Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, successor to the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, hinges heavily on reliving iconic moments through its extensive Episode Battle mode. Unlocking more battles in this mode is primarily achieved by progressing through the main storyline and fulfilling specific unlock requirements tied to individual characters and story arcs, requiring a deeper dive into the game’s mechanics beyond simple playthroughs.
Navigating the Episode Battle Structure
The Episode Battle mode isn’t simply a linear progression. It’s a web of interconnected storylines, branched narratives, and hidden encounters. Understanding this structure is key to maximizing your unlocked content.
The Core Story and Character Paths
The initial focus should be on completing the core Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and potentially Dragon Ball GT storylines as they become available. These serve as the foundation for unlocking subsequent battles. Completion often unlocks new characters, alternate versions of existing characters, and access to entirely new story arcs focusing on specific individuals like Vegeta, Goku, and Gohan. Pay close attention to the branching dialogue options; sometimes, selecting a specific choice unlocks a different battle or alternative outcome.
Unlock Requirements: Beyond the Obvious
Beyond simply completing battles, many fights are locked behind specific criteria. This could include:
- Achieving a specific rank: Scoring an S or A rank in a particular battle might be required to unlock the next. Master your combos, utilize Ultimate Attacks effectively, and minimize damage taken.
- Using a specific character: Some battles are only accessible when playing as a particular character. Experiment with different fighters.
- Performing specific actions during a battle: Unlocking certain secret characters or battles might require triggering specific events during a fight, such as performing a particular finishing move or achieving a certain number of combo hits. Consult online guides and communities for specific details.
- Mastering specific techniques: The game might require you to understand and use advanced techniques like Vanishing Attacks or Z-Combos to trigger specific unlocks. Practice in training mode to hone your skills.
- Meeting certain conditions: This could involve triggering a transformation or achieving a specific score in a minigame related to the battle.
Maximizing Your Unlocking Potential
Strategic planning and consistent effort are crucial. Don’t just rush through the story mode; take your time, experiment, and explore all possibilities.
Utilizing Training Mode
Training Mode is your best friend. Experiment with different characters, learn their movesets, and master advanced techniques. This will significantly improve your performance in Episode Battles and help you achieve those crucial S ranks.
Exploring Different Difficulty Settings
While playing on higher difficulties can be challenging, it might be a prerequisite for unlocking certain battles or characters. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different difficulty settings to see if it affects the unlock process.
Engaging with the Community
The Dragon Ball community is a vast resource of knowledge. Forums, online guides, and YouTube videos can provide invaluable insights into unlocking specific battles and characters. Don’t hesitate to seek help and share your own discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I’ve completed the main storyline, but I’m still missing several Episode Battles. What should I do?
Focus on revisiting completed battles with different characters and aiming for higher ranks (S or A). Explore alternative dialogue options in story-driven segments, as these can lead to branching paths and hidden encounters. Also, research specific unlock requirements for characters you’re interested in; some are tied to performing specific actions within a battle.
Q2: How important are ranks (S, A, B, etc.) in unlocking new Episode Battles?
Ranks are extremely important. Many battles and characters are locked behind achieving a specific rank, often S or A, in previous battles. Pay close attention to the rank requirements for each unlockable.
Q3: Are there any missable unlocks in Episode Battle mode?
While the game allows replaying battles, some unlocks might be tied to specific dialogue choices or actions taken during a particular playthrough. It’s best to research these beforehand to avoid missing out on anything.
Q4: Can I unlock Episode Battles by playing online battles or other modes?
Generally, Episode Battles are unlocked within the Episode Battle mode itself. However, online battles and other game modes might contribute to overall character unlocks or unlockable items that can indirectly help with progression in the Episode Battle mode.
Q5: Is there a specific order I should play through the Episode Battles to maximize unlocks?
While there’s no single “correct” order, focusing on completing the core story arcs (Dragon Ball Z, Super, etc.) first is recommended. This unlocks a significant number of characters and pathways. Then, prioritize specific character stories you’re interested in.
Q6: I’m stuck on a particular battle and can’t get an S rank. Any tips?
Master the character’s moveset in Training Mode. Utilize Vanishing Attacks effectively to evade enemy attacks. Learn to string together combos. Use Ultimate Attacks at opportune moments. Consider lowering the difficulty temporarily to achieve the required rank. Also, analyze your gameplay and identify areas for improvement.
Q7: Does the difficulty setting affect which Episode Battles I can unlock?
In some cases, playing on a higher difficulty setting might be required to unlock certain battles or characters. This is more common for “what-if” scenarios or battles involving powerful characters.
Q8: How do I unlock secret characters that might unlock new Episode Battles?
Secret characters are often unlocked by completing specific challenges, such as achieving S ranks in certain battles, completing specific story arcs, or performing specific actions during fights. Consult online guides for specific unlock requirements.
Q9: Are there any DLC packs that add new Episode Battles?
Keep an eye out for future DLC releases, as they often introduce new characters, storylines, and, consequently, new Episode Battles. Monitor official announcements from the game developers.
Q10: What’s the best way to manage my character roster and track my progress in unlocking Episode Battles?
Pay attention to the in-game menus and character selection screens. These often provide hints about unlock requirements. Keep a personal checklist of characters and battles you’re aiming to unlock.
Q11: Can I reset my progress in Episode Battle mode?
The ability to reset progress may vary depending on the platform and game version. Check the game’s options menu for options related to deleting save data or resetting progress. Be cautious, as this will erase all your unlocks.
Q12: Are there any known glitches or exploits that can help unlock Episode Battles faster?
While glitches and exploits might exist, using them is generally discouraged as it can negatively impact the game experience and potentially lead to account penalties. Focus on playing the game as intended and utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide.
By understanding the structure of Episode Battle mode, focusing on rank achievements, and actively engaging with the community, you’ll unlock the full potential of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO and experience all the epic battles the game has to offer. Remember to experiment, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.