Note: The screenshots in the article were taken on Switch 2 in docked mode, with a resolution of 1080p.
A fan service game that is still enjoyable
The Switch 2 version of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero includes all of the content from the PS5, Xbox Series and PC versions, starting with its immense roster of more than 180 playable characters, its fully destructible settings, its mid-battle transformations and its two flagship modes: “Combat Episodes” and “Custom Battles”. For more information on the content, we invite you to read our full test of the PC version.
Even if we regret that the Switch 2 version is not offered with a bundle bringing together all the DLC, we are entitled to a wide range of transformations and characters from the entire saga, from DBZ to Dragon Ball Super. The game offers 3D combat that retains the spirit of old episodes of the license Budokai Tenkaichi and which mix speed, spectacular effects and varied tactical possibilities: dash, dodges, energy waves, in-game transformations, etc. Mechanics like the “Dragon Rush” or the dynamic counters/assaults provide real dynamism, and make the game accessible to beginners while remaining a challenge for the more seasoned.
The visual aspect is faithful to the anime, with blazing ki effects, auras, massive explosions and destructible arenas. All of this immerses us in Toriyama’s universe with the satisfaction of reliving the great moments of the manga and anime. The Combat Episode mode also allows you to participate directly in these great moments via the point of view of several characters, including bad guys: Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Frieza, Goku Black… This story mode also includes different “What if” (alternative scenarios) that are particularly satisfying, notably the one with Gohan which had a positive impact on many fans.
But the title is not without its flaws, especially when we take a closer look at it from a gameplay or balancing perspective. Even if the roster is vast, this richness is sometimes a source of frustration to the extent that certain characters (often powerful versions such as advanced transformations) can clearly dominate matches, which poses a real balancing problem in multiplayer mode. With hindsight, we can also regret a fairly poor content supply with DLCs which are content with the minimum by including new characters (from the latest films and from Dragon Ball Daima), forgetting the expectations for alternate arenas and costumes.
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on Switch 2: is it worth it?
As we already noted at Paris Games Week, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero enjoys a solid port to Switch 2 in docked mode. The rendering is clean, the reading of the action remains clear despite the visual effects, and the fluidity remains stable. However, as for Final Fantasy VII Remakesome will regret the absence of 60 FPS in favor of a framerate capped at 30 FPS, but which never wavers in combat. For the “Combat Episode” mode, we still benefit from the pretty cutscenes which offer a rendering faithful to the animated adaptations. The title also benefits from full access to community creations and local multiplayer, without compromising on functionality.
Although a little less visually flattering in terms of resolution and aliasing, portable mode does quite well overall. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on Switch 2 allows Nintendo players to enjoy a clean experience where it matters most. On the other hand, we feel a lot of slowdowns in the menus and particularly that of the “Combat Episode” world where we have to navigate between the different routes.
The Switch 2 also benefits from unique features specific to the machine such as local multiplayer on several consoles or even motion gaming. Although we do not shy away from our pleasure of performing Kamehameha by imitating the gesture with the Joy-Con, the interest remains quite limited given that the handling is quite imprecise. Also note that the transition between the Switch and Switch 2 version is possible. If you start your game on the first Switch, you will then be able to transfer your progress and all unlocked characters to the Switch 2 version.
However, your replays and personalized battles cannot be saved. The choice to acquire Dragon Ball Sparking Zero will therefore be done taking into account its limitations and the absence of crossplay (except between Switch 1 & 2).
If the Switch 2 is your only console, know that Dragon Ball Sparking Zero succeeds in offering a faithful and complete experience, capable of restoring all the intensity of the PS5, Xbox Series and PC versions, while taking advantage of the flexibility of the hybrid console. Despite its compromises (a framerate limited to 30 FPS, some drops in speed in the menus and less fine rendering on portable), this port remains solid and allows Nintendo players to take full advantage of the fan service, the spectacular clashes and the countless transformations which are the essence of the license. On the other hand, if you have another platform and/or you want to give it competitively, you will have to think twice.