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Zenless Zone Zero – A Stylish Urban Fantasy Worth the Hype

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INTRODUCTION

As someone who has played countless action RPGs, I always look for something that stands out—whether it’s through gameplay, visuals, or storytelling. Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), developed by HoYoverse, immediately caught my attention with its sleek urban aesthetic, fast-paced combat, and unique setting. After spending hours in this chaotic yet beautifully designed world, I have a lot to say about my experience.

A FUTURISTIC, CYBERPUNK - INSPIRED WORLD

The first thing that drew me into Zenless Zone Zero was its world. Unlike the fantasy-driven landscapes of Genshin Impact or the sci-fi elements of Honkai: Star Rail, ZZZ takes a different approach. The game is set in New Eridu, the last surviving city after mysterious disasters known as "Hollows" ravaged the world. The city has a cyberpunk-meets-modern-anime vibe, full of neon-lit streets, quirky characters, and bustling underground activity.

As a "Proxy," you act as a guide, leading a team of specialized fighters through these dangerous Hollows, battling monstrous entities known as Ethereals while uncovering the city’s hidden truths. The game's setting gives off a mix of post-apocalyptic mystery and urban fantasy, making it feel refreshing in the action RPG genre.

COMBAT – FAST, FLUID, AND ADDICTING

If you’ve played any of HoYoverse’s previous titles, you’ll notice some similarities in combat mechanics, but Zenless Zone Zero refines the formula with a more stylish and dynamic approach. The game features a tag-team combat system, where you control three characters and switch between them mid-battle to chain together combos.

One thing I absolutely love is how smooth and responsive the combat feels. Each character has their own unique weapons, abilities, and fighting styles, making team composition crucial. Some characters excel in close-range melee, while others deal devastating ranged attacks. The ability to dodge, counter, and unleash cinematic finishers makes battles feel both strategic and visually spectacular.

The parry and dodge mechanics remind me of action-heavy games like Devil May Cry, rewarding precise timing and skillful play rather than just spamming attacks. Mastering the perfect dodge and unleashing a counterattack is incredibly satisfying.

CHARACTERS AND STORYTELLING

HoYoverse has a reputation for creating deep and memorable characters, and Zenless Zone Zero is no exception. The cast is diverse, ranging from street fighters and rogue hackers to corporate-backed mercenaries. The dialogue is full of personality, with some lighthearted banter balancing out the darker elements of the game’s narrative.

The story itself unfolds like a detective noir, mixed with cyberpunk conspiracies. You, as the Proxy, uncover the secrets behind New Eridu while managing different factions, each with their own motives and rivalries. While the storytelling isn’t as emotionally heavy as Honkai: Star Rail, it keeps things engaging with its stylish presentation and world-building.

EXPLORATION AND SIDE ACTIVITIES

Unlike Genshin Impact, which has vast open-world exploration, Zenless Zone Zero takes a more compact, semi-open hub-world approach. New Eridu serves as the central hub where you interact with NPCs, upgrade gear, and take on missions.

Beyond combat, there are side activities like hacking mini-games, puzzle-solving, and even urban street challenges. These small but enjoyable mechanics help break up the fast-paced action, making the world feel more alive.

PROS AND CONS

PROS:

✅ Incredible Combat – Fast, fluid, and highly rewarding for skilled players.

✅ Stylish Aesthetic – The neon-lit urban setting and character designs are visually stunning.

✅ Engaging Story – A mix of detective noir, cyberpunk mystery, and HoYoverse-style storytelling.

✅ Diverse Characters – Each fighter has a distinct personality and playstyle, making team-building fun.

✅ Quality-of-Life Features – No stamina system restricting gameplay, allowing more flexibility.

CONS:

❌ No True Open World – Exploration is limited to city hubs rather than vast landscapes.

❌ Gacha System – Like most HoYoverse games, unlocking characters relies on RNG, which can be frustrating.

❌ May Feel Overwhelming at First – The fast combat and multiple mechanics might take time to master.

FINAL THOUGHTS

After spending a lot of time in Zenless Zone Zero, I can confidently say it’s one of HoYoverse’s most exciting releases yet. The combat is stylish and satisfying, the world is rich with lore, and the characters are full of personality. While it has some limitations, like the lack of full open-world exploration, the game more than makes up for it with its polished mechanics and immersive setting.

If you’re a fan of action RPGs with fluid combat and a futuristic urban aesthetic, Zenless Zone Zero is definitely worth playing.

⭐ RATING: 9/10

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