DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO's early access release has unleashed a formidable foe: Great Ape Vegeta. This colossal ape is proving to be an unexpectedly brutal challenge, leaving players bruised and meme-ing their way through the encounter.

Great Ape Vegeta: The Ultimate Test of Skill (and Patience)

Boss battles are designed to be challenging, but Great Ape Vegeta transcends mere difficulty. His relentless attacks, including the devastating Galick Gun and a health-draining grab, make the fight feel less like a duel and more like a desperate struggle for survival. The sheer intensity has led to players instantly restarting upon seeing the Galick Gun charge-up animation.

This early encounter in Goku's Episode Battle presents a significant hurdle for newcomers to the Dragon Ball fighting game franchise, who are immediately bombarded with super moves.

Bandai Namco Joins the Meme Frenzy

Rather than a quick patch, Bandai Namco embraced the player frustration with a humorous response. Their UK Twitter (X) account tweeted "This monke got hands," alongside a GIF showcasing Vegeta's overwhelming power. This acknowledges the difficulty while playfully acknowledging the widespread player experience.

The challenge isn't entirely unprecedented; Great Ape Vegeta has a history of being a notoriously difficult opponent in the Dragon Ball fighting game series, even dating back to the original Budokai Tenkaichi.

Beyond Vegeta: Sparking! ZERO's Overall Difficulty

Great Ape Vegeta isn't the only source of difficulty. Even on Normal, CPU opponents unleash devastating combos, a problem exacerbated on Super difficulty where the AI seems to have an unfair advantage. This has led many players to opt for Easy mode.

A Triumphant Launch Despite the Challenge

Despite the intense challenge posed by Great Ape Vegeta and other aspects of the game's difficulty, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO has enjoyed a phenomenal early access launch on Steam. Within hours, it peaked at 91,005 concurrent players, surpassing major fighting game franchises like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat.

This success is largely attributed to the game's revival of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi style. Game8 awarded the game a 92, praising its vast roster, stunning visuals, and engaging scenarios. For a more in-depth review, see our related article.