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Zenless Zone Zero

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Zenless Zone Zero
Item: Zenless Zone Zero
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Comedy, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJul 2, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DevelopermiHoYo

Overview

The story takes place in the near future, where a mysterious natural disaster known as the "Hollows" has occurred. A new kind of city has emerged in this disaster-ridden world known as "New Eridu". This last 'oasis' has mastered the technology to co-exist with the Hollows, and is home to a whole host of chaotic, boisterous, dangerous and very active factions. As a professional 'Proxy', you will play a crucial role in linking the city with the Hollows.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero's narrative receives mixed reviews; while praised for its engaging world-building and character dynamics, some critics find it shallow and forgettable. Strong political themes and character interactions are highlighted, but pacing issues and complex jargon hinder engagement. The game's storytelling shows promise but may not satisfy all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Zenless Zone Zero has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting its engaging world-building and character dynamics. Reviewers like GamingBolt and Gfinity praised the narrative for its compelling characters and intriguing plot, suggesting that the urban-fantasy setting offers a rich backdrop for player exploration. Critics such as Digital Trends and Eurogamer noted the strong narrative setup, emphasizing the political intricacies of a futuristic city and the engaging interactions among various factions. The episodic structure and the character-driven narrative, particularly the sibling duo Wise and Belle, were also appreciated for adding layers to the story, as highlighted by Hey Poor Player and Siliconera. Conversely, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the narrative depth and engagement. But Why Tho? and PC Gamer expressed disappointment in the story's lack of substance, describing it as shallow and forgettable. GameMAG echoed this sentiment, criticizing the dialogue for being empty and lacking interactivity, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, GINX TV mentioned that the complex tech terminology made the story difficult to follow, leading to a disconnect with the player. Critics like TechRadar Gaming noted that while the story improves over time, the early chapters are slow and less engaging, suggesting that pacing issues hinder the overall narrative flow. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment towards the story of Zenless Zone Zero. While some reviewers, like Atomix and IGN, found the narrative engaging and reflective of familiar anime tropes, others, such as PC Gamer and But Why Tho?, criticized it for lacking depth and meaningful content. The game appears to have a strong foundation with potential for rich storytelling, as noted by critics like Twinfinite, but it struggles with pacing and engagement at times. Ultimately, the narrative's effectiveness seems to hinge on player expectations and preferences, with some finding it captivating while others deem it insufficiently developed.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero impresses with engaging combat and diverse character abilities, praised for its strategic depth and real-time character switching. However, critics warn of repetitive gameplay and grinding mechanics that can dull the experience over time. While it offers a multifaceted adventure with exploration and strategy, concerns over its gacha system and lack of challenge suggest the game needs refinement to keep players invested long-term.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Zenless Zone Zero has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for its engaging combat mechanics and diverse character abilities. Reviewers like Gfinity and GamingBolt highlight the depth and strategic nature of the combat, which is likened to hack 'n' slash action games, providing players with a satisfying experience. The ability to switch between characters in real-time, as noted by TheSixthAxis and IGN, adds an exciting layer to the gameplay, allowing for dynamic and fluid combat that keeps players engaged. Furthermore, the game offers a variety of activities, from exploration to puzzles, as pointed out by Eurogamer and Guardian, creating a multifaceted experience that caters to different playstyles. However, the gameplay also faces criticism for its repetitiveness and lack of depth over time. Critics like Digital Trends and PC Gamer express concerns that while the combat is initially satisfying, it can quickly become monotonous due to a limited variety of enemies and grinding mechanics. Some reviewers, such as Gameliner and GameMAG, mention that certain aspects of the gameplay, like navigating the labyrinth or resource grinding, can feel tedious and detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the gacha system and microtransactions mentioned by Atomix are seen as potential hindrances that could negatively impact player enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Zenless Zone Zero offers a solid and engaging gameplay experience with standout combat mechanics, it is marred by issues of repetition and a lack of challenge. The game