Summary
WhileDragon Ballgames have always been known for having highly satisfying fighting mechanics, there’s something truly special about the way theBudokai Tenkaichiseries handles combat. These games genuinely make the player feel like they’re in theDragon Ballworld, fighting for their life — which is one of the main reasons why this series is still so incredibly popular. Now,Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zerocontinues this legacy and does it better than ever. It brings even sharper, more dynamic combat that capturesthe high-octane action fans love from the anime.
Anyone with a decent background in fighting games can jump intoSparking! Zeroand easily pick up on its foundational moves, but that won’t be enough to breeze through the tougher story episodes, let alone dominate in ranked matches. The combat system involves many intricate moves, but a few key ones are essential for all players to master if they want to leave their competition in the dust.
Xbox
RT + A + A
One of the biggest challenges beginners face inSparking! Zerois figuring out how to close the distance between themselves and their opponent. With how fast-paced and dynamic the game’s combat is, being unable to get close to the opponent can lead to some prettydrawn-out, frustrating battles. The good news is that the solution to this issue is simpler than it seems. The best way to get up close and personal with the opponent is by using theZ Burst Dash. With this move, the character zooms across the battlefield, closing the distance almost instantaneously.
To make things even better, the Z Burst Dash positions the player character directly behind the enemy. This allows for a combo to be initiated easily, as blocking attacks from behind is particularly tricky in this game.
The best way to practice these moves is by going into the Super Training mode and selecting “Battle Training.”
RB
When it comes to defense,few moves are as crucial as theZ Counter. When executed with perfect timing, it lets players break free from combos by teleporting behind their opponent. AllSparking! Zeroplayers know just how frustrating it is to get locked in a combo, so the importance of the Z Counter cannot be understated.
The downside of this move, however, is that it demands near-perfect timing. Therefore, mastering this move requires some serious practice, but once players get the hang of it, they’ll never have to worry about getting trapped in a combo again.
B
Perceptionis one of the easiest yet most effective tools forcountering an opponent’s rush attack. By holding the appropriate button, players can enter the Perception Stance, allowing their character to use a small amount of Ki to automatically counter any incoming rush attack.
What makes this move truly great is how versatile it is. Not only can the player simply hold the stance to perform a counterattack, but they can alsotime it perfectly to trigger the Sonic Sway. Since counterattacks are such a key aspect of the game’s combat, every player needs to master Perception.
Right Stick
Oftentimes, when players get locked in a combo inSparking! Zero,it can feel like there’s just no escape. Maybe the opponent’s attacks are just too quick for a Z Counter, or they’re too skilled to fall for Perception. In cases like these, theRevenge Counteracts as a lifesaver.
By using two stocks of the Skill Counter, players can instantly break free from a combo with a Revenge Counter. However, it’s important to note that opponents can technically counter this move with Perception, though pulling that off is exceptionally difficult.
X + A
When it comes to flexibility,Vanishing Assaultis easily one of the best moves in the game. If the player is at close range, it teleports them directly behind the opponent, while at mid-range, it simply teleports them closer to the opponent. While it may seem like a very simple move on paper, it can be used to dodge attacks, start combos, and close the gap with the enemy, making it highly versatile.
Every player needs to master this move, as it’s useful in virtually every aspect of combat. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it consumes a full bar of Ki, so spamming this movelike Vegeta spams energy attacksis probably not a good idea.
Left Stick Up + X
While there are countless ways to counter an opponent’s attack inSparking! Zero,none are as effective as the aptly namedSuper Counter.As its name suggests, this move counters the opponent’s attack and knocks them away, leaving them wide open to attack. What sets this move apart from others is that it consumes no Ki or Skill Counter stocks, and it cannot be countered using Perception. It also works on every type of attackexcept for ultimates.
The button combination for the Super Counter is very easy, but the timing is where the real challenge lies. It’s definitely one of the more difficult moves to master in the game due to how precise the timing needs to be, but once players perfect that aspect, it feels almost like a cheat code in battle.
