Summary
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zerois the latest video game adaptation of the legendaryDragon Ballfranchise. Announced as the next entry intheBudokai Tenkaichiseries, the game is set to build upon the legacy ofDragon Ball Z’s most revered era of fighting games. While the franchise has seen no shortage of adaptations in the nearly 17 years sinceDragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3was released, no title has recaptured the essence of what made the series so unique and addictive. However, a new trailer forSparking! Zero, titled Master and Apprentice, suggests the upcoming title intends to do just that, with the one returning gameplay mechanic paying direct homage toBudokai Tenkaichi 3.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zerois the spiritual successor to theBudokai Tenkaichiseries, which was revered for its sprawling roster and unique fighting mechanics. Continuing that legacy,Sparking Zerois set to feature more playable characters than any of its predecessors, allowing players to recreate their favorite battles from across theDragon Ballfranchise. What’s more, fans can create dream matches decades in the making, as the title will be the firstBudokai Tenkaichito see characters from the past face off against those from the series’ newest iteration,Dragon Ball Super. According to a recent trailer, it appears these match-ups will see the return of fan-favorite gameplay mechanics, with one, Sonic Sway, gaining the attention ofDragon Ballfans old and new.
Budokai Tenkaichi’s Sonic Sway Technique Explained
TheDragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichiseries introduced a host of adrenaline-pumping mechanics and techniques, which kept its 3D arena-fighting both fast and furious. With each subsequent release, theBudokai Tenkaichiseries altered and refined key features, creating offensive and defensive techniques that made players truly feel like they wielded the abilities of their favorite characters. The series' final entry,Budokai Tenkaichi 3,introduced what is revered by many fans to be the best mechanic of all, Sonic Sway, which adapted a legendaryDragon Ballability to games for the first time. It also marked the first time in franchise history that this powerful technique was given a name.
Fans oftheDragon Ball Zanimehave long marveled at the strongest fighters' ability to nonchalantly dodge an onslaught of attacks without breaking a sweat. However,Budokai Tenkaichi 3was the first time the ability was at fans’ disposal. Officially termed Sonic Sway, the technique allowed players to quickly dodge incoming attacks, draining their opponent’s Ki and opening them up to a strong counterattack. The ability was performed by holding the Block button and pressing the Energy button right before an opponent’s attack landed. If performed correctly, a player’s character would effortlessly dodge a slew of attacks, delivering one of the best, and most exhilarating, exchanges the title had to offer.
Sparking! Zero’s Master and Apprentice Trailer Marks the Return of Sonic Sway
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has delivered a consistent stream of character and gameplay reveals over the past few months, leading many fans to conclude that the full range of gameplay features had already been revealed. However, the title’s latest showcase, Master and Apprentice, heralds the return of two classic gameplay mechanics, including the legendary Sonic Sway. Near the one-minute mark ofSparking! Zero’s Master and Apprentice trailer, Gohan is seen effortlessly dodging the attacks that his future partner, Videl, throws at him, before delivering a swift blow to create space. Fans' reactions were immediate and overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the reveal of Sonic Sway as the highlight of the entire trailer.
With the reveal of a new and improved Sonic Sway technique, the series’ largest roster to date, and more reveals likely to come, fans are more excited than ever for the release of theDragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. Whether the title can live up to these lofty expectations is yet to be seen, but all signs point toSparking! Zeroushering in a new era forDragon Ball Z’s classic arena-fighting series. While additional reveals have yet to be announced, fans may see more of the title very soon. Earlier this week, Bandai Namco was included amongSummer Game Fest’s first round of partnersand publishers, leading many to hope thatDragon Ball: Sparking! Zerowill make a major appearance.
