9 Dragon Ball Fighters Still Missing from Sparking Zero

The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, remains a titan in the gaming realm, captivating fans around the world. With the release of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero and its highly anticipated Super Limit-Breaking NEO expansion, the excitement among players has reached new heights. This expansion introduced 33 new fighters, narrowing the gap with the legendary roster of Budokai Tenkaichi 3. Yet, a noticeable absence persists, as nine iconic characters remain elusive, stirring nostalgia and curiosity among fans of the series.

Nerd Culture & Entertainment: The Missing Fighters

For the devoted fans, understanding the significance of these missing characters enhances the overall appreciation of both the game and the franchise. This article delves into each of these nine fighters, exploring their history, roles in the story, and why they deserve a spot in the current lineup.

1. Appule

Appule, the lesser-known soldier of Frieza’s army, made his mark during the Namek saga. Although not prominent in battles, his role as a disposable henchman led to memorable moments, especially when eliminated by Vegeta. His absence in Sparking! Zero raises eyebrows, especially with a generic Frieza soldier present.

2. Ozaru Transformation

The classic Ozaru transformation captivated gamers in Budokai Tenkaichi 3, showcasing the giant ape form of Goku and other Saiyans. While Sparking! Zero features Vegeta’s Ozaru, the other Saiyan variations are still missing, and fans are left longing for their return.

3. Tao Pai Pai

Once considered the world’s most dangerous assassin, Tao Pai Pai’s return as a cyborg in the 23rd Martial Arts Tournament added layers to his character. Although the original version appears, his mechanized form is notably absent, leaving a gap in gameplay diversity.

4. Garlic Jr.

Recognized as a villain from early Dragon Ball Z films, Garlic Jr.’s spirit persists, yet his early form is missing from the game. Only his transformed version is present, which limits the representation of his character’s evolution.

5. Pilaf Machines

The humorous Pilaf Machines, utilized by Emperor Pilaf, showed their quirky side in battles. These machines, which could combine for a more powerful form, are entirely absent, indicating a missed opportunity for comedic gameplay.

6. Kibitoshin

A unique fusion of the Kaioshin and his aide Kibito, Kibitoshin introduced a compelling dynamic to the Majin Boo saga. While the Kaioshin appears in Sparking! Zero, the absence of Kibitoshin highlights an incomplete character lineup.

7. Arale

From Akira Toriyama’s Dr. Slump, Arale made a comedic impact in Dragon Ball. Although her crossover capabilities shine, licensing issues have likely prevented her return in Sparking! Zero.

8. Young Chi-Chi

The young Chi-Chi, known for her promise of marriage to Goku, showcased a different side of her character. Unfortunately, fans only have access to her older version, leaving her childhood persona out of the mix.

9. Tamborine

As a demonic offspring of Piccolo Daimaoh, Tamborine’s role in the series remains significant due to his impact on the storyline. His absence from the current game version is notable, especially with Piccolo’s resurgence in the expansion.

What Lies Ahead for These Fighters?

The gaming landscape continues to evolve, and with the recent addition of over 200 fighters in Sparking! Zero, the door remains open for future updates. Bandai Namco has shown a willingness to revisit previously overlooked characters. Fans remain hopeful that these iconic figures may one day join the fray, restoring a sense of completeness to the game.

FAQ

• Will these characters ever return to the game? While there’s no official word, Bandai Namco has a history of catering to fan requests in updates.
• What role do the omitted fighters play in Dragon Ball lore? Each character contributes uniquely to the storyline, reflecting different aspects of the Dragon Ball universe.
• Why are some characters excluded due to licensing? Characters from other works, like Arale, are often held back by legal agreements regarding their use in games.
• How does the community feel about these exclusions? Fan feedback often emphasizes nostalgia and a desire for further roster expansions.
• Are there strategies to enjoy Sparking! Zero without these characters? Exploring diverse team compositions and mastering available characters can still offer substantial gameplay enjoyment.