DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO’s starting roster is a whopping 181 playable characters!
DISCOVER THE FULL ROSTER
In this article, we will go into details about characters’ fighting styles and unique appearance you can find in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO.
On top of that, we will have a look at special maneuvers that involve the game’s roster such as Quick Time Event sequences, Switches, Transformations and Fusions.
SUMMARY
I. Types of characters
II. Unique look
III. Special Maneuvers
I. Types of characters
You can enjoy different play styles in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO depending on the strength and fighting habits of the characters in the original Series. Their style is affected by statistics, size and characters’ forms.
Let’s have a look at the different categories of characters you can play in the game:
Strength
These characters base most of their gameplay around their heavy strike and powerful Blast. Although they might be slower, their raw power will compensate as they will deal high damage to their opponent. Some of these characters are so strength-oriented that some may not even stagger from ki blast and smash attacks. Based on their statistics, these characters can have 2 types of specialization: Melee and Blast. The first one will enhance the damage dealt with rush combos and close combat, while the second implies that the character can rely on Blast Attack and Ki Blast to inflict damage.
Speed
On the opposite end, some characters base their attack strategy on their swiftness, which they use for long-lasting assaults which are hard to interrupt. Even if some of their strikes are lighter, your opponent will have trouble trying to catch you as you move quickly all over the map and deliver combos with stunning speed. Escaping from Rush combos of characters that rely on speed will be tougher for the opponent compared to characters not fitting in this category.
Ki-Blast
There are some characters who are master of Ki-Blasts, exceling in a fighting style that they can maintain control while keeping the opponent at a distance. They have the ability to fire multiple consecutive energy blasts while consuming the minimal energy. Vegeta is a good example who is known for his powerful and rapid Ki-Blast attacks. Other characters include Goku, who can unleash the iconic Kamehameha and Frieza, who possesses the precise Death Beam.
Giant
Given their impressive size, these characters are much slower than others, but they strike more powerful blows that will stagger and send your opponent fly away.
On top of that, they are numb to throw and some Blast attacks. You can take advantage of their overwhelming presence on the map to hit your opponent with a wider hit range. Their impressive size and power come at the expense of sometimes having trouble hitting smaller opponents, which may evade their assault more easily.
Androids
Androids are artificial human that do not necessarily possess Ki: in fact, they can not charge their Ki Bar unless their energy reaches the maximum level.Their Ki Gauge will charge automatically over time or through melee attacks, and it will stop charging once it reaches its maximum.
To incorporate this into your strategy, continuously strike with Rush combos, giving your opponent no chance to charge his Ki. Some Androids even have the ability to absorb Ki Blasts and certain Blasts attacks during Super Perception, which will charge their gauge much faster.
The characters that automatically charge to the maximum are Android 13, 16, 17 and 18. On the other hand, Android 19 and Dr. Gero can charge more Ki by landing melee attacks, and furthermore, they can absorb the opponent’s Ki Blast attacks and some types of Ki Wave Blasts.
II. Unique look
Try characters with unique looks and distinctions in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO. The game faithfully reproduces some features of the Series, whether it is accessory, ability or cosmetics that may or not affect the characters’ gameplay.
Sword
You can enjoy multiple ways and fighting styles in DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZEROas sword fighting is one of them. Iconic swordsmen from the series will use their sword in a lot of combos, rush and blast to faithfully recreate their famous moves. There are also characters who use a sword to launch energy blasts that pierce through guards with a smash energy blast.
Super Aura
Some characters, such as the strongest form in DRAGON BALL Superin DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO have their aura being always on.
Their power is overflowing which results in stunning visual expression of their Ki.
Scouts
The Scouter is an iconic item from the DRAGON BALL series. In the game you can select characters, mostly from Frieza Force, and equip them the scouter as an accessory, which will grant a boost of search radius when equipped depending on the quality of the scouter equipped.
With this precious accessory, the players will be able to avoid losing track of their opponent for too long! Note that damage taken during the battle could result in the destruction of the scouter. When the scouter is destroyed, it becomes difficult to locate the opponent if they are lost from sight.
Ground Characters
Like in the DRAGON BALL series, some characters cannot fly. Once they jump, they will slowly fall back to the ground as they cannot remain in the air for a long time, compared to flying characters. On the other hand, they are the only ones that are able to run on the ground, so take advantage of their skills and try to get the fight to take place on the ground!
III. Special Maneuvers
In DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZEROyou can perform several maneuvers that do not fall under the combo category or the Blast Attacks category. These gameplay features are numerous and range from Transformation to QTE sequences: let’s have a look at them and how they bring spotlight on characters during the fights.
