Sparking Zero’s What If? scenarios offer a refreshing, unique take on the Dragon Ball series, paving alternate pathways within its lore. It’s opened the door to many new character storylines, including Goku, Vegeta, Jiren, and many more.
Even if you’ve experienced them all in Episode and Bonus Battles, there are still plenty of other alternate storylines that players have created themselves. And, after spending some time with these crafted narratives, I’ve discovered quite a few that could turn into their very own DB spin-off. So, without further ado, here are the best Sparking Zero Custom Battle What Ifs that I wish were canon to the series.
Mr. Satan vs. The Gods
ID: 3-985-501-981 (PS5)/0-510-785-490 (PC)
Every time I play as Hercule, I can’t help but laugh at his whimsical nature. His punches are mediocre at best, and his Ki-charging is merely a spotlight shining down on him just to make him feel a little more like a star. It doesn’t make him the greatest of fighters, but some players have changed that with the Mr. Satan vs. The Gods Custom Battles.
In this timeline, it is Hercule who reigns supreme, and all cower at the sight of his mighty mustache. This is all because of his triumph against Gods, such as Fused Zamasu, Jiren, and Goku Ultra Instinct. This What If scenario may seem a bit far-fetched, but it’s probably one of the most entertaining experiences I’ve had so far.
Goku saves Future Gohan
ID: 4-499-771-969 (PS5)
The Dragon Ball Z timeline has a few of its own alternate paths, including the death of Future Gohan in the multiverse. Android 17 and 18 brought him down during Future Trunks’ saga, in which Gohan played the significant role of his mentor. Although this journey led to a saddening demise, the Side by Side Custom Battle features a new take where Goku saves his son. In this scenario, we get to see a different outcome, one where Gohan’s life is spared, and the bond between father and son is strengthened.
It’s nice to see Goku making the effort to help his son since he, you know, isn’t the best father. Of course, I don’t blame him for what originally happened, considering that he himself died in this timeline. At least with this scenario, everyone, for the most part, comes out alive, and Future Trunks can save himself the guilt of not being there for his master.
Bardock and Nappa band together to defeat Frieza Force
ID: 4-357-312-376 (PC)
Even though Bardock could be considered a villain, with all the bad he’s done as a Saiyan, I still felt pretty bad for the guy. He never really stood a chance against Frieza in light of his lower power level and the fact that no one was there beside him. However, this Custom Battle features a new story version, where Bardock and Nappa fight against the infamous Frieza Force.
It makes me wonder whether Bardock would have lived if someone had at least joined his side. Having someone strong like Nappa could certainly beat the odds, so this scenario isn’t entirely impossible.
Jiren vs. Broly
ID: 4-988-481-724 (PS5)
The Jiren and Broly Custom Battle expands on the concept first introduced in the spin-off Super Dragon Ball Heroes: Ultra God Mission. This time, Jiren helps Goku fight against Super’s Broly, leading to an epic brawl between the Legendary Super Saiyan and the most powerful Pride Trooper member.
We already got some form of this fight in the Heroes manga, but it’s not considered canon as a spin-off series. Fortunately, this Sparking Zero What If helps compensate for that by giving us one heck of a show. It ultimately feels like a battle of Tanks, as the two characters are pretty beefy. I just wish we could see this in the canon timeline to officially confirm this fight’s winner.
Gohan goes against his dads
ID: 1-707-283-125 (Xbox)
Gohan vs. Dads?! Custom Battle gives us a sneak peek into what would happen if Gohan (Adult) went against his fathers. I know Gohan technically only has one dad, but come on, it was Piccolo who raised him during his youth. Heck, even Piccolo went on to babysit his daughter Pam, which definitely gives this beloved Namekian a dad title (Goku would never).
The Dragon Ball Z series offered a brief taste of a fight like this when Gohan first began training. Since then, we haven’t necessarily seen a battle between Gohan, Goku, and Piccolo. Fortunately, there’s still time for this showdown to become canon, especially in the Super saga.
Trunks travels back in time to the Dragon Ball era
ID: 1-156-210-909 (PS5)
Longtime Dragon Ball series fans will likely recollect Trunk’s debut in the DBZ saga. But what if he had arrived much earlier during Goku’s youth instead? The Fight! Past’s Mightiest Warriors quest, thankfully, answers this question as Trunks goes against notable characters in the World Tournament.
As a big fan of the Dragon Ball era, I love seeing the clash of the two worlds, especially since Trunks happens to be one of my favorite characters. It’s also not much of a far-fetched idea, considering that Trunks has traveled through time in both Z and Super.
Goku retaliates against everyone in Ultra Instinct form
ID: 4-715-463-463 (PS5)
Instead of Jiren fighting against everyone, this What If scenario makes Goku the antagonist of the Tournament of Power arc. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened since this form separates the user’s consciousness from their body.
In this fight, Goku battles most of his allies and loved ones, from Gohan to Trunks to Piccolo. It’s intriguing to see it play out this way, almost similar to Goku Black’s sinister ways. Plus, it would make for a pretty intense battle, testing the strength of the Super Saiyans and a Namekian against the OP Ultra Instinct.
Dragon Ball GT characters take down Goku Black
ID: 0-157-798-620 (PS5)
I just had to share some Dragon Ball GT love through this distinct Goku Black saga. With this What If, Future Trunks calls upon Vegeta and Goku in GT rather than Super. It’s a chance to see how Goku Black’s Rosé power holds up against the top-tier Super Saiyan 4.
The Custom Battle even shows another intriguing side storyline regarding what would happen if Super Saiyan 4 Fusion and Fused Zamasu were pitted against each other. Although it would be unlikely to see a situation like this in the canon timeline, I’m still hoping it will happen one day.
Goku’s Protégé vs. Vegeta’s pupil
ID: 0-659-438-611 (PS5)
Over the years, many Dragon Ball fans have pushed for a battle between Vegeta’s protégé, Cabba, and Goku’s pupil, Uub. It’s the ultimate test to see who’s the better teacher and student, a concept that doesn’t happen too often in the series.
I’m astonished that a fight between Cabba and Uub hasn’t already occurred in the canon timeline. But maybe the many Sparking Zero What Ifs could help set the stage for an epic battle later on.
Gohan and Cell work together to save the world
ID: 4-441-906-668 (PS5)
Among the Custom Battles of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, one collaboration between Gohan and Cell stood out the most. These two are best known for their legendary showdown in the Cell Games, and now they’ve taken on a new form in this wild What If. What adds a unique twist to this battle is the fact that Frieza and Cooler are their opponents, throwing yet another unexpected element into the mix.
While it is strange to see Cell and Gohan being all friendly with each other, I sorta dig it. Now, I would be down for a buddy spin-off series where the two save the world together.
