PC Critic Reviews

The second game from Disco Elysium studio ZA/UM, this text-heavy, dice-driven RPG is an exquisitely constructed take on consumerism, empire, nostalgia and beyond.

ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is tense espionage, political dread and arcane philosophy wrapped up in a beautifully crafted CRPG package. The freedom to develop your spy in whatever faculty and fashion you wish is fun to engage with, and the narrative had me hooked from the moment I stepped foot onto the scene.

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative masterpiece that, despite clearly drawing inspiration from its spiritual predecessor, flourishes with its own maturity and originality. Despite some inconsistencies, it is a true RPG and a masterclass in writing. It is a remarkable experience throughout, surely to provide a beautiful lens looking into its world and characters.

Despite inevitable comparisons to Disco Elysium, ZERO PARADES stands as a significant step forward for the RPG genre. It is a bold, sincere, and terrifyingly gripping spy thriller that should not be missed. Especially now.

ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a fantastic, dark, but also funny sci-fi spy story that hooks you and doesn’t let go. It gives you a lot of room to solve situations and build your own Sick Crew, for better or for worse. The new action sequences keep you on your toes and every narrative turn locks you in for the ride. ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies proves ZA/UM can still create meaningful, deep experiences.

ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies is a demanding game that requires patience and attention, but those willing to engage with it on its own terms will find something truly special.

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies establishes a strong identity for itself with its deep understanding of human nature and political philosophy, plus plenty of twists on the standard CRPG formula. The story is slow, and some elements don't quite live up to their potential, but it's still one of 2026's essential games.

CASCADE cannot escape her past; it’s been haunting her long before she returned to Portofiro. But with the spectre of it looming over her, she pushes forward. The developers that remain at ZA/UM have done the same, and in so doing crafted a worthy follow-up to one of the greatest RPGs of all time.

Zero Parades is a worthy descendant of Disco Elysium’s tradition. Social awareness and artistry put into every word of narration, along with great voice acting, make Cascade’s journey to self-forgiveness a gripping and highly enjoyable experience.

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is not an easy game, and within that difficulty it explores interesting themes related to media, ideas, curiosity, and the danger of drive. It digs deep to find its own identity while also being built on the foundation of previous work from developer ZA/UM, and does so successfully.