3D anime fighters are now more common, but it was the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series that made the genre as popular as it is today. The Tenkaichi series became a fan favorite, and many have been awaiting the day Bandai Namco resurrects the franchise.
Well, we now know Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is going to fulfill that wish, even though we don’t have a release date as yet. Tenkaichi fans have been ecstatic since the game’s announcement, and marketing has kept the hype growing. However, will that be its undoing?
The Hype for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Is Very Real and Very High
Generating buzz is a good way to get people to part with their money. However, building expectations can be a double-edged sword. The more you impress people, the more they expect from the real thing. Failure to meet the hype has been the undoing of many games over the years.
Training begins now. #DBSZ pic.twitter.com/cmqEMqln6f
— Dragon Ball Games (@dragonballgames) April 19, 2024
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero now appears to be the culmination of all the work Bandai Namco has put into its Tenkaichi series and the titles that came after. One of the biggest reasons for the hype surrounding the game is the character roster. The game is going to boast the largest fighter roster out of any game in the franchise.
Aside from the roster, everything we have seen so far about the game has been stellar. The trailers show fast-paced and gorgeously animated fight scenes. Even screenshots and posters from the game, such as those published in V Jump, indicate Bandai Namco has put a lot of effort into polishing this game.
At this point, fans are foaming at the mouth to get their hands on the game. Without a concrete release date or even a window, the hype is like a balloon filled with helium with no anchor. Eventually, the hype will turn into frustration at a lack of clear communication, so Bandai Namco better give fans a date soon.
Certain Controversies Cause Worry Among Sparking Zero Fans
While fans are going gaga over the many screenshots and trailers, some events surrounding Sparking Zero have caused some concerns. One is the lack of any couch-co-op game modes. It was a staple in the earlier Tenkaichi games, so to skip this mode is not sitting well with fans. The developers have claimed this decision was made due to Sony-Microsoft complications, which leads us to the second controversy.
It’s been a few weeks now that the game’s Xbox Store page is missing. The title’s website still lists Xbox as a platform, but fans worry the game may not make it to Microsoft’s console. It won’t be the first time a game is made exclusive post-announcement, but it is still a worrying thought.
Overall, Bandai Namco needs to strike while the iron remains hot. Prolonging the hype marketing without addressing some of the concerns could act against the title when it launches. The ease with which social media enables communication will not allow them the excuse of not being aware of certain criticisms.
Are you hyped for the game? Let us know what got you hooked in the comments below!
