A 9-minute uncut gameplay video：
In Zenless Zone Zero, players take on the role of a Proxy in the dystopian yet vibrant city of New Eridu, navigating Hollows and engaging both in fast-paced combat and exploration through TV-mode tile maps. The game blends sleek visuals, strong music direction, and a rich cast of Agents and Bangboos. Team synergy, combat mechanics like Daze and Energy management, and dynamic mission types stand out—there’s depth beneath the sci-fi gloss.
Octalysis Rating Table
| Core Drive | Score (1-10) | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | 8 | Narrative, setting, and character design give strong purpose to actions. |
| Accomplishment | 8 | Unlocking Agents, mastering Combat Mode, clearing challenging Hollows bring satisfaction. |
| Empowerment | 7 | Strategy in skill combos, energy use, dodges, swapping agents matter in performance. |
| Ownership | 6 | Collecting Agents, Bangboos, W-Engines builds investment and identity. |
| Social Influence | 5 | Leaderboards and community elements exist, but not central to gameplay. |
| Scarcity | 6 | Gacha pulls, mastery materials, and limited resources regulate progression. |
| Unpredictability | 7 | Random tiles in TV-Mode, varied enemy types, and changing mission conditions keep freshness. |
| Avoidance | 5 | Failing Hollows costs energy/time, but long-term progression largely safe. |
Evaluation Notes:
Scoring range: 1-10. Higher scores reflect stronger implementation of the core drive and greater player motivation.
GScore (Gamification Score): Calculated using the Octalysis Framework tool.
Octalysis Radar Chart
Detailed Analysis
1. Meaning (8/10)
The world building in New Eridu pulsed with life: Agents with distinct backstories, the Proxy’s dual identity, and the atmosphere of Hollows give reasons beyond just reaching higher levels. By integrating TV-Mode navigation, dungeon tile exploration, and story-driven commissions, the setting feels meaningful. Players often find that character dialogue and lore make exploring Hollows feel like uncovering a living, breathing city rather than just grinding.
2. Accomplishment (8/10)
Progress feels tangible: unlocking new Agents, advancing W-Engines, mastering difficult Hollows stages with high ratings—each of these milestones signals real growth. The “Signal Tracker ZZZ” system and master tape pulls provide bursts of reward that are gratifying. Performance improvements are noticeable when agents’ gear or Bangboo assists are optimized for specific Hollows or enemy specialty types.
3. Empowerment (7/10)
Players’ decisions in combat—when to use EX skills, how to manage energy, when to dodge or counter—shape performance. The Daze / Stagger meter encourages aggressive play but also punishes overconfidence, making mastery satisfying. Agent swapping mid-battle adds layer of tactical depth, especially in higher level Hollows.
4. Ownership (6/10)
Collecting Agents, equipping W-Engines, and customizing Bangboos all build a sense of personal identity: a unique roster and style. Even though some powerful agents are gated behind gacha rarity, many players find satisfaction in having a well-built team. Cosmetic skins and limited banners further amplify personal connection to favorites.
5. Social Influence (5/10)
Competition through leaderboards or event rankings adds motivation, though social features are more decorative than functional. Observing what builds other players use or comparing wave clear times stirs interest. For many, the communal pride of showing off a strong roster or achievement in Hollows is part of the appeal.
6. Scarcity (6/10)
Resources like mastery materials, energy (or whatever mechanism limits runs), and premium pulls are not overly generous—this drives planning, prioritization, and occasional frustration. The game balances scarcity with frequent events and missions that grant key resources, though premium content remains harder to access for free-to-play players.
7. Unpredictability (7/10)
Mission modifiers, tile map layouts in TV-Mode, enemy specialties, and occasional anomalies deliver surprises. Combat situations often shift unexpectedly—an enemy might resist a damage type or a mission condition suddenly flips. This keeps long-term play engaging and refreshes the experience.
8. Avoidance (5/10)
Losing a Hollow battle or failing a mission costs time, energy, or resources, but permanent losses are rare. Players rarely feel punished beyond needing to retry or adjust their build. This design allows risk-taking without heavy risk, making experimentation accessible.
Overall Summary & Recommendation
Zenless Zone Zero shines as a stylish action RPG with depth under its vibrant sci-fi veneer. Its strongest aspects are Meaning and Accomplishment—players feel driven by story, by character, and by mastering tough combat and exploration systems. Weak spots include dependency on gacha for some top-tier Agents and occasional resource bottlenecks for free players. Recommended for gamers who love well-designed action combat, strong character design, and compelling world lore. If any caveats, those seeking purely competitive PvP or zero dependency on gacha may feel mixed.
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