Introduction
Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM has officially revealed their next project, Zero Parades (formerly known as “Project C4”), as a story-rich espionage RPG heading to PC via Steam. A release date hasn’t been announced yet.
About Zero Parades
In this game, you play as Hershel Wilk, alias CASCADE, a haunted and brilliant former operant whose past failures weigh heavily. Five years ago, Hershel led a mission that ended in catastrophe—now, another mission arises. Can you rebuild your broken network, navigate deadly political factions, and prove yourself anew—or watch it all crumble again?
Set in a strange, surreal city known as the End of History, the world itself feels alive—with its own sorrows, secrets, and miracles waiting to be uncovered.
Success is not a certainty. Failure is expected. As an operant, dice roll your fate, and you’ll face more mistakes than triumphs. But every wrong turn offers a new path forward.
Key Highlights
- The Cursed Anti-Icon
Play as Hershel—brilliant, relentless, and magnetic, yet cursed. Dangerous to everyone, friend or enemy. - Espionage, Reimagined
Spycraft is stripped of glamour. Expect bootleg mind-erasure, failed space programs, and state-run pop stars. No parades, no happy endings. - Failing Forward
Mistakes are inevitable—but every failure unlocks a new opportunity. - Deep, Narrative-Driven RPG
From the makers of Disco Elysium. A rich blend of psychological depth, surreal storytelling, and complex characters. - A Question of Identity
Who are you when you think you’re alone? In Zero Parades, that question defines much more than just the mission.
Final Thought
Zero Parades looks set to deliver a gripping espionage experience that values storytelling as much as gameplay mechanics. ZA/UM’s continued focus on immersive narratives and deeply flawed, compelling characters isn’t just promising—it’s the kind of bold creativity that the RPG genre needs right now.
Final Thoughts (Opinion & Deliberation)
Zero Parades feels poised to push boundaries in both storytelling and RPG design. By embracing failure not as a setback but as a core mechanic, it flips traditional gameplay expectations upside down. This approach—paired with psychological depth, surrealism, and morally ambiguous spycraft—screams “next-level RPG.”
I’m particularly intrigued by the fragile psyche of Hershel Wilk; characters burdened by guilt and redemption arcs often make for the most emotionally resonant storytelling. With ZA/UM’s track record, I expect nothing less than a game that resonates long after you finish playing.
