Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero: A Roster As Big As The Universe
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is more than just the latest entry in the beloved Budokai series. It’s a love letter to the iconic anime and its dedicated fanbase, packed with a staggering amount of content and an impressive roster of characters. But even the most devoted fans might be surprised to discover a hidden Easter egg cleverly woven into the very fabric of the game’s enormous fighter count: a nod to the original Dragon Ball manga.
A Roster For The Ages: With a mind-blowing 182 playable characters, Sparking! Zero boasts the most extensive roster in any Dragon Ball video game to date. While this number is a testament to the game’s ambition and breadth, it also serves as a clever tribute to Dragon Ball lore. If you’re a diehard fan, you’ll likely recognize the significance: this number is a direct reference to Chapter 113 of the original Dragon Ball manga titled "Return to the Tournament".
The Saga of 182: In this landmark chapter, Goku returns from his intense training to participate in the World Martial Arts Tournament. As the proctor announces the record-breaking number of participants, he states “An astounding 182!” This year’s tournament had to be held every three years due to the sheer volume of fighters. While the manga opted for preliminary matches to whittle down the contenders, Sparking! Zero takes a different approach, offering a multitude of fighters right from the get-go.
The game’s creative team has cleverly interwoven this manga reference into the gameplay, showcasing their deep understanding and appreciation of the Dragon Ball universe. It’s a detail that will undoubtedly be appreciated by veteran fans, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that permeates Sparking! Zero.
Beyond The Grid: The sheer scope of the roster has been a major talking point for fans. For months, Bandai Namco kept fans speculating about the game’s ever-expanding lineup by releasing character reveals in dribs and drabs. The anticipation built with each reveal, fueled by fans excitedly trying to predict who would make the cut. All along, the game showcased a hexagonal grid, which seemed to represent the roster’s structure.
However, Bandai Namco had another surprise hidden up their sleeve. The latest trailer revealed that the hexagonal grid was just a facade. There are additional slots outside of the grid, further expanding the playable roster and highlighting some of the most beloved characters from Dragon Ball history.
Movie Magic: Among these additions are iconic characters from the franchise’s popular movie outings: Cooler, Tapion, and OG Broly are all playable on launch! This inclusion broadens the game’s scope and caters to even more fans who enjoy the expanded Dragon Ball universe.
Additionally, the trailer also unveiled the inclusion of Kid Goku from the upcoming anime series Dragon Ball Daima This nod to the future of the franchise highlights the game’s commitment to staying relevant within the ever-expanding world of Dragon Ball.
A Roster That Just Keeps Growing: The incredible Sparking! Zero roster isn’t just a one-time affair. Bandai Namco has boldly announced plans for three waves of post-launch downloadable content, bringing even more characters to the game. This commitment to expansion ensures that the game’s roster will only grow larger and more inclusive, offering players a constantly evolving and engaging experience.
The DLC waves will introduce characters from:
- Dragon Ball Super: With the popularity of this series, fans can expect to see their favorite characters from the Super Saiyan God saga and beyond.
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero: Following the successful release of the film, the popular characters from the Super Hero arc are poised to join the roster.
- Dragon Ball Daima: The recently announced series is set to bring its compelling new cast members to the game, further blurring the lines between the game and its source material.
More Than Just A Fighting Game: Sparking! Zero is more than just a fighting game, it serves as a celebration of the Dragon Ball franchise. Every aspect of the game, from the graphics to the roster to the easter eggs, is imbued with genuine passion and admiration for the series’ rich history. It’s a testament to the love and care that the development team has poured into this project, and a gift to fans eager to experience the magic of Dragon Ball in a whole new way.
Ready To Spar? With its massive roster, faithful recreation, and an endless stream of content, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is poised to become the definitive Dragon Ball game for a new generation of players. If you’re ready to dive into the epic world of Dragon Ball and unleash your inner Saiyan, then Sparking! Zero is waiting for you, available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on October 11th.
With a game this epic, the only limit is your imagination. So buckle up your gi, prepare for battle, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Dragon Ball universe!
