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Generation Zero

Menacing robots, a gorgeous world, and an intriguing premise, but ultimately too minimalist for its own good.
63%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
77% User Score Based on 33,322 reviews
Critic Score 41%Based on 7 reviews

Platforms

PCPCXboxXboxXbox Series X|SXbox Series X|SPlaystation 4Playstation 4WindowsWindowsPlayStationPlayStationXbox Game PassXbox Game PassCloudCloudXbox OneXbox OneXbox Cloud GamingXbox Cloud GamingNVIDIA GeForce NOWNVIDIA GeForce NOWSteam DeckSteam Deck
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About

In Generation Zero, players explore an open world set in 1980's Sweden, battling hostile machines with a variety of weapons and explosives. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, adding realism to the immersive environment. Cooperative multiplayer allows up to four players to team up and strategize in taking down enemies for greater rewards.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
Generation Zero screenshot
+2

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 33,322 reviews
story2k positive mentions
stability1.8k negative mentions
  • story
    9,321 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Generation Zero" is often described as weak and disjointed, primarily conveyed through environmental storytelling, audio logs, and collectible notes rather than engaging character interactions or cutscenes. Many players find the missions repetitive, typically revolving around fetching items or defeating robots, which detracts from the overall narrative experience. While some appreciate the atmospheric setting and the potential for a compelling story, the execution leaves much to be desired, leading to a sense of emptiness and frustration, especially when bugs hinder mission progression.

    • “The story is enjoyable and keeps you immersed in it.”
    • “The atmosphere, both visual and audio, is stellar; the story is mysterious and engaging.”
    • “The game has really come a long way since release; I would recommend the base game, it's fun and the story is really interesting.”
    • “But no story, no real missions; it's only go there and press F on that.”
    • “The narrative is weak, so completing all the main and side missions I found just felt like checking off a to-do list.”
    • “The story is non-existent and dialogue sucks.”
  • gameplay
    3,737 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Generation Zero" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its cooperative mechanics and engaging gunplay, while others criticize its repetitive nature and lack of depth. Players enjoy the strategic elements of combat against mechanical enemies, but often find the missions and environments monotonous, leading to a sense of boredom after extended play. Technical issues, such as bugs and crashes, further detract from the overall experience, making it feel unfinished despite its potential.

    • “The gameplay is very good, though the story is average—not amazing, but it doesn’t disappoint either.”
    • “The cooperative mechanics are superbly executed, allowing players to team up with friends in a seamless and engaging experience.”
    • “The gameplay in Generation Zero is a masterclass in balance and tension.”
    • “Skip it, after 23 hours of gameplay this game is just... a mess.”
    • “The world is so dead you won't even have gameplay.”
    • “Do not buy this trash game; it is buggy, unfun, and overall bad. The visuals look good, but the gameplay is repetitive.”
  • graphics
    3,359 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in "Generation Zero" are frequently praised for their stunning beauty and immersive quality, effectively capturing the eerie landscapes of an alternate 1980s Sweden. Many players highlight the game's impressive environmental design, dynamic weather effects, and attention to detail, which contribute to a captivating atmosphere. However, some users report issues with graphical glitches, performance inconsistencies, and a lack of variety in visual assets, suggesting that while the graphics are a strong point, they are not without flaws.

    • “The graphics and immersion is incredible.”
    • “The beautiful graphics of the apex engine are impressive, and the sound effects create a suspenseful atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics are stunning and the entire environment helps to build the atmosphere of this game.”
    • “Then adding in the weird graphical errors like small trees you 'pick-up' for wood looking very awkward, I am sure that other players have noticed these issues and put in constructive criticism but so far, I don't think the developers really care.”
    • “This game since release has had such a terrible graphical design choice of making everything really blurry and not even reshade does much.”
    • “The graphics look worse than Fallout 4.”
  • stability
    1,794 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. Common issues include game-breaking crashes, missing items, and problematic AI behavior, leading many to describe it as a "buggy mess." While some players find the glitches amusing or manageable, the consensus is that the game requires substantial fixes and optimizations before it can be recommended for purchase.

