For decades, Dragon Ball has defined the world of anime and gaming, and Dragon Ball: Trigger! Zero keep that momentum going. Bandai Namco revived the Budokai Tenkaichi series with better graphics, smoother combat, and a large character roster. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Sparking! Zero offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and next-gen action.

From epic story moments to adrenaline-pumping battles, Sparking! Zero provides a familiar yet fresh feel, balancing classic and new elements for everyone.

Dragon Ball: Trigger! Zero details

Platforms: Playstation 5Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer: Chunsoft nails
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Genres: Fight
Mode: Single player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teenager)

Relive iconic stories

Dragon Ball: Trigger! Zero covers every major arc of Dragon Ball Z, including the Saiyan, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu sagas. It even includes content from Dragon Ball Super, such as the Universe 6 Tournament and the Goku Black arc. For me, replaying Goku’s iconic battles felt like reliving teenage memories with modern visuals. Each saga follows a series of pivotal battles, with cutscenes offering familiar Dragon Ball moments of intensity, humor and pure spectacle.

Most prominent are the “what-if” scenarios that span the globe. It’s not just a unique addition; they are a fun alternate take on Dragon Ball history. One of my personal favorites is seeing how the Cell Games would play if Gohan transformed into Super Saiyan 3. This adds uncertainty to the story mode, although it doesn’t change the main narrative drastically. The game plays it safe by sticking to the well-trodden Dragon Ball Z storyline, but the nostalgia and updated visuals make it interesting.

My only complaint is that the story mode doesn’t deviate much from the older games. If you played the original Budokai Tenkaichi series, you’ll probably feel a sense of déjà vu. It doesn’t break much new ground in terms of plot. The inclusion of the Dragon Ball Super arc helps freshen things up, but the real star here is the updated presentation that elevates these moments, making them feel bigger than ever.

Smooth fighting that packs a punch

Fight in Sparking! Zero captures the essence of Dragon Ball—fast, explosive, and chaotic. You get complete freedom to fly around the arena, run at high speed, and teleport in an instant. The action is fast-paced and over-the-top, perfectly capturing the feel of real Dragon Ball combat. Characters hurl energy blasts, teleport behind each other to perform quick attacks, and engage in massive beam fights that light up the screen.

Combat feels familiar and refined. Compared to previous Budokai Tenkaichi games, the controls are more responsive, and combos are easier to pull off. This makes it accessible to casual players but still offers depth for those looking to master each fighter. For example, stringing together basic punch combinations followed by Goku’s Kamehameha Instant Transmission always feels satisfying. It’s not overly complex, but the depth is there if you look for it.

One of the standout features of this game is its huge player roster. With characters spanning across Dragon Ball Z, Super, and even some movie characters, there’s someone for every fan. From classic fighters like Goku and Vegeta to lesser-known characters like Jiren and Hit, the list feels like a love letter to Dragon Ball fans. However, the large roster does cause some balance issues, especially with overly powerful characters like Ultra Instinct Goku dominating online play.

The game’s only weakness in combat is the camera. This is better than the old games, but when you’re fighting in the air or in tight arenas, the camera can struggle to keep up, making it difficult to track opponents. This can be frustrating, especially in close combat where positioning is key.

Amazing presentation with a few hiccups

Graphically, Trigger! Zero is a feast for the eyes. The game’s cel-shaded art style stays true to the anime, but with a sharper, smoother look thanks to next-gen hardware. The character models are very detailed, and the environments feel dynamic, especially during combat. Destructible arenas, where craters form due to powerful explosions, add a sense of immersion to combat. There was something deeply satisfying about watching the landscape completely change after the massive clash at Kamehameha.

What impressed me most was the transformation sequence. Watching Vegeta go Super Saiyan or Goku go Super Saiyan Blue looks amazing. The energy crackled around them, the colors stood out, and the entire arena felt filled with intensity. These transformations are more than just a visual treat—they feel impactful every time you execute them in battle.

However, Trigger! Zero is not without its drawbacks. Pop-in textures during cutscenes occasionally occur, and while they don’t ruin the experience, they are noticeable and detract from the otherwise polished visuals. The frame rate remained stable during most of the action, but I noticed a slight dip during some of the larger, busier battles. Still, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things, and don’t really distract from the overall presentation.

Multiplayer: A real battleground

The essence of Sparking! Zero lies in its multiplayer. Whether you’re fighting against friends in local battles or testing your skills online, multiplayer is full of variety. Ranked and unranked modes cater to both competitive and casual players, and seamless matchmaking means you won’t have to wait long to enter a match. For me, the real fun comes from forming unique teams and trying out different strategies against opponents online.

The new Team Battle mode adds a strategic layer to the multiplayer experience. Rather than just focusing on one-on-one combat, this mode lets you build a team of up to five fighters and switch between them mid-battle. This adds a new dimension to the gameplay, as certain characters complement each other better than others. For example, the exchange between Piccolo and Goku allowed me to create some interesting synergies that kept my opponents guessing.

While the multiplayer mode is fun, there are some balance issues that need to be addressed. Characters like Ultra Instinct Goku and Beerus feel too powerful, often dominating online play. Hopefully, future patches will balance these differences, ensuring multiplayer remains competitive and fun for all players.

Dragon Ball: Trigger! Zero offers a satisfying experience and is a must-have for every Dragon Ball fan

Dragon Ball: Trigger! Zero modernizing the chaotic, over-the-top combat that fans of the series love, while remaining true to its roots. Updated visuals, smoother combat, and online modes make it a great choice for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The what-if scenarios, while minor, keep the story mode interesting, even if the territory is more familiar.

Despite a few camera issues and some unbalanced characters in multiplayer, the game’s spectacle and addictive gameplay make it a must-have for any Dragon Ball fan. You’ll relive iconic moments, create new ones, and most importantly, feel like you’re in control of the action-packed world of Dragon Ball.

Excess	Counter
Huge list of characters.	Some characters are defeated in multiplayer.
Combat is fast and responsive with flashy moves.	Occasional camera issues during fast-paced battles.
Fun alternative “what-if” scenarios in story mode.	Minor texture pop-in during cutscenes.
The stunning cel-shaded visuals are true to the anime.

Overall rating of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

Game: 4/5
Chart: 4.5/5
Voice: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.1/5 (82%)

Buy Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero on PlayStation 5

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