If your kid is asking for this, they probably saw a 15-second clip of a character doing a backflip while a bass-heavy J-pop track blared in the background. Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is all about the "vibe." It swaps the sprawling green fields of its predecessors for a stylish, urban-fantasy world that feels like a mix of a high-end sneaker shop and a futuristic arcade.
The combat is the main event
The gameplay here is fast. If your kid grew up on Super Smash Bros. or likes the kinetic energy of Fortnite, they’ll settle in quickly. You swap between three characters on the fly, timing dodges and parries to trigger "Chain Attacks" that slow down time and fill the screen with sparks. It feels expensive. The animations are fluid, and the feedback when you land a heavy hit is incredibly satisfying. Unlike some RPGs that require a spreadsheet to understand, ZZZ is relatively intuitive: hit the glowing button, watch the cool thing happen.
The "TV Mode" friction
There is a catch to all that flash. Between the fights, the game forces you into a "Hollow Deep Dive" mode where you move a little icon across a grid of television screens. It’s meant to be a stylized way of exploring a dungeon, but many players find it boring. It slows the momentum to a crawl. If you hear your kid complaining that they "just want to fight the boss," this is why. It’s a repetitive loop that keeps players in the app longer without necessarily providing more fun.
The slot machine in the room
We have to talk about the "pulls." ZZZ is a gacha game, which is essentially a glossy, anime-themed casino. You use currency to roll for new characters, and the rarest ones—like the viral character Jane Doe—are locked behind low-probability draws.
This is where the game stops being a brawler and starts being a job. The game is designed to make you feel like you're missing out if you don't log in every single day to claim rewards. It’s worth checking out our guide on the psychology of gacha games to understand how these "banners" create a sense of urgency. Even if you don't link a credit card, the game is constantly showing your kid what they could have if they just had a little more luck or a little more cash.
Is it right for your kid?
If your teen liked Persona 5 or the stylish action of Devil May Cry, they will love the aesthetic here. It’s "cool" in a way few games manage to stick. But if they have a history of getting frustrated by "random" rewards or have shown a lack of impulse control with loot boxes and gambling mechanics, ZZZ will be a minefield.
The "fan service" is also a factor. The character designs are creative, but many are intentionally sexualized to drive sales. It’s a game built on desire—desire for the cool move, the rare character, and the perfect outfit. If your kid can treat it as a flashy, 20-minute distraction without falling into the "one more pull" trap, it’s a high-quality action title. If not, it’s a very pretty way to lose a lot of time and money.
