DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO's early access release has unleashed a formidable foe: Great Ape Vegeta. This colossal ape is proving to be an unexpectedly brutal challenge for even seasoned players, prompting a wave of online memes and even a response from Bandai Namco themselves.
Great Ape Vegeta: The Ultimate Test of Skill (and Patience)
Boss battles are designed to be challenging, but Great Ape Vegeta in Sparking! ZERO transcends "difficult." His relentless barrage of attacks, including the devastating Galick Gun and a health-draining grab, makes the fight feel less like a duel and more like a desperate struggle for survival. The sheer intensity has players resorting to immediate restarts upon seeing the Galick Gun charge. This encounter, appearing early in Goku's Episode Battle, presents a significant hurdle for newcomers to the Dragon Ball fighting game franchise, often starting with a flurry of super moves.
Bandai Namco Joins the Meme Frenzy
Instead of a quick fix, Bandai Namco's UK Twitter account embraced the player frustration with a perfectly timed meme: "This monke got hands," accompanied by a GIF of Great Ape Vegeta's overwhelming assault. This acknowledges the difficulty while adding to the humorous chaos. This isn't entirely unprecedented; Great Ape Vegeta has a history of being a challenging opponent in Dragon Ball fighting games, with some players recalling their struggles in the original Budokai Tenkaichi.
Beyond the Ape: Sparking! ZERO's Overall Difficulty
The difficulty isn't solely confined to Great Ape Vegeta. Even on Normal difficulty, CPU opponents deliver punishing combos, a trend amplified on Super difficulty where the AI seems to have an unfair advantage. This has led some players to lower the difficulty to Easy.
A Triumphant Launch Despite the Challenge
Despite the intense challenges, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO has enjoyed a phenomenal early access launch on Steam, peaking at 91,005 concurrent players. This surpasses other major fighting game titles like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat. The game's success is likely due to its revival of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi style, a long-awaited return for many fans. Game8 awarded the game a 92/100 score, praising its vast roster, impressive visuals, and engaging scenarios. For a more detailed review, check out our full article!