Are you a big Dragon Ball fan? Then we're here to tell you everything you need to know about Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO.
Dragon Ball has a long history as a gaming franchise, with games like Dragon Ball FighterZ or the Xenoverse series being relatively standouts. Before those, however, the Budokai Tenkaichi series reigned supreme among fans.
Sparking! ZERO is set to bring back the Budokai Tenkaichi gameplay and expand upon it with intense gameplay and stunning visuals that bring anime aesthetics to 3D environments in a jaw-dropping fashion.
If that sounds like your jam then stick around to learn the Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO release date, confirmed characters, platforms, and more. For more fighting games, check out our beginner tips guide for Street Fighter 6.
Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO - release date and platforms
We do not have any information about the release date for Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO.
It's possible that Bandai Namco decides to reveal a launch window or an exact date in the near future. It could very well be a 2024 game, or maybe fans will have to wait until 2025. We'll have to wait and see.
What we do know is that the game is coming out on PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S and X. Sadly, no Nintendo Switch or last-gen versions (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) are currently being developed.
Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO - characters
The Budokai Tenkaichi series was popular among fans for its extensive list of playable characters. With Sparking! ZERO, Bandai Namco has committed to making character selection one of the key features of the game.
During the recent trailer shown at The Game Awards some of the characters we could spot included:
- Goku
- Vegeta
- Frieza
- Broly (Dragon Ball Super)
- Piccolo
- Krillin
- Tien Shinhan
- Trunks
- Yamcha
- Android 18
- Cell
- Hercule
- Majin Buu
- Bergamo
- Jiren
- Android 17
Expect most of the characters to have some sort of transformation or alternate versions of themselves. For example, in the trailer, we spotted both Trunks using his Super Saiyan 2 form from the Cell Games and Future Trunks.
Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO - Trailer
If you want to see the characters in action for yourself then take a look at the trailer below.
Is Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO Budokai Tenkaichi 4?
If you're confused and wondering why Bandai Namco keeps referring to Sparking! ZERO as a new Budokai Tenkaichi game, that's because it is.
In Japan, the Budokai Tenkaichi series was known as the Sparking franchise. The first game was simply Sparking! while the sequel was called Sparking! Neo. The third instalment added the Meteor subtitle.
It seems they're slowly moving away from the Budokai Tenkaichi brand and bringing the Japanese subtitle to Western markets. So yes, Sparking! ZERO is indeed Budokai Tenkaichi 4.
And that's all we know at the moment. For more Dragon Ball content check out our review of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, A love letter to fans of the franchise.