Zero End: Chapter One

야겜 소믈리에입니다. 주인공은 어느 날 한 통의 전화를 받게 됩니다. 대학교에 합격한 것을 축하하는 연락이었죠. 그런데 이상한 점이 있습니다. 주인공은 신청한 적이 없거든요. 이 비밀을 풀고자 그는 대학교로 향했습니다. 그곳에서 주인공은 뜻밖의 인물과 마주하게 되는데... 주인공이 마법사입니다. 서큐버스, 뱀파이어, 사냥꾼 등이 등장하는 판타지 세계관이고요. 이 바닥에서 몇 안 되는 호러 장르의 비주얼 노벨로 유명하긴 한데, 딱히 무섭진 않습니다. 점프스케어나 같은 몇몇 훌륭한 연출들은 있어요. 게임을 시작하면서 자신이 숭배하는 신을 선택할 수 있습니다. 아마테라스, 아스타로테, 토르, 아프로디테 등 다양한 신화의 신들입니다. 누구를 고르냐에 따라 특성 수치가 변경되고, 이벤트의 결과가 바뀝니다. 예를 들어, 이기기 어려운 전투에서 승리할 수도 있고, 빌런의 유혹에도 정신을 잃지 않는 등의 효과가 있습니다. 1회차 클리어에 4시간 정도 분량 나옵니다. 게임이 챕터 1 밖에 제공하지를 않아요. 모노가미를 추구하고, 엔딩 즈음에 공략 대상이 고정됩니다. 다회차 요소는 있어요. 엔딩도 2가지 있고, 분기가 확실한 선택지들이 있습니다. 비주얼은 좀 아쉽습니다. 캐릭터들이 찰흙이나 마네킹 같은 느낌이 나요. 요즘 나온 게임 같지가 않습니다. 히로인들도 저는 예쁜지 잘 모르겠네요. H신도 심심합니다. 주머니 속에 로켓을 넣고 다니는 것에 비해 지속력이 아주 형편없거든요. 주인공이 조루인 것 같습니다. [h1] 결론은 이 게임은 평작입니다. [/h1] 호평이 자자해서 플레이하게 된 게임인데 글쎄요, 확 저를 사로잡지는 못했습니다. 하지만 5,600원이라는 가격은 매우 추천합니다. [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/3964570/Zero_End__Chapter_Two/]챕터 2[/url]가 이미 개발되어 있습니다. 아직 못해봤는데 후속 DLC가 본편보다 가격이 비싼 만큼 더 콘텐츠가 풍부하고 더 무서웠으면 좋겠네요. 저는 바로 플레이하러 떠나겠습니다.

Great DLC, the lack of romance and erotic scenes is a little disappointing but the story is worth the price.

The story is good. Although, there are many spelling and grammar mistakes, especially with season 2. It loads with season 1, so the review can be tied with both. The artistry/graphics is ok, but turns into sh_tty claymation looking CGI at times. Very few intimate scenes, and choices will only lead you down 1 of the 3 paths for the women. No harem type of relationships. So if that's what you're looking for, this isn't it. I was glad to see an MC without a stupid broccoli cut, or Beiber cut hair style. Great change there. But, it's not a completed story. Sh_t was left wide open at the ending of S2, except the death of Alice came as a shock. I have a feeling that this is abandoned. There's nothing about an upcoming Season to finish this. And the Dev never responded to say anything about it. So it'll most likely be left incomplete. Anyway... I would have recommended this if it had a completed storyline. As of now, there's no way. I would not recommend this to anyone wanting gratuitous intimate scenes either. Just 5 of them through the 2 seasons. Even with replay and choosing a different love interest, you only get 5 scenes for 14 hours of game. Anyway... I tried to communicate w the Dev over this, and various links. Got nowhere, nor received anything back. Which just leaves me thinking that this is abandoned. Like a lot of AVNs have been. First time Devs that don't respond, or send out news about continuations, have seemed to have always abandon their works. Guess this one is no different.

Pros Surprisingly long chapters The banter between characters appealed to my sense of humor and wasn't overdone. Mature storyline (none of that pure pron story just to get to the adult content). If you are into occult topics the story will be extra entertaining Every character has flaws in their personality, which leaves them open for development. I would say above average character models. I've seen better and I've seen much worse. Consequences for your decisions. Cons For those interested in the adult content, you may be disappointed. The scenes aren't the best graphically and appear a little grainy. Even if the chapters are long, this is still a short playthrough at the time of review (2 chapters). While there are consequences for your choices, the choices are pretty obvious as to what they'll lead to. No adjustable auto play speed. I'm a fast reader and the auto is very slow for me, so I start clicking all the time. Overall, I recommend. I enjoy AVNs that are story heavy instead of adult scene primary. This one is well written, with an occult focus. I do not see many occult stories that have good writing. After playing through the game, I decided to check out the Patreon and there is recent activity including an additional interlude with another character's POV. For the price on Steam, I think it is worth it. I prefer paying small amounts for individual chapters than a large payment and getting free updates. I feel like those with the large initial buy in are mostly cash grabs and I don't know if the developer will abandon the project. Getting paid per chapter will incentivize the developer to continue the project.

