Unlocking Frieza’s Branching Pathways in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero – A Complete Guide
Frieza, one of the most iconic villains in the Dragon Ball universe, has always been a fan favourite. His ruthless nature, chilling power, and unforgettable battles have cemented his legacy. Since his debut, Frieza has gone toe-to-toe with Goku, Vegeta, and countless other warriors, making him a pivotal character in the series.
In Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, Frieza’s unique episode mode features two fascinating branching pathways that take players on alternative storylines. This guide will explore how to unlock these pathways, what episodes they include, and the thrilling alternate endings that await you.
Understanding Frieza’s Legacy: Why He Deserves His Own Campaign
Before we dive into the gameplay mechanics, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Frieza is such a monumental character in the Dragon Ball series. When fans think of villains who truly tested Goku, Frieza is often at the top of the list. His introduction led to one of the most iconic transformations ever Goku’s Super Saiyan debut.
Over the years, Frieza has reappeared in various sagas, each time raising the stakes. His return in Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F even revitalized the franchise for modern audiences. Given his significant impact, it’s no surprise that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero dedicates an entire episode campaign to Frieza, allowing players to experience unique narratives where his ultimate power and strategic mind come to the forefront.
Unlocking Frieza’s Episode Campaign in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero
Frieza’s episode mode in Sparking Zero offers two distinct branching pathways: Fall of the Saiyans and Frieza Force Joins the Fray. Both paths provide thrilling what-if scenarios, giving players the chance to rewrite pivotal moments in Dragon Ball history.
Let’s break down how you can unlock and play through each of these epic stories.
1. Fall of the Saiyans Pathway: A Shocking Twist
The Fall of the Saiyans pathway is the easier of Frieza’s two Sparking Episodes to unlock, but that doesn’t mean it lacks excitement. Here, you’ll step into Frieza’s shoes during his iconic battle with Goku on Planet Namek.
How to Unlock Fall of the Saiyans
To trigger this pathway, you need to defeat Super Saiyan Goku without using Frieza’s full power form. The key here is speed defeating Goku before he powers up too much. While it may sound difficult, it’s actually more straightforward compared to some of the other challenging episodes in the game.
Once you’ve bested Goku, the Fall of the Saiyans Sparking Episode will commence.
What Happens in Fall of the Saiyans?
In this what-if scenario, Frieza turns the tables on Goku. Instead of being overpowered by Goku’s Super Saiyan strength, Frieza triumphs. The episode plays out in a cinematic cutscene where Goku is finally defeated, putting an end to their legendary rivalry. It’s a rare moment in Dragon Ball lore, giving fans a glimpse of a world where Frieza is victorious over the Saiyans.
2. Frieza Force Joins the Fray Pathway: The Path to Power
The Frieza Force Joins the Fray pathway is more intricate and offers several branching choices, leading to multiple endings. This pathway explores Frieza’s ambitions beyond his personal battles and delves into his desire to rebuild his army and assert dominance once again.
How to Unlock Frieza Force Joins the Fray
To unlock this pathway, you must defeat both Goku and Vegeta in the Frieza Revived episode. This must be done within a specific time limit, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Once you successfully meet the conditions, Frieza’s second Sparking Episode pathway becomes available.
Frieza’s Philosophy: Decisions That Shape the Universe
In this episode, Frieza seeks the aid of Lord Beerus, the God of Destruction. Beerus agrees to let Frieza use the Dragon Balls to revive fallen soldiers. At this point, you are presented with four revival options, each leading to a different ending:
- Revive Cooler: Frieza’s brother, Cooler, returns, adding another layer of sibling rivalry to the mix.
- Revive Dodoria and Zarbon: Loyal subordinates, Dodoria and Zarbon, come back to Frieza’s side, enhancing his personal army.
- Revive King Cold: Frieza’s father, King Cold, is resurrected, creating a formidable family reunion.
- Revive the Ginyu Force: The flamboyant Ginyu Force makes a return, ready to fight under Frieza’s command once more.
Which Ending Should You Choose?
Each revival option leads to a different cutscene and outcome. While the choice doesn’t impact gameplay, it does affect the narrative. For those looking for the most epic and emotionally charged ending, reviving King Cold is a fan-favorite option, as it brings a deeper family dynamic into the storyline.
Frieza’s Episode Mode: A Fresh Take on the Dragon Ball Storyline
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero does an excellent job of expanding on the traditional Dragon Ball narrative, especially with Frieza’s episode campaign. The two pathways provide a unique opportunity for players to explore alternate realities where Frieza comes out on top, manipulating the universe in ways we’ve never seen before.
Why These Scenarios Matter
In many ways, Frieza’s episode mode speaks to the “what if?” scenarios that fans have been speculating about for years. What if Frieza had won against Goku? What if he had rebuilt his empire with stronger soldiers? These branching pathways give players the chance to explore these ideas in exciting and engaging ways.
For long-time Dragon Ball fans, the idea of seeing Frieza win, or rallying his forces for another great battle, is nothing short of thrilling. And for newer fans, it’s a perfect introduction to the high stakes that define the Dragon Ball series.
Why Play Frieza’s Campaign? The Ultimate Villain Experience
Playing through Frieza’s episode campaign in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero offers something different from the standard hero narrative. Here, you’re stepping into the shoes of one of the most feared and cunning characters in the entire franchise. It’s not just about brute strength Frieza’s episodes require strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and the ability to outmaneuver some of the toughest opponents in the game.
An Opportunity for Mastery
Both the Fall of the Saiyans and Frieza Force Joins the Fray pathways push players to master the combat system in new ways. The tight time limits, specific conditions for victory, and the diverging narratives make these episodes some of the most rewarding challenges in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I unlock Frieza’s episode campaign in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero?
To unlock Frieza’s campaign, you need to progress through the main storyline of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. His campaign becomes available after completing certain story milestones. Once unlocked, you can begin playing through the two branching pathways.
2. What are the two branching pathways in Frieza’s campaign?
Frieza’s episode campaign features two main branching pathways: Fall of the Saiyans and Frieza Force Joins the Fray. The first is unlocked by defeating Super Saiyan Goku without using Frieza’s full power form, while the second requires defeating both Goku and Vegeta in the Frieza Revived episode within a time limit.
3. What happens in the Fall of the Saiyans pathway?
In the Fall of the Saiyans pathway, Frieza successfully defeats Goku during their iconic battle on Planet Namek. It’s a complete role reversal, with Frieza emerging victorious over his longtime rival.
4. Which revival option should I choose in the Frieza Force Joins the Fray pathway?
Each revival option in the Frieza Force Joins the Fray pathway leads to a different ending. While all options are exciting, reviving King Cold is recommended for the most epic and emotionally charged narrative.
5. Can I replay Frieza’s episodes to explore different endings?
Yes, once you’ve unlocked Frieza’s episode campaign, you can replay the episodes to explore different revival options and experience all the possible endings.
Frieza’s episode campaign in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is a must-play for any Dragon Ball fan. With its diverging pathways, strategic gameplay, and thrilling what-if scenarios, it offers a fresh take on one of the most beloved villains in anime history. Whether you’re crushing the Saiyans or rebuilding the Frieza Force, these episodes will keep you engaged from start to finish.