Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is the hottest new entry to the HoYoverse! This anime-style game sets itself apart from its predecessors with a bold art direction and emphasis on style while also focusing on combat and daily management. Players can expect to stay busy as they experience the story, farm for materials, and collect all the characters. Here are some first impressions after about 10 hours into the game.
Zenless Zone Zero Animation and Gameplay Review
From the get-go, the pre-rendered cutscenes put to shame anything else in the mobile game market. HoYoverse has always delivered stellar visuals, and the dynamic movement of Zenless Zone Zero’s 3D art style is something rarely seen outside of movies. Animation techniques like smudge, stretch, bounce, and compress emphasize the feeling of slick and coordinated movements while also maintaining a distinct cartoony style. This is further reflected during combat.
The combat system is the meat-and-potatoes of ZZZ’s gameplay experience. Players control a team of three characters to explore Hollows and defeat enemies. Only one character fights at a time, but players can switch at just the right moment to parry an enemy and counterattack. Paired with incredible sound design and visual effects, this “Perfect Assist” and “Assist Follow-up” system is one of the most satisfying elements of the action-driven combat. Another highlight of the gameplay is how distinct each character feels.
Fun Characters, Both Playable and Non-Playable
Characters have different specializations like “Attack” or “Support,” which determine their skills and play style. They also have elemental affinities like “Ice” or “Ether” that exploit enemy weaknesses. Some fight at close range, others fight from a distance. Some have charge attacks and others can move during combos. There is a lot of variety to choose from, not to mention, the stylish and appealing character designs. Just like with HoYoverse’s other titles, every aspect of character progression needs a multitude of materials which are accessible in the game’s urban-styled overworld.
In between missions and combat, players can explore the bustling overworld with shops, daily tasks, and side-quests! The aesthetic and down-to-earth atmosphere fall in line with other triple-A JRPG titles like Persona. It’s a welcome change from the sprawling open world of Genshin Impact and the massive lore-heavy narrative of Honkai Star Rail. By centering the story on a single area, ZZZ has created an immersive and captivating environment for players to lose themselves in. From charming NPCs, funny dialogue, and various locations to visit, they make the grind feel personable and fun.
Minor Nitpicks
For all its glitz and glamor, there are some nitpicks about Zenless Zone Zero’s presentation. First, it’s fairly slow to unlock all the features and facilities. By the intermission of Chapter 1, most of the essentials are available like progression materials, equipment, Bangboo companions, and plenty of sidequests, but players endure a lot of railroading. Secondly, the story is very methodical and linear. Cutscenes and dialogue seem to drag on at times, though the voice acting and visuals help alleviate that tedium.
Additionally, it’s a little tricky to navigate the menus. A lot of the elements are layered on top of each other, so finding exactly where progress is tracked or what prerequisites need to be fulfilled can be confusing. Lastly, as fun as the combat is, it’s prone to devolve into button-mashing. Skill can be expressed in careful observation and quick timing, but some may just utilize brute force for the combat sections. However, doing so is not nearly as satisfying.
Final Thoughts on Zenless Zone Zero
Zenelss Zone Zero is another incredible addition to miHoyo’s catalog, with a unique style and immersive approach to storytelling. This urban fantasy ARPG boasts satisfying combat, a rich narrative, and amazing character designs. The game has hit over 50 million global downloads, and the developers are celebrating with giveaways, contests, and other special events. Join the battle against the Ethereals and uncover the secrets of the Hollows in Zenless Zone Zero, available on Playstation 5, Android, iOS, and Windows!
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