Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is set to launch with one of the largest rosters in the franchise's history, bringing nearly every conceivable character from the universe into one cohesive package. While players can expect many popular fighters from DBZ, Super, the original series, and even further spin-offs, some are still likely to be surprised by Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's inclusion of several of the most obscure faces that DB has to offer.
For long-time fans, the announcement of the addition of minor villains in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero and other rare characters probably came as a nostalgic trip back to earlier days of the franchise which are now often forgotten. From the likes of those with one-time film appearances to those with relatively minuscule roles in the greater story, Sparking Zero has pulled from every corner of the universe to give characters new time in the spotlight.
Sparking Zero Includes Several Lesser-Known Frieza Soldiers
Cui
This brief rival to Vegeta during the Frieza Saga has long flown under the radar for many fans, as he primarily existed as cannon fodder to show off changes in power levels. When Vegeta blasted this capable warrior who was fiercely loyal to Frieza into pieces after shrugging off his attacks, it served to set up how far the Saiyan prince had come since his introduction.
Dodoria
Introduced as one of Frieza's top-ranking generals, this minor antagonist served a prominent role for a brief period when he committed various atrocities on Namek. After underestimating the Z-Fighters, Dodoria was yet another victim of Vegeta's crusade against Frieza's army in Dragon Ball, whose biggest contribution to the story was informing the prince more about the destruction of the Saiyan race.
Zarbon
Another one of Frieza's top-ranking generals, Zarbon ends up as the last remaining henchman of such status in the entire army. He set himself apart with a vain personality that made him averse to transforming into his uglier reptilian Super Zarbon form, but this power allowed him to best Vegeta in combat. On orders from Frieza, Zarbon would then have Vegeta revived before the Saiyan escaped and caused havoc by stealing several Dragon Balls, eventually leading to an ultimate confrontation that once again saw Vegeta brutally slaying a member of Frieza's forces.
Frieza Soldier
Likely the most generic and therefore potentially obscure character in Sparking Zero's gigantic roster, the unnamed Frieza Soldier is an extremely minor character seen holding the titular character back from harming Frieza in the Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku TV special.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's Beginner's Guide May Be Its Secret Weapon
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Movie-Exclusive Characters From Decades Ago Have Made It Into Sparking Zero
Super Garlic Jr.
Originating from the movie Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone and further appearing in the filler Garlic Jr. Saga, this diminutive villain was one of the first foes faced by Goku and friends in the DBZ timeline. Towards the end of the film, he powers up into a far more intimidating form which sees Goku, Piccolo, and Gohan needing to team up to defeat him. The base form of Garlic Jr. Has been excluded at launch.
Dr. Wheelo
Set during an earlier time in Gohan's life, Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest featured Dr. Wheelo, a scientist's brain inhabiting a robot, being revived by Dr. Kochin and seeking to take over the body of the world's greatest warrior. Despite his mind control abilities and nearly destroying the Earth, Dr. Wheelo was featured during a time when Kaio-ken was considered the peak of Goku's power.
Lord Slug
An ambitious Namekian who sought to rule the universe in Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug, this villain tapped into a similar archetype to the original series' King Piccolo. He starts off aged, but is able to achieve youthful and subsequent giant forms which have been faithfully recaptured once more as his playable iterations in Sparking Zero.
Android 13
Only more recognizable than the Androids 14 and 15 who served under him in the film Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13, this posthumous creation of one of Dragon Ball's most influential villains, Dr. Gero, was featured in a story heavily focused on Cell Saga-like action. With his most notable moment being fusing into Super Android 13, it makes sense that this character was given two slots while his even more obscure counterparts were left out.
Bojack
As the memorable pirate leader antagonist of Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound, this character has maintained one of the larger cult followings of the less popular movie-exclusive faces. His cold desire for conquest and violence results in battle against several of the strongest Z Fighters have cemented his reputation despite only appearing alongside his own distinct henchmen in one film.
Tapion
The newly introduced heroic character of Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, his brief appearance made a lasting impact largely due to his classic Toriyama-style design. A legendary warrior sealed inside a music box, he bears similarities to The Legend of Zelda's Link through his use of an ocarina and enchanted sword. His connections to the movie's titular antagonist make him a more complex character than the typical non-canon Dragon Ball fighter, with half of the monster being sealed away inside Tapion.
Hirudegarn
As one of Sparking Zero's giant characters who share a sizing classification with Great Apes, Hirudegarn has been faithfully represented at the same scale in which it appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon. Acting as more of a force of nature than an actual fleshed-out villain in the film, this Phantom Majin is a life-forcing-eating monster who could be considered a dragon in name only. Its initial form, seen before and after both of its halves were fused together, has been omitted from the game's roster in favor of its final, insectoid transformation which appeared in the film's climax.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 86%
- Released
- October 11, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Spike Chunsoft
- Publisher(s)
- Namco Bandai
WHERE TO PLAY
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels. Become a super warrior and experience the earth-shaking, limit-breaking power of DRAGON BALL battles!
Unleash the strength of over 180 fighters from DRAGON BALL Z, DRAGON BALL Super, DRAGON BALL GT, and selected DRAGON BALL movies, all in the base game! Each character comes with their own signature abilities, transformations, and techniques.
Make the destructive power of the strongest fighters ever to appear in DRAGON BALL yours!
Engage in heart-pounding, high-speed 3D battles that stay true to the anime and video game series, with breathtaking visuals and authentic combat moves like beam clashes, rush attacks, movements too quick for the eyes to see, and planet-razing ultimate attacks.
Challenge other players online to test your skills, or sit down with friends offline to hone your skills exclusively in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber! Fight your way to become a champion across various tournament modes and victory conditions.
Conquer the action-packed battles from the beloved original story, or discover and unlock new encounters for your favorite Z-Fighters and more. Relive your favorite moments from the series through cutscenes you can experience from the perspectives of eight characters!
Recreate your favorite battles from throughout the DRAGON BALL story, or set up your dream story battle with your favorite characters! Share your creations with other fans and experience the battles brought to life by imaginations around the world.
- Engine
- proprietary engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Dragon Ball
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Fighting, Action