Transformation
Select the desired transformation and press ↑ to display Transformation Panel, then select with [☐/X] or [△/Y] or [✖/A] or [⭘/B] to perform it during the fight, while using Skill Counts. Once transformed, the statistics of the character will improve.
Fusion
Can only be used when two characters who can fuse are in your team. Fuse into the character shown on the Fusion Panel by pressing press ↑ + L1 (R1) to switch the Transformation Panel to the Fusion Panel, then select with [☐/X] or [△/Y] or [✖/A] or [⭘/B].
Once Fused, both characters will disappear from your team member screen and be replaced by a single fused character. Note that they cannot go back to normal.
Switch
The Switch is possible once the change icon is lightened, press ← to display the Switch Panel, then choose the character you want to switch with [☐/X] or [△/Y] or [✖/A] or [⭘/B].
This mechanic can lead to other gameplay features such as Chase Change. In Team Battle, switch while attacking to let your switched-in character continue the assault. Use this tactic to smoothly switch out team members while keeping up your attacks.
Sparking! Mode
To enter Sparking! mode, you must Charge your Ki Gauge to its maximum and even further. You will need to spend one Skill Count to reach Sparking! Mode.
Sparking! Mode not only enhances your abilities but also offers a variety of other benefits, such as allowing you to shoot Ki Blasts without consuming Ki.
Use moves such as Violent Rush while in Sparking! Mode, you can perform continuous Rush Attacks until your gauge runs out, resulting in an uninterrupted barrage of melee attacks.
You can also perform Hyper Smash which will inevitably break the guards of your opponent or Super Movement as it consumes some of your Sparking! gauge and allows you to vanish and move instantly.
Emote
You can perform the Emote displayed on the Emote Panel by pressing ➡ and assigned to a character prior to the fight. Perform the emote with your favorite characters to take cool stances!
QTE Quick Time Event
Once certain moves are performed at the same time by both players, a dynamic QTE (Quick Time Event) sequence will start in which the winner can take an advantage in the battle, by dealing additional damage and sending his opponent away. Quick Time Events will make your fights even more unique and unpredictable, as they require a shift in the way the battle flows. Make sure to include it in your battle strategy by making it a turning point in the battles to throw your opponent’s rhythm off.
1. Speed Impact
A Speed Impact sees the two fighters clash and trade a series of blows. Perform a Speed Impact by clashing with your opponent using a Dragon Dash [R2/RT] + [✖/A](*this also occurs when a rush-type blast collides with a Dragon Dash).
This Impact Action is divided into 2 main parts:
First, during the Single Strike, both sides must match their inputs with what is being shown on screen. Once the winner of the Single Attack is decided, the action proceeds to Rapid Strikes.
During Rapid Strike, the final damage inflicted is decided by the number of inputs performed by each player. Once the Rapid Strike stage ends, the winner of the Single Strike will send the loser flying, concluding the encounter.
2. Power Impact
Power Impact happens once the two characters perform a Throw [R1/RB]+ [☐/X] at the same time. This Impact Action is centered around comparing strength by holding corresponding buttons.
During the clash, a gauge will be displayed. You must adjust your inputs in order to not exceed the needle. The winner is determined by whose gauge is closest to the needle when the Power Impact ends.
3. Crash Impact
Crash Impact is triggered when both characters use a Step [✖/A] at the same time. Once the Crash Impact begins, the two sides will be randomly assigned the roles of “attacker” and “defender.” The inputs shown for the “attacker” and the “defender” are different so the players must follow the directions on screen. If the attacker wins the exchange, the defender will take damage. If the defender wins, they will protect themselves. A maximum of 3 exchanges will take place. The first player to win 2 exchanges will knock back the other player.
4. Blast Impact
Blast Impact is an Impact Action that occurs upon the collision of two ranged Blast attacks. When a Blast Impact begins, a meter will be displayed on screen, and a gauge on the right side will begin increasing. Pressing will convert the gauge into energy for your Blast, affecting whose Blast comes out on top. In addition to single button presses, you can increase your power through rapidly tapping the button as well.
The winner will deal tremendous damage to his opponent.
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO will launch on 11 October 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Pre-orders of the Digital and Ultimate Edition come with a three-day early access that will start on 8th October, 00:00 CEST. Pre-orders of the game will also receive a new playable character, Goku (Mini) from the upcoming Dragon Ball DAIMA anime.
PREORDER
Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await the release of DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO!
