Key Points
Author’s insight: Zenless Zone Zero is an immersive post-apocalyptic game set in New Eridu, blending retro and futuristic elements with dynamic combat mechanics and engaging gacha system.
- Zenless Zone Zero is about surviving and uncovering secrets in a unique world blending retro and futuristic aesthetics, centered around the city of New Eridu.
- The game’s key characters, Wise and Belle, navigate dangerous alternate dimensions, enhancing the narrative with emotional depth.
- Combat features include fast-paced action and strategic Agent switching, while the gacha system offers excitement and variety through character and weapon pulls.
Game Setting and Plot
Emerging as a unique blend of the retro and futuristic, Zenless Zone Zero pulls you into an intricately detailed world. The tale unfolds in a post-apocalyptic environment where survivors have carved out a haven called New Eridu. This cityscape, replete with nostalgic elements like video stores and flip-phones, sets the stage for a gripping narrative.
In the heart of the chaos stands Random Play, a video store doubling as the primary hub for diverse characters. It’s not just a place to rent VHS tapes; it serves as a strategic point for planning excursions into the Hollows. These alternate dimensions are rich with peril and opportunity, adding layers of depth to the plot.
Key Factions and Their Roles
Various factions vie for influence and control within New Eridu. Each faction brings a distinct flavor and role to the table, from Belobog Heavy Industries’ industrial might to the enigmatic Sons of Calydon. This diversity keeps the story dynamic and multifaceted, constantly evolving as players engage with different groups.
Factions like the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team and Hollow Special Operations Section 6 offer specialized missions, deepening the lore. Every faction has its motives and history, enriching the game’s world-building and adding layers to the player’s experience.
Main Characters: Wise and Belle
The core narrative of Zenless Zone Zero revolves around Wise and Belle, a brother-sister duo operating under the alias of Phaethon. Their journey takes them through hostile alternate dimensions, bringing a personal and emotional element to the overarching storyline. This focus on character-driven storytelling enhances the immersion.
Wise and Belle’s interactions and decisions profoundly impact the game’s trajectory. Their distinct personalities and shared goal of uncovering secrets lend a compelling humanity to the otherwise mechanical and grim setting.
Aesthetic and Technological Themes
One of the most striking aspects of Zenless Zone Zero is its blend of retro and futuristic aesthetics. Characters wield flip-phones and early 2000s mobile devices, creating a unique juxtaposition against the advanced technology scavenged from Ethereals. This throwback visual style brings a sense of nostalgia while grounding the game in its post-apocalyptic setting.
| Faction | Description |
|---|---|
| Random Play | Main base location, a video store offering VHS rentals |
| Belobog Heavy Industries | Industrial faction with significant influence |
| Victoria Housekeeping | Specializes in maintaining order and cleanliness |
Combat Mechanics and Features
Combat in Zenless Zone Zero revolves around fast-paced, real-time action, with players controlling one Agent at a time. Switching between Agents is seamless but strategic, thanks to a unique recharge mechanic.
Dynamic Agent Switching
The Switch Agents button comes with a limited charge that gradually recharges. This lets players adapt their strategy on the fly by swapping Agents at crucial moments. Perfect timing on these switches can turn the tide of battle.
Executing a Perfect Assist by switching at the right moment consumes an Assist Point and allows for a follow-up attack. The Assist Follow-Up is unique to each character, adding depth and variety to combat strategies.
Mastery of Agent skills is essential. Each character has unique abilities like attack, dodge, assist, special attacks, and ultimate moves. These skills are critical for both offense and defense, making every Agent switch a potential game-changer.
Enhanced Attacks and Dodges
Basic attacks in the game are straightforward and easy to perform by constantly clicking the Left Mouse button. However, holding the attack button allows for more powerful enhanced attacks, giving players a tactical choice between speed and power.
Dodging is equally vital to combat. The Right Mouse button (or its mobile equivalent) enables players to avoid incoming attacks. Timing these dodges well can mean the difference between victory and defeat, especially in more hectic battles.
Enemies can be stunned by filling up their Daze Bar. Once stunned, they take increased damage, offering a prime opportunity for Chain Attacks. These attacks are limited by the type of Ethereal but can significantly impact combat flow.
Ultimate Abilities and Chain Attacks
Agents’ Skills and Ultimates are powered by a special charging bar, filled by hitting enemies with normal and enhanced basic attacks. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players must land hits to charge these powerful abilities.
The Decibel Bar is critical for casting Ultimates. This universal bar charges more quickly when Agents use their skills, allowing for powerful, game-altering moves when fully charged.
A fully charged Decibel Bar can turn combat scenarios in your favor. However, executing these moves requires skillful play, timing your attacks and dodges perfectly. The synergy between normal, enhanced, and ultimate attacks keeps the gameplay dynamic.
Gacha System and Operators
Diving deeper into the gacha system of Zenless Zone Zero reveals an intricate setup designed to keep players engaged. The core component here is the use of Polychromes, which act as the main currency to perform pulls.
The thrill of the gacha system lies in its unpredictability. Opening a Master Tape, for instance, brings with it the excitement of potentially unlocking a powerful S-Rank Agent or W-Engine.
Players also need to pay attention to the various banners or “channels” available. Each channel focuses on different types of Agents, W-Engines, or Bangboo, and understanding these will help you better target what you need.
Rarity and Rates
Ranks can be incredibly varied, making each pull feel unique. In Zenless Zone Zero, the base percentage chances for obtaining characters are essential for strategizing your pulls.
- A-Rank: 7.2%
- S-Rank: 0.6%
- B-Rank: 92.2%
The game’s pity system is another crucial element. An S-Rank character is guaranteed within 90 pulls, while the odds for obtaining an A-Rank increase every 10 pulls without one.
Agents and Their Roles
Understanding the different types of Agents you can control is essential. Agents range in rarity from A-Rank to the much-coveted S-Rank, each offering unique battle skills and abilities.
Defensive Agents often serve as tanks, absorbing damage so that other team members can focus on offense. Offensive Agents, meanwhile, deal significant damage but need protection to fully utilize their potential.
W-Engines and Bangboo
The game’s depth extends beyond just Agents. W-Engines, or weapons, come in different ranks and significantly impact your gameplay. Possessing a high-rank W-Engine can boost your battle performance dramatically.
Bangboo offer another layer of strategy, providing buffs and support skills. These companions make tactical gameplay more comprehensive, offering an edge in challenging scenarios.
Each Bangboo’s ability can turn the tide of battle, making them invaluable when paired with the right Agents and W-Engines.
Overall, the gacha mechanics in Zenless Zone Zero are intricately designed to keep players engaged through varied and strategic gameplay options.
