“Zenless Zone Zero” is an urban action-adventure game developed and published by Shanghai MiHoYo Network Technology Co., Ltd. The game is set in a near-future world ravaged by the supernatural disaster known as the “Hollow.” Players take on the role of “Proxies,” special professionals guiding people to explore the Hollows. The main gameplay involves exploring the Hollows, challenging formidable enemies, and helping individuals achieve their missions. Throughout this journey, players will delve into character stories and experience rich narratives and combat.
Features of Zenless Zone Zero
Retro Trend in Street Showcase: Diverse Art and Imagery
When it comes to the first impression of “Zenless Zone Zero,” the three keywords that stand out are retro, street, and American cartoon.
Indeed, compared to coastal landscapes and starry seas, “Zenless Zone Zero” emphasizes an “urban feel.” The story is set in a city called “New Eridu,” with much of the art design inspired by the urban aesthetics of the late 20th century.
The architecture and storefront designs of video rental shops, arcades, and record stores are notably retro, highlighting exposed functionality and revealing internal structures. Curves, stripes, and artistic fonts are used to pursue individuality in both form and color—much like the nostalgic contrast between Walkman and iPod aesthetics.
Diversity Breeds Imagination
Under the main theme of Japanese retro style, another significant feature of “Zenless Zone Zero” is its ability to truly embrace creativity, incorporating diverse artistic styles into locations like Six Point Street and Light Reflection Plaza, as well as in each Proxy character.
According to the game’s setting, the main character, a Proxy, guides other Proxies on adventures in the Hollow. Proxies are clearly at the core of the game, with six major Proxy factions, each representing a distinct design style. These factions showcase unique aesthetics that cater to the diverse tastes of players.
Thrilling Action Experience
In addition to its impressive graphics, one of the most enjoyable aspects for players in “Zenless Zone Zero” is the exhilarating combat. The game offers a rich combination of attack patterns that enhance the thrill of combat and encourages players to execute combos. The controls are remarkably simplified, consisting of just five buttons: movement, basic attack, skills, ultimate, and dodge. This design makes it easy for players to pick up, especially on mobile devices, allowing even newcomers to experience the satisfying impact of the gameplay.
Bangboo, as a standout character in “Zenless Zone Zero,” is presented in a cute and endearing way. From the original Bangboo Eous to Butler and safety bangboo each has its own unique traits. Bangboo is not just a fun companion; they play a crucial role by carrying items, boosting attributes, and even helping characters achieve victory in battles.
Character Features in Zenless Zone Zero
The character design in Zenless Zone Zero” incorporates various trendy elements, such as furry, animal ears, vixens, and maids, creating a diverse roster of characters. These designs not only attract a wide range of players but also ensure that each character has distinctiveness and appeal through their unique visual styles.
The character costume designs in the game are uniquely stylish, making Zenless Zone Zero cosplay quickly popular. The distinct looks of many characters have attracted a large number of cosplay enthusiasts, who eagerly replicate these diverse outfits. Among them, Bambi’s cosplay is particularly striking, as her fluffy and adorable appearance adds an extra layer of challenge, testing the skills of cosplayers.
Nicole, who occupies a central position in the early visuals, is a relatively rare “vixen” character in anime games. She is the leader of the versatile agency “Cunning Hares,” handling various Hollow investigation requests. Her bold hairstyle, attire, and asymmetrical decorative details reflect her cunning and adaptable nature.
In contrast, Anby, from the same faction, is silent and calm, with a neat and functional style. Her white hair is always covered by headphones, seemingly isolating her from the outside world, and she never speaks of her past, making her a mysterious girl.
Each character has a unique personality and background story, adding depth to the characters and rich color to the game world. Through character dialogues and narrative missions, players can gain a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and history.
Disadvantages of Zenless Zone Zero
While “Zenless Zone Zero” has received player acclaim for its artistic style and combat mechanics, it also has some drawbacks that need improvement:
- Slow Grid Movement Pace: Some players find the grid-based movement in the game to be too slow, impacting the overall gaming experience.
- Long Loading Times: Players have reported that loading times can be lengthy, especially when switching scenes.
- Disconnection Between Combat and Exploration: Some players feel that the transition between combat and exploration is not smooth enough and hope for improvements.
- UI and System Optimization: Players have suggested optimizing the game’s UI and certain systems to provide a better user experience.
- Monster Hit Feedback: Some players mentioned that the feedback when hitting monsters is too pronounced, which can sometimes affect the combat experience.
Overall, “Zenless Zone Zero” is a game full of potential and creativity. With its unique artistic style, smooth combat experience, and rich character designs, it offers players a gaming experience that feels both familiar and novel. While there is still room for improvement in certain areas, the development team’s positive response to player feedback and ongoing updates inspire great expectations for the future of “Zenless Zone Zero.” As the game continues to evolve and improve, it is poised to become a new star in the action role-playing game genre.
