Dragon Ball Sparking Zero: Everything we know so far

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the next installment in the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, and here’s what we know about the game so far including trailers, platforms, and gameplay mechanics.

Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was the last entry in the popular arena fighting series that launched back in 2007, and, almost 2 decades later, we’re finally getting a sequel. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is the Budokai Tenkaichi 4 we never got.

The game was initially revealed in March 2023 as a surprise from developers Bandai Namco during the Dragon Ball Fighterz World Championship Tournament. Since the reveal, we’ve had more details surrounding the game including roster information, platforms, and a couple of trailers.

So, here’s everything we know about Dragon Ball Sparking Zero so far.

Contents

• Is there a release date for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
• What platforms will Dragon Ball Sparking Zero be on?
• Sparking Zero trailers
• Gameplay
• Roster

Is there a release date for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?

Currently, there is no confirmed release date for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. However, a release date has been datamined, and it sets the game’s release date on October 1, 2024.

As soon as Bandai Namco announces an official release date, we’ll be sure to update this page.

What platforms will Dragon Ball Sparking Zero be on?

Sparking Zero will be released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.

You can now wishlist the game on each of the platforms so that, as soon as pre-order and release date information is confirmed, you’ll know right away.

Dragon Ball Sparking Zero trailers

The latest trailer at the time of writing released on May 30, 2024, revealing Fusion fighters. Along with the base forms of iconic characters like Kid Trunks and Goten, we get their fusions on the roster as well.

Everything from Vegito and Gogeta to Kefla and Gotenks was shown off here, covering the biggest fusion forms in the series all in one go.

On April 30, 2024, another trailer was released by Bandai Namco that revealed several new characters from the Sparking Zero Roster. You can check out the trailer below:

A third trailer for the game was released on March 20, 2024, that showed off a handful of new confirmed characters for the Sparking Zero roster. You can watch the full trailer below:

The second trailer for Sparking Zero features gameplay and cutscene footage of Goku and Vegeta fighting in their various forms over the years from their first confrontation in the Saiyan Saga of Dragon Ball Z, all the way up to their Super Saiyan God transformations from Dragon Ball Super.

You can check out the trailer below:

At The Game Awards 2023, the first full-length trailer for the new Budokai game was unveiled, confirming that the title will now be called Dragon Ball Sparking Zero. This footage can be viewed below.

The clip shows off amazing visuals, characters, and more. Everything a Dragon Ball fan expects and hopes for from a new game.

 

Gameplay

Like the previous entries in this beloved franchise, Sparking Zero will feature arena fighter battles where players will control their character from a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective.

Destructible environments will also play a big role in battles, as noted on the game’s website players will “Step into an arena that reacts to your every action. As you transform or unleash your most devastating attacks, watch the environment respond with stunning realism. Leave a trail of destruction in your wake as you battle to your heart’s content.”

Previous entries included huge character rosters and a lot of transformations to choose from so players can expect to play as all of their favorite heroes and villains from the beloved anime franchise. Sparking Zero will have a “historic number of playable characters, each with signature abilities, transformations and techniques.”

On March 20, 2024, a 13-minute gameplay showcase for Sparking Zero was released on YouTube. This gave fans a look at gameplay footage of a battle between Goku and Vegeta.

As well as showing off returning mechanics, four new additions were also highlighted by the game’s producer, Jun Furutani. These include increased speed for normal movement, Revenger Counter, Super Perception, and a new Ki-based action called Vanishing Assault.

You can check out the full showcase below:

Roster

At the time of writing, 82 fighters have been confirmed for the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero roster. Here’s the full list, though it’s worth noting this isn’t even close to the full roster. 164 fighters are planned for the full release.

The roster has everything from Goku and Vegeta’s forms throughout the series and the most powerful fusions, to side characters like Tien, Yamcha, Master Roshi, and Mr. Satan. Check out our full roster list for more specifics and a list of every form we know of that’ll be present in the final game.

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