Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – Countering Afterimage Strike Guide

Key Takeaways:

1. Afterimage Strike is a powerful and sometimes overpowered ability in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, making certain characters almost untouchable for a short period.
2. While using Afterimage Strike can give you a significant edge, defending against it requires strategic play, involving patience and clever use of grabs and ki blasts.
3. Only a handful of characters can use Afterimage Strike, but mastering or countering this move is essential in high-level gameplay, especially in competitive online matches.

In Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, one of the most controversial and highly effective moves is the Afterimage Strike. This ability grants players a short burst of invincibility, making it incredibly frustrating for opponents. Whether you’re trying to master this ability or counter it, understanding how to utilize and defend against Afterimage Strike can make all the difference in online ranked play.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using and countering Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.

What Is Afterimage Strike?

Afterimage Strike is a skill that allows players to dodge incoming attacks by creating a ghostly illusion of their character. For 15 seconds, players using this ability can become invulnerable to most attacks. While this move costs 3 ki bars to activate, its ability to dodge both physical and ki-based attacks makes it one of the most powerful defensive skills in the game.

Due to its power, Afterimage Strike is often considered overpowered, especially when used by experienced players. It’s commonly seen in high-level ranked matches, making it a crucial move to learn, both for offensive and defensive purposes.

How to Perform Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

Executing an Afterimage Strike requires selecting a character that has this ability in their skill set. Not all characters can use Afterimage Strike, and it cannot be learned or equipped onto characters that don’t already possess it.

Here’s how to do Afterimage Strike depending on the character you choose:

1. Pick a character with the Afterimage Strike ability: Some characters naturally have this ability, such as GT Goku, Kid Gohan, Super Vegito, Krillin, Videl, and Master Roshi.
2. Check your ki: You need three ki bars to activate Afterimage Strike. Keep an eye on your ki meter, as using this skill can drain a large portion of your energy.
3. Activation: For most characters, you simply press the shoulder button (L1 or L2 depending on your control scheme) to activate the move. Once activated, you’ll become invulnerable for 15 seconds.
4. Timing is crucial: Afterimage Strike works best when timed with an opponent’s aggressive move. Whether you’re about to be hit by a ki blast or a melee combo, activating Afterimage Strike at the right moment can turn the tide of battle.

Remember, the move only lasts for a short window, so maximize your time by counter-attacking your opponent or replenishing your ki for future moves. Afterimage Strike can be a game-winning tool if used wisely.

Characters with Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

Only a few characters in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero have the ability to use Afterimage Strike. These characters are often preferred by players looking for a tactical advantage in competitive play. Here is a list of characters that can perform Afterimage Strike:

• GT Goku
• Kid Gohan
• Super Vegito
• Krillin
• Videl
• Master Roshi
• Pan
• Dabura
• Zamasu

While this list may seem short compared to the overall roster, these characters are often top picks in the online scene due to their ability to dodge attacks with ease.

How to Counter Afterimage Strike

As powerful as Afterimage Strike is, there are still ways to defend against it if you know what you’re doing. If you’re up against an opponent using Afterimage Strike, here are some strategies to help you survive:

1. Use Ki Blasts and Grabs

While Afterimage Strike allows players to dodge most attacks, they can still be hit by grabs and ki blasts. If your opponent activates Afterimage Strike, focus on these two types of attacks. Ki blasts are particularly effective at keeping your opponent at bay, while grabs can be used to disrupt their flow.

2. Play Keep-Away for 15 Seconds

Since Afterimage Strike only lasts for 15 seconds, sometimes the best strategy is to avoid confrontation. Run away, evade, and wait out the timer. Once the Afterimage Strike window is over, you can resume normal combat. The key is to stay mobile and avoid taking unnecessary risks while your opponent is invulnerable.

3. Monitor Ki Usage

Pay attention to your opponent’s ki meter. Afterimage Strike costs three ki bars, so you can predict when it might be coming. If you see your opponent use three ki bars without performing an attack or transformation, it’s likely they’ve activated Afterimage Strike. Prepare to defend yourself accordingly.

Tips for Maximizing Afterimage Strike

If you’re using Afterimage Strike yourself, here are a few tips to get the most out of this powerful move:

1. Chain Attacks While Invulnerable

During the 15 seconds of invincibility, don’t just run around. Take advantage of the fact that you can’t be hurt by launching aggressive combos or charging your ki. The faster you can build your ki back up, the sooner you can unleash powerful attacks again, possibly even reactivating Afterimage Strike if you’re fast enough.

2. Choose Characters Wisely

Not all characters that have Afterimage Strike use it with the same efficiency. For example, Super Vegito is an extremely powerful choice for this move, as he combines both strength and speed. Characters like Videl or Master Roshi may require more tactical finesse to use effectively.

3. Plan for Transformations

Be aware that transforming certain characters can remove the ability to use Afterimage Strike. For instance, Super Vegito can use the skill, but if you transform him into Vegito Blue, you will lose access to Afterimage Strike. Carefully plan when to use this move and when to transform during battle.

FAQ Section:

Q: How long does Afterimage Strike last?
A: Afterimage Strike lasts for 15 seconds, during which the player is invulnerable to most attacks.

Q: Can all characters use Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero?
A: No, only a select few characters such as GT Goku, Kid Gohan, Super Vegito, and others can use Afterimage Strike.

Q: How can I counter Afterimage Strike?
A: The best counters are ki blasts and grabs. You can also avoid direct combat and wait out the 15 seconds of invulnerability.

Q: Does Afterimage Strike work during transformations?
A: No, if a character transforms, they may lose the ability to use Afterimage Strike. For example, Vegito Blue cannot use Afterimage Strike, but Super Vegito can.

Q: Is Afterimage Strike overpowered?
A: Many players consider Afterimage Strike to be overpowered due to its invulnerability window. However, it can be countered with the right strategy and timing.

Mastering Afterimage Strike in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero can make you a formidable opponent, but learning how to defend against it is equally important. Whether you’re using the skill or facing an opponent who is, understanding the mechanics and strategies behind Afterimage Strike can give you the upper hand in any battle. Stay tactical, keep an eye on your ki, and make sure you’re ready to counter this powerful move when it comes your way.