Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is the latest entry in ZA/UM’s portfolio, but it's weighed down by its predecessor’s shadow. The critically acclaimed Disco Elysium set the bar high, and while Zero Parades attempts to follow suit, its design and narrative are marred by the studio’s internal strife.

The game offers players the chance to build their own spy, investing in skills that not only affect dice rolls but also manifest as distinct voices within Cascade. However, this intimate exploration of character is overshadowed by the real-world drama that haunts its creators and characters alike. The result is a game where every decision feels weighed with the weight of past failures.

Despite the ambitious design, Zero Parades struggles to create its own identity. Its city, Portofiro, is less enchanting than Disco Elysium’s Kyseleth, and its narrative plays it safe, leaving little room for creative flair. The absence of key creative minds is palpable, and the writing lacks the elegance that made Disco Elysium a standout.

The story revolves around Cascade's attempts to reconnect with her former colleagues in Portofiro, but the characters are thinly sketched, their brokenness merely hinted at rather than explored fully. It’s a game where the focus seems more on mechanics and less on immersive storytelling.

Zero Parades serves as a reminder that success can come with a price, both for developers and players. While it's a worthy attempt to follow Disco Elysium, the internal disputes of ZA/UM have left their mark, making it difficult for this game to truly shine in its own right.