Zero Parades is Disco Elysium studio's new RPG, and it looks just as gripping

Disco Elysium, a lavishly written and intricately detailed detective adventure game, is an immense achievement. Unfortunately, though, the years that have followed its launch have been marred by creator ZA/UM splintering over disputes significant enough to dash hopes of a direct sequel made by the same team. Still, the current ZA/UM line-up has been hard at work on a follow-up previously dubbed Project C4. And just now, we've had a new look at how its shaping up along with a proper title: Zero Parades.

When Nat Smith spoke to ZA/UM earlier this year, we learned that Zero Parades would be centered on spycraft and a focus on RPG game style player choice. The new trailer and Steam page provide a bit more insight, showing off a lush watercolor aesthetic and isometric viewpoint not dissimilar from Disco Elysium. The protagonist is also identified as the troubled Hershel Wilk, who explores a fictional city on "a mysterious assignment" that involves "a three-way struggle for cultural and ideological power."

Further details explain that Wilk will encounter a range of distinct characters on their mission, and that how the player chooses to interact with these people will help shape their version of the game's protagonist. The Steam page also promises a story that asks difficult questions about morality and ideology as well as a design ethos that encourages embracing failure as the player moves through the plot.

Expectations will be high for Zero Parades, especially when the details we've seen so far court such direct comparison with Disco Elysium. Hopefully, it won't be long before we get a chance to try it out for ourselves.

Zero Parades doesn't have a launch date just yet, but you can find more details or wishlist it on Steam right here.

While you're waiting for more news, you can find plenty to play with our picks of the best story games and best detective games already out on PC.

And, if you're eager to discuss what we've seen of Zero Parades so far, you can strike up a conversation in our  community Discord channel.