Zero End, developed and published by Stolen Rose, is a choice-driven adult visual novel that blends paranormal mystery, character progression systems, and relationship-building mechanics into a layered narrative experience. Structured in episodic chapters, the game places players in the role of an unconventional magician who finds himself enrolled at the enigmatic Altham Academy—a school where unsettling events and hidden truths simmer beneath a seemingly ordinary academic surface. Rather than relying on action-oriented gameplay, Zero End focuses on storytelling, player agency, and character interaction, crafting an experience rooted in atmosphere and consequence. The narrative unfolds over structured in-game days, with each decision shaping not only dialogue and relationship outcomes but also the protagonist’s attributes and overall trajectory. Early on, players select a patron deity whose influence subtly affects story events and character abilities. This choice ties into a broader stat-based system that governs skill checks, interpersonal dynamics, and branching story opportunities. Instead of presenting choices as cosmetic dialogue variations, the game integrates them into tangible progression mechanics. Successes and failures are determined by the protagonist’s build, encouraging strategic thinking when shaping his personality and skillset. A defining strength of Zero End is its combination of supernatural intrigue and personal drama. The academy setting becomes a stage for eerie developments—cryptic clues, suspicious faculty members, and ominous hints of forces at work beyond ordinary reality. As the mystery deepens, players must navigate alliances, suspicions, and emotional entanglements. The romantic routes are interwoven into the central narrative rather than isolated as optional side content. Relationships evolve based on trust, shared experiences, and the player’s prior decisions, creating a sense that personal connections and overarching mysteries are inseparable. The adult content present in Zero End is explicit and aimed squarely at mature audiences. However, it is contextualized within broader character arcs rather than existing as detached scenes. Emotional intimacy and vulnerability are often tied to key turning points in the narrative, reinforcing character depth rather than merely serving as spectacle. Players uncomfortable with mature themes may find the tone unsuitable, but for those seeking a narrative-driven adult visual novel with substantial story investment, the content aligns with the game’s character-focused approach. Visually, Zero End utilizes illustrated character portraits and scene artwork to support its text-heavy storytelling. The presentation is functional rather than flashy, prioritizing clarity of dialogue and expression over elaborate animation. Scene transitions and environmental depictions help establish mood, especially during tense or suspenseful sequences. The writing carries much of the atmosphere, leaning on descriptive prose and internal monologue to build immersion. Replayability is another notable aspect. Multiple branching paths and endings encourage players to experiment with alternative builds and dialogue choices. Shifting allegiances, selecting different romantic partners, or emphasizing certain skills can meaningfully alter outcomes. This structure rewards those willing to revisit earlier chapters and explore divergent routes. The episodic format also allows for continued expansion, with subsequent chapters building upon established storylines and further developing both the mystery and character relationships. While the game has been praised for its narrative ambition and integration of progression mechanics, it is not without limitations. As with many indie visual novels, pacing can occasionally slow during extended dialogue sequences, and the learning curve for its stat system may feel opaque to newcomers. Technical polish is serviceable but not groundbreaking. Nevertheless, the core appeal lies in its storytelling and layered choice structure rather than high-end presentation. Ultimately, Zero End stands as a story-driven experience that prioritizes atmosphere, character development, and meaningful decision-making. It blends paranormal mystery with relationship dynamics and RPG-style customization, creating a hybrid that appeals to players who enjoy interactive fiction with depth and mature themes. For those willing to invest time in reading, experimenting with choices, and unraveling its central enigma, it offers a branching narrative journey shaped by personal strategy and emotional stakes. Rating: 8/10

This has been incredible, the music, the writing. So, so good.

The writing is very good. Finally a writer who actually seems to care about words. I'd hardly call this an AVN though. If you left out the few renders of ♥♥♥♥♥ and tits, it would change literally nothing about the story or characters. It basically feels like someone wants to write their own Hollows or Anita Blake series, and added some explicit images to market it as an AVN. If you're looking for something to fap to, this isn't it. For the (currently discounted) price I don't feel I've wasted by time or money, but I doubt I'll pick up chapter two.

Not really sure what to put here other than, if you enjoy Faustian/emo/supernatural type games (If there are any more?) with hot vampire chicks, then this is a must play. If you do not however, this will just be a confusing point and click with occasional arousal factors. Since I am of the former I rate this a 9.8/10...so far.

It's fine. decent enough visuals but the story interest and the length are major mark downs.

love this one, a little expensive considering having to pay for each chapter, but i think its worth it. i enjoyed the lore and the characters, learning about your past, and the supernatural approach they took. music was kinda meh, but i was intrigued by the story. i kinda found it funny the stuff i missed that the mc points out when he has been playing people, makes him feel intelligent. looking forward to the next chapter.