    • “Very polished, gorgeous, and for today's standards, this game is an amazing tour-de-force of bug-free happiness!”
    • “The game is beautiful and runs great on my rig. I do have a high-end PC though... it's only crashed 2 times since I bought it, which is pretty good when this game is still in early access.”
    • “Also, the game runs great on my aging PC and the landscape is, at times, breathtaking to behold.”
    • “This game is experiencing some serious glitches when loading into a game. I find my weapons missing their attachments and am unable to re-equip them even while in-game; playing attachments seem to vanish.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess and the developers have added more stuff into the game rather than fix basic errors or work on making the game function better.”
    • “The game is extremely buggy and some bugs can literally break the game.”
  • atmosphere
    1,653 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "Generation Zero" is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively capturing the desolation of a post-apocalyptic 1980s Sweden. Players appreciate the stunning graphics, dynamic weather effects, and haunting sound design that enhance the sense of isolation and tension, making exploration both captivating and suspenseful. However, some critiques mention that the atmosphere can feel empty or repetitive over time, particularly due to the lack of diverse content and NPC interactions.

    • “The game's setting in 1980s Sweden is beautifully realized, with stunning landscapes, atmospheric weather effects, and immersive sound design that enhance the sense of isolation and mystery.”
    • “The atmosphere it creates is unparalleled, immersing players in a hauntingly beautiful and desolate landscape filled with mystery and danger.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredible, the music, sounds, lighting, and gun sounds are all some of the best I’ve experienced recently.”
    • “The atmosphere is one of isolation, but not in a way that adds to the tension or immersion.”
    • “The update adding NPCs kind of ruined the atmosphere, but solid game overall.”
    • “The world, which whole atmosphere was being fed by the fact that there are ruthless war machines trying to kill you and everyone else present was now ruined, as literally right in the beginning of the game you get to see a 'survivor', which tries their best to make it look like they are afraid there is nobody else except you and them left, only to ultimately be met with a second one just a few story points later.”
  • music
    813 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the 1980s with a haunting synth-heavy soundtrack reminiscent of classic films like "Terminator." While many players appreciate the nostalgic vibe and how the music enhances the overall experience, some have noted that it can become repetitive over time, suggesting a desire for more variety. Overall, the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's tension and ambiance, making it a standout feature for many players.

    • “The combination of immersive visuals, compelling gameplay mechanics, and a haunting soundtrack creates an experience that is both thrilling and memorable.”
    • “The haunting, synth-heavy soundtrack sets the tone perfectly, and the eerie sounds of approaching machines send shivers down your spine.”
    • “The atmosphere, soundtrack, and music of this game are absolutely amazing.”
    • “But after a while, it feels a bit like listening to the same ABBA song on repeat, you know?”
    • “Everything else is unremarkable and in some cases annoying (that pump action shotgun is deafeningly loud) and the music is not memorable in the least.”
    • “If they added more ambient music I think I'd be a little happier with the game but the only music you hear is the same 2 tracks when you enter combat and when you start the game.”
  • grinding
    747 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and repetitive. While some enjoy the grind for resources and upgrades, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration with inventory management and the lack of meaningful rewards. Overall, the game is characterized by a significant amount of grinding, which can be enjoyable for some but may quickly become monotonous for others, especially in solo play.

    • “The missions aren't too tedious or confusing to do; it always feels fun to complete them and get another, especially with friends.”
    • “Not too grindy unless you want to get the best of the best gear.”
    • “The game has so much to do and it's really not grindy unless you want to.”
    • “The way things are now, it is possible to reach a bottleneck where you can no longer disassemble items for resources due to a lack of available storage, leading to you being forced to pick and choose when looting (which, with the current interface is tedious and boring), or discard resources after you process them, which just feels wasteful.”
    • “The game is very grindy and tedious, and if you are playing by yourself you will notice this almost instantly.”
    • “The looting mechanic is unrewarding and tedious.”
  • optimization
    549 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with some players reporting smooth performance on high settings while others experience significant stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements following updates, many still find the game feels unfinished and poorly optimized, particularly in multiplayer scenarios. Overall, while it can run well under certain conditions, the frequent performance issues detract from the experience, leading to a general consensus that further optimization is needed.

    • “The game’s optimization is also good, allowing it to run on ultra graphics settings even on weaker computers with relative ease.”
    • “The first impression I had when getting into the game was how optimized it felt, and how smooth it was.”
    • “This game has good graphics, optimized very well, tons of exploration, and tons of weapons and robots to fight.”
    • “The most notable problem is the frequent stuttering and performance drops, which can be jarring and disrupt the flow of the game.”
    • “Despite several updates, the engine optimization remains subpar, making the game feel unfinished and rough around the edges.”
    • “The most glaring issue is the game's terrible optimization.”
  • humor
    497 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky bugs and physics, with players frequently laughing at the absurdity of robot glitches, ragdoll effects, and the chaotic interactions during gameplay. Many reviews highlight the comedic value of co-op play, where friends can share hilarious moments, especially involving bike physics and explosive encounters. Overall, while the game has its flaws, the humor often makes the experience enjoyable and entertaining, particularly when played with others.

