Zenless Zone Zero Review

A Bleak Uncertain Future

Zenless Zone Zero is a fast-paced, action-packed RPG developed and published by miHoYo of Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact fame. It thrusts players into a bleak future where humanity is on the brink of destruction.

Released for  Android, iOS and  PlayStation 5 platforms on 4 July 2024, Zenless Zone Zero is set in the sprawling metropolis of New Eridu, the last beacon of hope for human civilization. Hollows, dangerous rifts inhabited by deadly and hostile Ethereal, threaten to bring the city down. Players will defend humanity while immersing themselves in a unique urban fantasy setting.

Cunning Hares, Anby and Nicole, craft a plot to save the city. To achieve this objective, they assemble a team of proxy agencies to navigate the Hollows and conquer the deadly Ethereal. They recruit Belle, Wise, Victoria Housekeeping and Gentle House.

Zenless  Zone Zero’s Mission-focused Characters

Belle is a young, vibrant girl who possesses deep knowledge of the Hollows and the city. She provides important information, mission briefings, and guidance throughout your journey. Moreover, she helps you navigate the complexities of the Hollows and be successful in your combat missions.

Wise, on the other hand, possesses exceptional technological skills in combat and is well-versed with the Hollows and the city. Besides, she helps you gather data, explore new technologies and precisely deal with threats.

Meanwhile, Victoria Housekeeping is a proxy that helps you eliminate threats caused by the Ethereal and secure zones. In their rank is Lycoon, who brings exceptional combat abilities to the game, adding fresh impetus to the battle.

Gentle House helps you focus on survivors, providing care, shelter and aid to anyone affected by the events in the game. In addition, he engages you in rescue operations, protecting vulnerable groups and defending settlements from Ethereal attacks.

Zenless Zone Zero Game Mechanics

Zenless Zone Zero delivers a thrilling blend of fast-paced, real-time combat. Additionally, roguelike dungeon-crawling mechanics set it apart from HoYoverse’s previous titles. The combat system is dynamic and fluid. It emphasizes quick reflexes, precise dodging, and strategic combo chaining.

You control a team of three characters, each with unique abilities, elemental affinities, and combat roles. These characters range from attackers and defenders to support units. Seamless character switching mid-battle allows continuous combo chains and powerful synergy attacks, rewarding players who master timing and team composition.

Meanwhile, perfectly timed dodges trigger a slow-motion bullet-time effect. This creates opportunities for devastating counterattacks and showcasing the game’s flashy, cinematic style. Each character has distinct EX Special Attacks and Ultimate Moves. Tactics that add depth to battles and encourage players to experiment with different team setups.

Exploration revolves around procedurally generated dungeons known as Hollows. It is in these Hollows where roguelike elements come into play. Navigating these unpredictable environments brings you head to head with random events, mini-bosses, and environmental puzzles. A combination that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.

Meanwhile, temporary power-ups and buffs acquired during runs add a strategic layer, forcing players to adapt their tactics based on the ever-changing challenges.

Outside the Hollows, New Eridu— the last bastion of humanity, offers a semi-open-world experience filled with side quests, NPC interactions, and hidden secrets. You not only engage in various mini-games, and explore the city’s vibrant districts but also uncover lore that deepens the narrative.

Again, character progression is robust, with numerous opportunities to level up, unlock abilities, and customize weapons through upgrades and mods. The weapon system allows for fine-tuning combat styles, ensuring each character feels distinct in battle.

What I liked

Zenless Zone Zero anime-inspired aesthetics are beautiful. Also, the game’s visual design does a great job highlighting its action combat. Moreover, hits and energy blasts are reproduced in eye-catching, vibrant colors and smooth animations, making the unfolding action series interesting.

In addition, the soundtrack is a refreshing blend of rock, electronic, and orchestral beats, while the accompanying music perfectly matches the game’s urban plot.

Final Verdict

Available on the Google Play Store, Zenless Zone Zero is a fast-paced, action-packed RPG that comes with just enough exciting content to keep both paying and free-to-play players interested.

Additionally, the game offers a novel, fashionable, and incredibly fun gaming experience, especially if you are a fan of action RPGs or miHoYo’s previous releases. However, the gacha system might discourage some players.