Zenless Zone Zero review - ultracool action at a smaller scale brings miHoYo's characters into focus

Zenless Zone Zero combines action-packed combat with slice-of-life elements, focusing on character-driven missions and exploration.

: Zenless Zone Zero effortlessly blends chaotic action and relaxed city exploration, enhanced by its distinctive characters and beautiful art style. Players can engage in various commission types, from combat and exploration to city quests that reveal New Eridu's charm. Despite its gacha system and some repetitiveness, the game strikes a balance between intense combat and everyday goofiness.

Zenless Zone Zero offers a unique blend of chaotic action and laid-back exploration within the comic-book-styled urban streets of New Eridu. The game's smaller scale compared to developer miHoYo's other titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail allows for more focused and detailed character development. NPCs are uniquely designed and often more intricately crafted than some of the main squad members.

Players take on the roles of siblings Belle and Wise, who run a video rental store while moonlighting as illegal Proxies. The gameplay involves navigating corrupted Hollow areas to complete various commissions, categorized into city, exploration, and combat types. This mix of mission types contributes to the game's charm, adding variety and personal touches to each playthrough.

Zenless Zone Zero also features a gacha system for character acquisition, which can be bypassed to some extent for those not interested in high-end challenges. The emphasis on timing in combat, combined with exploration and character interactions, makes for a well-rounded experience. Despite some pacing issues due to level requirements for story progression, the game successfully combines ultracool action with slice-of-life goofiness.

Zenless Zone ZeroUrban FuturismGameplay Mechanics