A hack-and-slash action-RPG with an urban appeal
Zenless Zone Zero is a free multiplayer action game dubbed as the next Genshin Impact. This role-playing game is set in a futuristic universe where civilization as you know it no longer exists. The world is now overrun by supernatural creatures called Ethereals. Developed by miHoYo Co. Ltd., it’s available on PC, mobile devices, and console.
In the middle of the chaos, you play as a demon-dimension explorer in Zenless Zone Zero, tasked with shutting down these dimensions and stopping Ethereals. With its generous help of exploration and fighting, it’s poised to be a good alternative to Genshin Impact.
Be the best demon-dimension explorer
Eager fans of Zenless Zone Zero are looking for clues that could link it to other miHoYo titles such as Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact 3rd. There are no direct references in terms of story, though, although the familiar gameplay is there. One case in point is the use of a gacha mechanic for unlocking other characters in the game, which unfortunately favors those willing to invest real-world money.
Unfortunately, its gameplay doesn’t stray far from its sister titles. It also adopts a real-time action approach instead of a turn-based strategy like the one in Honkai - Starrail. It’s driven by a unique story premise that should allow endless gameplay, although the mechanics themselves largely remain in the tried-and-tested formula of the Chinese video gaming giant. It doesn’t take away anything from the awesome and visually charged animations and interactions.
In terms of visuals, it can hold its own against other major games from the same developer-publisher. It has a unique take on a post-apocalyptic future, focusing on a more urban feel for both its characters and its set designs. This design option ultimately gives the game its visual identity, allowing it to endear itself to players who prefer styles reminiscent of GhostWire: Tokyo or Persona 5 Strikers. However, unlike Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, its urban setting means less emphasis on open-world exploration, which some players may find restrictive.
Even more new content in Version 2.2
In the new Version 2.2 update titled “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,” Zenless Zone Zero introduces a fresh wave of content. The update includes two new S-Rank agents: Seed, a powerful Electric DPS agent, and the duo Orphie & Magus, who bring both Fire attacks and support abilities to the battlefield for players to enjoy.
Beyond the new characters, players can experience a variety of new content. Two S-Rank W-Engines and new Bangboo, including the S-Rank Mercury, are now available. The main story continues with Season 2 Chapter 3, and new Agent Stories for Seed and Orphie & Magus are also a highlight. There are also many limited-time events, like the Band of Brave Bangboo, among others.
The update also includes several important fixes and optimizations. Various bugs for agents like Ju Fufu and Yuzuha were corrected, and new systems were added, including a W-Engine recommendation feature to assist players. Lastly, the game also received general performance improvements, with adjustments to the UI and fixes for environmental issues that should help enhance your overall gameplay experience.
Yet another Genshin Impact
Zenless Zone Zero remains a curious game in its own right despite miHoYo’s other major titles. Its approach to a post-apocalyptic future that looks pretty urbanized creates a unique identity for the game, which could also explain its enduring appeal despite not adding anything new or unique to the gacha action-RPG genre. Experienced players would feel all too familiar playing this hack-and-slash game.
