ZA/UM
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A Disco Elysium writer once told Josh Sawyer that 'we can do better than this now,' and Sawyer agrees
RPG veteran Josh Sawyer discusses how game developers inspire each other and evolve design concepts over time. He acknowledges that previous ideas can be improved upon, citing narrative choice in RPGs as an example. Sawyer believes this continuous cycle of inspiration and refinement is essential for the industry's progress.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Review
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a narrative-driven RPG that, despite real-world controversies surrounding its predecessor Disco Elysium and its creators, stands as a compelling espionage adventure. The game features a gripping story, intricate dialogue systems that manifest as inner voices, and a complex protagonist, though its initial act can feel slow and directionless.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Review | Giant Bomb
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative CRPG from ZA/UM that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own identity. The game focuses on espionage, regret, and forgiveness, allowing players to shape protagonist Hershel Wilk's redemption arc through meaningful choices. Despite some minor flaws in its clothing management system, the game is praised for its compelling characters, dense narrative, and unique world-building.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Review
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative CRPG from ZA/UM that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own identity. The game features a complex espionage plot with player choices influencing the protagonist's redemption arc. Despite some clunky inventory management and narrative inconsistencies, it offers a unique and engaging experience with well-written characters and a dense, original world.
Zero Parades being an easier RPG than Disco Elysium makes perfect sense – and makes it more fun
Zero Parades offers a more accessible and enjoyable RPG experience compared to Disco Elysium by implementing more frequent autosaves and less punishing consequence systems. While Disco Elysium's philosophical depth and infrequent saves led to frustration for some players, Zero Parades' flexible character progression and do-overs make it a more forgiving and fun experience, tailored to its protagonist.
Yoshi, Batman och Zero Parades låsta – tätt i FZHS-toppen!
The tenth season of FZ High Score is nearing its end, with scores for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, and Zero Parades: For Dead Spies now locked. The article also provides an update on the current top 10 rankings and encourages users to participate in the upcoming season.
FZ Play – Dansar Zero Parades disko?
The article previews Zero Parades, a new RPG from the developers of Disco Elysium, which is set to stream tonight at 7 PM. The stream will feature @Wakkaah testing the game, which shares a similar genre and style with Disco Elysium, despite the studio facing internal challenges.
Dang, I can't hang with the Wang in Zero Parades, so ZA/UM's thought violation gun won't stop going bang
The article discusses the 'Wang Way' mechanic in Disco Elysium, a philosophy focused on self-reliance and remorseless action. The author explores how adhering to this philosophy impacts gameplay, dialogue, and skill progression, contrasting it with the player's natural inclination towards empathy and regret.
Hopetown Gameplay Teaser Reveals Investigation and Publishing Systems
Longdue has released a new gameplay teaser for their narrative RPG Hopetown, showcasing its journalist-driven systems including investigation, interviews, photography, and publishing. The studio also announced that Olga Moskvina, a key writer from Disco Elysium, has joined the Hopetown team, which already includes several other Disco Elysium alumni. The game features a journalist protagonist investigating secrets in a mining town, with player choices impacting the world through published stories.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Interview – Disco Elysium Roots, Spy Story RPG, New Gameplay Systems, And More
ZA/UM's Siim Sinamäe and Justin Keenan discuss ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, an RPG inspired by Disco Elysium but with a new spycraft theme. They detail new gameplay systems like 'Pressures' and 'Exertion,' emphasizing player agency and the consequences of both success and failure in its espionage narrative.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Released
The espionage RPG ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, developed by ZA/UM, is now available on Windows PC via the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam. The game is from the same studio that created Disco Elysium.
Hopetown Drops Gameplay Teaser And Reveals Additional Disco Elysium Alumni
Longdue has released a new gameplay teaser for their upcoming RPG Hopetown, which features investigation and publishing mechanics. The studio also announced that Olga Moskvina, a writer and editor from Disco Elysium, has joined the development team, alongside other former ZA/UM members. A limited 'Newsflash' edition of the game is available for pre-order on Kickstarter until May 29th.
Squabble over Disco Elysium's legacy continues as Hopetown studio recruit another ex-ZA/UM dev while dropping a new trailer on Zero Parades' release day
The ongoing dispute surrounding Disco Elysium's legacy continues as the studio Longdue, developing the journalistic RPG Hopetown, has recruited former ZA/UM writer Olga Moskvina. This announcement coincides with the release of ZA/UM's new game, Zero Parades, and a new trailer for Hopetown. Longdue aims to distinguish Hopetown from its inspirations through its in-depth note-taking and article-drafting mechanics.
Review: Zero Parades Understands the Assignment
Zero Parades is a highly impressive RPG that builds upon the legacy of Disco Elysium while forging its own path. The game follows spy Hershel Will as she navigates a world of political intrigue and personal sacrifice, featuring a web-like narrative structure and engaging mechanics like Conditioning. While it shares some DNA with its predecessor, Zero Parades succeeds with its writing and unique approach to political themes, and is available on PC with a PlayStation 5 release planned for 2026.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Review – Familiar But New
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is an RPG that draws heavy comparisons to Disco Elysium, featuring a similar art style and a unique stat system where skills act as conversational companions. The game focuses on spy Hershel Wilk, exploring introspective themes within a spy fiction narrative. Despite its similarities to Disco Elysium, the game offers its own distinct story and setting, making it a recommended narrative-focused adventure.
Recension – Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium from ZA/UM, offers a compelling narrative experience despite not reaching the heights of its predecessor. The game features a spy story set in a fictional 90s-inspired world divided by political ideologies, focusing on social interactions and dialogue choices rather than combat. While the writing can be esoteric and the skill system feels less defined than in Disco Elysium, the game is ultimately a solid and rewarding experience, particularly when it carves its own path.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies Reviews
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies, an espionage-themed RPG from the developers of Disco Elysium, has received its reviews. The game is available now.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies review – The game that came in from the cold
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative-driven game that explores the complexities of spy fiction, drawing comparisons to Disco Elysium. Players step into the shoes of Hershel Wilk, a former spy called back into service, navigating a world of mystery, dialogue, and psychological stats like Fatigue, Anxiety, and Delirium. Despite its similarities to Disco Elysium and the challenges presented by its mechanics, the game is praised for its writing and engaging gameplay loop, making it a worthwhile experience that encourages replayability.
Zero Parades is a beautiful Disco Elysium follow-up, but not a very good spy game
Zero Parades, the follow-up to Disco Elysium from developer ZA/UM, is a text-heavy isometric RPG that struggles to commit to its espionage theme. While it features a beautiful world, upgraded UI, and interesting mechanics like fatigue and conditioning, its narrative approach often undermines the spy gameplay. The game's protagonist, Hershel Wilk, is more interested in personal angst than covert operations, leading to a disconnect between the game's mechanics and its stated genre.
Round Up: Disco Elysium's Controversial 'Sequel' Met with Rave Reviews
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, the spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, has launched on PC and is receiving generally positive reviews, with an aggregate score of 83 on Metacritic. While many critics praise its engaging characters and meaningful choices, some note that it struggles to fully live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. The game is also slated for a PlayStation 5 release later this year.
