Masks, Rituals, Nuclear Strikes, and CRT Televisions – How ZA/UM Created the Spy World of Zero Parades

IGN

by Matt Purslow

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Zero Parades, the latest RPG from ZA/UM, delves into the complexities of identity and espionage, offering a unique narrative experience where players shape their protagonist’s beliefs and actions. The game centers on Hershel Wilk, a spy for The Superbloc, whose personal ideology is left intentionally ambiguous to allow players to define her motivations. This exploration of conflicting identities ties into ZA/UM’s signature Conditioning system, which replaces the traditional RPG attribute system with a dynamic thought process. Players can “subscribe” to new ideas, reshaping Hershel’s personality and unlocking new dialogue options, or resist them, leading to different outcomes. The game’s visual design mirrors this internal struggle through its use of CRT television aesthetics. The Conditioning system is presented as a flickering CRT screen, symbolizing the imperfections in Hershel’s mind and her ability to reprogram herself for espionage tasks. This aesthetic choice extends beyond the interface, with environments like the Bootleg Bazaar reflecting 1990s technology and culture. The team aimed to capture a sense of dysfunction and instability, both in the physical world and within Hershel’s psyche. ZA/UM’s approach to art design balances the objective reality of the game’s world with the subjective experiences of the protagonist. This duality is reflected in elements like quest art cards and skill badges, which represent Hershel’s internal state. The developers’ focus on blending narrative depth with visual storytelling creates an immersive experience that resonates with players who appreciate complex, thought-driven gameplay. For gamers interested in RPGs with rich narratives and player choice, Zero Parades offers a fresh take on traditional systems. Its innovative Conditioning system and thematic use of CRT aesthetics make it a standout title for those who enjoy story-driven games with a unique artistic vision.

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Originally published on IGN on 2/23/2026