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Zenless Zone Zero review: Hoyoverse’s most approachable game yet

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Review info

Platform reviewed: PC, PS5
Available on: PC, PS5, Android, iOS
Release date: July 4, 2024 (Version 1.0) 

Following the major success of Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, developer Hoyoverse is back with its latest free-to-play title: Zenless Zone Zero. This game differs from both of the above with its relatively modern setting and focus on fast-paced real-time combat as opposed to Genshin’s open-world exploration or Honkai’s intricate turn-based team building.

In terms of format, Zenless Zone Zero feels like a more traditionally built mobile game, with smaller hub areas and simple yet flashy combat. For many, it’ll come across as decidedly less ambitious than Hoyoverse’s previous efforts, but I don’t believe this to be the case, and you shouldn’t be fooled into thinking Zenless doesn’t have sauce all of its own.

For one, the game’s presentation is easily Hoyoverse’s most accomplished to date, with beautiful visuals, a killer soundtrack, and animated cutscenes that wouldn’t seem out of place in a big-budget, feature-length movie. The quality of animation extends to its combat, too, which is a little style-over-substance for sure, but nonetheless provides dopamine-inducing encounters and satisfying visual feedback.

To address the elephant in the room, though, not everyone will get on with the free-to-play gacha model (which essentially locks most characters behind a probability-based chance system) here. While Zenless Zone Zero’s onboarding is generous with an abundance of resources, being at the mercy of randomness for character obtention will undoubtedly frustrate some players. Pair this with the energy system that limits the play of certain modes and the game can certainly feel restrictive once story content and other non-energy-requiring modes have dried up.

Still, if you’re after a casual-friendly game with staggering production value, Zenless Zone Zero’s presentation and combat are well worth checking out especially given the zero cost of entry. 

New horizons

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Zenless Zone Zero takes place in New Eridu, one of the last remaining safe havens for civilization after Hollows – localized zones that warp areas and turn those within into monstrous beings – ravage the planet. Our protagonists are Belle and Wise, siblings who take up the profession of Proxies who help guide combat-capable agents through these Hollow zones for anything from treasure hunting to search and rescue missions.

You’ll have the choice to play as Belle or Wise at the start of the game, but unlike previous Hoyoverse protagonists, both are present in the story and don’t take up combat roles. That instead goes to the aforementioned agents, some of which you’ll unlock for free in the opening chapter, and the rest becoming available via Zenless’s gacha system.

So far, each chapter of the story focuses on a particular group of agents belonging to various factions. The Cunning Hares, for example, is a ragtag, slightly unprofessional group that provides much of the game’s (genuinely very funny) comic relief. Belobog Heavy Industries, meanwhile, is a construction firm that specializes in deploying heavy-duty machinery in dangerous Hollow areas. 

Sadly, in true Hoyoverse fashion, it takes a bit for the wider picture to come into play. But having played through all of the release version’s main story content, this feeling doesn’t last long – and the three chapters we have right now are exceptionally well-paced and brimming with eyebrow-raising lore tidbits.

Well-hoyoversed

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Likely, whether you’ll take to Zenless Zone Zero or not lies in its combat. And compared to previous Hoyoverse games it’s a relatively simple affair. Characters typically have a basic attack combo string and one or two special abilities, along with an Ultimate attack when you’ve built up the ‘Decibel’ gauge required to unleash them. Said gauge is also shared across your team of three, as opposed to each getting their own.

Your primary aim in combat is to attack enemies to fill their Daze meter. It’s similar to Sekiro’s stagger bar or indeed Honkai Star Rail’s break gauge; once filled, enemies become temporarily stunned. You’re then prompted – rather stylishly – to switch to one of your other team members, at which point they’ll attack with their unique swap-in ability. While bog-standard grunts only let you apply this one time, larger bosses can have this effect applied up to three times, and this is where you can quickly apply buffs and deal big damage.

Best bit

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Zenless Zone Zero has an incredibly unique and vibrant style. Its presentation is its crowning achievement, from the expertly animated cutscenes to the belting soundtrack.

What it lacks in substance, at least at launch, it does make up for massively in style and somewhat in the potential for team synergy. As is the case with the beautifully animated cutscenes, Zenless Zone Zero’s combat feels lightning-quick and responsive. Dodging to briefly slow time and switching characters at the right time to perform a guard counter always feels incredibly satisfying, not least of all because of the powerful on-screen feedback. It’s great fun, especially when you’re building up the Daze meter on single-target boss encounters to stun them and then go ham.

What I’m hoping for above all else is that future content updates start introducing more complex enemy encounters and character move sets. What we have in Version 1.0 is a good starting point – and given it’s a mobile game I’m certainly not expecting Devil May Cry levels of complexity – but when combat feels as nice as it does, it’s a shame it’s currently pretty bare bones.

