DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO: Everything You Need To Know

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is a 3D fighting game revealed by Bandai Namco. This article includes all the information regarding the game.

After a long wait, Dragon Ball fans can rejoice as the Tenkaichi series makes a comeback with Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Bandai Namco officially unveiled the 3D fighting game as the beloved series returns after more than a decade of absence. Bandai Namco has partnered with Spike Chunsoft, the original studio behind Budokai Tenkaichi, to ensure the authenticity of Sparking Zero.

It has been sixteen years since the launch of the third installment in the well-received Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi series for PlayStation 2. Despite the significant gap since the last release, the beloved arena fighter has sustained a committed fan following. The announcement of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, revealed as Tenkaichi 4 at the 2023 Game Awards, has generated immense excitement among fans.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero brings the beloved 3D arena brawler to current-gen platforms. Fans can expect it to leverage the latest technology to deliver a visually and experientially smooth fighting game. Beyond the fundamental gameplay mechanics that define the Budokai Tenkaichi series, Sparking Zero is also poised to introduce “genre-defining features.” Their goal is to create one of the most immersive anime game experiences to date, as Bandai Namco CEO Arnaud Muller stated.

In the past, Tenkaichi 3 allowed players to control characters like Arale, King Vegeta, and Tambourine, offering a diverse and extensive lineup. There are great hopes for the new entry as unknown characters from the Dragon Ball anime are expected to make their debut. What’s even more exciting is that there are hints that the game may feature Dragon Ball Super characters.

While specific details remain limited, here’s a roundup of everything currently known about the upcoming fighting game. This article includes all the information regarding the game, including supported platforms and the Budokai Tenkaichi 4 news.

What Does Budokai Tenkaichi Mean?

The Tenkaichi Budōkai, which translates to the “World Martial Arts Tournament” in FUNimation and “Strongest Under the Heavens” in Viz, is a martial arts competition conducted on Papaya Island. “Budokai Tenkaichi” is a term of great importance in martial arts, particularly in the context of Dragon Ball video games. The expression has Japanese roots, where “Budokai” signifies a “martial arts tournament,” and “Tenkaichi” translates to “world’s best” or “the strongest.” This combination gives rise to a compelling and thrilling concept that has fascinated enthusiasts of the Dragon Ball series for an extended period.

Throughout the series, there have been twenty-eight Tenka-Ichi Budōkai tournaments. Initially occurring every three years (except for the 25th, which deviated from the pattern), the tournaments later shifted to a four-year interval after the 25th edition. Regardless of the frequency, the competition consistently takes place on the seventh of May.

Dragon Ball Z Budokai News

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero marks the return of the acclaimed 3D action battle game series previously known as Budokai Tenkaichi in the West. The debut trailer, featuring in-game footage, unveiled a visually striking and authentic continuation of the Budokai Tenkaichi series. The game promises engaging battles with remarkable visual fidelity, destructible environments in expansive arenas, and an extensive roster of iconic Dragon Ball characters.

Developed by Spike Chunsoft, the original creator of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, this Dragon Ball Z new game embraces the power of Unreal Engine 5, pushing boundaries for gameplay and features in the arena brawler genre. The title also returns to the original Japanese naming convention, with the original Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi being titled Dragon Ball Z: Sparking!

Arnaud Muller, CEO at Bandai Namco Europe, expressed excitement about bringing back one of the most beloved Dragon Ball game franchises after more than 15 years. The game aims to satisfy long-time fans while introducing it to a new generation. Dragon Ball Sparkin Zero is positioned to continue the legacy of 3D action battles. It will introduce new genre-defining features enabled by the latest gaming platforms for an immersive anime gaming experience. The gravity-defying battles in the game promise to showcase each Dragon Ball character’s signature destructive powers and Ki abilities in stunning detail, with the potential to cause damage that can impact entire sections of the arena.

When is the Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Release Date?

The release date for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has not been officially announced. However, we can expect the release date to be in the fourth quarter of 2024. This projection is based on the consideration that the previous games in the series were all released in October or November in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Considering Spike Chunsoft games tend to have a relatively short gap between announcement and release, the release date might not extend into 2025. We can expect the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero release date PS5 to be the same.

There is a chance that the new DBZ game might become available on Game Pass, similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ in 2022. However, Bandai Namco has given no indication that it will be included in the subscription service at its launch.

Can I pre-order ‘Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero’?

Soon, fans can pre-order Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero through Bandai Namco’s official website. Additionally, for those interested in the PC platform, you can add the game to your wishlist on Steam. Keep an eye on official announcements for specific details on when pre-orders will be available and any accompanying incentives for early purchases.

Which consoles and platforms can play the upcoming ‘DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO?

As per the information on the official website, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is set to be accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Steam platform. So be ready to play Dragon Ball Sparking Zero PS5.

The upcoming Budokai Tenkaichi game appears to be incompatible with current-generation consoles such as PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. There is a possibility that the game might be released for the speculated Nintendo Switch 2. However, no official confirmation has been provided. We hope for a potential reveal of the game and a new Nintendo Switch model.

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Gameplay and story details

Currently, limited information is available about the upcoming Budokai Tenkaichi installment. What is confirmed is that Bandai Namco is actively developing a new game in this cherished series. Goku, an iconic and compelling anime character, is set to have the ability to transform into his Super Saiyan form. This signals the inclusion of Dragon Ball Super content in the new Tenkaichi game.

