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Zero Escape: The Nonary Games

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

Kidnapped and taken to an unfamiliar location, nine people find themselves forced to participate in a diabolical Nonary Game by an enigmatic mastermind called Zero. Why were they there? Why were they chosen to put their lives on the line? And more importantly, who can be trusted?

Global score

93/100

Genres

Adventure, Visual Novel, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging and complex story with multiple endings
  • Challenging and varied puzzles
  • High replay value with flowchart system
  • Voice acting and soundtrack enhance immersion
  • Well-integrated narrative and gameplay

Cons

  • Dated graphics especially in vlr 3d models
  • Repetitive scenes and animations can frustrate
  • Some puzzles can be obscure or illogical
  • Lack of character customization
  • Steep reading requirement and slow pacing

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players make meaningful choices affecting branching storylines and endings, with freedom to explore different narrative paths via flowcharts."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players solve a variety of puzzles ranging from straightforward to challenging, requiring logical thinking and note-taking."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual progress through story and puzzles without direct competition or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replay value with multiple endings encourages repeated playthroughs and long engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with limited narrative cooperation elements between characters."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players creatively solve puzzles and explore different narrative branches, though within predefined story structure."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize mutual suspicion and trust but no exertion of control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion and puzzle-solving provide escape from reality and deep engagement."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest in story and puzzles, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players explore multiple story routes and puzzle solutions, experimenting with choices to unlock endings."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new story branches and secrets through repeated playthroughs and puzzle solving."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through narrative choices rather than avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Story involves imaginative sci-fi, metaphysical concepts, and fictional death games beyond realistic scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community interaction emphasized."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and understanding of complex narrative through multiple playthroughs."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels and puzzle games with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on reading and puzzle solving; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -3

    "Character relationships are explored narratively but do not foster close player social connections."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership roles; player follows story and makes personal decisions without managing others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Progression through unlocking story branches, endings, and puzzle completion drives gameplay."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Narrative and puzzles provide flow and tension release, though some repetition can cause frustration."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Visual and auditory elements are functional but not highly stimulating; focus is on story and puzzles."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements exist but social recognition or competition is minimal; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Deeply immersive, complex narrative with multiple endings and plot twists central to player engagement."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players use logic and planning to solve puzzles and navigate branching storylines."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Suspenseful story and timed escape scenarios create tension and excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "High perceived value due to extensive content, multiple endings, and engaging story-puzzle combination."

  • Violence
    2

    "Themes include death and danger but gameplay focuses on puzzle solving rather than direct violence."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay involves avoiding death through solving puzzles and making strategic choices."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026