Zenless Zone Zero: An Engaging Dive into a Stylish World

When the tech-savvy siblings in Zenless Zone Zero find themselves taking on both legal and illegal jobs to make ends meet, players are in for a visually stunning and action-packed ride. Wise and Belle, our protagonists, navigate a cool mix of roguelike puzzle dungeons, fast-paced combat, and life simulation activities, all wrapped up in a retro-futuristic vibe.

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is HoYoverse’s fresh addition to their expanding lineup of free-to-play RPGs. It dials down the grandiose scale we’ve seen in games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, instead offering a compact yet deeply engaging experience. The game’s aesthetic and style are mesmerizing, outshining its predecessors within a more confined world.

Players get to choose between the two siblings, Wise and Belle, who work as Proxies. They sync with small electronic creatures called Bangboos to explore shifting dimensions known as Hollows. These Hollows are full of dangers but also rich rewards. The story is unique, focusing on the siblings’ day-to-day lives rather than high-stakes, world-ending scenarios.

One of the most captivating aspects of ZZZ is its storytelling. The game tackles pacing issues seen in previous HoYo titles by using comic-book panels and animated character portraits that keep dialogues fresh and exciting. Voice acting further enlivens characters, pulling players deeper into the narrative.

Combat in ZZZ is where the game truly shines. It features smooth movements and flashy effects that can reel you in instantly. Players can switch between party members mid-fight, creating epic, visually stunning sequences. However, the game’s early stages are almost too easy, making button-mashing a viable strategy until later levels.

Beyond the combat and storytelling, players also manage a nostalgic video rental store called Random Play. This serves as a charming contrast to the high-energy action scenes, allowing players to engage in simpler tasks like retrieving overdue tapes and recommending movies. However, spending time in the game’s TV puzzle sections can become a bit tedious, feeling like a chore rather than a challenge.

Exploration and combat commissions keep the gameplay loop interesting. Story commissions weave in the main narrative, while Combat commissions test your skills against various enemies. Exploration, on the other hand, offers simple puzzles that may not be as engaging but are necessary for progression. The endgame mode, Hollow Zero, turns up the challenge, offering a more rigorous test of your skills.

The game features a colorful cast of characters, from a wolfman butler to a giant talking bear named Ben Bigger. These unique characters not only add depth to the story but also bring varied gameplay styles. The Social Link system allows players to deepen their relationship with these characters, unlocking more content and rewards.

Despite its early-game simplicity, Zenless Zone Zero has lots of potential for growth as new characters and storylines are added. The rich visuals, engaging combat, and unique story elements make it a solid addition to HoYoverse’s portfolio. Yet, the game could benefit from more meaningful challenges in its early stages to fully hook players for the long haul.

Zenless Zone Zero offers a stylish, compact RPG experience that captivates through its aesthetic and engaging gameplay. While it can feel too easy at times, especially early on, the game promises a lot of potential for future updates. It’s a promising entry that successfully mixes familiar elements with fresh, innovative twists.