successfully combines various elements, such as exploration and team-based strategies, appealing to a broad audience. However, the criticisms regarding grind-heavy gameplay and the simplistic nature of some mechanics suggest that the game may need further refinement to maintain long-term player interest. Critics like IGN and Hey Poor Player acknowledge the game's strengths while also pointing out areas for improvement, indicating a balanced view of its potential and shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero has wowed critics with its stunning graphics and unique aesthetic, drawing praise for its vibrant art style reminiscent of Persona 5 and Jet Set Radio. While the character designs and fluid animations are celebrated, some reviewers note shortcomings in enemy designs and a lack of depth. Overall, the game impresses with its artistic direction, successfully merging nostalgia with modern visuals, making it a standout in today's gaming scene despite a few critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Zenless Zone Zero have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting its unique and engaging aesthetic. Reviewers like Gameliner and TechRadar Gaming praised the game as visually stunning, with impressive graphics that significantly enhance the overall experience. Many critics, including Eurogamer and Gamer.nl, noted the beautiful art style, which draws inspiration from iconic titles such as Persona 5 and Jet Set Radio, contributing to a vibrant and detailed urban-fantasy world. The character designs were frequently described as diverse and appealing, with Atomix and Gfinity emphasizing the charming character aesthetics and the seamless blend of futuristic and retro elements. The attention to detail in environments and animations was also commended, with GamesRadar+ and TheSixthAxis noting the fluid character movement and cinematic presentation that adds depth to the gameplay. Despite the largely favorable reviews, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the visual design. For instance, But Why Tho? felt that while the character designs were interesting, the overall visual style lacked exceptional qualities. IGN Brasil noted that while the graphics were beautiful, enemy designs fell short of expectations. Additionally, PC Gamer described the visual style as vibrant yet superficial, suggesting that it may lack substance despite its appealing aesthetics. Critics like Digital Trends and GINX TV acknowledged that while the game showcases HoYoverse's creative design, it may not quite reach the heights of previous titles, indicating a sense of potential that wasn't fully realized. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Zenless Zone Zero excels in graphics and visual design, with the majority praising its distinctive style and vibrant presentation. The game successfully combines elements of nostalgia with modern aesthetics, appealing to a wide audience. Critics like TechRadar Gaming and TheSixthAxis encapsulated this sentiment by highlighting the game's breathtaking design and comic-like presentation. While there are some critiques regarding specific aspects, such as character animations and enemy designs, these do not overshadow the overall appreciation for the game's artistic direction. The positive reception indicates that Zenless Zone Zero stands out in the current gaming landscape, particularly for its visual accomplishments.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero shines with its immersive sound design and voice acting, earning praise for a diverse soundtrack that blends lo-fi beats, hip-hop, and funk-pop, enhancing the urban-fantasy experience. Critics laud the fully voiced cast for deepening character interactions, though some argue that parts of the soundtrack feel generic and lack originality. Despite this, the music effectively elevates gameplay moments and contributes positively to the overall atmosphere. In short, while calls for more unique tracks exist, the audio elements stand out as a key strength of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Zenless Zone Zero have garnered a generally positive reception from critics, who highlight various aspects that contribute to the game's immersive experience. Many reviewers, such as Gameliner and TheSixthAxis, commend the fully voiced cast, which enhances character interactions and adds depth to the narrative. The soundtrack itself is noted for its eclectic nature, with TechRadar Gaming emphasizing its engaging mix of lo-fi beats and energetic tracks that elevate the gameplay. Critics like Gamer.nl and Hey Poor Player appreciate the incorporation of hip-hop, rap, funk-pop, and lo-fi elements, which create a catchy soundscape that fits well within the urban-fantasy setting. Furthermore, Eurogamer and IGN highlight the spectacular voice acting, which brings characters to life and contributes to the overall fantasy experience. However, not all opinions are uniformly positive. Atomix criticizes the soundtrack as being generic, particularly noting that while the combat tracks feature energetic electronic and dubstep elements, they lack uniqueness. This sentiment is echoed by some critics who feel that certain musical aspects could benefit from more originality or variation. For instance, while IGN France acknowledges the enhanced sound design through Dualsense features, they do not provide specific praise for the music itself, suggesting a lack of standout