DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO's early access has unleashed a formidable foe: Great Ape Vegeta. This colossal ape is proving to be a significant challenge, leaving players bruised and bewildered.
Great Ape Vegeta: A Boss Battle of Epic Proportions
Boss fights are meant to test player skill. However, Great Ape Vegeta transcends mere difficulty; he's a trial by fire. His brutal attacks and seemingly uncounterable moves have created a near-universal struggle. The situation is so dire that even Bandai Namco is joining the meme-fest, acknowledging the widespread frustration.
Anyone familiar with Vegeta's Great Ape transformation in Dragon Ball Z knows the devastation he can unleash. Sparking! ZERO amplifies this legendary form to an almost insurmountable level. He opens with relentless beam attacks, including the dreaded Galick Gun, and possesses a devastating grab that can decimate health. The fight feels less like a battle and more like a desperate bid for survival, often resulting in instant restarts upon seeing the Galick Gun charge.
This challenge is amplified by the fact that players encounter Great Ape Vegeta early in Goku's Episode Battle, presenting a massive hurdle for newcomers to the Dragon Ball fighting game genre. The sheer onslaught of super moves from the outset can be overwhelming.
Bandai Namco's Humorous Response
Instead of a quick fix, Bandai Namco embraced the player outcry with humor. Their UK Twitter (X) account tweeted "This monke got hands," accompanied by a GIF of Great Ape Vegeta's relentless assault, perfectly capturing the situation.
While challenging, Great Ape Vegeta's difficulty isn't unprecedented in the Dragon Ball fighting game series. Veterans might recall similar struggles in past titles like Budokai Tenkaichi.
Other Challenges in Sparking! ZERO
Great Ape Vegeta isn't the only difficulty spike. Even on Normal, CPU opponents can unleash devastating combos. Super difficulty elevates this to another level, with the AI seemingly possessing an unfair advantage, consistently landing punishing attacks. For many, the only option is to lower the difficulty to Easy.
A Triumphant Launch Despite the Challenges
Despite the widespread "monke hands" experience, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO has stormed Steam. Within hours of early access, it reached a peak of 91,005 concurrent players, surpassing major fighting game titles like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat.
This success is largely attributed to the game's revival of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi style. Years of anticipation have fueled this impressive launch. Game8 awarded the game a 92 score, praising its vast roster, stunning visuals, and engaging scenarios. For a more detailed review, check out our full article.