As soon as we saw the announcement of Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO, we couldn’t help but wonder if it would include a split-screen mode. After a closed-door session at Summer Game Fest, our team learned that the game will, in fact, feature said mode. This might not seem like a big deal, but those from the Budokai Tenkaichi era know how fun local fights were. Furthermore, this might seem like the biggest addition. Sparking ZERO will also feature an option to experience cutscenes in first-person. Check out our exclusive gameplay right here!
The biggest takeaway from our early experience with Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO was the split-screen mode. However, there are a few limitations to it. Players can only experience this mode in one specific stage: the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. According to the game mode showcase, the reason behind this decision is that most of the VFX effects of other stages were difficult to implement in local versus mode. Still, having this long-awaited game mode in whatever capacity is already a huge win for the game.
The next thing we learned about Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO is that it’ll feature a first-person mode for cutscenes. This is an interesting addition and certainly a fresh way to experience the story we are familiar with. Paired with the “What If” scenarios we previously mentioned, all sagas from this legendary manga will feel new in a way. Still, I don’t know how often I’ll use this functionality, but having the option is great. So, if you want to see Vegeta’s Great Ape form from a different angle, you can do it now.
Dragon Ball: Sparking ZERO is looking better with each passing day. Even if the release date is still a bit far away, the product looks quite polished. The more we see, the more it looks like the developers aim for that Budokai Tenkaichi feel, albeit more modern. Hopefully, we’ll get more information regarding the remaining characters. All I need now is confirmation from GT and movie characters, and this will be, undoubtedly the best Dragon Ball fighting game we’ve had in years.
