Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO's roster places significant emphasis on Goku and Vegeta, presenting both advantages and challenges. In the realm of Dragon Ball, a diverse array of fighters are worthy of a spot on the playable roster, a tradition upheld by numerous past titles. It's expected that Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO will continue this legacy. While Goku and Vegeta hold immense popularity and significance, their extensive representation in the roster warrants examination.
Marking a return to the gameplay style of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO carries forward the series' 3D fighting mechanics. In contrast to the success of Dragon Ball FighterZ, a 2D tournament fighter, Sparking! ZERO reverts to the series' core gameplay, complete with iconic arenas from the series. A pivotal component of this formula is a comprehensive roster. With Dragon Ball spanning decades and featuring a vast array of viable fighters, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO's roster is held to high expectations.
Goku and Vegeta's Dominance in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO's Roster
A recent trailer prominently showcased the numerous Goku and Vegeta variants in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO. As pivotal characters in the series, their inclusion was anticipated since the game's announcement. However, Sparking! ZERO goes beyond expectations in highlighting them. The revealed roster features 11 variants of Goku and 13 of Vegeta. Despite their significance, this allocation of roster slots for just two characters raises questions.
Featuring multiple iterations of Goku and Vegeta in-game is justified. Given that Dragon Ball game rosters draw from the series' expansive timeline, they encompass various eras of the show. Throughout this timeline, Goku and Vegeta have undergone significant transformations.
For instance, prior to unlocking his Super Saiyan form, Goku utilized the kaio-ken technique to amplify his power. Similarly, Vegeta's initial appearance showcased him in full Saiyan armor, distinct from the later stripped-down attire. Incorporating multiple versions of Goku and Vegeta enables the game to capture snapshots of their evolution across different stages of the series, offering a nostalgic journey through each iteration.
Ensuring Equitable Representation for All Characters
While Sparking! ZERO is likely to feature an expansive roster, fans of other characters may express concern if their favorites are overlooked in favor of the multitude of Gokus and Vegetas. Moreover, if the various Gokus and Vegetas play similarly, it could diminish the diversity in gameplay experiences.
It was inevitable for Goku and Vegeta to feature prominently in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, but the extent of their representation is surprising. For Sparking! ZERO to fulfill the promises of its trailer, it must excel on all fronts, including its roster. While incorporating multiple versions of Goku and Vegeta pays homage to the series, their dominance in the roster poses a risk. While Goku and Vegeta take center stage in Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, it's imperative to ensure equitable attention to the entire cast, preventing their overshadowing at present.