The Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series has returned with the release of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, the first direct sequel since the PlayStation 2 generation. Despite its old school design and presentation, the game aims to capture the essence of the Dragon Ball fighting fantasy. It features fast-paced battles and a branching story mode, offering a promising experience for fans of the series. Unlike traditional fighting games, arena fighters like Sparking! Zero offer full 3D movement in open spaces with simplified movelists. The game aims to capture the energy of the Dragon Ball media by allowing characters to move swiftly between air and ground combat. With a roster of 180 playable characters and captivating environments, the game brings the world of Dragon Ball to life. However, despite its visually appealing aspects, Sparking! Zero has faced criticism for its unresponsiveness and imbalance in gameplay. The controls are universal, but different characters interact with the standard systems in slightly different ways. This lack of balance, combined with unresponsive controls, can make battles frustrating, especially in the story mode. The game offers a variety of combat options, including unique skills, transformations, and a revenge counter system. While these add depth to the gameplay, the inconsistent responsiveness of the controls hinders the overall experience. Additionally, the training options are rudimentary, lacking the depth found in modern fighting games. Sparking! Zero’s single-player mode, Episode Battles, offers a retelling of the Dragon Ball stories from various characters’ perspectives. It introduces the concept of altering key events, providing a fresh take on familiar narratives. However, the difficulty of certain battles and the unclear conditions for unlocking alternative stories have been noted as challenges for players. The online multiplayer aspect of the game remains a question mark due to lag and server issues experienced during the review period. Custom battles, which allow players to create their own scenarios with special modifiers, have potential but may not fully engage the community without compelling content. The local split-screen option is limited to one stage, raising concerns about the game’s ability to compete in the modern fighting game landscape. In summary, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the series, with its extensive roster, captivating visuals, and the opportunity to alter familiar storylines. However, the game faces challenges such as unresponsive controls, outdated menus, and uncertainty surrounding its online multiplayer capabilities. As the reviewer continues to explore the game, a final assessment will include an evaluation of the online options and a scored review.