Zerko

About

Zerko is a puzzle game where the goal is to make all numbers on the board zero by strategically placing blocks with shapes and values. It offers a relaxing, ad-free experience with no time pressure, points, or data collection, and features calming audio. The game is frequently compared to reverse sudoku or a nullification game.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 128 reviews

gameplay8 positive mentions

Zerko features a simple yet engaging mechanic that gradually increases in difficulty, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
The game provides a relaxing experience with its minimalist visuals and calming sound design, making it a great choice for casual gaming sessions.
With 50 levels to complete, Zerko offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment, especially as players tackle the more challenging puzzles towards the end.

Many players found the game to be too short and easy, with most puzzles being solvable in a matter of seconds, leading to a lack of challenge.
The minimalist design, while appealing to some, was criticized for being bland and lacking variety in visuals and gameplay mechanics.
Some reviewers expressed disappointment in the game's potential, feeling that it could have explored its concepts more deeply and included additional levels for a more fulfilling experience.

gameplay
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
66%
9%
Zerko offers a minimalist and engaging puzzle experience with smooth mechanics and a unique numbers-based gameplay that encourages players to return for "just one more round." The game features well-designed levels that gradually introduce its mechanics, providing a relaxing yet challenging experience, although some may find the difficulty on the easier side. Overall, it is praised for its art style, pleasant sounds, and the ability to teach players through gameplay without a tutorial.
- “Zerko has a way of keeping you coming back for 'just one more round.' The mechanics are super smooth, and I love the art style!”
- “Simple concept, relaxing gameplay with increasing difficulty so you won't get bored, pleasant sounds, minimalistic visuals.”
- “The game introduces its mechanics in a clear and understandable manner throughout the first couple of levels.”
- “Well-designed mechanic, but this is the walking simulator of puzzle games.”
- “Picking it apart, Zerko is a game built on a simple numbers mechanic: you need to cover the board with numbered Tetris shapes so that the numbers add up to the tile's number - in the game's approach, to nullify the tile.”
- “Although there is no tutorial, the game teaches you the mechanics through gameplay.”
graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
30%
10%
The graphics of Zerko are characterized by a minimalistic art style that some players find pleasant and relaxing, contributing to the game's overall enjoyable experience. However, there are mixed feelings about the visuals, with some describing them as somewhat bland despite their simplicity. Overall, the graphics complement the smooth mechanics and engaging gameplay, making it a favorite among players.
- “The mechanics are super smooth, and I love the art style!”
- “Simple but nice graphics, simple UI, good levels.”
- “[b]Zerko[/b] is overall a good quality, concise, and enjoyable puzzle game, and has become one of my favorites in terms of gameplay and visuals amongst the games from [b]Maciej Targoni[/b].”
- “I know that the visuals are minimalistic, but somehow they feel kind of bland.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the irony of its concurrent release with another title, which has unexpectedly become the reviewer's favorite in the series. This juxtaposition adds a layer of comedic appreciation to the overall experience.
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game demonstrates excellent stability on Linux, with multiple users reporting a smooth and reliable performance.
- “Runs great on Linux.”