Whether you’re a fighting game enthusiast, a die-hard RPG fan, or a casual gamer, Zenless Zone Zero offers something for everyone.
This urban fantasy adventure breaks the mold of previous HoYoverse titles, diving headfirst into a fast-paced action RPG experience emphasizing its combo and parrying system.
In a press interview, ZZZ producer Zhenyu Li (李振宇) sat down with the media to share more about the inspirations that influenced the game and how the initial idea came about.
Zenless Zone Zero game producer says he drew inspiration from three titles: one fighting game, and two Vanillaware games
Players take on the role of Proxies, unique specialists who guide explorers venturing into chaotic dimensions known as Hollows.
The gameplay marks a significant departure from HoYoverse’s previous titles. Players unleash a combination of powerful skills to execute intricate strings of QTE (quick time event) combos.
This creates a thrilling hack-and-slash, fighting game experience infused with RPG elements.
Zhenyu mentioned that the inspiration for ZZZ stemmed from his love for fighting games.
“I am an avid fighting game player, so I learn from the impactful moves. I create the process and method based on that, and come up with a precise method,” he said.
When asked which specific game he was referring to, he cited the iconic franchise Street Fighter as a key source of inspiration for ZZZ.
Street Fighter is a long-running fighting game franchise developed and published by Capcom. First released in 1987, the series has become a genre mainstay known for its iconic characters and emphasis on one-on-one combat featuring special moves and combos.
He mentioned two other inspirations as well — Vanillaware 2D role-playing titles Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade.
“Well, you guys might not have heard about it, but for me [these games] have great influence,” he added. “It is the details and [the game developers’] principle of showing respect to every part of their game that’s touched me.”
Odin Sphere was released in 2007 for the PlayStation 2. It features a rich, intertwining narrative set in the fictional continent of Erion, with hand-drawn characters and entertaining beat-em-up gameplay mechanics.
Its gameplay sees side-scrolling action combat where players control one of the five characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
When it comes to visual design, the game is heavily inspired by Norse mythology and European fairy tales where environments are lush and detailed, while the character designs are colorful and memorable.
Odin Sphere has also praised for its deep storytelling, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, released in 2009 for the Wii, is set in a mythological version of feudal Japan, and combines fast-paced sword combat with a beautifully crafted 2D world.
The game features side-scrolling action sequences, where players explore meticulously designed environments, engage in battles with a variety of foes, and face formidable bosses. Combat is dynamic and requires precise timing for combos, utilizing special attacks, and strategically employing a diverse array of blades obtained during gameplay.
In terms of narrative, Muramasa explores themes of destiny, honor, and the pursuit of power, all set against the backdrop of historical Japan. The stories of Kisuke and Momohime unfold through beautifully illustrated cutscenes and interactions with other characters encountered on their journeys.
Can’t wait to try ZZZ? Check out our ONE Esports article on where to play the game, including download links for each platform. Also, here is a comprehensive list of all playable characters in the game.
READ MORE: ZZZ system requirements for mobile and PC: Can you run the game?
