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- Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is here, and it’s as amazing as we wanted it to be.
- The local co-op, however, is only limited to a single stage, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
- Restricting local play to a bland, repetitive stage limits the game’s potential.
Dragon Ball is a legendary existence in this world. The anime that universally popularized the medium influenced countless works and delivered an unrivalled thrill. Akira Toriyama created a genuine titan. It’s sad to see him go, but at least his work is still alive and shaking the world.
A series as iconic as Dragon Ball was bound to be adapted into games, and so it did. Countless titles exist to date, and it’s only natural to have bad ones, but the series has some pretty impressive titles, too, with the latest addition being Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Why it matters: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is a brilliant game, but its local co-op is restricted to one empty stage, which gets boring pretty quickly and is a problem.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Is Beyond Amazing
Would you believe me if I said I still own and play Budokai Tenkaichi 3? That’s how much I adore this game; it was the pinnacle of Dragon Ball games for me. Now imagine my surprise when I saw that the game I’ve been seeking a revival for all my life suddenly appeared in an unbelievable state.
That first trailer for Sparking Zero where the BT3 showcase was followed by the new visuals very nearly killed me. I’ve been following this game ever since with the utmost dedication, hoping it honors its predecessor’s legacy, and I’m overjoyed that it did.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is Budokai Tenkaichi 4 in the truest sense. Even after 16 years, it perfectly embodies the soul of that legendary title and delivers a sensational experience that resonates deeply with fans of the original. It kept everything intact, down to the broken characters; I just can’t express my joy in words anymore.
The Limited Local Co-Op In Sparking Zero Bothers Me
I’ve already gushed over the game a lot, so let me put on the logic cap for a moment and look at its flaws. First is how it handles story mode with a slideshow, which is less than ideal, but at least the shocking What If scenarios make up for it.
The most important point for criticism is the local co-op. I don’t think I need to tell you just how important it was for Budokai Tenkaichi 3 back in the day. Yes, Sparking Zero features online play as compensation, but local co-op is just as important.
Wait, this doesn’t mean Sparking Zero has entirely omitted local co-op. No, it still has it, but in a very limited fashion, which is hurting it.
Local multiplayer is officially announced with one STUPID catch
byu/Superzayian9 inSparkingZero
Hyperbolic Time Chamber Is A Bland Stage
So, how exactly is local co-op limited? One of Sparking Zero’s greatest selling points is how it takes environmental destruction to the extreme. These flashy animations and destructive effects are a key part of the Dragon Ball franchise, and Sparking Zero understands this.
Wait, you can destroy stages?!
byu/Ravenloveit inSparkingZero
However, in local co-op, you can only select one stage, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. An infinite space where you can do a year’s worth of training in one day sounds really cool in theory, but in the end, it’s just endless nothingness.
That means no destruction, no flashy moves crushing through the terrain, no throwing your opponent through rocks, nothing. Hyperbolic Time Chamber is a dull stage that gets repetitive pretty soon.
I know this was done because flashy destruction is highly resource-intensive, especially in split screens. Still, if it means a varied and more entertaining local co-op, I don’t think anyone would’ve minded a little toned-down visuals.
One Stage Can Only Stay Fresh For So Long
Besides, even if it was an interactive stage, it’s only a matter of time before you get bored with one landscape. The local co-op is still loads of fun, but restricting it to one stage, and a bland one at that, is akin to self-sabotaging.
Even more so when you consider just how much of a resounding success Sparking Zero is. If this was an unknown title, my point wouldn’t have mattered as much.
People have already modded the game to enable local co-op on other stages, which shows it’s very much possible. Bandai Namco needs to consider it, too. Even if the visuals become slightly less impressive, extra stages are necessary. Variety is what will keep it alive for a long time.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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