Anticipations are high for introducing new playable characters, stages, and transformations from the broader Dragon Ball Super series. Fans are hopeful that the latest installment, Tenkaichi 4, will follow the series tradition of featuring an extensive roster. There may be over 100 playable characters, building on the legacy of Tenkaichi 3. As the previous game allowed players to engage with characters spanning the entire Dragon Ball franchise—original, Z, and GT.

The series is celebrated for including well-known and obscure characters, flashy special moves, and the dynamic ability to transform during battles. Fans are eager for the new game not only to maintain but also to surpass the tradition with an expansive roster, possibly incorporating some lesser-known characters into the mix.

Is there a ‘Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero’ trailer?

Yes, we have a Dragon Ball Sparking Zero trailer.  You can check out the official announcement trailer for Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Zero below:

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero was officially introduced through an announcement trailer at The Game Awards 2023. The trailer commences with gameplay footage featuring Goku and Vegeta engaging in combat in the Gizard Wasteland. The characters exchange iconic Kamehameha and Galick Gun attacks before transforming into Super Saiyan Blue, accompanied by a spectacular explosion of Ki energy. The trailer also shows some prominent fighters in Sparking Zero’s roster, including Frieza, Piccolo, Krillin, Trunks, and Cell.

The official reveal trailer for Budokai Tenkaichi 4 premiered at Bandai Namco’s Dragon Ball Battle Hour in March 2023. This concise teaser showcased Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan Blue, seamlessly transitioning from Budokai Tenkaichi 3 to the upcoming installment in the series. While the trailer did not explicitly confirm the title of the new entry, it provided the initial hint that the Budokai Tenkaichi series was poised to continue.

Which characters are in Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero?

Although the official character roster for New Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi has not been confirmed; there are indications that the game will potentially include a comprehensive lineup featuring nearly every character from the Dragon Ball series.

The official Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero page verifies that the game is set to feature “a historic number of playable characters, each with signature abilities, transformations, and techniques.”

While previous games in the series included characters from Dragon Ball, DBZ, and Dragon Ball GT, the trailers for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero have showcased characters from Dragon Ball Super. It remains unclear whether the game will exclusively draw characters from the Super anime or if it will also incorporate elements from the manga.

Every Character Revealed For Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero So Far

The announcement trailer, though brief, managed to unveil a notable number of characters. In just over a minute, 16 DBZ Sparking characters were confirmed for the game, showcased in a rapid montage following a reimagined version of Goku and Vegeta’s iconic clash. While true gameplay details remain undisclosed, given its continuation of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, returning fans can likely expect the familiar and beloved elements that define the franchise.

Goku

Goku, the main character of the Dragon Ball series, makes his first appearance in the anime during “The Secret Of The Dragon Balls.” Unsurprisingly, he takes the spotlight in the Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero trailer, showcasing his iconic orange and blue sparring outfit and transforming into Super Saiyan Blue.

Vegeta

Vegeta, Goku’s rival and the Saiyan prince, also appears in the trailer. She achieves Super Saiyan Blue status and engages in a powerful clash with Goku in the desert landscape.

Frieza

Frieza, the iconic villain responsible for destroying Planet Namek, is seen recreating this destructive act in the Sparking! Zero trailer. This possibly hints at the return of the ability to destroy planets mid-fight from Budokai Tenkaichi 3.

Broly

Broly is the legendary Super Saiyan and a notable Saiyan villain. He is depicted wearing Battle Armor in Sparking! Zero, as shown in the trailer.

Piccolo

Piccolo, a Namekian and Gohan’s second father figure, appears in the trailer. He was initially a fierce rival of Goku in the final Dragon Ball saga but later joined the Saiyan’s side at the beginning of Dragon Ball Z.

Krillin

Krillin, Goku’s best friend, briefly appears in the Sparking! Zero trailer, showcasing his signature move, Destructo Disc.

Tien Shinhan

Tien Shinhan is another member of the Z Fighters, known for his third eye. He is featured in the trailer along with his unique energy attack.

Yamcha 

Once a villain turned reliable Z Fighter, Yamcha appears in the trailer without his shape-shifter friend Puar.

Trunks

Trunks, appearing in both his default adult form with Saiyan armor and the alternate timeline Future Trunks, is showcased in the trailer.

Android 17

The creation of Dr. Gero, Android 17, is seen in his Dragon Ball Super outfit in the Sparking! Zero trailer.

Android 18

Android 18, the twin sister of Android 17, briefly appears in the trailer. She is wearing her original DBZ outfit and seems to be throwing Vegeta over her shoulder.

Cell

Cell, the ultimate villain during the Androids Saga, is depicted in his Perfect Cell form in the game’s trailer.

Mr. Satan

Mr. Satan, a famous martial artist, displays his bravado in the Sparking! Zero trailer features his recognizable outfit without the cape.

Majin Buu

Majin Buu is the primary antagonist of Dragon Ball Z’s Majin Buu Saga. He appears in his Innocent Buu form in the trailer.

Bergamo

Bergamo is an anthropomorphic dark blue wolf from Dragon Ball Super. He appears in profile wearing a red bandana in the Sparking! Zero trailer.

Jiren

Jiren is a powerful alien with pale skin from Dragon Ball Super and a member of the Pride Troopers. He is featured in the trailer with his arms crossed, wearing a red suit.

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