Zanki Zero: Last Beginning

The gameplay of "Zanki Zero" is a divisive aspect, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating due to its complex survival mechanics, repetitive dungeon crawling, and clunky controls. While some appreciate the unique aging and rebirth mechanics that add depth to the experience, others feel these elements detract from the overall enjoyment, often leading to a grindy and unbalanced gameplay loop. Ultimately, the game is recommended for those who prioritize story and character development over gameplay, as the narrative is compelling but often overshadowed by the gameplay's shortcomings.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its quality and ability to set the mood, while others criticize its limited variety and repetitiveness, noting that it can become grating over time. Although the soundtrack is described as decent and fitting for the game's atmosphere, many players feel it lacks depth and memorability, with some even expressing disappointment over the audio quality of the soundtrack. Overall, while the music serves its purpose, it may not stand out as a highlight of the game.

The grinding aspect of the game has received largely negative feedback, with many players finding it tedious and unfun, particularly in the context of dungeon crawling and resource management. While some appreciate the story and unique mechanics, the repetitive nature of gameplay and the overwhelming grind for upgrades or completion can lead to burnout. Overall, the experience is described as a slog, making it less appealing for those with a low tolerance for grinding.

The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the art style and visual direction as a significant improvement over previous titles, while others find them underwhelming for a 2019 release. The environments are noted for their beauty and unique character backgrounds, though some dungeons are described as drab. Overall, the visuals are considered appealing, especially for a smaller game, but there are criticisms regarding the limitations imposed by its development for the PS Vita.

The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players noting its touching and unique story, well-developed characters, and heart-wrenching backstories that create strong emotional attachments. While some found the gameplay frustrating, the narrative's ability to evoke tears and deep feelings, especially during pivotal moments and the ending, stands out as a significant strength. Overall, the game is recommended for those who appreciate emotional storytelling in RPGs, despite some gameplay challenges.

The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and others feeling that attempts at humor often fall flat or come off as forced. While certain cutscenes and character interactions provide moments of dark and intelligent comedy, the writing can also veer into edginess that doesn't resonate with everyone. Overall, the game features a blend of tragedy and comedy, with a quirky cast that contributes to its unique sense of humor.

Character development in the game is generally praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with many players appreciating the well-rounded designs and engaging backstories that foster attachment. However, some critiques highlight that certain characters feel bland, suggesting inconsistency in the overall quality of character arcs. Overall, the character-centric focus and unique art direction contribute significantly to the game's appeal.

The game's atmosphere is a compelling blend of horror and survival elements, creating an immersive experience that can be both chilling and frustrating. Players appreciate the unique and eerie ambiance of the dungeons, which enhances the sense of mystery and hopelessness in a post-apocalyptic world. However, the lack of music in certain areas and the intense emotional themes may not appeal to everyone, particularly those sensitive to dark narratives involving children.

The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it offers deep resource and base management for those who enjoy micromanagement, players report significant performance issues even on high-end PCs. The game's heavy reliance on menus can lead to frustration, and performance varies greatly depending on rendering resolution, with other technical aspects remaining unaddressed.

The reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with some users noting that the game has "little replay value," a common critique for many of Spike Chunsoft's visual novel titles. However, there are also mentions of the game being "infinitely replayable," suggesting that certain elements may encourage multiple playthroughs despite the overall sentiment leaning towards limited replayability.

While the game is generally stable and not considered buggy, players have reported frustrating issues during specific boss battles, where certain bosses may become unresponsive or impossible to defeat due to potential glitches. This suggests that some aspects of the game may not have been thoroughly playtested, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.