    • “This game is awesome, the fear you have of the bigger robots at the beginning turning into blood lust is so funny.”
    • “The game is pretty serious until you get on a bicycle and then it becomes an absolute joke, but it's so funny to try to ride straight over rough terrain that it's worth it.”
    • “I hit 10 hours by cycling around the map with some friends (bikes being the only vehicle you have), and laughing as we rag-doll crash into enemies ringing the little bell.”
    • “It's simply an unfinished project, not a funny joke from the Avalanche team.”
    • “Insignificant or contains humorous glitches.”
    • “Not funny.”
  • replayability
    142 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players finding it high due to frequent updates and diverse missions, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking long-term engagement. Many suggest that additional maps and varied content could significantly enhance replay value, but currently, it often feels limited and tedious after the initial playthrough. Overall, while some enjoy the co-op experience and looter mechanics, others feel it lacks depth for sustained replayability.

    • “The best thing about the game is that the developers are active; rapid updates every now and then make the game always replayable.”
    • “Overall, an absolutely fabulous game with a lot of replay value and excellent multiplayer.”
    • “There are so many unique ways to play, each with its strengths and weaknesses, that I feel like I've still got a long way to go until this game runs out of replay value.”
    • “The replayability is mediocre; there are plenty of missions, and this system allows you to partake in daily tasks to get some rewards, but killing similar robots again and again can be a bit tedious at times.”
    • “Granted, the developers have definitely made a lot of efforts in adding additional content to play, but the replayable content is still repetitive.”
    • “Once you've reached a certain point of beating/completing the story mode, there's really no point in replayability even with the so-called base building involved.”
  • monetization
    141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling the frequent DLC releases as cash grabs that offer little value. Users express frustration over the amount of content locked behind microtransactions, which detracts from the overall experience and potential of the game. Despite some acknowledgment of ongoing content updates, the prevailing sentiment is that the monetization practices are exploitative and diminish the game's appeal.

    • “In conclusion, 'Generation Zero' presents a captivating blend of exploration and combat marred by a questionable approach to microtransactions.”
    • “The microtransactions are abysmal; it's like you're playing a Chinese gacha MOBA.”
    • “It's a shame to witness a title with such potential succumb to divisive monetization strategies.”
    • “Many view these microtransactions as a desperate attempt to milk every possible penny from the player community, detracting from the game's overall appeal.”
  • emotional
    76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed feedback, with many players finding the story boring and lacking depth, leading to minimal emotional investment. However, some side stories and atmospheric elements evoke heartfelt moments, particularly for those who resonate with the game's setting. Overall, while there are glimpses of emotional potential, technical issues and a weak narrative hinder a more profound connection for most players.

    • “Some of the side storylines can be really heartfelt and cause you to pause and reflect.”
    • “I cried at the end.”
    • “This game is beautiful; the way the lighting shines through almost made me cry.”
    • “Should be considered very early alpha; it just lacks everything. There is hardly anything to do and it has a boring storyline.”
    • “I tried to finish Gen Zero, but between the boring story, frustrating bugs, and annoying combat encounters, I couldn't put any additional time into it.”
    • “Instead of a boring story told through documents and going from one place to another, you just end up fighting more robots.”
  • character development
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its depth and upgrade possibilities, while others criticize it for being slow and unrewarding. Many feel that the character designs lack originality and that the narrative depth is limited, which detracts from overall engagement. Overall, while there are elements of interesting character development, many players express a desire for more impactful progression and RPG elements.

    • “Great character development with extensive upgrading possibilities.”
    • “Lastly, the story is very thought out and has some great character development.”
    • “The gameplay is pretty intuitive; the character development is decent enough to keep you interested in what build might suit your play style, adding layers of possible directions in the game.”
    • “Generation Zero falls short in terms of character development and the rewards it offers for exploration.”
    • “The game discourages you from playing itself at its own, through slow character development and slow exploration that does not give you anything to be satisfied with what you find.”
    • “This aspect alone is possibly the biggest letdown in Generation Zero for me; it could have been a core element to progression and character development but ultimately does nothing.”

41%Critics’ scoreBased on 7 critic reviews

Buy Generation Zero

20h Median play time
65h Average play time
6-70h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 503 analyzed playthroughs

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