Zero Parades: For Dead Spies

The main pros of the game

• Writing Quality: Many users praised the writing and dialogue, noting it as engaging and well-crafted, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of "Disco Elysium."
• Art Direction: The visual style and art direction were highlighted as beautiful and stylistically distinct, contributing to an immersive atmosphere.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The new mechanics, such as the conditioning system and the way skill checks are integrated into the gameplay, were generally well-received, with some players appreciating the risk-reward dynamics.
• Character Development: Players found the characters to be interesting and well-developed, with many expressing a desire to explore the world further.
• Narrative Depth: The game’s exploration of themes like espionage, personal failure, and political commentary resonated with many players, adding layers to the story.

The main cons of the game

• Voice Acting Issues: A significant number of users reported problems with the voice acting, including inconsistent lines, missing voiceovers, and a narrator whose performance was often described as grating or unsuitable for the character.
• Technical Bugs: Many players encountered bugs, such as dialogue not matching the text, crashes, and issues with the save system, which detracted from the overall experience.
• Difficulty and Punishments: The game’s mechanics, particularly regarding skill checks and the impact of failure, were criticized for being overly punishing, leading to frustration among players.
• Comparison to Disco Elysium: While some appreciated the game for its own merits, others felt it was overshadowed by the legacy of "Disco Elysium," leading to unfair comparisons that highlighted its shortcomings.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Voice Acting: Players expressed a desire for a more complete voiceover experience, with many lines and characters lacking voice acting entirely.
• Improved Narration: Users suggested that the narration should be more consistent and engaging, with calls for a different voice or approach to better match the game’s tone.
• Quality of Life Features: Some players mentioned the absence of basic features like quick saves or the ability to use number keys for dialogue choices, which they felt should be standard in modern RPGs.
• Better Integration of Skills: There were calls for a more meaningful integration of skills into the gameplay, with some players feeling that the skills did not significantly impact the narrative or gameplay as they did in "Disco Elysium."

Summary

• Overall, while "ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies" has received praise for its writing, art, and innovative mechanics, it is also facing criticism for technical issues, voice acting, and the inevitable comparisons to its predecessor. Many players recommend waiting for updates or patches to address these concerns before fully diving into the game.

Summary generated on: May 26, 2026