Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is weighed down by the legacy of Disco Elysium and internal studio turmoil at ZA/UM, the developer behind both games.
ZA/UM's Internal Turmoil
ZA/UM's transformation since Disco Elysium launched in 2019 has been tumultuous. Key founders, including lead writer Robert Kurvitz, were dismissed in 2022, leading to ongoing legal and creative disputes. Kurvitz claims, 'this company has destroyed the lives of four of my closest friends.'
Game Design and Mechanics
Zero Parades mirrors its predecessor in design, employing similar mechanics where skills influence protagonist Cascade's actions and thoughts. Players can customize Cascade's skills, which affect her spy capabilities, from tech-savvy to metaphysical expertise.
Struggles with Identity
The game cannot escape the shadow of Disco Elysium. Its narrative and mechanics echo the original, but critics note its less compelling storytelling and worldbuilding. The city of Portofiro lacks the depth of its predecessor's setting, and dialogue sometimes feels out of place with modern meme-like language.
Studio's Creative Shifts
The absence of key creative figures is evident. Despite technological improvements, the writing lacks the elegance that distinguished Disco Elysium. The ongoing disputes within ZA/UM have created a challenging environment for new developers, forced to meet high expectations while navigating internal drama.
As Cascade, players must assemble a crew for a mission while dealing with past mistakes. The espionage elements resonate, but the game's overall execution is hindered by the ongoing issues at ZA/UM.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies launches on May 21st for PC.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/931629/zero-parades-for-dead-spies-review-disco-elysium
