Sparking Zero's Goku What If Stories Explained

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is rich in content due to the depth hidden in each of its game modes. Of course, the game's resident story mode is no different. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero features eight different battle episodes, each following a different hero's journey Dragon Ballanime.

Of course, as the main protagonist of the series, Goku must get special treatment. Each episode's battle is bulked up with the inclusion of Sparking Episodes, which are What If story lines that branch off from the main story. Goku's Sparking Episodes have a level of depth that serves as a perfect example of his prominence Dragon Ball: Sparking Zerostory mode.

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's story mode puts the Goku What Ifs front and center

Goku is tied for the most sparkly episodes in the game, with three branching paths for players to explore. Sparking Episodes can vary greatly in scope and quality, and this is somewhat true for Goku as well. Understanding each difference between these three Sparking Episodes can help players make decisions throughout Goku's saga v Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.

Goku Sparking Episode Explained: Side by Side

Side by Side is likely to be the first What If that many players encounter Dragon Ball: S Parking Zero. Although the next Sparking Episode branches off from the exact same decision, it can be considered a more stealthy path compared to Side by Side. Side by Side starts if players choose to “Go it alone” to face Raditz and then defeat him as quickly as possible in the following battle. Events immediately deviate from canon as Goku manages to survive his encounter with Raditz.

Unfortunately, Goku still dies in the battle against Vegeta and Nappa. However, Goku's last wish is to let Vegeta escape. The Z fighters summon Shenron and wish to revive Goku, and Vegeta returns to Earth shortly after. Vegeta demands the use of the dragon balls to power up against Frieza. When Goku and friends refuse this request, Vegeta gives them a shocking suggestion to team up instead. Goku accepts and the Z Fighters repel Frieza and the Ginyu Force to Earth instead of going to Namek.

Side by Side is undoubtedly a solid story and can even be considered somewhat exceptional. It's thanks to its narrative that goes far beyond the initial branching choice. Instead of just serving as a brief distraction, it offers players a real alternative to explore. Likewise, the unique take on the rivalry between Goku and Vegeta makes Side by Side that much more exciting.

Goku Sparking Episode Explained: Pushing the Limit

Pushing the Limit starts at the exact same moment as Side by Side. However, players must instead start by making the “Working with Piccolo” canon decision. From there, they simply have to defeat Raditz within a strict time limit to avoid Goku's death at the hands of a special beam cannon. This allows Goku to train Gohan in Piccolo's place, setting off a domino effect that drastically changes the course of the following sagas.

Ironically, Goku and friends are more ill-prepared to handle Vegeta and Nappa. Without completing his training on King Kai's planet, Goku is helpless as many of his friends are defeated. Vegeta goes so far as to kill Krillin in front of him, which enrages Goku to the point where he transforms into a Super Saiyan. Goku decimates Great Ape Vegeta but still spares his life. Goku travels to Namek to revive everyone, only to find that Frieza has already been defeated by Vegeta, who has now also become a Super Saiyan.

Pushing the Limit gets the most out of it Dragon Ball: Sparking ZeroWhat if assumption. It builds on the foundation that Side by Side established and takes it much further. Goku and Vegeta both unlock Super Saiyan much earlier than in canon, with the latter even serving as a completely original design. Pushing the Limit dramatically changes the events of the Saiyan and Frieza Sagas, and the climactic battle between Goku and Vegeta is truly a sight to behold.

Goku Sparking Episode Explained: The Changing Future

The Changing Future starts much later than Goku's other Sparking Episodes. At the start of the Cell Saga, players will be faced with the decision to either train with Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber or intervene in Piccolo's battle against the Androids. If players choose to save Piccolo, they will deviate from the main story and begin The Changing Future.

Compared to every other episode of Sparking v Dragon Ball: Sparking ZeroThe Changing Future can best be described as short and sweet. Goku actually saves Piccolo and defeats Cell before he can absorb the Androids and reach his perfect form. Goku then proceeds to fight the Androids alone, which he spares after handily defeating them. The androids are at first confused by his kindness, but they seem to live in peace and become better people.

The Changing Future is the most lackluster Sparking Episode Goku saga has to offer. In fact, it's one of the less inventive What If stories in the game in general. That doesn't mean it's a hassle or a waste of time. The Changing Future still offers a cute side story, but it hardly lives up to the expectations set up by Goku's other Sparking Episodes in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero.