Zenless Zone Zero

Zenless Zone Zero borrows many of the mechanics and features of previous HoYoverse games yet manages to add its own touch of originality to make the game unique.

There's a deceptive depth to Zenless Zone Zero, even with its smaller scale, thanks to this dual focus on pleasing both casual players and those looking for a deeper challenge, mirroring its dedication to both chilled exploration and fast-paced combat. Instead of feeling like a game warring with itself, however, these wildly different vibes weave together to make Zenless Zone Zero what it really is: a successful fusion of ultracool action with slice-of-life goofiness.

Zenless Zone Zero excels at everything advertised - combat, visuals and music - while offering a surprisingly well-developed narrative. How it develops remains to be seen, but for now, this "Apocalyptic Neverland" is worth diving into.

Ultimately, ZZZ delights with guiding design principles—remembering what so many adore about other Hoyoverse characters while breaking those moments up into short, snappier pieces. It’s rather easy to pick up and put down, and for something on the go, it’s certainly the preferable Hoyo title. For now, I’m all on board with New Eridu, and eager to watch the cast and world grow in many of the ways Honkai and Genshin have, too.

Zenless Zone Zero is a stylish and incredible-looking blast of anime goodness, and even when it’s deliberately slowing the pace down, another frantic bout of the stellar combat won’t be too far away.

Zenless Zone Zero is easily the most stylish entry in HoYoverse's fast-growing catalog of free-to-play RPGs.

“Zenless Zone Zero is at its best when it's delivering stylish action over puzzles.”

Smaller in scale than HoYo's other gacha games, Zenless Zone Zero is off to a good start. While the game suffers from pacing issues and a lack of variety, the combat is excellent in ZZZ. It helps it's backed up by an intriguing story and solid gameplay.

A charming cast can't hide Zenless Zone Zero's true intentions.

Sleek and stylish art direction won't make up for shallow combat and a tiring gacha treadmill.

Zenless Zone Zero is a sci-fi RPG where you play as a Proxy, a guide who can access the Hollows, a warped reality full of Ether and dangers. Explore the city of New Eridu, meet various characters, and uncover the secrets of the Hollows and the old civilization. Windows PC version reviewed.

After numerous hours bouncing between fun, if repetitive combat, and annoying characters occupying a forgettable story, Zenless Zone Zero falls well short of what it needs to be.