style, authentic moves, and dynamic camera angles were also highlighted by Digital Trends, Gamepressure, and Gaming Age. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. IGN Brasil pointed out that camera issues could hinder visibility in the large 3D arenas, while Gamepressure noted that Episode Battle cutscenes condensed the plot too much. GamesHub and GLHF on Sports Illustrated mentioned instances of camera clipping that could detract from the experience, and IGN Deutschland highlighted chaotic battles with debris flying around. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment from the critics leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the game's graphics and visual design. In conclusion, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics regarding its Graphics and Visual Design. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, faithful recreation of the anime's aesthetic, impressive character models, and dynamic weather effects. Critics appreciated the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and the immersive environments that make the game feel like a playable anime episode. With a majority of critics commending the game for its top-notch graphical quality, animations, and special effects that enhance the super moves, it is evident that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has successfully captured the essence of the beloved franchise in a visually appealing and engaging manner.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero wowed critics with its grandiose visuals, vibrant colors, and faithful anime recreation, earning praise for stunning character designs and immersive environments. While some noted minor issues like camera problems and condensed plot cutscenes, the game's overwhelming positive feedback highlights its top-notch graphics and dynamic effects that bring the beloved franchise to life in a visually captivating way.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (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 has received a generally positive reception from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its stellar sound design and music, with COGconnected mentioning the "stellar sound design and music" that combined new and familiar elements to enhance the overall experience. Digital Trends highlighted the "amazing voice performances" and authenticity of signature attacks, while Gamepressure appreciated the variety of music and sound effects that immersed players in the Dragon Ball universe. Gaming Age and Hey Poor Player both commended how the audio successfully transported players back to the nostalgic era of watching Dragon Ball Z, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, some critics did have reservations about the soundtrack of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. Voxel criticized the soundtrack for being generic and lacking identification with the franchise, mentioning missed opportunities to include iconic original music. PlaySense also noted that while the soundtrack featured electric guitar tracks that complemented the intense battles, it lacked some iconic anime songs available only through DLC. These criticisms suggest that there may have been a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on the iconic music associated with the Dragon Ball series, which could have enhanced the overall immersion for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero excels in its sound design and music, effectively capturing the essence of the Dragon Ball universe. Critics like Impulsegamer appreciated the consistent sound design with energy-boosting effects, while Inverse highlighted how the audio complemented the visual spectacle, making battles feel epic with impactful sound effects. While there were some criticisms regarding the generic nature of the soundtrack and missed opportunities to include more iconic music, the majority of critics found the audio design to be a strong aspect of the game, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and nostalgia for fans of the series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for its stellar sound design and music, noting how it captures the essence of the Dragon Ball universe with new and familiar elements. Some critics feel the soundtrack is generic and lacks iconic music, but overall, the game's audio design successfully immerses players in epic battles and nostalgic vibes, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Pure Xbox, Digital Trends, Hey Poor Player, Noisy Pixel, PlaySense, and Worth Playing all praised the voice performances in the game. Pure Xbox appreciated the familiar voices from the series, contributing to the immersive experience. Digital Trends specifically highlighted the amazing voice performances, including most of the original cast from the English dub. Hey Poor Player mentioned the returning voice actors from previous Budokai Tenkaichi games, which added to the overall audio design. PlaySense also commended the solid voice acting and the option for players to choose between English and Japanese voices. Worth Playing considered voice acting a strong point, with actors reprising their roles and adding depth to the characters. Despite the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting, there were some criticisms raised by Gamepressure regarding the power balance in the roster affecting the voice acting experience. Gamepressure pointed out that while characters come with their own set of voicelines, the power balance in the roster is highly unbalanced. This imbalance could potentially impact the overall immersion and enjoyment of the voice acting for players who notice discrepancies in the character portrayals. In conclusion, the critics unanimously agree that the voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a standout feature of the game. The inclusion of familiar voices, amazing performances from the original cast, and the option to choose between English and Japanese voices were highlighted as positives. Despite Gamepressure's concerns about the power balance affecting the voice acting experience, the overall consensus is that the voice acting contributes significantly to the immersive and engaging nature of the game, enhancing the overall gameplay experience for fans of the Dragon Ball series.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, praising familiar voices and original cast performances. However, Gamepressure criticizes the power imbalance in the roster affecting the voice acting experience. Overall, the voice acting is a standout feature, adding depth and immersion to the game for fans of the Dragon Ball series.