The current landscape of the video game industry has become increasingly volatile. Long-established studios with seasoned talent and newer teams, often comprised of experienced developers, are facing job losses after underperforming releases. In such a challenging environment, each new game must deliver substantial value to resonate with players. This is particularly true for ZA/UM’s upcoming espionage role-playing game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, which bears significant expectations beyond mere financial success.
Setting out to follow up on the highly acclaimed Disco Elysium poses a monumental task. The shadows of both fan and industry expectations loom large, especially in the context of the noted controversies that have affected the studio. Zero Parades is not simply aiming to sidestep these issues; it aspires to excel to such an extent that fans forget the controversies that led to the departure of key writers from the original game, effectively proving that the creative spirit of the studio remains vibrant despite challenges.
Success for Zero Parades hinges on its ability to evoke nostalgia and satisfaction among fans of Disco Elysium, even in the absence of many original team members. If it fails to engage this dedicated fan base, the negative perceptions surrounding the studio could deepen, complicating future efforts to carve out a distinct identity beyond Disco Elysium.
Having experienced a hands-off preview of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies in September 2025, and engaging with the demo during the Steam Next Fest, my initial excitement has evolved into cautious optimism. Though skepticism lingers, I sense that the game might just deliver on its ambitious vision.
Zero Parades: For Dead Spies – Hands-On Preview
“It’s All Ideation Until You Commit”
Let me clarify my perspective: I have not played Disco Elysium. While I acknowledge its significance as a celebrated title of the last decade, I believe arriving at a new game from a fresh viewpoint can be valuable. Many critics will inevitably draw comparisons to Disco Elysium, but my aim is different. Zero Parades presents an experience that caught my attention right from the start of the demo.
The opening moments of the game intentionally create disorientation, reminiscent of how the eerie beginning of The Shining heightens tension. From the onset, players are encouraged to embrace a narrative that acknowledges the potential for failure, a theme that my preview reiterated.
After selecting key characteristics for the protagonist, Hershel Wilk, a notable quote from Jenny Holzer, “The beginning of the war will be a secret, ”sets a foreboding tone as ominous voices introduce the narrative. Players quickly transition from that tension to the character’s story, unraveling Hershel’s past entangled in the espionage world of Superbloc, revealing a personal history that complicates her current mission.
The stage is set as Hershel navigates her surroundings, seeking to uncover the circumstances that led to her current predicament. This process uncovers relationships and past betrayals, inviting players to make choices that will affect their journey.
A Safe-ish Bet
The strength of Zero Parades thus far appears to lie significantly in its narrative depth, drawing me into its world. However, my experience with Hershel’s voice acting left much to be desired. While the character’s voice actor may have had a challenging directive, the choice to utilize a tone characterized by permanent vocal fry was jarring and detracted from immersion.
Fortunately, the supporting cast’s performances were much more effective, leading me to question the inconsistency in voice direction. Despite my reservations about Hershel’s vocal portrayal, I found myself willing to compromise on this aspect for the sake of experiencing the game’s strong narrative elements.
Zero Parades introduces intriguing mechanics such as Dramatic Encounters, which heighten tension in spy scenarios. Initially skeptical of this addition, I found them to be cleverly integrated, successfully building moments of suspense that resonate with the thematic tone of the game. This mechanic adds layers to the espionage experience, enhancing strategic gameplay while maintaining narrative focus.
The game also incorporates a de-skilling feature that punishes players for overextending their emotional thresholds, introducing a real sense of vulnerability. This psychological element reflects the human realities of espionage, emphasizing that even hardened spies can falter under pressure.
Out of the Freezer
I cannot make direct comparisons to Disco Elysium, but I can affirm that this game has swiftly risen on my list of anticipated releases. The espionage narrative and thematic resonance captivate me, and although I remain concerned about the vocal representation of Hershel, the overall experience is rich enough to overshadow this concern.
If Zero Parades successfully infuses compelling storytelling, striking art design, and engaging mechanics across its gameplay, it has the potential to be a serious contender for Game of the Year in 2026—if it meets its release schedule.
PC version tested.
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