Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma

 PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. 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]
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  2. GameCrate
    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.
  3. 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]
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  5. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Aug 23, 2016
    80
    Characters have little idea about what’s going on; they may even end up looking for people they’ve killed themselves. The fact that narration is split into episodes that can be played in almost any order adds absurdity to the events. But eventually puzzle comes together and meaning of each scene becomes clear. [Issue#211, p.57]
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  6. DarkStation
    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.
  7. GameWatcher
    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.
  8. Brash Games
    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.
  9. Kill Screen
    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.
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  1. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Jul 26, 2016
    The occasionally dull new characters are mostly redeemed by their motivations and backstories in the end, but it’s hard to overlook Zero Time Dilemma’s visual flaws, which distract from the brilliance of the story. It’s by no means the best Zero Escape game, but it’s a fitting end to the trilogy’s story arc and – animation aside – it’s an excellent way to spend a few evenings.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 107
  3. Negative: 14 out of 107
  1. Darkzephr
    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.    … Full Review »
  2. Demando999
    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!… Full Review »
  3. subspace87
    May 10, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link 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!… Full Review »
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