Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero dropped a substantial new update, adding a host of improvements alongside bringing split-screen multiplayer to all the maps available.
Local split screen battles at launch could only happen on one map, in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Now, couch-locked friends can go head-to-head across Namek, Cell Games Arena, and more.
Bandai Namco has added a host of quality-of-life updates alongside the split-screen support. They include skipping intro battle animations in Player matches, a new high-speed Dragon Dash, deflecting Rush Ki Blasts while moving, and more.
The whole list of changes and improvements can be found here.
Game Mode Adjustments
Battle
- All stages are now able to be selected in offline P1 vs. P2 battles.
Functionality Adjustments
Battle Setup
- A function allowing you to change a character’s display method has been added.
- The “My Sets” function has been added for Team Members/
Ranked Match / Player Match
- You can now skip the intro battle animations (requires both players to input the skip command).
Player Match
- You can now set your team to hidden or revealed to your opponent when editing your team
Custom Battle Mode
- Text can now be sorted alphabetically.
Options
- You can now set the battle camera distance to be closer
Battle System Adjustments
High-Speed Dragon Dash (New Action)
- The new quick movement action, “High-Speed Dragon Dash”, where you can move quickly towards your opponent, has been added. Perform with R2 and holding X (PS5) or RT and holding A (XSX|S).
Smash Attack
- You will no longer be stunned when being hit by a Rush Ki Blast when charging a Smash Attack.
- When charging a Smash Attack during a Rush Attack, charge time reduction based on hit count has been increased.
Rush Ki Blast
- The time between being able to fire the next Rush Ki Blast after firing the maximum consecutive amount at once (different for each character) has been increased.
Rush Ki Blast Deflection
- You can now move while deflecting Rush Ki Blasts.
Steps
- You will now no longer be able to be hit by certain attacks immediately after performing a Step
Rush Ki Blast and Smash Ki Blast can now also be evaded.
Z-Burst Dash
- The amount of Ki consumed when activating it has been increased.
Burst Smash
- Ki will no longer be consumed when activating it, and will instead consume an amount based on the distance traveled.
Blast
- Damage has been increased when using a boost.
Z-Search
- Z-Search will no longer lose track of your opponent when characters are swapped.
- You will now quickly regain sight of your opponent if they enter your line of sight from the front when Z-Search is not locked onto them.
Z-Counter
- The input window has been shortened.
- Z-Counter will become more difficult to perform if performed consecutively.
- Ki consumed has been increased when successfully performing a Z-Counter.
- Skill Count increase speed has been reduced when successfully performing a Z-Counter.
Revenge Counter
- Skill Count consumed when using Perception against Revenge Counter has been reduced from 2 to 1.
Rush Attacks during Sparking! Mode
- Gradual damage reduction of consecutive hits has been increased.
Combos
- The final attack of Aerial Combos and Aerial Slash Combos will no longer be interrupted by guarding.
Character Switch
- Health recovery rate of Standby characters has been reduced.
Z-Burst Dash (Giant Characters)
- The tackle done by Giant characters during Z-Burst Dashes is now guardable.
Skill Adjustments
Skills that cause instant Sparking! Mode
- Skill Count consumed has been increased.
Skills that increase stats in general
- Skill Count consumed has been decreased.
Afterimage Strike
- Effect duration has been reduced to 10 seconds, and will be removed if your opponent uses Perception while you are under the effect.
False Courage
- Skill Count consumed has been increased from 1 to 2.
Technique: All I Need Is Five Seconds!
- Skill Count consumed has been increased from 3 to 2 and status increase upon activation has been increased.
Standard Barrier
- You can now activate it while receiving melee attacks from the front.
Blast Adjustments
Long-Range Blasts and Ultimate Blasts
- Speed has been reduced.
Super Vegito: Final Kamehameha
- Ki consumed and damage has been increased.
Goku (Mini): Quick Rush
- Trajectory can now be changed while Rushing.
Mr.Satan: Present Bomb
- Increased ending lag after activation.
Character Adjustments
Android 19 / Dr. Gero
- Health/Ki amount absorbed on successful throw has been adjusted.
- Dragon Dash, Quick Ascend, and Quick Descend now consume Ki.
Cell 2nd Form
- You can now escape the throw.
Cooler
- Amount of Health restored upon transforming has been increased.
Great Ape Vegeta / Dr. Wheelo
- Maximum health has been reduced.
Other
We have improved performance and ease of use.
In our review, we said, “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a fantastic return for a beloved series. The roster is massive, and the action is loud and satisfying, with enough modes to keep any fan busy. While not everything is finely tuned or balanced, it retains the heart and energy of the anime. Some things need work, with the overall flow and menus being outstanding. It may not be for everyone, with the campaign difficulty and lack of overall balance enough to turn some away, but it is an absolute blast.”
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zerois out now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
