Zero Escape: The Nonary Games Reviews
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games attempts to reintroduce the first two games in the Zero Escape series, and proves that their puzzles and stories have withstood the test of time.
Those who haven't yet experienced either 999 or VLR are in for a real treat. Both games were already excellent in their previous incarnations, but The Nonary Games bundles two definitive editions together in one simple, appealing package.
If you’ve already played it, there’s not a whole lot of incentive to dive back in, especially you’ve already experienced all its 20 plus endings. But if you haven't, Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is a great way to jump into the series.
Uchikoshi has insinuated, speaking like a lawyer, that the Telltale-style of the third Zero Escape game may not be his preferred method compared to the visual novels on display with The Nonary Games. It's not clear whether the door has truly closed on Zero Escape in the long run, but in the short term I implore you, if you value plot, character, and sound in videogames at all, to invest in The Nonary Games as soon as possible. It's a choice you won't regret, and were we in a death game ourselves, I'd bet my life on it.
If you are a major fan of the Zero Escape series, this game is definitely recommended for the added voice acting alone, or just to play it all over again. However, if you already beat the games and are not looking forward to suffering through those puzzles again, it might be best to pass, as there is not much new content added.
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games fixes some major issues with 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, but doesn’t go all the way in updating it for current consoles. While the remastered version isn’t perfect (and it had the impossible task of replicating how the original game used both screens of the DS), it’s still the best way to play 999 in 2017. Throw in a mostly unchanged port of the PlayStation Vita version of Virtue’s Last Reward, and the package contains two of the best stories in gaming, albeit one without the ending part of the trilogy. Kotaro Uchikoshi’s fantastic titles should be played by any fan of the medium, just be aware that the final chapter, Zero Time Dilemma, will have to be played elsewhere.
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is the best way for you to play two of the most frequently overlooked visual novels out there. The additions to Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors bring new life to a underrated gem, and Virtue’s Last Reward is still as close to perfect as it was when it was first released. If you want to experience two of the best stories from the last generation of handhelds, this is the best way to do so.
Probably the most unique graphic novel in a videogame. Both games have a superb storytelling and challenging escape room puzzles. The game has multiple endings but manages to makes all of them useful and important thanks to it's amazing plot twist. Be careful, you might learn a thing or two while playing The Nonary Games.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games brings an unmissable package for any fan of good mystery stories, surprising from the first until the last minute, without losing the player's attention.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games packs two great mystery visual novels that should provide hours of content with their alternative paths, mind bending puzzles and interesting cast of characters.
It's never been easier to play the Zero Escape titles than it is now, and for the money, any fan of heady narratives and fun puzzles is in for several hours of quality entertainment.
Overall, Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is a really solid compilation that offers a great visual novel experience on PC (and the PS4 and Vita, for that matter). Even for longtime fans who are familiar with the series, the HD facelift that 999 has received is certainly worth a second look too.
Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is a perfect addition to any visual novel fan's collection. Both games are truly a work of art that combine mystery and horror to tell a story that is so gripping that it's almost impossible to put down. The only thing missing is the inclusion of the third entry of the series, Zero Time Dilemma.
For me this game was a massively unexpected experience that I have a long bus journey to thank. I absolutely loved Virtues Last Reward and I would say that you should not judge this book by it's cover. Virtues Last Reward is an amazing puzzle game that has an incredible story that really sucked me in. I found it hard to put the Vita down as I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.