tracks. Additionally, Twinfinite mentions that the sound could benefit from custom songs with lyrics, indicating a desire for more personalized musical elements that could further enrich the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Zenless Zone Zero excels in its sound design and voice acting, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances gameplay. While there are criticisms regarding the generic nature of some soundtrack elements, the diverse range of musical styles, from jazz to hip-hop, contributes positively to the game's urban-fantasy aesthetic. Critics like Digital Trends and Gfinity highlight how the music enhances various gameplay moments, particularly during combat, indicating that the soundtrack effectively supports the game's overall design. Despite some calls for greater originality, the combination of high-quality voice acting and a varied soundtrack has left a favorable impression on most reviewers, suggesting that the audio aspects of Zenless Zone Zero are a significant strength of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero's voice acting has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praise its charm and depth, enhancing character interactions and storytelling. However, some find fault with one-dimensional personalities and inconsistent dialogue delivery, leading to a split reception. Overall, while the voice work enriches the game, it suffers from uneven quality across characters.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Zenless Zone Zero has received notable praise from several critics, highlighting it as a strong element of the game. Atomix commends the English voice performances for capturing each character's personality, contributing to the game's charm and caricature tone. Gameliner emphasizes that the full voiceover for all characters enhances storytelling and character interactions, while Hey Poor Player notes the quality of voice acting, particularly in the interactions between main characters, which adds depth to their personalities. Critics like IGN and TechRadar Gaming also echo this sentiment, describing the voice acting as passionate and polished, respectively, which enhances the overall immersive experience of the game. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics have pointed out significant flaws in the voice acting. But Why Tho? expresses frustration with the characters' one-note personalities, leading to a tendency to skip dialogues due to their perceived annoyance. GINX TV also mentions that the dialogue delivery can be flat at times, resulting in character interactions that are inconsistent in terms of humor. This criticism suggests that while some characters are well-voiced, others may lack the necessary depth and engagement, leading to a mixed reception regarding the overall quality of the voice performances. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Zenless Zone Zero is a blend of appreciation and criticism. While many, including Eurogamer and GamesRadar+, highlight the effective pairing of varied character designs with strong voice performances, others like But Why Tho? and GINX TV point out shortcomings in character depth and dialogue delivery. This duality indicates that while the voice acting contributes positively to the game's charm and immersion, there are areas where it falls short, suggesting an uneven experience that may vary depending on individual character interactions and personal preferences.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero shines on PC and mobile with smooth performance and adjustable settings, earning praise from critics. However, the PS5 version struggles with frame rate drops and optimization issues, leaving it less polished. Overall, PC provides the best experience, while minor performance hiccups are noted on other platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Zenless Zone Zero has garnered a largely positive reception across various platforms, particularly on PC and mobile. Critics such as Digital Trends and GINX TV praised the game's optimization, highlighting its smooth performance even on lower-end PCs, which is a significant advantage for players with less powerful hardware. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com noted that the game offers adjustable graphics settings, allowing players to tailor their experience based on their device's capabilities. The intuitive controls designed for mobile play were also commended, suggesting a well-thought-out user experience across all platforms. However, there are notable performance issues, particularly on the PS5. TechRadar Gaming pointed out frame rate drops during intense combat and in larger areas, indicating that the console version may not be as polished as its PC counterpart. IGN France echoed this sentiment, mentioning the need for further optimization on mobile devices and potential slowdowns. While GamingBolt acknowledged minor performance issues, they were deemed infrequent. Siliconera raised concerns about load times on older machines, which could detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Zenless Zone Zero performs admirably on PC and mobile, the PS5 version faces significant challenges that could impact gameplay. Critics like Hey Poor Player emphasized the smooth launch and lack of stutters on PC, reinforcing the notion that this platform offers the best experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding quality-of-life improvements and optimization needs, the game is generally perceived as a well-crafted title that provides an enjoyable experience across platforms, particularly for PC gamers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero boasts diverse content and engaging activities that enhance replay value, according to critics. However, concerns about its gacha system, grind-heavy mechanics, and a repetitiveness that may deter players overshadow these strengths. Ultimately, while the game offers enticing gameplay, its design prioritizes monetization over genuine long-term player engagement, risking player fatigue.