After over a decade of dormancy, the Dragon Ball: Budokai Tenkaichi series made a triumphant comeback in 2024 with the launch of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. Developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco, this 3D fighting game stands out as one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise. Featuring an impressive roster of 182 playable characters, it offers more than double the character count available in the original Dragon Ball: Budokai Tenkaichi on PlayStation 2. Additionally, the game includes 12 distinct stages, complemented by over 140 unique Ultimate Blast attacks.
The release of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has been met with overwhelming success for Bandai Namco, achieving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Upon its launch on Steam, the game recorded a remarkable peak of over 122, 000 concurrent players. In a phenomenal market performance, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero sold 3 million copies within the first day across platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, making it the third best-selling title in Bandai Namco’s history in the United States, trailing only behind Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring. Although the initial frenzy has calmed, the game’s ongoing popularity could very well prompt Bandai Namco to consider a sequel to another renowned Dragon Ball fighting game.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Demonstrates the Demand for a Sequel to Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ: A Landmark in Dragon Ball Gaming
Video games based on the Dragon Ball franchise have often faced challenges, struggling to meet critical standards. While titles like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku 2, and Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2 have generally been well-received by fans, they typically garnered mixed reviews. However, one standout title has reversed this trend: Dragon Ball FighterZ.
Released in 2018 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, this 3v3 fighting game was developed by Arc System Works, known for their work on iconic titles such as Double Dragon and Guilty Gear. Dragon Ball FighterZ is more than a typical anime fighting game; its stunning 2.5D art style faithfully captures the essence of the Dragon Ball Z anime, while its team-based mechanics offer a refreshing blend reminiscent of both Marvel vs. Capcom and Guilty Gear.
The game’s success was monumental, achieving a 94% approval rating on OpenCritic and an 87/100 on Metacritic. In just a single week, Dragon Ball FighterZ sold 2 million copies and became the most played fighting game on Steam during its initial launch. It is now celebrated not only as one of the top Dragon Ball games ever but also as one of the finest fighting games in history.
While Dragon Ball FighterZ’s record for concurrent players on Steam has since been eclipsed by heavyweights like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, it solidified its place in the fighting game community alongside Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
The Case for a Dragon Ball FighterZ 2
Despite its remarkable success, news regarding a potential sequel to Dragon Ball FighterZ has been sparse. The game recently saw a port for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in February 2024, but major updates have been few and far between. Arc System Works has shifted focus to other projects, like Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Guilty Gear Strive. Although these titles are popular, the gaming community eagerly awaits a renewed commitment from Arc System Works and Bandai Namco towards a sequel for Dragon Ball FighterZ. Given the proven demand highlighted by Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, a follow-up is likely to be met with enthusiasm and impressive sales figures.
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