Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Battle Training mode gameplay revealed

Dragon Ball games have been making their mark in console gaming for over the last decade with the release of the Xenoverse series, Kakarot, and FighterZ.

Now, in 2024, Dragon Ball fans have gathered to celebrate the return of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series. This action battle franchise was last released in 2007 on the PlayStation 2 as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 in the Americas and Europe and Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Meteor in Asia.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, the next chapter in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, will launch on October 11, 2024, on PlayStation 5. This installment not only continues the series’ legacy but also unifies it under one global name, ‘Sparking Zero,’ bringing fans from all corners of the world together.

Sparking Zero will have a battle system that continues the one-vs-one 3D battle formula pioneered by its predecessors. This formula allows fans to enjoy the full freedom to move in three dimensions and feel truly immersed in the world of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero and its characters.

Whether you’ve been a loyal fan for years or you’re just starting your journey, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is designed with you in mind. It’s been over a decade since the last installment, and we’re thrilled to offer PS5 players a first look at the Battle Training mode, a feature that will prepare you for the ultimate Dragon Ball battle experience.

Training mode 

For players new to the franchise or veterans who need a refresher, there is a robust training mode between classic Master and Apprentice Piccolo and Gohan, with Goten also making a guest appearance. While the training mode covers the basic commands in the game, it also delves into intermediate and advanced techniques for players to explore and alerts players if they have successfully executed the actions covered in the instructions they are given.

Beginning with basics

Battle Training mode allows players to choose the level at which they want to start. Players can start at the beginner level, learning how to fly, using Ki Blasts and counters.

You can also learn to use special commands, such as changing characters and transformations.

Meet in the middle with intermediate to advanced techniques

Those who want to improve beyond the basics and advance into higher-level gameplay can enjoy learning how to execute intermediate and advanced techniques, such as Rush Chains, Vanishing Assaults, Advanced Counters, and more.

Players can move 360 degrees but also charge and utilize their ki to use Dragon Dash to move rapidly around the battlefield. Players can use Dragon Dash to execute follow-up attacks after knocking back their opponent.

Additionally, new gameplay reveals show how players might be able to access Vanishing Assaults to quickly gain the upper hand against unsuspecting opponents. This mode also reveals how players can follow up these attacks with additional movements and attacks to string into combos.

Counter and dodge opponents

Getting caught in your opponent’s attacks? Battle Training mode also goes in-depth on how to counter rush attacks by using Perception and Super Perception.

Players can also dodge an opponent’s follow-up attack by utilizing Z-counters. Change up the flow of battle by using these defensive moves to your advantage.

Maximizing all the moves

Finally, true to Sparking Zero’s legacy, the mode also covers how players might charge their Ki and go into Sparking mode, which unlocks a powerful ability for each character (*Requires at least 1 Skill Count to enter the mode). 

Once you’ve completed your training, the mode helps players combine what they have learned and teaches how to string together attacks, Vanishing Assaults, and Sparking mode to unleash a devastating combo onto their opponents.

That concludes our first look at Battle Training mode in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Prepare for the ultimate Dragon Ball battle experience by utilizing Battle Training mode to train for future fights and journeys.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will make its long-awaited launch on October 11, 2024, on PlayStation 5. Those who preorder the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition will be able to play the game three days early, so be sure to preorder today.