Has Hoyoverse's highly anticipated urban action RPG lived up to the massive hype? After spending the first month diving deep into the Hollows, we have a definitive answer.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) steps away from the open-world formula of Genshin Impact and opts for a hub-based, roguelike dungeon-crawler approach. Combat is where this game truly shines. The parry and dodge mechanics are extremely responsive, and the character swapping system is the most fluid we've seen in a gacha game.

Graphics & Sound

The aesthetic is simply unmatched. The Y2K-inspired retro-futurism drips from every menu, character design, and city street. The soundtrack, heavily influenced by lo-fi hip hop and electronic beats, perfectly complements the fast-paced action.

The Verdict

While the TV-grid exploration segments can feel tedious during long play sessions, the stellar combat and infectious style make ZZZ a must-play.

• Pros: Incredible animation quality, flawless combat fluidity, fantastic soundtrack.
• Cons: TV exploration can drag, gacha rates are still punishing.

Final Score: 8.5/10