It is finally here, the final character trailer for the base roster of Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero. Bandai Namco pulled a prank on us that I will explain once you have seen the trailer. It is a trailer for the Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Z movie characters!
In the latest character trailer, we see the initial 160-character reveal expand dramatically, culminating with Goku exclaiming, “IT’S NOT OVER YET!” This dramatic moment introduces Cooler, bringing the base roster tally to over 180 characters. With the confirmed DLC, the roster is set to exceed the 200 mark—this game is going to be huge!
One noteworthy aspect is the developers’ deep understanding of their audience. The trailer opens with a Frieza Force Soldier, solidifying the lineup as a legendary collection of characters. The Budokai Tenkaichi series is famed for its eclectic roster, featuring memorable characters like Frieza Force soldiers and various saibamen, alongside lesser-known figures like Appule, whose sole impact was his demise.
However, I do have a small concern regarding Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO’s roster. The representation from the original Dragon Ball is limited to just one character: Kid Goku. While we do see a separate version of Goku from Daima, we’re missing iconic characters who have appeared in previous Budokai Tenkaichi titles. Notable omissions include Drum, Tambourine, the Pilaf Gang’s machine, and Grandpa Gohan. I hope that the DLC will introduce these beloved characters, as I want to see significant moments represented, not just in custom game modes. Considering Super Hero is the known DLC, I anticipate additional story elements may accompany the new characters.
Furthermore, several fan favorites are absent from the playable roster, including Super 17 and the original Dragon Ball Z Bardock crew. I wonder if future DLC will address these gaps and reintroduce characters that players loved in earlier Budokai Tenkaichi games. While there is a vast array of characters and forms available, some fans may feel it’s not a true “Everyone Is Here” moment, especially Super 17 enthusiasts.
Overall, I’m looking forward to the game. Based on my playtime, it’s likely to be one of my top games of the year! The trailer concludes by teasing a mystery character, which turns out to be Goku (Daima). Pre-ordering grants early access to this character.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO releases October 11th, 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC. Be sure to read our preview of the game.
