The popular fighting game, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, receives a new update packed with exciting changes. This update introduces a fresh move, the High-Speed Dragon Dash, alongside numerous character adjustments and gameplay tweaks designed to enhance balance and refine the fighting experience. Since its October launch, the game has seen several updates, but this one promises to be a game-changer.
Developed by Bandai Namco and Spike Chunsoft, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero brings Akira Toriyama’s iconic Dragon Ball universe to life with dynamic combat and engaging storytelling. While other fighting games like Dragon Ball FighterZ excel in the genre, Sparking! Zero distinguishes itself with unique story elements, including branching narratives and alternate timelines. The game quickly garnered a large following upon release, attracting fans eager for both the fan service and the thrill of witnessing beloved anime/manga characters clash in signature Saiyan battles. This latest update addresses community feedback and refines the gameplay experience.
Version 2006.005.003.004.003 of Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero, available now, focuses on rebalancing attacks, impacting both general mechanics and specific fighters like Android 19 and the notoriously challenging Great Ape Vegeta. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements, such as customizable display names, alphabetical text sorting, and access to all stages in offline versus mode. The highlight, however, is the High-Speed Dragon Dash, a new maneuver designed for swift opponent approach.
Detailed Patch Notes for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Game Mode Adjustments
- Battle: All stages are now selectable in offline player versus player battles.
Functionality Adjustments
- Battle Setup: Players can now customize character display methods. A “My Sets” feature has been added for Team Members.
- Ranked/Player Match: Intro battle animations can now be skipped with mutual player input.
- Player Match: Team visibility (hidden or revealed) can be set prior to matches.
- Custom Battle Mode: Text sorting is now available in alphabetical order.
- Options: Adjustable battle camera distance for closer views.
Battle System Adjustments
- High-Speed Dragon Dash: This new action enables rapid movement towards the opponent. Execute by pressing R2 and holding X (PS5) or RT and holding A (XSX/S).
- Smash Attack: Charging a Smash Attack no longer results in stun when hit by a Rush Ki Blast. Charge time reduction during Rush Attacks has been increased based on hit count.
- Rush Ki Blast: Increased delay between firing maximum consecutive blasts.
- Rush Ki Blast Deflection: Movement is now possible while deflecting.
- Steps: Provides brief invulnerability to certain attacks. Can evade Rush and Smash Ki Blasts.
- Z-Burst Dash: Increased Ki consumption upon activation.
- Burst Smash: Ki consumption is now based on distance traveled, not on activation.
- Blast: Increased damage when boosted.
- Z-Search: Maintains target lock during character swaps. Quickly reacquires target upon frontal line-of-sight re-entry.
- Z-Counter: Shorter input window, increased difficulty with consecutive use, increased Ki cost, and reduced Skill Count increase.
- Revenge Counter: Reduced Perception Skill Count cost from 2 to 1.
- Sparking! Mode Rush Attacks: Increased damage reduction for consecutive hits.
- Combos: Final attacks of Aerial and Aerial Slash Combos are no longer interruptible by guarding.
- Character Switch: Reduced health recovery rate for standby characters.
- Z-Burst Dash (Giant Characters): Giant character tackles are now guardable.
Skill Adjustments
- Instant Sparking! Skills: Increased Skill Count cost.
- Stat Boosting Skills: Decreased Skill Count cost.
- Afterimage Strike: Reduced duration to 10 seconds, removable by opponent’s Perception.
- False Courage: Increased Skill Count cost from 1 to 2.
- Technique: All I Need Is Five Seconds!: Increased Skill Count cost from 1 to 2, but enhanced status boost.
- Stardust Barrier: Activable while receiving frontal melee attacks.
Blast Adjustments
- Long-Range/Ultimate Blasts: Reduced speed.
- Super Vegito: Final Kamehameha: Increased Ki cost and damage.
- Goku (Mini): Quick Rush: Adjustable trajectory during Rush.
- Mr. Satan: Present Bomb: Increased ending lag.
Character Adjustments
- Android 19/Dr. Gero: Adjusted throw absorption and added Ki cost to Dragon Dash, Quick Ascend, and Quick Descend.
- Cell 2nd Form: Throw escape implemented.
- Cooler: Increased health restoration upon transformation.
- Giant Characters: Increased Smash Attack charge time and reduced power.
- Great Ape Vegeta/Dr. Wheelo: Reduced maximum health.
- Other: Performance and usability improvements.
This comprehensive update for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers significant gameplay changes, character balancing, and new features, promising an enhanced and more competitive fighting experience.
