DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, the long-awaited addition to the DRAGON BALL Z: BUDOKAI TENKAICHI series, is set to launch globally on October 11, 2024. This marks the series’ first new release in 15 years, generating considerable excitement among fans. The Dragon Ball franchise, which has sold over 300 million manga volumes worldwide, continues to captivate audiences with its compelling characters and intense battles. In anticipation of the release, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has unveiled a host of new features, editions, and pre-order bonuses, ensuring that DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO will be a landmark entry in the beloved series.
Announcement and Release Date
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has officially announced that DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, the eagerly anticipated continuation of the DRAGON BALL Z: BUDOKAI TENKAICHI series, will launch worldwide on October 11, 2024. This marks the first new entry in the series in 15 years. The announcement was made alongside the release of a dynamic new trailer during the Summer Game Fest 2024, which confirmed the release date and provided a glimpse of the game’s thrilling features.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO will be available for digital and physical pre-orders on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam. Four different editions will be offered to cater to a variety of players: Standard, Digital-Only Deluxe, Ultimate, and Premium Collector Edition.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition includes the base game, offering players the full experience of DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO.
Digital-Only Deluxe Edition
The Digital-Only Deluxe Edition not only includes the base game but also provides a three-day early access period, the season pass, and the Summon Shenron bonus, which unlocks additional items.
Ultimate Edition
The Ultimate Edition includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus the Ultimate Upgrade Pack, which features the Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole, an Emote Voice Set, one customization item, and two player card backgrounds. Additionally, this edition includes the ability to summon Super Shenron for further in-game benefits.
Premium Collector Edition
Exclusively available on the Bandai Namco Store, the Premium Collector Edition encompasses all the content from the Collector Edition along with a SteelBook and four exclusive cards from the DRAGON BALL SUPER CARD GAME Fusion World.
Pre-Order Bonuses and Early Access Characters
All pre-orders come with bonus early access to several characters, including Broly (Super), Gogeta (Super), and a yet-to-be-revealed character. This early access ensures that dedicated fans can jump into the action as their favorite characters from day one.
Game Features and Modes
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO builds on the legendary gameplay of the BUDOKAI TENKAICHI series, promising an enhanced roster of characters, each with unique abilities, transformations, and techniques. The game introduces several new and exciting modes:
Legendary Gameplay and Character Roster
Players will master a diverse array of playable characters, unleashing their fighting spirit in dynamic arenas that respond to their power, creating an immersive and destructible environment.
New Game Modes: Episode Battle
The newly revealed Episode Battle mode allows players to select from eight characters and relive iconic battles from the Dragon Ball saga. The mode was highlighted in the Summer Game Fest trailer, showcasing its visually stunning and authentic continuation of the BUDOKAI TENKAICHI series.
Custom Battle Mode
The Custom Battle mode introduces a new level of engagement, allowing players to either participate in developer-created battles or create and share their own battle scenarios with the global community.
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Special Edition Contents
Digital Deluxe Edition Details
Includes the Standard Edition, three days of early access, the Season Pass (containing over 20 additional characters), and the Summon Shenron bonus.
Digital Ultimate Edition Details
Encompasses all Deluxe Edition content, plus the Ultimate Upgrade Pack, which includes additional customization items and the ability to summon Super Shenron.
Collector Edition Details
Offers all the content of the Digital Ultimate Edition, in addition to an exclusive DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO diorama and a metallic bookmark.
Premium Collector Edition Details
Includes all Collector Edition content plus a SteelBook and exclusive cards from the DRAGON BALL SUPER CARD GAME Fusion World.
ESRB Rating and Tribute to Akira Toriyama
The game secured its ESRB rating back in March, shortly after the passing of manga legend Akira Toriyama at age 68. Toriyama was best known for creating the Dragon Ball manga, which inspired numerous anime series, films, and video games. His contributions to the video game industry, including character designs for Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon, have left a lasting legacy.
Conclusion and Availability
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO will be available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to engage in high-speed, visually breathtaking battles true to the beloved Dragon Ball series. For more information and to pre-order, visit Bandai Namco’s website.
In conclusion, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO promises to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience, staying true to its roots while introducing innovative new features and modes. This release is set to be a landmark event for both long-time fans and new players alike.
