Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse, is an action role-playing game (ARPG) that has garnered significant attention since its release on July 4, 2024. Available on platforms such as Windows, iOS, Android, and PlayStation 5, ZZZ offers players a unique blend of urban fantasy and post-apocalyptic themes. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into various aspects of the game, including its gameplay mechanics, storyline, character development, graphics, sound design, monetization model, reception, and more.
Gameplay Mechanics
Role of the Proxy
In ZZZ, players assume the role of a "Proxy," a professional guide responsible for assisting others in exploring hazardous alternate dimensions known as "Hollows." These Proxies are central to the game's narrative, acting as intermediaries between the inhabitants of New Eridu and the enigmatic realms they venture into. The player's choices as a Proxy influence the storyline, character relationships, and the overall progression of the game.
Agent Recruitment and Team Composition
A pivotal element of ZZZ's gameplay is the recruitment and management of "Agents." These characters, each with distinct abilities, weapons, and combat styles, join the Proxy on missions into the Hollows. Players can form teams of up to three Agents, strategically selecting members to create synergies that enhance combat effectiveness. The diversity in Agent skills encourages experimentation, allowing players to tailor their teams to suit various challenges and personal playstyles.
Combat System and Chain Attacks
ZZZ features a dynamic real-time combat system that emphasizes fluidity and strategy. Players control their Agents in hack-and-slash battles, utilizing a combination of normal attacks, special abilities, and evasive maneuvers. A standout feature is the "Chain Attack" system, which enables players to switch between Agents seamlessly during combat, executing powerful combo attacks. This mechanic not only adds depth to the combat but also rewards players for mastering timing and team coordination.
In-Game Clock System
The game incorporates an in-game clock that divides time into four periods: morning, afternoon, evening, and midnight. This temporal system affects various gameplay elements, such as mission availability, enemy behavior, and character interactions. Certain events or quests may only be accessible during specific times, encouraging players to plan their activities strategically and adding a layer of immersion to the game's world.
Game Modes
TV Mode (2D Dungeon Exploration)
In "TV Mode," players navigate through 2D dungeon-like environments presented in a stylized, television-inspired interface. This mode emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management. Players encounter various challenges, including traps, hidden treasures, and enemy encounters, all while making choices that can impact their journey. The retro aesthetic of TV Mode provides a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic dungeon crawlers.
Combat Mode (3D Hack-and-Slash Battles)
Transitioning from exploration to action, "Combat Mode" shifts the gameplay into fully realized 3D environments where players engage in real-time battles. Here, the game's combat mechanics shine, with responsive controls, visually striking animations, and the aforementioned Chain Attack system. The seamless integration between TV Mode and Combat Mode ensures a varied and engaging gameplay experience, catering to both strategic thinkers and action enthusiasts.
Setting and Storyline
Post-Apocalyptic World of New Eridu
ZZZ is set in New Eridu, the last urban civilization standing after a cataclysmic event introduced mysterious entities known as "Ethereals" into the world. These beings emerged through portals called Hollows, causing widespread destruction and pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. New Eridu serves as a sanctuary, utilizing advanced technology and the efforts of Proxies to extract resources from the Hollows and ensure the city's survival. The city's design blends futuristic elements with retro aesthetics, creating a unique atmosphere that is both familiar and otherworldly.
The Hollows and the Ethereals
Hollows are chaotic dimensions teeming with dangers and opportunities. They are the primary source of Ethereals, hostile entities that pose significant threats to explorers. However, Hollows also contain valuable resources and technologies crucial for New Eridu's sustenance and advancement. This duality drives the narrative, as players venture into these unpredictable realms to combat Ethereals, gather resources, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Hollows.
Factions and Societal Dynamics
New Eridu is a melting pot of various factions, each with its own agenda, beliefs, and methods for dealing with the Ethereal crisis. These groups range from corporate conglomerates seeking profit to underground organizations fighting for freedom and survival. The interactions and conflicts between these factions add depth to the storyline, presenting players with moral dilemmas and choices that can influence the game's outcome. This intricate social landscape enriches the narrative, making the world of ZZZ feel complex and alive.
Characters
Playable Characters (Agents)
ZZZ boasts a diverse roster of playable characters, known as Agents, each bringing unique skills, personalities, and backstories to the team. From stoic warriors to eccentric scientists, the variety ensures that players can find characters that resonate with their playstyle and preferences. The depth of character development, including personal quests and evolving relationships, enhances engagement and investment in the game's world.
