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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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero dazzles with cyberpunk world-building and character-driven depth, but its shallow execution, forgettable dialogues, and disjointed pacing leave critics divided between ambition and underwhelming delivery.

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 receives praise for its engaging world-building, character dynamics, and thematic depth. Critics like Gameliner highlight its complex narrative filled with twists, while Eurogamer and GamingBolt commend its unique urban setting and compelling characters. The game’s cyberpunk aesthetic, blending sci-fi dystopia with anime-inspired storytelling, is frequently lauded for its immersive quality. IGN notes the gritty, convoluted yet strategic narrative, and Gfinity emphasizes the mysterious interplay of hackers, AI, and gangs in a dangerous world. Additionally, Guardian and TheSixthAxis appreciate the sci-fi/anime fusion, with the protagonist siblings Wise and Belle serving as relatable anchors for players navigating Hollows and corporate conspiracies. The narrative’s episodic structure and focus on personal interactions also resonate with reviewers like Hey Poor Player, who praise its engaging world despite its hasty presentation. However, several critics find the story lacking in depth and coherence. But Why Tho? and PC Gamer criticize it as shallow, with forgettable missions and dialogues that fail to engage players. GameMAG points to empty dialogues and non-interactive comics as a major flaw, while GINX TV expresses disappointment over complex tech terms and narrative disconnection. IGN Brasil mentions the board game mechanic disrupting flow, and MMORPG.com highlights pacing issues due to lengthy text and less engaging dialogue. Digital Trends and Jeuxvideo.com note that while the story has strong setup elements, its execution feels underdeveloped, with some reviewers feeling it prioritizes marketing over meaningful content. The narrative’s reliance on familiar tropes and lack of groundbreaking twists also draw criticism from GamesRadar+, which calls it predictable despite its gritty tone. Overall, the critical reception is mixed but leans toward appreciation for Zenless Zone Zero’s ambition and world-building. While some critics like GamingBolt and IGN praise its rich lore and strategic depth, others such as But Why Tho? and PC Gamer find it shallow or disjointed. The narrative’s potential is acknowledged by reviewers like Gamer.nl, who suggest it hints at future growth, but many agree that its execution varies—sometimes excelling in character interactions and setting, other times falling short due to pacing or dialogue issues. Despite the divide, the story’s cyberpunk themes, corporate intrigue, and episodic progression appeal to fans of anime-inspired RPGs, even if not all critics are fully convinced by its narrative depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero delivers flashy combat and smart team strategies but gets bogged down by grinding, repetitive chores, and gacha-driven frustration—its style dazzles, but its grind grinds players down.

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 receives widespread praise for its dynamic combat mechanics, character variety, and strategic depth. Critics like IGN highlight the "forgiving, approachable, and satisfying" combat system, which features a range of abilities and mechanics that keep players engaged. Gfinity and GINX TV commend the game’s "standout" combat, noting its hack-and-slash intensity and boss encounters that test player skills. The ability to switch between characters mid-battle—referred to as a "unique party system" by But Why Tho? and "on the fly" by TheSixthAxis—adds layers of strategy, while the mix of 3D arenas and grid-based exploration (as noted by Movies Games and Tech) offers variety. Additionally, the game’s emphasis on team composition and combo optimization, praised by Gamer.nl and Jeuxvideo.com, creates a sense of depth that appeals to action RPG fans. The inclusion of life simulation elements and puzzles, as mentioned by Atomix and Guardian, further diversifies the experience. However, several critics point to repetitive and tedious aspects that detract from the gameplay. GameMAG and PC Gamer criticize the "resource grinding" and "repetitive battles," while Gameliner and Siliconera note that labyrinth navigation and grid exploration can feel monotonous. The gacha system and microtransactions, highlighted by Atomix, are seen as potential barriers to enjoyment, especially for players seeking a more balanced progression curve. Additionally, the lack of enemy variety (But Why Tho? and Digital Trends) and overly simplistic dungeon design (GamesRadar+) lead to a sense of predictability. Some reviewers, like IGN Brasil, argue that the game’s difficulty is "too easy," while GINX TV points out the frustrating limitation of no jumping during combat. These issues collectively suggest that while the core mechanics are strong, the gameplay can become stale over time. Overall, the critics agree that Zenless Zone Zero excels in its combat design and strategic elements but struggles with repetition and pacing. The game’s blend of hack-and-slash action, team-based strategies, and exploration is widely celebrated, as seen in reviews from IGN, Gfinity, and Jeuxvideo.com. However, the repetitive grinding, tedious mechanics, and reliance on microtransactions create a mixed experience. While some critics, like Gamer.nl and Twinfinite, appreciate the variety of activities, others, such as GameMAG and PC Gamer, find the gameplay lacking in depth. The consensus leans toward a positive but imperfect assessment: Zenless Zone Zero offers an engaging and stylish action RPG experience, but its repetitive elements and design choices may test players’ patience over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hail Zenless Zone Zero’s visuals as a tour de force: a vibrant, cyberpunk-infused world blending anime flair, retro-futurism, and streetwear-inspired design, with praise for its "stylish" environments, dynamic characters, and nostalgic Y2K vibe—despite minor gripes over animation rigidity and enemy detail.

