The Hoyoverse is expanding and miHoYo is at it again with a new game, Zenless Zone Zero, or how the internet has taken to calling it, Z3 or ZZZ.
This new game has been teasing players of both Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail for quite a while now. Specifically teasing with a fan favorite character, Billy Kid. Per miHoYo fashion, Zenless Zone Zero is now a free-to-play action RPG. Previously, it was originally $10 USD for Playstation on July 4th, 2024 for pre-order but is now miraculously free for Playstation users to enjoy.
This is yet another action roleplaying, Gacha game giving players the opportunity to obtain characters through special materials. In Genshin we have wishes, and in Star Rail we have Star Rail passes, but this time around we have Master Tapes that can bring you characters that are S-Tier or A-Tier as it currently stands. Unlike Genshin and Honkai that debuted with over twenty characters, Zenless Zone Zero has only seventeen characters on its current roster. Three of these characters you can obtain through main mission progression.
The story opens with the introduction of the two main characters players can choose from: Wise or Belle. The two are siblings just like one of ZZZ’s predecessors, Genshin. Afterwards, we are launched headfirst into the matter at hand: The Cunning Hares exit strategy. That does indeed not go as planned.
After falling through a dark portal, we are introduced to Hollows. These Hollows are essentially a pocket universe that may cause infection to those who may have stumbled into the Hollow without having any resistance to this dying realm. Here we learn about battle mechanics and the need for a Proxy, who are the only individuals that can aid with exit strategies in order for you to succeed with your missions. Essentially the character players navigate as throughout the story.
One of the cool aspects about this miHoYo game is the fact you actually get to interact with both siblings. They are both ‘Proxies’ and they share the proxy name the player will come up with. We actually get to use them both in the introduction, which is honestly pretty refreshing compared to Honkai where you never see the other Trailblazer, or Genshin where you only get to see the other Traveler through cut scenes or special events.
Given this cyberpunk world, it still has a homey feeling with the central hub being a movie rental shop that the siblings also use as their home. Players have the ability to see the room of their chosen Proxy and run around the town to certain shops, and even visit Howl, the best boy in the game that gives you special daily bonuses!
There is more to come with Zenless Zone Zero. Three new characters will be introduced in the next patch, but there are still plenty of story missions to run through along with side missions. Z3 seems to be turning out to be a great hit for miHoYo enjoyers, but also new players too! We’re all looking forward to what miHoYo will be bring next to Zenless Zone Zero.