Non-Playable Characters (NPCs)
Beyond the Agents, New Eridu is populated with numerous NPCs who contribute to the richness of the setting. These characters offer quests, provide lore, and interact with the player in meaningful ways, making the city feel inhabited and dynamic. The quality of writing and voice acting for NPCs further immerses players in the narrative, encouraging exploration and interaction.
Bangboo Assistants
Players are also accompanied by Bangboos, rabbit-like robotic assistants that aid in exploration and combat. These companions offer various utilities, such as providing information, assisting in battles, and unlocking new abilities. The Bangboos add a layer of charm to the game, and their customization options allow players to personalize their experience further.
Development and Release
Development History
Zenless Zone Zero was officially announced by HoYoverse in May 2022, generating significant buzz due to the developer's previous successes with titles like Genshin Impact. The game underwent several closed beta tests, starting with the "Tuning Test" in August 2022, followed by the "Equalizing Test" in November 2023, and the "Amplifying Test" in April 2024. These tests allowed the developers to gather player feedback and refine the game's mechanics, ensuring a polished final product.
Beta Testing Phases
The beta testing phases were instrumental in shaping ZZZ's development. Players had the opportunity to experience early versions of the game, providing valuable insights into gameplay balance, technical performance, and overall enjoyment. The developers actively engaged with the community, addressing concerns and implementing suggestions, which contributed to the game's positive reception upon release.
Official Release and Promotional Events
ZZZ officially launched on July 4, 2024, across multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and PlayStation 5. To celebrate the release, HoYoverse organized a series of promotional events, such as the "New Eridu City Tour," which took place in 19 cities worldwide. Additionally, the "Zenless Dazzle Expo" was held at various comic conventions, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the game's universe through interactive exhibits and exclusive merchandise.
Graphics and Art Style
Visual Aesthetics
Zenless Zone Zero presents a unique visual aesthetic that combines futuristic cyberpunk elements with anime-style character designs. The game’s vibrant neon-lit environments, high-energy cityscapes, and detailed character animations create a visually immersive world that feels both modern and stylish. The attention to detail in character outfits, weapon designs, and urban settings gives the game a distinct identity compared to other HoYoverse titles.
The environmental design of New Eridu reflects the game’s post-apocalyptic yet thriving city setting, blending technological advancements with urban decay. The Hollows, in contrast, feel eerie and otherworldly, filled with mysterious structures and unpredictable hazards. This visual contrast between the city and the chaotic dimensions enhances the game’s storytelling, reinforcing the idea that civilization is fighting against the unknown.
Character Design
Each Agent in ZZZ has a unique visual identity, ranging from sleek, futuristic mercenaries to more casual, street-style characters. The expressive facial animations and smooth combat movements add to their personality, making them feel more lifelike. The game also features detailed customization options, allowing players to modify elements of their characters’ appearance and loadout.
Another standout feature is the special effects used in combat, such as dynamic lighting, particle effects, and motion blur, making each battle feel cinematic. Whether executing a high-speed combo attack or dodging a devastating enemy strike, the game ensures that every movement looks and feels fluid.
Sound and Music
Soundtrack Composition
Zenless Zone Zero boasts an electrifying soundtrack inspired by electronic, synthwave, and hip-hop beats, perfectly matching its futuristic urban setting. The energetic battle music intensifies combat encounters, while ambient tracks during exploration help set the mood in different parts of New Eridu.
The game's dynamic sound system ensures that music seamlessly transitions between exploration and combat, making the experience feel organic. Each faction and location has a distinct musical theme, adding depth to the game world.
Voice Acting
ZZZ features full voice acting in multiple languages, with performances that bring characters to life. Each Agent has a unique voice, helping to establish their personality and background. The dialogue between characters during missions and side quests further enhances immersion, making interactions feel natural and engaging.
Sound Effects
The sound effects in ZZZ are meticulously designed, from the sharp impact of sword slashes to the distant echoes of city streets. Environmental sounds, such as crowd chatter, distant sirens, and electronic devices, help bring New Eridu to life. During combat, each attack, dodge, and ability activation is accompanied by satisfying audio feedback, making battles feel responsive and rewarding.