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 majority of critics praised Zenless Zone Zero’s graphics and visual design as a standout feature, emphasizing its unique aesthetic and technical execution. Reviewers like Atomix highlighted the game’s blend of Japanese cultural nods and contemporary world-building, with character designs described as “diverse and visually appealing” and cinematics resembling anime sequences. Gameliner called the graphics “visually stunning,” while Movies Games and Tech noted the seamless fusion of futuristic and retro elements, enhancing its post-apocalyptic setting. Eurogamer and GameMAG drew comparisons to Persona 5, Jet Set Radio Future, and Hi-Fi Rush, praising the attention to detail in environments, NPC designs, and animations. Gamer.nl and GamesRadar+ celebrated the vibrant urban-fantasy world, with IGN noting “stunning districts” and a “fashion-forward science fiction world.” The game’s art style was frequently lauded for its creativity, with Jeuxvideo.com highlighting original streetwear-inspired character designs and TheSixthAxis comparing it to a “comic come to life,” particularly in the depiction of New Eridu. While most critics were enthusiastic, some pointed to minor shortcomings. But Why Tho? found the overall visual style “not exceptional” despite its techno-punk aesthetics, while IGN Brasil noted that enemy designs felt underdeveloped compared to the game’s strong environmental details. IGN France mentioned rigid character animations, and PC Gamer criticized the art style as “superficial” and lacking depth, though this was a rare dissenting view. GINX TV observed that the game’s vibrancy paled in comparison to previous HoYoverse titles, and Siliconera noted that the zany animation style, while nostalgic, leaned toward “exaggerated” expressions. These critiques were generally overshadowed by the widespread acclaim, with many acknowledging that the game’s visual identity was bold and distinctive even if it didn’t fully match the polish of some predecessors. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Zenless Zone Zero’s graphics and visual design hailed as a significant achievement. TechRadar Gaming called it “Hoyoverse’s most accomplished visual work to date,” while Gfinity praised its “stylish visuals that rival even Persona games.” The game’s ability to merge cyberpunk, retro-futurism, and anime influences into a cohesive, vibrant world resonated strongly, as noted by Guardian and Siliconera, who appreciated its nostalgic Y2K vibe and “cozy” yet chaotic atmosphere. While some critics pointed to isolated flaws—such as rigid animations or simplified elements in the Game Board—the majority agreed that Zenless Zone Zero’s visual design was a defining strength, offering a fresh and immersive experience that set it apart in the genre. The combination of detailed environments, dynamic character animations, and a distinctive art direction cemented its reputation as a visually striking title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero’s sound design and music are a triumph, blending immersive, genre-defying tracks—from lo-fi beats to retro arcade chiptunes—that elevate its sci-fi/anime world. Voice acting steals the show, with authentic, character-driven delivery praised across the board. While some critics note minor gaps in originality, the soundtrack’s energy, atmosphere, and dynamic gameplay support make it a standout audio experience.