That same feeling extends to the playable roster of characters, which is honestly rather slim at launch. Version 1.0 brings 16 agents. One of those characters, Ellen, is locked behind the premium gacha banner. Granted, this is standard for the genre, but with six other ‘S rank’ characters available in the standard banner with significantly lower probability, that only leaves the nine ‘A rank’ agents that most will feasibly get. 

That doesn’t leave much room for variety in team building right now. Doubly so, when endgame content like Shiyu Defense eventually requires you to build two teams of three. It’s a shame that Hoyoverse couldn’t squeeze in a few more characters for folks to try out. Genshin Impact launched with 22 characters, and Honkai Star Rail had 23 in its Version 1.0. More characters will certainly be added to Zenless in future patches, but as it stands, things feel relatively bare bones on this front. 

Hollowed out

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Thankfully, Zenless Zone Zero certainly isn’t lacking in more general content. At launch, the main story is meaty, with several lengthy chapters to play through. There are also plenty of side quests ranging from quick combat trials to more involving exploration-based affairs that make use of maps stylized as rows of CRT screens you’ll have to navigate through and solve various problems.

Beyond that, there are two major side modes in Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense. The former is very similar to Honkai Star Rail’s Simulated Universe; you explore maps, earn passive upgrades for your agents, experience random events (that can be beneficial but also very much not), and challenge bosses at the end of each section. 

Shiyu Defense, meanwhile, is 10 individual levels of pure combat, each increasing in difficulty and level requirements. Beat all 10 floors and you’ll unlock another set of Shiyu Defense missions that reset periodically. But given character level thresholds are tied to your account level, you likely won’t see this content for a good month or two. This is Zenless Zone Zero’s current form of endgame, and you’ll need some decently built teams in order to complete each level with the highest rank.

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Both modes are very compelling and seriously worth doing especially if you’re a strictly free-to-play player. That’s because both offer ample rewards for building your characters and for the gacha system. Hollow Zero rewards also refresh each week, offering cyclical goodies that help make free-to-play a perfectly viable way of experiencing the game.

Unfortunately, other side modes simply exist to facilitate the game’s energy system, of which you’re limited to 240 units every 24 hours. Energy is spent on most modes outside of the main story progression, Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense, and is used to earn resources to upgrade your characters. While not an inherently awful system – and there are ways to gain more energy in a day by drinking a daily coffee or spending battery items – it does mean you’ll have to be very patient and careful in how you go about upgrading your characters, W-Engines, and so on. That’ll no doubt be irksome to players who dislike grinds and resource management.

On the topic of actually building and improving your characters, Zenless Zone Zero follows the traditional Hoyoverse template almost to the letter. You can of course increase your character’s level, but also equip them with an item known as a W-Engine (these are also obtainable through the gacha system) affording them powerful buffs. Then, aside from improving individual skill levels, you can additionally equip six Drive Discs which offer more buffs and stat increases. It sounds like a lot, but the game does a good job of teaching you the importance of each. 

Absolute cinema

(Image credit: Hoyoverse)

Zenless Zone Zero’s small launch roster and fairly simple combat are pretty hit-or-miss as it stands, but the same can’t be said for the game’s immaculate presentation. It’s easily the nicest-looking Hoyoverse game by some margin, and the animated cutscenes are a delight to watch.

The crowning achievement here, though, might just be its incredible soundtrack. It’s a super eclectic mix, featuring entrancing lo-fi beats for its hub areas, as well as pulse-pounding breakbeat, techno, and dubstep for combat scenarios. I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat since launch and I can’t wait to hear what kinds of music and genres will be added in future updates.

The only dent in the game’s wonderful presentation is the current performance issues on PS5. One larger hub area sees the framerate slashed in half when visiting it, and more intense combat encounters often sees the game drop below its targeted 60fps on console. If you’re planning on playing Zenless Zone Zero on something other than your phone, consider trying out the PC version, which feels much better optimized than its console counterpart. 

Accessibility

Zenless Zone Zero offers little in the way of accessibility options at launch, with colorblind options being the most notable absence here. You are at least able to fully customize your controller layout for the game, as well as adjust camera sensitivity to your liking.

Should I play Zenless Zone Zero?

Play it if…

Don’t play it if…

How I reviewed Zenless Zone Zero

I’ve played about 40 hours of Zenless Zone Zero across the PC and PS5 versions on a single account. In that time, I’ve played through all of the existing main story content and plenty of Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense. I’ve put in around 2-3 hours daily for most days since the game’s Version 1.0 on July 4. I mostly played Zenless Zone Zero with a controller, opting for the GameSir T4 Kaleid on PC and the DualSense Edge on PS5, where you’ll find that the game does feature some haptic feedback elements for the controller.

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Grand View Research expands Middle East presence as Gulf economies double down on data-driven growth

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Global market intelligence firm Grand View Research (GVR) is ramping up its presence across the Middle East, signalling how Gulf economies are increasingly relying on data-driven foresight to shape diversification strategies, policy design, and investment decisions.

