Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma Image
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78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

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  • Summary: Zero Time Dilemma is the third entry in the acclaimed Zero Escape series. The mysterious Zero traps 9 participants within an underground shelter, dividing them equally between 3 wards that are connected to an elevator shaft in the middle. The only way out passing through a locked X-Door toZero Time Dilemma is the third entry in the acclaimed Zero Escape series. The mysterious Zero traps 9 participants within an underground shelter, dividing them equally between 3 wards that are connected to an elevator shaft in the middle. The only way out passing through a locked X-Door to access the elevator. Six passwords are required to unlock the door, and each password is revealed only after a participant dies. Zeros Decision Game will offer teams the opportunity to kill other participants through a variety of means to obtain the necessary passwords so they may escape

    December 31, 2028. Nevada desert. Nine people have been living and performing experiments for the past five days in the Dcom facility. On the sixth day, they discover they are trapped in confinement rooms, an unfamiliar black bracelet strapped to their left wrists. A mysterious figure in a mask appears before them, demanding that they play the Decision Game. The lives of you, me, and the human race hang in the balance. Transported to a shelter underground, they are divided into 3 teams and left in separate wards. Which team will manage to stay alive? The fate of all mankind rests on their decision!
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Jul 7, 2016
    83
    Despite its flaws, Zero Time Dilemma is one of the more compelling titles released this year. You will find few other games like it, both in quality and plain weirdness.
  2. Games Master UK
    Sep 6, 2016
    83
    A tremendous - if slightly unwelcoming - conclusion to one of the smartest stories in videogames. [Sept 2016, p.77]
  3. Aug 11, 2016
    80
    It’s sad to see the Zero Escape series come to an end, but Kotaro Uchikoshi and his team have created a special trilogy of games that won’t soon be forgotten. Zero Time Dilemma, despite its flaws, concludes this series in a dramatic and memorable fashion.
  4. CD-Action
    Oct 14, 2016
    80
    The story is disorganized, but if you bear with it, you will be rewarded with non-linearity that puts every Telltale’s game to shame. [10/2016, p.46]
  5. Jul 12, 2016
    75
    Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma will not be to everyone’s tastes; that much is obvious. An eclectic mix of puzzle solving and non-linear visual novel narrative, Zero Time Dilemma’s inconsistent conundrum quality and distinctly no-frills presentation aren’t enough to seriously detract from the impressive calibre of its numerous idiosyncrasies.
  6. Jul 14, 2016
    70
    The story can go any way imaginable—from everyone coming away completely unscathed to literally causing the apocalypse—more so than maybe anything else I’ve ever played.
  7. Jul 24, 2016
    70
    While it isn’t the best story in the genre, and it isn’t the best story-driven game out there, it is interesting enough to keep players engaged for the time it takes to finish.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Negative: 4 out of 12
  1. Jun 30, 2016
    10
    Zero Time Dilemma is amazing! it has one of the best stories ever and the puzzles are challenging and brilliant, characters and voice actingZero Time Dilemma is amazing! it has one of the best stories ever and the puzzles are challenging and brilliant, characters and voice acting are really well done, if you appreciate great stories and puzzle solving, do yourself a favor and get this game, but make sure to play 999 and VLR to help you enjoy the game even more! 10/10 perfect masterpiece! Expand
  2. May 10, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was a phenomenal ending to this beloved trilogy. I absolutely loved this game so much. The plot twists, character development, storytelling, and just everything was so amazing. Dare I say this one was even more innovative and clever than the two that came before it. The new art style and cutscene deliverance was also very palatable and not at all jarring for me. I got used to it very quickly and actually prefer it to the original art styles in the past two games. The models looked really good and conveyed expressions amazingly while still staying in a somewhat "anime" style. I really enjoyed this game for what it was and recommend it to anyone who wants to experience an exciting and thrilling mystery. It's a must play for sure! Expand
  3. Jul 2, 2016
    9
    This is a great game, following a fantastic series. However, I can't in good conscious give it a 10/10. The voice acting is sub-par for a fewThis is a great game, following a fantastic series. However, I can't in good conscious give it a 10/10. The voice acting is sub-par for a few characters. the animations look awful, there's insane clipping issues in all of the cutscenes, the textures are wildly inconsistent and all low resolution, and it doesn't have PC button prompts.

    With all that, it sounds like it doesn't deserve a 9 right? The story is just that good. Despite it's countless technical flaws, this game will compel you to keep playing like no other. It's a story that can only be told in the format of a game, and it works, so DAMN well, that it just leaves you with your adrenaline rushing.

    I can forgive all of the faults of this game, and I understand that the circumstances it was made on are the reason for the technical quality. If you are considering this game, I highly recommend it. As others have said, play 999 and VLR first though. Story summaries probably wont cut it.
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  4. Nov 13, 2018
    8
    Un juego excelente con una brillante historia al igual que los anteriores, broche de oro para terminar una gran saga, con personajesUn juego excelente con una brillante historia al igual que los anteriores, broche de oro para terminar una gran saga, con personajes entrañables e historias que atrapan y meten mucho al jugador. Expand
  5. Jul 22, 2022
    5
    The puzzles and stuff are good like the previous two games but holy cow every thing else is terrible. The animation is hilariously bad, muchThe puzzles and stuff are good like the previous two games but holy cow every thing else is terrible. The animation is hilariously bad, much much worse than VLR. The story is incredibly confusing and needlessly complicated. I dont really know how to feel about this game, I loved 999 and VLR but this game feels like its so bad that its good. Expand
  6. Aug 17, 2016
    4
    If you're looking for the same level of storytelling quality from 999, or even VLR, then don't bother with this game. It's reallyIf you're looking for the same level of storytelling quality from 999, or even VLR, then don't bother with this game. It's really disappointing if you compare it to those games, but as a standalone game, I guess it's alright. It has some interesting puzzles, but the story felt like it was forced and the writers had to fill in the gaps from the last 2 games but did it in maybe the worst way possible. Expand
  7. Mar 22, 2020
    0
    Every decade, one might experience the rare phenomena that a game in a franchise comes out that is so disgustingly bad that it kills theEvery decade, one might experience the rare phenomena that a game in a franchise comes out that is so disgustingly bad that it kills the franchise and ruins the memories of the previous games. I could type out all the flaws with this garbage game, but it would be a waste of time. All you need to know is that Zero Time Dilemma is one of the worst games ever made in the history of gaming. Just play the first two game and pretend this game doesn't exist, that is the best way to enjoy this franchise if you are interested. Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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