"Zenless Zone Zero" is an action RPG developed by miHoYo, set in a unique post-apocalyptic urban fantasy world. Here's an in-depth look at the story behind this game:
Setting: New Eridu
•Post-Apocalyptic World: The game takes place in a future where the world has been ravaged by mysterious phenomena known as "Hollows," which are interdimensional anomalies that can manifest anywhere, leading to chaos and destruction.
•New Eridu: This city is the last bastion of human civilization, surviving by harnessing the resources and secrets found within the Hollows. It's a bustling metropolis with a retro-futuristic vibe, where technology from the past and future coexist due to the influence of Ether, the energy from the Hollows.
Key Concepts
•Hollows: These are areas where the fabric of reality has been torn, creating zones filled with monsters called "Ethereals." Hollows can be entered via technology but are dangerous and unpredictable.
•Ethereals: Creatures from the Hollows that threaten human existence. They vary widely in form and danger.
•Proxies: Individuals with the ability to guide others through the Hollows using special technology. They don't enter the Hollows themselves but manage operations from outside.
•Agents: Combatants who physically enter the Hollows, equipped with unique abilities to fight Ethereals.
•Bangboos: Robotic companions that assist both in and out of Hollows, often with specific functions or abilities.
Main Characters and Storyline
•The Protagonist (Wise or Belle): Players choose between two siblings, Wise or Belle, who are Proxies running a video rental store called "Random Play." This choice affects some dialogue but not the main plot significantly.
•The Cunning Hares: A group of Agents that the protagonist works with or against, depending on the narrative arc. They include:
•Anby Demara: A former mercenary now working for the Cunning Hares, with a complex backstory involving her past life.
•Billy: A sharpshooter with a cyborg arm, known for his laid-back attitude.
•Nicole: A tech-savvy support character who provides intel and logistical support.
Other Agents and Factions:
•Victoria Housekeeping Co.: A group with a Victorian aesthetic, involved in mysterious activities.
•Belobog Industries: A construction company that might have deeper involvement with Hollows.
•Red Fang Gang: A group with a focus on martial arts, led by Nekomata.
The Plot
•Introduction: The story begins with the protagonist trying to navigate the daily life in New Eridu while dealing with the constant threat of Hollows. An incident involving the Cunning Hares sets the stage for the protagonist's deeper involvement in the city's underbelly.
Missions in the Hollows:
•Hollow Exploration: Players undertake missions where they guide Agents through different Hollows, each with unique challenges, puzzles, and enemies. These missions often reveal more about the lore, the nature of Hollows, and the personal stories of Agents.
Central Mystery:
•The Ether: The game explores the origins and effects of Ether, the energy that both sustains New Eridu and creates Hollows. There's a continuous quest to understand Ether's full potential and risks.
•The Truth of New Eridu: Beneath the city's bright facade, there's a darker narrative involving corporate corruption, hidden agendas of various factions, and the true origins of the Hollows. The protagonist uncovers layers of deceit and manipulation.
Character Arcs:
•Personal Stories: Through side quests or "Agent Stories," players delve into the backstories of various Agents, exploring themes like redemption, identity, and the struggle between duty and personal desires.
•Relationships: The protagonist forms bonds with Agents, which can influence the narrative, offering moments of humor, camaraderie, or tension.
Climactic Events:
•Major Threats: The story builds towards confrontations with significant threats, be it from within New Eridu or from the Hollows themselves, often involving a new or particularly dangerous type of Ethereal or a plot by one of the city's factions.
•Revelations: The narrative frequently hints at a larger conspiracy or a world-altering secret that the protagonist and their allies are piecing together.
Narrative Style
•Comic Book Aesthetic: The story is often told through comic-style cutscenes, giving it a unique visual storytelling approach that fits the game's retro vibe.
•Humor and Tone: Despite the post-apocalyptic setting, "Zenless Zone Zero" balances its narrative with humor, making characters relatable and the world less grim.
•Episodic Storytelling: The plot unfolds in chapters, with each update or season potentially adding new layers to the story, characters, or the understanding of the Hollows.
Themes
•Survival and Adaptation: How New Eridu's inhabitants adapt to living with the constant threat of Hollows.
•Identity: Many characters grapple with their roles, pasts, and what it means to be human in this altered world.
•Power and Control: The struggle over who controls Ether, the resources from the Hollows, and ultimately, the fate of humanity.
Development Innovations
•Innovative Combat Mechanics: Zenless Zone Zero features a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system that draws inspiration from fighting games like Street Fighter 6. It includes mechanics like chain attacks, manual chain attacks, and perfect assists, designed to provide instant gratification and tactical depth in battles.
•Unique "Hollow" System: The game introduces the concept of "Hollows," alternate dimensions where players navigate through a 2D grid of TVs (Hollow Deep Dive) for exploration and combat. This system blends puzzle-solving with combat, offering a fresh take on dungeon exploration.
"Zenless Zone Zero" crafts a narrative where personal journeys intersect with a broader, mysterious plot involving the survival of humanity, all set in a visually and mechanically engaging world that encourages exploration and interaction.