The California-based firm, which has published nearly 20,000 market intelligence studies worldwide, confirmed a significant surge in regional demand this year. According to company data, more than 300 reports now focus on GCC markets, spanning sectors such as energy, healthcare IT, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. The number of GVR’s Middle East client engagements has climbed to over 100 in 2025, supported by a team of 450 analysts and consultants worldwide.

“The scale of decision-making in this region has changed,” said Swayam Dash, Managing Director at Grand View Research. “Businesses are no longer satisfied with descriptive reports. They want predictive models that can guide capital allocation, diversification, and future readiness. The Middle East is operating at global speed now.”

GVR’s recent projects in the region have included renewable energy market sizing, pharmaceutical pipeline mapping, and sustainability benchmarking through its proprietary Astra ESG platform, developed to align with regulatory disclosure frameworks introduced by UAE and Saudi authorities.

The expansion coincides with a period of sustained non-oil growth across the Gulf. According to the UAE Central Bank’s March 2025 review, the country’s non-oil trade surpassed Dh2 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, equivalent to 135 per cent of GDP. The GCC’s economic growth is projected to accelerate to 3.2 per cent in 2025 and 4.5 per cent in 2026, driven largely by technology, logistics, and sustainable infrastructure, sectors where data analytics and market intelligence play a critical role.

“In markets like Dubai and Riyadh, business decisions are increasingly evidence-based,” Dash said. “Data is now a strategic asset, and those who use it effectively will set the pace for the next phase of Gulf growth.”

The company’s newly announced Dubai office marks a deeper commitment to serving regional clients, helping them identify cross-border opportunities in Asia and Europe. Dash described the Middle East as “one of the fastest-maturing intelligence markets globally, a place where ambition, speed, and data finally meet.”

Analysts say GVR’s regional push mirrors a broader shift among consulting and research firms to localise expertise and deliver sharper, faster insights for Gulf clients. “The next competitive advantage in the region,” Dash noted, “won’t be capital or infrastructure, it will be clarity.”

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Events

Gitex 2025: Parkin activates ‘Code X’ rates to ease traffic at venue

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As Gitex Global 2025 opens in Dubai on Monday, October 13, Parkin has activated its Major Events Parking tariff (Code X) to manage heavy traffic around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The decision aims to ensure a smoother experience for visitors attending the world’s largest tech and startup showcase, which runs until October 17. 

Parking around DWTC will cost Dh25 per hour during the event.

Parkin has urged visitors to use public transport and plan trips through the RTA’s Shail app. Commuters should ensure their nol cards have enough balance, at least Dh15 for Silver class and Dh30 for Gold class, for a round trip.

This year’s Gitex, spread across DWTC and Dubai Harbour, features more than 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 startups from over 180 countries, spotlighting how AI, quantum computing, and sustainable tech are reshaping global industries.

Gitex Global 2025 runs from October 13 to 17 in Dubai.


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Education

UAE and Google give students free access to AI tools to boost learning

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The UAE Government has teamed up with Google to offer university students a free one-year subscription to Google Gemini Pro, a state-of-the-art AI tool designed to make learning smarter, faster, and more fun.

This initiative isn’t just about tech; it’s about empowering students and families with tools that make studying, researching, and exploring ideas easier. Whether it’s summarising lecture notes, creating interactive quizzes, generating mini podcasts, or even turning text and images into short videos, Google Gemini Pro opens up a world of possibilities.

Learning Made Smarter
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said the UAE is committed to giving students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. “We are equipping our youth and society with AI tools that boost creativity, efficiency, and innovation,” he said.

Anthony Nakache, Google’s Managing Director for MENA, added that searches for AI and study topics in the UAE have jumped by 110% in the last two months, showing a growing excitement among students and teachers to explore new ways of learning.

Fun Features for Students

  • Gemini 2.5 Pro: Tackle research, brainstorm ideas, or create projects with an advanced AI assistant.
  • Deep Research: Quickly gather information from hundreds of sources to make studying easier.
  • NotebookLM: Organise thoughts, notes, and lectures, now with audio and video overviews.
  • Veo 3: Turn text or pictures into engaging short videos with sound—perfect for projects or presentations.
  • 2TB Storage: Keep all your notes, photos, and schoolwork in one safe place.

How Families Can Support Students
Parents and siblings can encourage students to take advantage of this tool to boost study habits, organise projects, and explore creativity safely and productively. It’s an opportunity for families to get involved in learning together, using AI as a helpful assistant rather than a replacement for effort.

How to Join
Students aged 18 and above can register for 12 months of free access using their personal email until 9 December 2025. For more details, visit www.gemini.google/students.

With Google Gemini Pro, the UAE is not only preparing students for a high-tech future but also creating exciting ways for families to engage in learning, creativity, and discovery together.

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