Steam version or DS Version

[NYstate]

Hi all. I was thinking of buying the Zero Escape games on Steam to play on my SteamDeck. Whole reading reviews for the Zero Escape games on Steam I saw this review:

>**999: The Nonary Games (Remastered Version)**

>Do Not Play This Version
Grab a ROM and play the original on the Nintendo DS.

>The remastered version lacks the dual-screen functionality of the DS, which fundamentally alters the entire game. To compensate, the script has been rewritten in a hamfisted way to attempt to convey the same information through dialogue rather than narration. This affects every single scene in the entire game and completely ruins any sense of pacing or atmosphere.

>Other reviews are understating how great of a difference exists between this title and the original.

>It is simply not the same game. You have been warned.

While I have no problem playing the original via emulation how different is the original vs the Steam version? Spoiler free of course.

While I'm here, is it worth it for Zero Time Delima? It's either that or AI: The Somnium Files. Which seems more up my alley.

Thanks all!

[Berric]

You might find this thread helpful: https://steamcommunity.com/app/477740/discussions/0/133260492068813124/

I highly recommend AI! I haven't played Zero Time Dilemma but from what I know it's considered the weakest in the series. If you're buying AI and the Nonary Games regardless, you may as well get the pack that includes Zero Time Dilemma for a tiny bit more.

[NYstate]

Originally posted by Berric:

You might find this thread helpful: https://steamcommunity.com/app/477740/discussions/0/133260492068813124/

I highly recommend AI! I haven't played Zero Time Dilemma but from what I know it's considered the weakest in the series. If you're buying AI and the Nonary Games regardless, you may as well get the pack that includes Zero Time Dilemma for a tiny bit more.

Thank you!

[jbkilroy]

The DS version doesn't have the plot flowchart for the first game so you have to start from the very beginning each time. Getting the true ending requires at least two playthroughs, and very likely more than that unless you're using a guide or are extremely lucky. I don't think save states would get around this either, because of how the unlocks work.

-someone who has 100% the DS version multiple times over the years, but will never return to it for this reason

[NYstate]

Originally posted by jbkilroy:

The DS version doesn't have the plot flowchart for the first game so you have to start from the very beginning each time. Getting the true ending requires at least two playthroughs, and very likely more than that unless you're using a guide or are extremely lucky. I don't think save states would get around this either, because of how the unlocks work.

-someone who has 100% the DS version multiple times over the years, but will never return to it for this reason

That's good. I already bought the Steam version and you've just reinforced my decision though. Thanks man!

[Dimlhugion]

Originally posted by NYstate:

While I'm here, is it worth it for Zero Time Delima? It's either that or AI: The Somnium Files.

I haven't played the Somnium Files nor its sequel yet (they're on my massive back-log), so this is purely based on what my friend told me about them when he played them and I asked a very similar question: "as spoiler free as possible, how do these compare to the Zero Escape series?"

He basically told me Somnium plays kind of like a "Visual Novel with puzzle solving elements" as opposed to the Zero Escape games that play more like "Escape the Room games with Visual Novel elements." Which I guess makes sense? It does feel like, until you start delving into the "deep reveals" and whatnot anyway, that ZE is really just a thin pretext for escape-the-room puzzles. Kind of like how Metal Gear Solid games are just a thin pretext to stealth around and tap on walls.

Regarding Zero Time Dilemma specifically, I thought it was "worth it" simply because I enjoyed the prior two, and I enjoyed it all the way up until the end... but MAN if I wasn't REALLY disappointed with the very last part of it. Felt like a total cop out at the last minute, to me.

I won't say another word, because spoilers, but if I had to do it again? I'd still buy and play it. Just for the experience in aggregate.

[NYstate]

Originally posted by Dimlhugion:

Originally posted by NYstate:

While I'm here, is it worth it for Zero Time Delima? It's either that or AI: The Somnium Files.

I haven't played the Somnium Files nor its sequel yet (they're on my massive back-log), so this is purely based on what my friend told me about them when he played them and I asked a very similar question: "as spoiler free as possible, how do these compare to the Zero Escape series?"

He basically told me Somnium plays kind of like a "Visual Novel with puzzle solving elements" as opposed to the Zero Escape games that play more like "Escape the Room games with Visual Novel elements." Which I guess makes sense? It does feel like, until you start delving into the "deep reveals" and whatnot anyway, that ZE is really just a thin pretext for escape-the-room puzzles. Kind of like how Metal Gear Solid games are just a thin pretext to stealth around and tap on walls.

Regarding Zero Time Dilemma specifically, I thought it was "worth it" simply because I enjoyed the prior two, and I enjoyed it all the way up until the end... but MAN if I wasn't REALLY disappointed with the very last part of it. Felt like a total cop out at the last minute, to me.

I won't say another word, because spoilers, but if I had to do it again? I'd still buy and play it. Just for the experience in aggregate.

Thanks for the info and the opinions. I bought both because why not? But your input is noted

[jbkilroy]

The Somnium Files (both of them) are tough for me to recommend.

Yes, there are intricate twisting plots, and massive twists at the end, but at least to me it just didn't hit the same high notes that the Zero Escape series did. As with anything else, your results may vary.

[NYstate]

Originally posted by jbkilroy:

The Somnium Files (both of them) are tough for me to recommend.

Yes, there are intricate twisting plots, and massive twists at the end, but at least to me it just didn't hit the same high notes that the Zero Escape series did. As with anything else, your results may vary.

I appreciate the response and the honest answer. I picked them both up so we'll see how they are. 🤞🏽