Monetization Model
Free-to-Play Structure
Zenless Zone Zero follows the free-to-play model, allowing players to download and play without an upfront cost. Like previous HoYoverse games, ZZZ generates revenue through microtransactions, in-game currency, and a gacha-based character acquisition system.
Gacha System for Character Acquisition
The gacha system is the primary way players obtain new Agents and weapons. Players can spend premium currency (earned through gameplay or purchased with real money) to roll for new characters in a random draw. The system includes:
- Limited-Time Banners: Special events where players can acquire exclusive characters.
- Standard Banners: A pool of permanent characters available at all times.
- Weapon Banners: Focused on acquiring high-tier weapons for Agents.
While luck plays a role in obtaining top-tier Agents, ZZZ implements pity mechanics, ensuring that players who pull multiple times without success eventually receive a high-quality reward.
In-Game Purchases
Players can purchase:
- Premium currency (used for gacha rolls and in-game items)
- Cosmetic skins for characters and weapons
- Battle Passes that provide additional rewards over time
- Resource bundles to speed up character progression
While the game is fully playable without spending money, those who want to collect all characters or accelerate their progress may choose to invest in premium purchases.
Reception and Awards
Critical Reviews
Zenless Zone Zero received positive reviews from critics and players alike, with praise directed toward its combat system, character designs, world-building, and music. The game was noted for its fluid animations, engaging battle mechanics, and compelling setting, though some criticisms were aimed at gacha mechanics and monetization strategies.
Player Feedback
Players particularly praised:
- Fast-paced and visually stunning combat
- Diverse and well-written characters
- Seamless transitions between exploration and action
- Regular content updates and event-driven storytelling
Criticism was mainly directed at:
- Gacha mechanics, which can be frustrating for free-to-play players
- Energy system that limits how many missions can be played per day
- Some repetitive gameplay elements in long-term progression
Awards and Nominations
ZZZ has already been nominated for multiple gaming awards, particularly in the categories of Best Mobile Game, Best Visual Design, and Best Action RPG. Given its strong launch, it is expected to receive further nominations in upcoming gaming awards events.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast-paced and engaging combat with deep mechanics
- Stunning visuals and detailed character animations
- Rich world-building and immersive storytelling
- Diverse and charismatic roster of playable characters
- Dynamic soundtrack that enhances gameplay experience
- Regular updates and new content from HoYoverse
- Free-to-play friendly with opportunities for non-paying players to progress
Cons
- Gacha system can be frustrating for players seeking specific characters
- Some repetitive mission structures in long-term play
- Energy system may limit extended play sessions
- Heavily reliant on internet connection, making offline play impossible
Is Zenless Zone Zero Worth Playing?
Zenless Zone Zero offers an exciting mix of action-packed combat, stylish visuals, and deep lore, making it one of the standout ARPGs of 2024. The fast-paced battles and Chain Attack system create a thrilling combat experience, while the richly detailed world of New Eridu keeps players engaged beyond just fighting.
For those who enjoy HoYoverse games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, ZZZ delivers a fresh, urban fantasy setting with new mechanics to explore. While the gacha system may not appeal to all players, the game remains highly accessible to free-to-play users willing to invest time rather than money.
If you are looking for a stylish, high-energy ARPG with fluid combat and deep character interactions, Zenless Zone Zero is definitely worth playing.
Game Details
- Game Genre: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG)
- Release Year: 2024
- Game Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5
- Age Rating: 12+
- Game Ratings: Highly rated across major platforms, averaging around 4.5/5
- Game Mode Accessibility: Single-player with online features
- Connectivity: Online-only
- Pricing Model: Free-to-play with optional in-game purchases
- Developer/Publisher: HoYoverse
- Game Engine: Unity Engine
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- PC: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, GTX 970 GPU
- Android: Android 8.0+, 6 GB RAM
- iOS: iPhone 8+ or equivalent
Recommended Requirements
- PC: Windows 11 (64-bit), Intel i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, RTX 2060 GPU
- Android: Android 11+, 8 GB RAM
- iOS: iPhone 12+
A Future Worth Exploring
Zenless Zone Zero successfully blends high-octane action, immersive storytelling, and striking visual aesthetics to create an unforgettable experience. With strong post-launch support and an expanding world, it stands as one of the most promising action RPGs in recent years. Whether you're drawn in by its fast-paced combat, deep character interactions, or stylish cyberpunk setting, ZZZ offers something for every player looking for an engaging adventure.
