Despite both Zenless Zone Zero and Genshin Impact being developed by HoYoverse, I feel that the former is better in terms of story. Version 1.4 shows the climax of Zenless Zone Zero‘s first story arc, bringing numerous factions and plot threads together. There are only two hours’ worth of new main story content, yet I feel satisfied and happy with what I received. Some questions are finally answered, but more mysteries are brought to light, and I can’t wait to unravel them.
A Satisfying First Arc
Let me make it clear. Zenless Zone Zero‘s story isn’t perfect. In fact, I had some complaints about it before I experienced version 1.4. The special episode update is my main gripe since it barely moves the main plot. Although I enjoy learning more about the agents, I can’t help but feel like they’re a waste of time, and it would be better to make this content optional. Even now, they’re not my favorite aspects of the game since I want to experience more of the main story.
Yet after completing the version 1.4 update, I can confidently say that I enjoy Zenless Zone Zero‘s story more than Genshin Impact‘s. This is because the plot is actually moving forward. Genshin Impact‘s story feels much more episodic and contained. The Traveler will visit a new nation, and they will experience crazy things there. While the journey is somewhat fun, it doesn’t change the fact that the main plot barely moves.
The main motivation for the Traveler is to find their lost sibling. However, their journey in each nation feels isolated from that quest. It often seems like the Traveler is forcefully shoved into a subplot of that nation and dragged around against their will. It also doesn’t help that the Traveler rarely feels like the main protagonist and not just an extra helpful side character.
The story of Zenless Zone Zero doesn’t have this same issue. Sure, they are still dragged into some subplots, but those detours are still connected to their quest to uncover the truth behind the fall of the old capital. Version 1.4 is also the climax, where various factions that the siblings encounter gather together to help. It feels great to know that all that extra work meant something and that the friends you’ve made cared about you.
I was glad to see Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi protecting the Phaethon siblings’ secret identity. I was hyped when I saw the Victoria Housekeeping, Cunning Hares, and Belobog Heavy Industries supporting us in the Hollow. I was touched when I saw the Hollow Special Operations Section 6 putting their trust in the siblings.
Unraveling the Mysteries
Another thing that I appreciate about Zenless Zone Zero is the actual progression regarding the big mystery that it set up at the start. While there are still a lot more questions that need answers, at least version 1.4 gives us some development. We have learned that the main villain group worships an unknown figure called the Creator. We now know that the siblings’ teacher seems entangled with this group. We understand that there’s another layer of mystery around our protagonists and their power.
Genshin Impact is not the same. It has been several years since its release, and we barely learn anything new about the Abyss and the missing sibling. Sure, they have this strange, weird plan related to the Loom of Fate, but we don’t get more answers. It was only when we reached Natlan and got close to Sheznaya that we finally made significant progress.
Frankly, it’s frustrating. This is coming from someone who enjoys reading over 100 thousand words of a novel and calling it a light read. I love epic fantasy, but the story of Genshin Impact is simply too slow. I know that HoYoverse has this grand overarching plot, but the waiting time is too long. I’m tired of being fed crumbs and cryptic lore. I want answers and progress.
Perhaps I sound childish and impatient, but frankly, after more than four years of waiting, is it too much to ask for a solid answer to some questions? No, being given an important lore in the description of a wind glider isn’t what I meant. I want actual progress in the Traveler’s journey. I want them to start being the star of the story, just like the Phaethon siblings in Zenless Zone Zero. I’m tired of the Traveler being treated like a side character forced to witness other people’s tales.