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Zenless Zone Zero reflect a mix of positive sentiments, particularly around the game’s diverse content and engaging activities. Critics like Gameliner and IGN highlight the extensive variety of characters and gameplay modes, which contribute to a robust replay experience. Eurogamer emphasizes the value of side commissions and endgame challenges, appealing to both casual players and those seeking a deeper challenge. Additionally, Gfinity praises the game for its endgame modes, such as Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense, which provide fresh combat experiences. The presence of daily activities and roguelike modes, as noted by Movies Games and Tech, further supports the notion that the game offers ample opportunities for players to return and engage with its content. On the flip side, several critics express concerns that may hinder long-term replayability. Atomix points out that the gacha system and microtransactions could limit enjoyment for some players, suggesting that significant time or monetary investment is needed to fully experience the game. Digital Trends and GameMAG echo this sentiment, noting the repetitive nature of combat and grind-heavy mechanics that may deter engagement. Critics like But Why Tho? and GINX TV also highlight the lack of compelling incentives to keep players returning, with the grind for character progression being described as tiring. The energy system mentioned by TechRadar Gaming further complicates the experience, potentially limiting playtime and progression. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Zenless Zone Zero offers a variety of engaging content and activities that could enhance replay value, significant concerns about grind, repetitiveness, and monetization strategies may diminish its long-term appeal. Critics like PC Gamer and MMORPG.com emphasize that the game's design appears to encourage daily engagement more as a means of extracting money rather than fostering genuine replay value. As a result, while there are elements that could entice players back, the overarching sentiment indicates that the game may struggle to maintain player interest over time due to its inherent design choices and the nature of its content.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Zenless Zone Zero has garnered a mix of praise and critique from various reviewers, highlighting its engaging gameplay, diverse character designs, and visually appealing aesthetics. Critics such as Atomix and IGN have lauded the game for its addictive combat system and unique story elements, while Gameliner appreciates the compact and entertaining experience it offers compared to other titles like Genshin Impact. The game’s stylish presentation and immersive world-building have also been positively noted by reviewers like Eurogamer and Gfinity, who commend its charming character interactions and compelling combat mechanics. Overall, many critics agree that Zenless Zone Zero successfully blends action with engaging gameplay, making it a standout title in the gacha genre. However, the game is not without its flaws. Several reviewers, including But Why Tho? and GameMAG, express disappointment with aspects such as repetitive combat, a thin initial roster, and a lack of emotional engagement. Critics like PC Gamer and Digital Trends have pointed out that the game can feel like a polished facade for a monetization scheme, with issues related to pacing and depth in combat. The gacha system and excessive microtransactions have also been flagged as potential drawbacks by Atomix, which can detract from the overall experience. This sentiment is echoed by GINX TV, who expressed a desire to move on from the game in favor of future content from Genshin Impact. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Zenless Zone Zero presents a stylish and engaging experience with solid foundations, though it is marred by repetitive elements and monetization concerns. While many reviewers, such as IGN and Jeuxvideo.com, highlight its potential for future updates and improvements, others like PC Gamer and GameMAG caution against its shortcomings. The game has successfully carved out a niche within the gacha genre, appealing to a specific audience, but it remains to be seen how it will evolve in response to player feedback and expectations.

TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero impresses with addictive combat, captivating visuals, and diverse characters but suffers from repetitive gameplay, a limited roster, and monetization issues. Critics praise its engaging experience and potential for future updates, yet caution about its flaws, leaving its long-term appeal in question as it navigates the gacha landscape.

MONSTER

Reviews

58 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Jul 3, 2024