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About Archive: Zero
Archive Zero is a first-person shooter set in 2125, where AI has wiped humanity's memories to study emotions. You play as Recorder, a child navigating a desolate world with a robot companion named D.BO. Developed by TeamRedy and released in 2025, it blends fast-paced gunplay with environmental storytelling. The game focuses on uncovering fragmented memories through exploration and combat. Its minimalist art style and haunting atmosphere create a stark, emotional experience. Ideal for players who enjoy introspective narratives paired with action, Archive Zero offers a 6-8 hour story-driven campaign with no multiplayer elements.
Gameplay
You spend most of the game running and gunning through ruined cities and decaying labs, using a mix of pistols, shotguns, and energy weapons. D.BO floats ahead, scanning for memory fragments that unlock lore and upgrade your gear. Combat is reactive but not overwhelming, think quick dodges and cover mechanics. The world feels dead, with only eerie ambient sounds breaking silence. You’ll backtrack often to revisit areas with new tools, revealing hidden memories. Puzzles are rare but tie directly to the story. Controls are tight, with a focus on movement and shooting over complex mechanics. Sessions feel brisk, ending with a mix of adrenaline from fights and quiet reflection on the sparse narrative.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.3/10, with 72% completing the main story. Average playtime is 11.2 hours, and 89% own all 12 achievements. Community moods skew "nostalgic" and "challenged," with some calling it "a visual and emotional stunner." Critics praise its "bold concept" but note "repetitive combat loops." One review says, "The memories you find feel like discovering someone’s diary." Another warns, "Not for fans of slow pacing, this game thrives on its eerie stillness." It sits at 85% on critic aggregator sites, with 68% replaying sections for lore.
PlayPile's Take
Archive Zero is a worthwhile pick for players who value mood over mechanics. The $29.99 price tag fits its mid-length campaign and lack of microtransactions. While combat doesn’t break new ground, the story and aesthetics linger. If you enjoy atmospheric shooters like Alan Wake or Soma, this delivers a haunting, if uneven, experience. The achievements are easy to grab but add little incentive. Skip it if you crave variety in gameplay, stick around for the melancholic world and the way it makes you question what memories mean.
Game Modes
Single player
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