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 received largely positive feedback from critics, with many highlighting its immersive qualities and stylistic diversity. Voice acting was a standout element, praised for its authenticity and character-driven delivery. Atomix noted that "the voice acting shines with each character having a fitting English voice," while Eurogamer emphasized "spectacular voice acting" and a retro arcade-style scoring system that complements the game’s aesthetic. The soundtrack itself was celebrated for its variety and atmosphere: GamingBolt called it "excellent" with "varied tunes that enhance the atmosphere," and Gfinity highlighted how the music "kicks into high gear during boss encounters." Digital Trends praised the jazzy, soothing tracks that "enhance the gameplay experience," while Gamer.nl and Hey Poor Player appreciated the urban-fantasy vibe of hip-hop/rap influences and funk-pop/lo-fi elements. TheSixthAxis also commended the sci-fi/anime-inspired soundtrack for its immersive quality, reinforcing the game’s futuristic setting. However, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings in the music’s originality and depth. Atomix described the soundtrack as "generic," suggesting it lacked distinctiveness despite its energetic combat tracks. Twinfinite noted that while the sound design evoked a "VA-11 Hall-A" aesthetic, the game "could benefit from custom songs with lyrics," implying a desire for more creative or personalized musical elements. Additionally, IGN France acknowledged the Dualsense’s enhanced sound design but did not elaborate on specific musical details, leaving room for further exploration. These critiques, though limited in scope, indicate that while the music is effective and varied, it may not fully stand out as groundbreaking or innovative. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Zenless Zone Zero’s sound design and music, with praise for their ability to enhance immersion and complement the game’s narrative and setting. Voice acting was universally lauded, while the soundtrack’s eclectic mix of styles—ranging from lo-fi beats to retro arcade chiptunes—was seen as a strength. Critics like GamingBolt, Gfinity, and Hey Poor Player emphasized how the music dynamically supports gameplay, whether through energetic combat sequences or relaxing exploration. While some noted minor gaps in originality or customization, these were overshadowed by the general enthusiasm for the audio elements. The game’s sound design appears to successfully balance accessibility with creativity, offering a cohesive and engaging auditory experience that aligns with its sci-fi/anime-inspired world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Zenless Zone Zero shines as a standout, with critics praising its immersive depth, emotional resonance, and charm, though some call out uneven character development and flat delivery in parts.

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 majority of reviewers praised the voice acting in Zenless Zone Zero as a standout element, highlighting its ability to enhance character depth and immersion. Critics like Atomix emphasized that the English voices "capture each character's personality well," contributing to the game’s "caricature tone" and charm. Gameliner noted that all characters are voiced, adding "depth to storytelling and interactions," while Eurogamer and GamesRadar+ commended the varied character designs complemented by "brilliant voice acting." IGN and TechRadar Gaming praised the "passionate" and "polished" delivery across all dubs, with Gfinity appreciating the "expressive and lively" interactions that make the narrative engaging. These positive assessments collectively underscore the voice acting’s role in making the game’s characters memorable and emotionally resonant. However, some critics raised concerns about the voice acting’s consistency and character development. But Why Tho? criticized the characters as "one-note and annoying," leading to skipped dialogues due to "inane chatter." GINX TV noted that dialogue delivery could be "flat at times" and that humor in interactions was "hit or miss." While these critiques are less common, they point to potential issues with how certain characters were written or performed, which may detract from the experience for some players. These negative points suggest that while the voice acting is generally strong, it occasionally fails to fully realize its potential, particularly in terms of character nuance and comedic timing. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Zenless Zone Zero’s voice acting, with most highlighting its quality, emotional impact, and contribution to the game’s charm. While a few reviewers like But Why Tho? and GINX TV found flaws in specific aspects—such as character depth or delivery—the majority celebrated it as a key strength. The positive feedback from outlets like Atomix, IGN, and TheSixthAxis reinforces that the voice acting effectively supports the game’s narrative and world-building, even if some elements fall short for certain players. This balance of praise and minor criticism reflects a generally favorable reception, with the voice acting serving as a significant asset to the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero shines on PC and mobile with smooth performance, adaptive settings, and cross-platform polish, but PS5 frame drops, mobile control quirks, and older PC load times linger as notable flaws.

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 across platforms has been largely praised by critics, with notable strengths on PC and mobile. Digital Trends highlighted that the game performs well on PC, mobile, and consoles, emphasizing intuitive controls for mobile play. GINX TV noted its smoothness even on low-end PCs, which benefits mobile players, while Hey Poor Player described a "smooth launch with no hiccups or stutters," underscoring strong technical execution on PC. Jeuxvideo.com praised the game’s adaptability, mentioning adjustable graphics settings for varying device capabilities and seamless performance on both PC and mobile. IGN France also acknowledged Unity-based optimization, though it cautioned about potential PS5 slowdowns and mobile optimization needs. These positives suggest that Zenless Zone Zero is well-optimized for a broad range of hardware, particularly on PC and mobile. However, some platform-specific issues were raised. TechRadar Gaming criticized the PS5 version for "frame rate drops in larger areas and intense combat," contrasting it with the better-optimized PC version. IGN France echoed concerns about PS5 performance, while Jeuxvideo.com noted that touchscreen controls on mobile may not be as refined as using a controller. Siliconera pointed to load times being an issue on older machines, and GamingBolt mentioned "some performance issues" on PC, though they were infrequent. These critiques highlight that while the game is generally stable, certain platforms—particularly PS5 and older PCs—may face technical hurdles. Additionally, mobile players might encounter limitations in control precision compared to console or PC. Overall, critics agree that Zenless Zone Zero delivers a technically solid experience across platforms, with PC and mobile receiving the most consistent praise for optimization and performance. While the PS5 version faces some challenges, as noted by TechRadar Gaming and IGN France, the game’s adaptability—such as adjustable graphics settings (Jeuxvideo.com) and cross-platform availability (Siliconera)—demonstrates a balanced approach. Minor issues like load times on older hardware or mobile control nuances are acknowledged but do not overshadow the game’s broader technical strengths. The consensus leans toward Zenless Zone Zero being a well-optimized title that prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing performance, despite some platform-specific caveats.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero dazzles with sprawling side quests, endgame challenges, and hybrid gameplay, but its grind-heavy design, repetitive combat, and monetization pitfalls threaten to drown its replayability in tedium.

