Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Easter Eggs – The Unexpected Nod to the Infamous Live Action Evolution

The Dragon Ball franchise has left an indelible mark on anime, with fans around the globe captivated by its iconic characters, epic battles, and rich lore. With the release of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, fans were excited to explore a game that paid tribute to every facet of the series, including some references that took players by surprise. One of the most unexpected Easter eggs found in the game was a subtle nod to the infamous Dragon Ball Evolution live-action movie a film that fans would rather forget.

But how exactly did Sparking Zero weave this controversial movie into its gameplay? Let’s dive deep into the world of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, uncovering the hidden gems that make it a true celebration of Dragon Ball’s past, even the moments we’d rather leave behind.

The Legacy of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

Before delving into the surprising reference to Dragon Ball Evolution, let’s first set the stage by understanding why Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is such a monumental release for fans. The game, developed by Namco Bandai, is widely acclaimed for its expansive roster and detailed attention to the various story arcs and characters from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, and select movies.

With over 180 playable characters, Sparking Zero takes the spirit of the Budokai Tenkaichi series to new heights. Whether you’re engaging in explosive 3D battles or recreating iconic moments from the anime, this game offers fans the opportunity to relive every major chapter in Dragon Ball history.

Yet, amidst all the praise for faithfully representing the anime, Sparking Zero also surprises fans with clever nods to even the most obscure and, at times, infamous parts of Dragon Ball’s legacy.

A Controversial Chapter: Dragon Ball Evolution

For many fans, the live-action adaptation Dragon Ball Evolution is a sore spot in the franchise’s history. Released in 2009, the film was loosely based on the King Piccolo Saga from the original Dragon Ball, but it deviated so much from the source material that it became an object of scorn and ridicule.

Critics and fans alike blasted the movie for its poor casting choices, lacklustre special effects, and failure to capture the essence of what made Dragon Ball beloved. Even Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, expressed disappointment in the adaptation, which he felt missed the heart and spirit of his work.

Yet, despite the negative reception and widespread desire to forget the film ever existed, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero chose to include a subtle reference to Evolution. And the way this Easter egg was incorporated shows the developers’ playful acknowledgment of the film’s place however awkward in Dragon Ball lore.

The Surprising Dragon Ball Evolution Easter Egg in Sparking Zero

While fans were quick to spot nods to Dragon Ball movies, memes, and classic lines throughout Sparking Zero, one Easter egg stood out for its boldness: a reference to the notorious Dragon Ball Evolution. During a battle, Half-Corrupted Fused Zamasu, one of the game’s villains, taunts his opponent with the line, “Human power has failed before, and it will again!” At first glance, this seems like a standard line from a character known for his elitist disdain for humanity.

However, diehard fans recognized that this line was not just typical villain dialogue it was a direct quote from none other than Lord Piccolo in Dragon Ball Evolution. Yes, the same Lord Piccolo who was widely criticized for his portrayal in the live-action adaptation.

The inclusion of this line is a cheeky acknowledgment of Dragon Ball Evolution’s existence, adding an unexpected layer of humour and nostalgia for those who remember the movie for better or worse.

The Deeper Meaning: Zamasu’s Connection to Dragon Ball Evolution

Beyond just being a clever Easter egg, this reference to Dragon Ball Evolution takes on a deeper meaning when considering the voice actor behind Zamasu. James Marsters, who voiced Zamasu in Dragon Ball Super and reprises the role in Sparking Zero, also played Lord Piccolo in the live-action film.

For Marsters, Dragon Ball Evolution was a missed opportunity, and he has publicly expressed his desire to redeem himself for the role. Interestingly, Marsters took on the role of Zamasu in Dragon Ball Super as a way to atone for the failings of Evolution, even going so far as to voice the character for free.

With Marsters reprising his role as Zamasu in Sparking Zero, the Evolution reference becomes more than just a playful jab at the film it’s a nod to his personal journey as an actor within the Dragon Ball universe.

The Role of Easter Eggs in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

Easter eggs are an essential part of Sparking Zero’s charm. Whether it’s a witty pre-fight exchange or a nostalgic reference to a forgotten piece of Dragon Ball history, these hidden gems enrich the gaming experience for fans.

The reference to Dragon Ball Evolution is just one of many. In fact, the game is packed with allusions to various Dragon Ball media, including non-canon movie villains, fan-favourite moments, and beloved memes from across the series. Part of the joy of playing Sparking Zero is discovering these Easter eggs and the deeper connections they reveal about the franchise’s enduring legacy.

Why Fans Appreciate the Inclusion of Evolution in Sparking Zero

Despite the almost universal dislike for Dragon Ball Evolution, its inclusion in Sparking Zero is a reminder that the Dragon Ball franchise has had its ups and downs and that’s okay. Every chapter, no matter how controversial, is part of what makes Dragon Ball the cultural phenomenon it is today.

By weaving in a subtle reference to Evolution, Sparking Zero acknowledges the film’s place in the franchise’s history without glorifying it. Instead, it adds a touch of humour and a sense of completion, showing that even the less-celebrated parts of Dragon Ball can still be part of the fun.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero as a Love Letter to the Franchise

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is more than just a fighting game it’s a love letter to the entire Dragon Ball franchise. From its attention to detail in character abilities to the inclusion of clever Easter eggs, it’s a game that invites fans to explore every nook and cranny of Dragon Ball history.

The surprising reference to Dragon Ball Evolution is just one example of how the developers took risks in acknowledging even the most controversial moments of the franchise. In doing so, they’ve created a game that celebrates all aspects of Dragon Ball the good, the bad, and the unforgettable.

FAQ

Q: What is Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero? A: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is the latest entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, featuring over 180 characters from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, and select movies. It offers fans fast-paced 3D battles, iconic moves, and plenty of Easter eggs celebrating the entire franchise.

Q: What is the Easter egg related to Dragon Ball Evolution in Sparking Zero? A: During one of Half-Corrupted Fused Zamasu’s taunts, he says, “Human power has failed before, and it will again!” This line is a direct quote from Lord Piccolo in Dragon Ball Evolution, the 2009 live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball.

Q: Why did the developers include a reference to Dragon Ball Evolution? A: The reference to Evolution is a playful nod to one of the most controversial entries in the Dragon Ball franchise. It adds a layer of humor to the game, acknowledging Evolution’s existence while not glorifying its failures.

Q: Who voiced Zamasu in Sparking Zero? A: James Marsters, who portrayed Lord Piccolo in Dragon Ball Evolution, voices Zamasu in Sparking Zero. This makes the Evolution reference even more significant, as Marsters has publicly expressed his desire to redeem himself for the live-action film.

Q: What makes Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero unique? A: Sparking Zero stands out for its massive character roster, faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball anime’s high-speed battles, and its inclusion of clever Easter eggs that pay tribute to the entire franchise, including lesser-known and non-canon moments.