Recent discussions suggest that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero may lack any form of split-screen multiplayer mode. The game has garnered high anticipation among Dragon Ball enthusiasts as a direct follow-up to the Budokai Tenkaichi series of arena fighter games. It retains classic gameplay elements from previous titles, such as destructible environments, character transformations, and an extensive character roster. Notably, multiplayer functionality has always been a cornerstone of the Budokai Tenkaichi series.
In the original Dragon Ball: Budokai Tenkaichi series, players enjoyed local player versus player (PvP) matches, with the third installment introducing online multiplayer. Despite criticism of the online mode for its dated functionality, fans hold fond memories of engaging in intense battles with friends using the vast character selection. While split-screen multiplayer remains a feature in some contemporary games, it seems this option may be absent in Sparking Zero.
Reports stem from a recent Twitter thread by LaunSSJ, translated by ShonenGameZ, allegedly based on an interview with Sparking Zero's producer, Jun Furutani, and two French streamers. Furutani purportedly explained that the absence of split-screen local multiplayer in Sparking Zero is not due to developer reluctance but rather complications with Sony and Microsoft, citing a 'complex' situation.
The Mystery Behind Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's Lack of Local Multiplayer
Furutani indicates that efforts are underway to address the absence of split-screen multiplayer, but fans should not anticipate its inclusion in the initial release. ShonenGameZ speculates that Sony and Microsoft's current strategies, aimed at boosting console sales, may be influencing this decision. Furutani hints at a potential evolution in the situation, acknowledging fan demand for this feature in Sparking Zero. He also references challenges in adapting games for the Xbox Series S console as a contributing factor to the feature's omission.
News of Sparking Zero potentially omitting split-screen multiplayer disappointed many fans, who viewed multiplayer as a defining aspect of the Budokai Tenkaichi series, facilitating battles among friends using beloved Dragon Ball characters. The notion of restricting multiplayer modes solely to online play was met with disapproval.
Furutani reassures fans of the team's commitment to enhancing Sparking Zero, with series producer Ryo Mito actively collecting global feedback. While these details reportedly originate from Furutani, fans are advised to await official confirmation from Bandai Namco and Spike Chunsoft, as plans could undergo revisions, potentially reintroducing split-screen multiplayer to Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero either at launch or in subsequent updates.