Video Game

Zephon and On: Endless Adventures Await

Posted by David McKenzie on

Overall Rating: 6/10

  • Gameplay: 6.0/10
  • Graphics and Art Style: 5.5/10
  • Sound and Music: 6.0/10
  • Replayability: 5.5/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 6.5/10

Introduction

Zephon, developed and published by Proxy Studios, is a post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game released on November 8, 2024. Known for their previous title, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, Proxy Studios brings a new experience that combines traditional 4X elements with a combat-focused approach. Set in a ravaged Earth, players guide survivors through a world filled with eldritch horrors and cyberpunk monstrosities. While it has some interesting elements (notably the setting), overall this is a reskin of so many other 4x games. It plays exactly like Beyond Earth or Gladius…which is unfortunate as it does not seem to have advanced the genre in any way.

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Gameplay (6.0/10)

Zephon offers a blend of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, with a significant emphasis on tactical combat.

Strengths:

  • Combat Mechanics: The game features a robust tactical combat system reminiscent of Gladius, with rebalancing and new elements that enhance strategic depth. reddit.com
  • Diplomacy and Alliances: Unlike its predecessor, Zephon introduces functional diplomacy, allowing players to negotiate peace, establish trade, and form alliances, adding layers to strategic planning. reddit.com
  • Victory Conditions: The inclusion of alternative victory routes, such as alliance victories and late-game scenarios involving powerful AI factions, offers diverse paths to success. reddit.com

Weaknesses:

  • Faction Similarity: Some players have noted that different classes share similar tech trees, reducing the uniqueness of each faction’s playstyle. steamcommunity.com
  • AI Behavior: While diplomacy is a welcome addition, the AI can sometimes be exploited, leading to less challenging interactions. reddit.com
  • Nothing new: It’s the same gameplay as many other games in the genre

Graphics and Art Style (5.5/10)

The visual presentation of Zephon effectively conveys its grim, post-apocalyptic setting.

Strengths:

  • Atmospheric Design: The game world is richly detailed, with environments and units that reflect the desolate and eerie atmosphere. rockpapershotgun.com
  • Unit Diversity: A variety of unit designs, from mutated creatures to cybernetic monstrosities, enhance visual interest.

Weaknesses:

  • Graphical Fidelity: While the art style is compelling, some assets may lack the polish seen in higher-budget titles.
  • Animation Fluidity: Certain animations can appear stiff, detracting from the overall immersion.

Sound and Music (6.0/10)

The audio elements of Zephon provide adequate support to the gameplay experience.

Strengths:

  • Voice Acting: Leaders and units are fully voiced, adding personality and depth to interactions. game8.co
  • Ambient Sounds: Environmental audio contributes to the immersive atmosphere of the game world.

Weaknesses:

  • Music Variety: The soundtrack, while fitting, lacks memorable themes and can become repetitive over time.
  • Sound Effects: Some effects may lack impact, reducing the intensity of combat scenarios.

Replayability (5.5/10)

Zephon offers substantial replay value through its customizable settings and diverse scenarios.

Strengths:

  • Leader Variety: With multiple playable leaders, each possessing unique abilities and units, players are encouraged to explore different strategies. game8.co
  • Game Mutators: A range of unlockable mutators allows players to modify game parameters, enhancing variability and challenge.
  • Multiplayer Options: Support for both online and LAN multiplayer modes extends the game’s longevity.

Weaknesses:

  • Content Depth: While the foundation is solid, some players may desire more factions and units to further enrich the experience.

Performance and Optimization (6.5/10)

The game performs reliably, though there are areas that could benefit from optimization.

Strengths:

  • Stability: Reports of crashes or major bugs are minimal, indicating a stable release.
  • Load Times: Loading screens are brief, allowing for a seamless gameplay experience.

Weaknesses:

  • Optimization for Lower-End Systems: Players with older hardware may experience performance issues, suggesting a need for further optimization.
  • Patch Frequency: While the developers have been responsive, more frequent updates could address minor performance hiccups.

Expansions and Future Content

As of early 2025, Zephon has plans for downloadable content (DLC) to expand the game’s offerings.

  1. Planned DLC for 2025:
    • Content: The developers have indicated plans to introduce new leaders and units, aiming to add variety and depth to the gameplay. reddit.com
    • Anticipation: Players are looking forward to these additions, hoping they will address current desires for more diverse content.

Conclusion

Zephon successfully blends traditional 4X strategy elements with a combat-focused approach, set against a richly atmospheric post-apocalyptic backdrop. There are a lot of areas for improvement, particularly in faction differentiation and audio design, gameplay, etc.. The game’s strengths in tactical combat and atmospheric design make it a compelling choice for some strategy enthusiasts. If you are looking for something new and refreshing, look elsewhere. If you want the same 4x sci-fi experience as Beyond Earth or Gladius, then you’ve got it!

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