Zenless Zone Zero

Zenless Zone Zero is the next third person action RPG from HoYoverse (a brand developed by the MiHoYo studio), creators of Genshin Impact and Honkai. This time the Chinese developer opted for a sci-fi theme, although fans will notice many similarities to the company's previous titles.

Plot

Zenless Zone Zero presents a post-apocalyptic world ruined by Hollows - mysterious dimensional distortions inhabited by dangerous entities known as Ethereal. What's worse, these spheres distort reality, and they have a deadly impact on the creatures residing in them, often turning them into mutants.

At the time when the game begins only a handful of people perceive Hollows as a catastrophic phenomenon. The city of New Eridu - the last bastion of civilization - turned it into a commercial venture. All thanks to the discovery of ether, a substance obtained from dimensional rifts.

Obtaining it has its risks, especially since in New Eridu there are factions competing with each other for access to ether, not to mention the bandits and monsters roaming in the Hollows. If someone wants to explore these pocket dimensions and return with loot, they must use the services of Proxies - mercenaries who act as guides in the Hollows.

It is our role as the player - we must guide our clients through dangerous zones, gradually learning the history of other characters. Moreover, we have to reconcile a rather risky life as a Proxy with a seemingly peaceful existence in the city where there are constant behind-the-scenes fights between corporations, gangs, conspirators and fanatics.

Gameplay

Zenless Zone Zero follows the path set by Genshin Impact.The game takes place in real time and in a TPP view, and its core are dynamic battles with enemies using a variety of arsenal and abilities. During battles the heroes use both melee weapons (sometimes more unconventional than katanas or other swords) and ranged arsenal. Attacks can be combined into combos, often using impressive QTE sequences. The game is also enriched with elements straight from roguelike titles.

Characters

Playable characters available in Zenless Zone Zero are divided into a number of factions:

1. Belobog Heavy Industries - this faction includes characters such as Anton Ivanov, Ben Bigger, Grace Howard, or Koleda Belobog.
2. Criminal Investigation Special Response Team - Zhu Yuan
3. Cunning Hares AKA Gentle House - Anby Demara, Billy Kid, Nekomiya Mana, Nicole Demara
4. Section 6 - Hoshimi Miyabi, Soukaku
5. Sons of Calydon - Lucy, Piper Wheel
6. Victoria Housekeeping Co. - Alexandrina, Corin Wickes, Ellen Joe, Von Lycaon

Each character has individual skills and uses different weapons, as well as has their own personality and past, which we can get to know.

Graphics

HoYoverse got the players used to three-dimensional graphics stylized like anime with their past titles, and it's no different here. Zenless Zone Zero is full of motifs typical of Japanese animation and colors, not to mention heroes like robots, girls with golden ears and more bizarre characters. The final product vividly resembles Genshin Impact, though with a more futuristic setting, which is emphasized by the game's soundtrack.