Zenless Zone Zero review - ultracool action at a smaller scale brings miHoYo's characters into focus (Via: eurogamer.net)
Zenless Zone Zero: A Blast of Chaotic Action and Urban Exploration
Zenless Zone Zero is a tantalizing mix of chaotic action and urban exploration that keeps players on their toes with its unpredictable atmosphere. One moment, you're dodging attacks in dangerous 'Hollow' areas, the next, you're sharing a coffee with a friend or teaching a cute bunny-robot to play football. 🐰⚽
Embracing Both Worlds
Zenless Zone Zero masterfully balances frantic combat and laid-back urban experiences, making it a unique treat. Whether it's challenging battles or casual coffee dates, the game's stylish streets offer non-stop entertainment.
Smaller Scale, Bigger Impact
Despite its smaller scale compared to miHoYo's other hits like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero's post-apocalyptic city, New Eridu, bursts with personality and detail. The game's art style, reminiscent of Persona 5, Jet Set Radio, and Hi-Fi Rush, shines through its uniquely crafted NPCs who often steal the spotlight.
A Personal Journey
Exploring feels personal in Zenless Zone Zero since you're limited to your main character: either Belle or Wise. These siblings, who run a video rental store by day and moonlight as illegal Proxies, guide New Eridu's inhabitants through corrupted Hollow bubbles, risking becoming Ethereal monsters. But New Eridu's denizens remain upbeat, more interested in pop culture and arcade games than impending doom.
This blend of high stakes and light-hearted fun offers a refreshing break from typical anime game tropes, enhancing the vibrant charm of New Eridu. For those craving more details, check out the original article.
Zenless Zone Zero: The Thrill of Duality in Gaming
Zenless Zone Zero is one wild ride that ping-pongs between intense action and laid-back urban exploration. The game is making waves, and it's easy to see why. Torn between chaotic melees and cozy hangouts, this game offers the best of both worlds - a mix that keeps things fresh and exciting.
Two Modes, One City
Zenless Zone Zero brilliantly juxtaposes fierce combat scenarios with serene, slice-of-life moments. One minute you're pulling off frantic dodges, and the next, you're grabbing coffee with a friend or teaching a bunny-robot named Bangboo to play football. This split personality might sound confusing, but the game pulls it off in a way that feels both engaging and natural.
An Artistic Marvel
If the stylized gameplay doesn't catch your eye, the visual aesthetics sure will. Heavily influenced by the urban fantasy genre, the game's art style is reminiscent of Persona 5 and Jet Set Radio, with a dash of Hi-Fi Rush. But unlike its sprawling counterparts, Zenless Zone Zero thrives in its smaller, more intimate setting. This compressed scale actually allows the game's subtleties to shine through and creates a rich, lived-in world.
NPC Magic
One of the standout elements is the attention to detail in the NPCs (Non-Player Characters). These aren't your run-of-the-mill throwaway characters. Each NPC has a custom design and unique personality traits, sometimes even more fleshed out than your main squad. Enzo's mechanical arm and fancy sunhat, for instance, are hard to forget, a testament to the game's commitment to immersive world-building.
Sibling Dynamics and Subversive Vibes
The playable characters, Belle and Wise, add a personal touch to the exploration experience, making each venture into the city feel unique. Running a video rental store by day and moonlighting as illegal Proxies by night, these siblings navigate the corrupted 'Hollow' bubbles of New Eridu with a cheery resolve. The premise might sound grim, but the game maintains a lighthearted atmosphere with delightful nods to pop culture. I mean, who wouldn't want to play Snake clones at a local arcade while a post-apocalyptic threat looms?
A Shift from High Stakes
In a landscape saturated with games obsessed with world-ending threats, Zenless Zone Zero takes a refreshing detour. The focus isn't just on surviving; it's about living. The game's charm lies in its ability to blend dire situations with everyday joys seamlessly. It reminds us that even in dire times, there's room for fun and frivolity, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
This game is more than just a blast - it's a study in contrasts that enhances the overall experience. If you're into games that offer more than just a single tone, Zenless Zone Zero deserves your attention. 🎮
#Cognosphere #ActionAdventure #HoYoVerse #SinglePlayer #ZenlessZoneZero #MiHoYoLimited #Firstperson #Thirdperson #RPG
Comments