Step into the vibrant and chaotic streets of New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero, where excitement and tranquility coexist in perfect harmony. Developer miHoYo crafts a unique experience that blends action-packed combat with laid-back exploration, offering a refreshing twist on the typical video game formula. Whether you’re dodging bullets and monsters or grabbing a cup of coffee, Zenless Zone Zero keeps you engaged with its dynamic gameplay.
From the moment you step into New Eridu, you’re greeted by a stunning art style that evokes memories of Persona 5, Jet Set Radio, and Hi-Fi Rush. The NPCs, with their unique designs and personalities, add a personal touch to the city, surpassing the charm of the characters in your squad. As you explore, you’ll encounter a mix of thrilling combat challenges and serene coffee dates, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
While Zenless Zone Zero shares similarities with miHoYo’s other titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, its smaller scale offers a distinct experience. The post-apocalyptic setting of New Eridu allows for a more intimate exploration of the city’s subtleties, creating a vibrant and alive environment. The chill vibes are further enhanced by the opportunity to interact with NPCs, whether it’s helping a clumsy Bangboo find a job or assisting in a teen romance.
The gameplay in Zenless Zone Zero is as diverse as its setting. Whether you’re navigating the graffitied alleys or enjoying the harbor views, your typical day involves raising your Inter-Knot level to unlock increasingly lucrative commissions. These include city tasks like helping Bangboos with their job searches, or more relaxed activities such as rescuing stray cats. The game’s dorky charm shines brightest in these commission types, making them a favorite among players.
Exploration commissions take you deep into the Hollows, where you must navigate a top-down board filled with mini TV squares. While this can be monotonous at times, the occasional shake-up in design, like the secret area discovered by interacting with an NPC, turns the exploration into a thrilling puzzle rather than a tedious task. This innovative approach to exploration adds a layer of excitement and variety to the game.
Combat and Rally commissions offer a stark contrast to the laid-back nature of exploration. In these scenarios, the atmosphere shifts to one of non-stop, over-the-top spectacle, as you fight Ethereals in small arenas. While the repetitive look of the arenas can become tiresome, the sublime feel of combat ensures that the action remains engaging. With a focus on timing dodges and chaining attacks, Zenless Zone Zero delivers a consistently stellar combat experience.
The game’s storytelling is delivered through a series of vignettes that cover the adventures of different factions. Each faction, from the Cunning Hares to Victoria Housekeeping, receives equal attention, allowing players to get to know them intimately. The story, though initially light, promises to evolve as the game progresses, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the game’s pacing can be a hindrance, particularly due to the requirement of completing unrelated commissions to reach certain Inter-Knot level milestones. This can slow the beginning of the game significantly, especially for newcomers. Additionally, the gacha system, with its gear system and character rolls, might deter some players, but it’s manageable with the game’s generous rewards for regular players.
Overall, Zenless Zone Zero successfully combines ultracool action with slice-of-life goofiness, offering a balanced and engaging experience that caters to both casual players and those seeking a deeper challenge. Its smaller scale allows for a more intimate exploration of New Eridu, resulting in a game that is both visually stunning and deeply immersive.
