Zenless Zone Zero Review: A Stylish Dive into New Eridu's Hollows

Zenless Zone Zero, Hoyoverse's latest free-to-play action RPG, delivers a spectacular blend of fast-paced combat, evocative world-building, and a diverse cast of characters that keep players coming back for more. From its retro-futuristic cityscape of New Eridu to its adrenaline-fueled Hollow raids, ZZZ (short for Zenless Zone Zero) stakes a claim as one of the most engaging live-service titles to date.

A Dystopian Playground: New Eridu and the Hollows

At its core, ZZZ is set in New Eridu, a bustling post-apocalyptic metropolis recovering from devastating pocket dimensions known as Hollows. These anomalies teem with Ethereals, mysterious monsters powered by the substance Ether. To navigate the shifting mazes of each Hollow, players assume the role of a Proxy—named Belle or Wise, a sibling duo collectively called Phaethon. Their video-rental-store front, Random Play, serves as the perfect hub for planning raids into the Hollows and forging bonds with playable Agents.

Combat That Keeps You Hooked

ZZZ's hallmark is its 3-Agent tag-team combat. Entering a Hollow initiates a fast-paced, 3D hack-and-slash sequence where you can:

• Execute basic and special attacks
• Swap between Agents on the fly for combo extensions
• Trigger Chain Attacks, a cinematic slo-mo finisher when an enemy's daze meter fills
• Coordinate Agent abilities and their robotic assistants, "Bangboos," for strategic synergy

This tag-swap mechanic rewards precise timing and strategic character use, making each encounter feel fresh and exhilarating.

Standout Characters

While ZZZ boasts over 20 Agents, a few shine particularly bright:

Lycaon: The fierce ice-element dog-man whose high single-target DPS and crowd-control capabilities make him indispensable in endgame content.

Nekomata (Nekomiya Mana): A cunning dagger-wielding trickster whose swift melee combos excel at disrupting enemy formations.

Ellen Joe: The enigmatic maid from Victoria Housekeeping whose ice cannon delivers both style and substance in battle.

Belobog Heavy Industries Agents (e.g., Anton, Ben): Offering heavy-hit robotic combat, these Agents introduce mechanical variety to any team.

Choosing between Belle and Wise for the Proxy role personalizes your narrative experience and influences certain interactions, adding replay value to the campaign.

A Feast for the Senses

ZZZ masterfully blends retro aesthetics—CRT monitors, flip-phones, and VHS tapes—with futuristic cyberpunk design. Every district brims with vibrant neon signs and detailed environmental storytelling. Combat animations are fluid and weighted, backed by an energetic soundtrack that amplifies the urgency of Hollow raids.

Gacha Mechanics and Progression

As a live-service title, Zenless Zone Zero employs a Signal Search gacha system for obtaining new Agents and weapons. While free unlocks and guaranteed pulls ease initial progression, mastering team synergy and optimizing artifact builds remain key to conquering higher-tier Hollows. Regular bonding events deepen Agent relationships and unlock passive bonuses, enhancing both narrative and gameplay progression.

Final Verdict

Zenless Zone Zero is essential for action RPG enthusiasts seeking a robust live-service experience. Its dynamic tag-team combat, immersive retro-futuristic world, and diverse Agent roster deliver countless hours of strategic play and narrative intrigue.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect fusion of style, substance, and long-term engagement that solidifies Hoyoverse's reputation for high-quality live-service gaming.