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox praised the smooth frame rate and stunning visual effects in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. This positive sentiment was echoed by other critics who played the game on the PS5, such as Hey Poor Player and PlaySense, highlighting the smooth gameplay experience at 60 frames per second and dynamic loading screens on the PlayStation platform. However, there were notable technical issues reported across both gaming platforms. XboxEra mentioned UI transitions causing stuttering on the Xbox Series X, while ZTGD noted hit detection issues and unresponsive controls, impacting the overall gameplay experience. On the PS5, critics like Impulsegamer reported stilted animations and wonky camera problems, while Voxel highlighted frame rate drops, progression bugs, and AI opponents freezing after being thrown. Overall, the consensus among critics for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero's technical performance is mixed. While some critics, like ComicBook and Inverse, found the game to run smoothly with occasional minor hiccups, others, such as Gaming Age and Voxel, pointed out significant performance issues that detracted from the overall experience. The varying opinions suggest that while the game showcases impressive visuals and maintains stable performance in some aspects, there are notable technical shortcomings that need addressing across both the Xbox Series X and PS5 platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for smooth frame rates and stunning visuals on Xbox Series X and PS5. However, technical issues like stuttering UI and unresponsive controls on Xbox, and stilted animations and frame rate drops on PS5, divide opinions. While some found minor hiccups, others noted significant performance problems, indicating impressive visuals but notable technical shortcomings on both platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, highlighting its extensive content, diverse gameplay modes, and customization options. But Why Tho?? commended the game for its engaging experience, various modes, and character interactions, making it fresh and enjoyable. IGN Brasil noted the vast amount of content, including 181 playable characters, alternate story outcomes, and custom challenges in Creator mode, enhancing replayability. Pure Xbox emphasized the huge roster of over 180 fighters, multiple modes, custom battles, tournaments, and online multiplayer, providing limitless replay value for Dragon Ball fans. XboxEra also acknowledged the multiple modes of play, character customization, and rewards system as factors contributing to the game's replay value. While the overall sentiment towards the replay value of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out potential drawbacks. GameSpot mentioned limited depth in the core battle scheme and repetitive gameplay, which could limit long-term replay value for some players. Voxel highlighted repetitive gameplay and a cumbersome user interface as factors that may deter prolonged engagement, despite the hours of gameplay the content offers. Push Square noted that online play was unbalanced, which could affect the overall replay experience for competitive players seeking fair matchups. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero excels in providing a high level of replay value, with the majority of reviewers praising its extensive content, customization options, and diverse gameplay modes. Critics like COGconnected, ComicBook, and PlaySense appreciated the abundant content, customization options, and online tournaments that ensure players always have something challenging or exciting to experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetitive gameplay and unbalanced online play, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the game offering a compelling and engaging experience with substantial replay value for fans of the Dragon Ball franchise.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero's replay value, praising its vast content, diverse gameplay modes, and customization options. While some noted drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and unbalanced online play, the majority agree that the game provides an engaging and fresh experience with limitless replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has garnered significant praise from the majority of critics for its celebration of the Dragon Ball franchise and its ability to deliver a legacy continuation in the arena fighter genre. Critics like But Why Tho?? and IGN Brasil commend the game for offering engaging gameplay, a vast character roster, and impressive visuals, making it a legitimate successor to the Budokai Tenkaichi trilogy. Pure Xbox and XboxEra also highlight the visually stunning graphics, fast-paced combat, and a plethora of content to unlock, catering to fans of the series. Additionally, ComicBook and GAMINGbible appreciate the fusion of past and present Dragon Ball games, with deep combat systems and a wide range of characters, making it a must-have for both long-time fans and newcomers. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero that detracted from the overall experience. IGN Brasil mentioned camera issues and rushed storytelling, while XboxEra highlighted problems with the user interface and limited splitscreen maps. Gamepressure noted flaws in condensing the plot and unbalanced roster, and GamesHub felt that the narrative execution fell short, impacting the overall enjoyment for players seeking a deeper storytelling experience. Voxel also mentioned concerns regarding the lack of diverse combat mechanics and potential input delay in online play, which could disappoint some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, with the majority praising it as a very good game that excels in emulating Dragon Ball battles and offering a fun and engaging experience for fans of the series. Critics like Impulsegamer and Inverse highlight the extensive content, fun combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and real depth in gameplay, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Despite some minor drawbacks and technical issues, the game's ability to capture the essence of the Dragon Ball series while delivering a modernized experience resonated well with reviewers, solidifying its position as a standout title in the arena fighter genre.

TL;DR

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a hit among critics for its celebration of the Dragon Ball franchise, engaging gameplay, vast character roster, and impressive visuals. While some critics noted issues like camera problems and narrative shortcomings, the game still stands out as a must-play for fans and newcomers alike, offering fun combat mechanics and stunning graphics. Overall, the game excels in emulating Dragon Ball battles and delivers a modernized experience that resonates well with reviewers, solidifying its position as a standout title in the arena fighter genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

150 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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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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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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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

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

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is praised as the best Dragon Ball game ever played, with faithful yet modernized combat, a wide range of characters, and plenty of side content. The game receives an exceptional rating of 9/10.

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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.

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Carole Quintaine

PlayStation 5

Oct 7, 2024

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

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is described as the ultimate Dragon Ball game, a worthy successor to Budokai Tenkaichi, offering a joyous overall experience despite some frustrating bugs.

But Why Tho?

Xbox Series X

Oct 7, 2024

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

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is praised for its celebration of Akira Toriyama and the Dragon Ball franchise, offering a connected experience for fans and delivering a legacy continuation in the arena fighter genre.

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