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 reviews highlight several positives regarding the replay value of Zenless Zone Zero. Multiple critics, including Gameliner, Eurogamer, and IGN, emphasize the game’s extensive content, such as side commissions, Trust events, endgame challenges, and diverse modes like Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense, which cater to both casual and dedicated players. The inclusion of varied activities—combat, puzzles, life simulation, and roguelike elements—along with a robust gacha system and character collection mechanics (noted by Guardian and TheSixthAxis) creates opportunities for repeated engagement. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and Siliconera acknowledge the game’s side quests, exploration, and challenging boss battles in the Néantre Zéro, suggesting long-term appeal through mastery and progression. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that may limit replay value. But Why Tho? argues the game lacks incentives for continued play, while GameMAG and GINX TV criticize its grind-heavy nature and repetitive combat mechanics. The energy system (mentioned by TechRadar Gaming) and microtransactions (noted by Atomix) are seen as barriers to sustained enjoyment, with PC Gamer suggesting the design prioritizes monetization over genuine replayability. Digital Trends and Hey Poor Player also highlight issues like repetitive combat and sameness in enemy design, which could deter players from returning. These critiques underscore concerns that the game’s reliance on grinding and gacha mechanics might overshadow its potential for meaningful long-term engagement. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward cautious optimism. While many praise the game’s variety of content, systems, and endgame activities (as noted by Eurogamer, IGN, and Jeuxvideo.com), others caution that its reliance on grind, repetitive mechanics, and monetization strategies could diminish replay value for some players. The divide reflects differing perspectives: those who appreciate the game’s depth and progression systems see strong potential, while critics like But Why Tho? and GameMAG emphasize its flaws. Ultimately, Zenless Zone Zero appears to offer replayability for players drawn to its mechanics, but its success in retaining long-term interest may depend on individual tolerance for grind and content repetition.

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.

The overall verdict on Zenless Zone Zero is largely positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and unique aesthetic. Reviewers like Atomix highlight the game’s addictive combat system, diverse character designs, and solid foundations as a free-to-play title, while Gameliner and Eurogamer commend its compact, entertaining experience compared to Genshin Impact, emphasizing strong combat and world-building. IGN and GamesRadar+ note the game’s stylish presentation, fun mechanics, and variety of activities, with Jeuxvideo.com praising its "vibrant urban setting" and promising endgame content. The gacha system, though controversial, is seen as a compelling aspect by some, such as Guardian, who acknowledges its engaging gameplay for casual players despite its divisive nature. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. But Why Tho? and PC Gamer criticize the repetitive combat and shallow story, calling it "disappointing" and a "polished facade for a monetization scheme," respectively. Digital Trends and GameMAG highlight issues with combat depth, pacing, and emotional engagement, while GINX TV expresses outright disappointment, preferring to wait for Genshin Impact’s future content. Others, like Siliconera, note technical flaws and a weak narrative, and MMORPG.com points to tedious gameplay elements despite the nostalgic aesthetic. The gacha system’s reliance on microtransactions also draws criticism from Atomix and others, who feel it undermines player experience. The consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for Zenless Zone Zero’s strengths while acknowledging its flaws. Many recognize it as a stylish, action-packed title with strong combat and character design, as noted by IGN Brasil and Twinfinite, but agree that issues like repetitive gameplay, shallow storytelling, and monetization concerns limit its potential. While GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis praise its charm and accessibility, others like Guardian and Jeuxvideo.com see it as a promising but imperfect entry in the gacha genre. Ultimately, the game is viewed as a worthwhile experience for fans of anime-styled action RPGs, despite its shortcomings, with a clear divide between those who embrace its unique qualities and those who find it lacking in depth or originality.

TL;DR

Zenless Zone Zero dazzles with stylish combat, vibrant visuals, and catchy gacha mechanics but falters under repetitive gameplay, shallow storytelling, and monetization gripes, splitting critics between admiration for its flair and frustration over its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

59 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Jul 3, 2024