As the arrival of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero comes closer, fans can’t help but walk down memory lane and think of the days when Budokai Tenkaichi was just finding its home in the franchise’s history. Even though Sparking Zero holds its own unique name, the crux of all this lies in a fighting game that has established itself as an essential part of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Keeping this in mind, fans online have been sharing their own memories and recalling the first time they tried out the game. Even though the years have been kind and may have changed the game graphically and mechanically into what it is now, Budokai Tenkaichi’s roots are still visible at its core in the upcoming title.
As fans wait for Sparking Zero, there’s a subtle walk down the memory lane
Recently, in the process of waiting for the much-awaited title, user 64locks on Reddit initiated a conversation around an important part of the Budokai Tenkaichi experience. The user urged players to recollect some of their fondest memories. In this process, we may have delved into what may have initiated such an important series of fighting games.
A heartfelt comment by user Nolls-97 shares the very first memories where the first game held a remarkable place in their childhood, even though the graphics and gameplay may feel outdated now:
This game is so nostalgic to me. I actually booted it up for the first time in YEARS today and it isn’t ALL that different from T3 graphically, it’s just…why would you play BT1 if BT2 or 3 is available? BT2 and BT3 are just better and more accessible versions of BT1.
Fans also talk about how the initial games used to focus on the drama between two characters before a match, focusing on their eyes which made itself a trademark of battles in Budokai Tenkaichi.
Dragon Ball’s Budokai Tenkaichi tournaments started it all
Essentially, the root of it all lies in an intergalactic tournament that holds the highest position of judgment when it comes to power and strength. And, everything in between. These tournaments were originally called Tenkaichi Budōkai which roughly translates to, ‘Strongest Under the Heavens‘.
Traditionally, these tournaments are held once every three years, and during May 7. Initially, adults and children used to fight in the same division, but these guidelines changed, and now the tournaments host an Adult and Junior Division as separate entities.
Funnily, even with its strong guidelines and regulations, the rules have been broken multiple times by the likes of Son Gokuu. Even after all the chaos, the tournaments have been an important part of withholding Dragon Ball’s strong legacy.
What are some of the callbacks and references from the original game you’d like to see in Sparking Zero? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
