Dragon Ball: Sparking Zerois rich with content thanks to the depth hidden within each of its game modes. Of course, the game’s resident story mode is no different.Dragon Ball: Sparking Zerofeatures eight different Episode Battles, which each follow a different protagonist during their journey throughoutDragon Ball’s anime.
Of course, as the main protagonist of the series, Goku is bound to get special treatment. Each Episode Battle is made bulkier thanks to the inclusion of Sparking Episodes, which are What If storylines that branch out from the main narrative. Goku’s Sparking Episodes feature a level of depth which serves as the perfect example of his prominence inDragon Ball: Sparking Zero’s story mode.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero’s Story Mode Puts Goku What Ifs Front and Center
Goku is tied for the most Sparking Episodes in the game, with three branching paths for players to explore. Sparking Episodes can vary wildly in scope and quality, and that rings somewhat true for Goku as well. Understanding each difference between these three Sparking Episodes can help to inform players' decisions throughoutGoku’s saga inDragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Goku Sparking Episode Explained: Side by Side
Side by Side is likely to be the first What If many players will encounter inDragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Although another Sparking Episode branches from the very same decision, it can be considered a more secretive path compared to Side by Side. Side by Side begins ifplayers make the choice to “Go it Alone"to confront Raditz, and then defeat him as quickly as possible in the ensuing battle. Events diverge from canon immediately, as Goku manages to survive the encounter with Raditz.
Unfortunately, Goku still dies in the battle against Vegeta and Nappa. However, Goku’s last wish is to let Vegeta escape. The Z Fighters summon Shenron and wish to revive Goku, and Vegeta returns to Earth shortly after. Vegeta demands touse the Dragon Ballsin order to empower himself against Frieza. When Goku and friends deny this request, Vegeta gives them a shocking proposal to team up instead. Goku accepts, and the Z Fighters fend off Frieza and the Ginyu Force on Earth instead of traveling to Namek.
Side by Side is undoubtedly a solid story, and can even be considered somewhat of a standout. This is thanks to its narrative extending well beyond the initial branching choice. Instead of simply serving as a brief distraction, it offers a genuine alternative for players to explore. Likewise, Side by Side’s unique take on therivalry between Goku and Vegetamakes it that much more exciting.
Goku Sparking Episode Explained: Pushing the Limit
Pushing the Limit begins from the exact same moment as Side by Side. However, players must instead start by making the canon decision to “Work with Piccolo”. From there, they must simplydefeat Raditzwithin a strict time limit in order to avoid Goku’s death at the hands of the Special Beam Cannon. This allows Goku to train Gohan in Piccolo’s place, which sets off a domino effect that drastically changes the course of the ensuing sagas.
Ironically, Goku and friends are more ill-prepared to handle Vegeta and Nappa. Without undergoing training on King Kai’s planet, Goku is helpless as many of his friends are defeated. Vegeta goes so far as to kill Krillin in front of him, which enrages Goku to the point of transforming into a Super Saiyan. Goku decimatesGreat Ape Vegeta, but still spares his life. Goku travels to Namek in order to revive everyone, only to find that Frieza has already been defeated by Vegeta, who has now become a Super Saiyan as well.
Pushing the Limit makes the absolute most ofDragon Ball: Sparking Zero’s What If Premise. It builds on the foundation that Side by Side established, and goes on to push it that much further. Goku and Vegeta both unlock Super Saiyan much earlier than in canon, with the latter even serving as an entirely original design. Pushing the Limit dramatically changes the events of the Saiyan and Frieza Sagas, and the climatic battle between Goku and Vegeta is truly a sight to behold.
Goku Sparking Episode Explained: The Changing Future
The Changing Future begins much later than Goku’s other Sparking Episodes. Early in the Cell Saga, players will be confronted by the decision to either train with Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, or to intervene inPiccolo’s battle against the Androids. If players choose to save Piccolo, they will diverge from the main story and begin The Changing Future.
Compared toevery other Sparking Episode inDragon Ball: Sparking Zero, The Changing Future can most accurately be described as short and sweet. Goku indeed saves Piccolo, and defeats Cell before he can absorb the Androids and achieve his Perfect form. Then, Goku goes on to fight the Androids himself, who he spares after handily defeating them. The Androids are confused by his kindness at first, but seemingly go on to live in peace and become better people.
The Changing Future is the most lackluster Sparking Episode Goku’s saga has to offer. In fact, it’s one of the game’s less inventive What If stories in general. This is not to say that it is unenjoyable or a waste of time. The Changing Future still offers a cute side story, but it hardly lives up to the expectations set by Goku’s other Sparking Episodes inDragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
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 may 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.
