Starting my adventure in the vibrant, chaotic world of Zenless Zone Zero presented me with my first major choice: selecting my main protagonist. This wasn't just picking an avatar; it was choosing the lens through which I would experience the entire story. ❤️ The game presents two fascinating options: Belle, the effervescent and cheerful heroine, and Wise, the calm and thoughtful hero. As a player in 2025, I can confirm this initial choice remains one of the most memorable and personal decisions in the game, setting the tone for the hundreds of hours of urban fantasy action that follow.
While the core narrative and gameplay mechanics remain identical regardless of your choice—you'll still explore the Hollows, build your team of unique Agents, and unravel the mysteries of New Eridu—the flavor of your journey is distinctly colored by your chosen Proxy. I spent a considerable amount of time weighing my options, and here’s the detailed breakdown that helped me, and can hopefully guide you.
Belle: The Energetic Heart of the Team
From the moment I saw her, Belle's design screamed classic anime protagonist energy. Her slim frame, striking dark blue hair, and those large, incredibly expressive eyes immediately draw you in. But it's her personality that truly shines. Belle is outgoing, relentlessly optimistic, and brings a palpable sense of playfulness to every situation. Exploring the gritty districts of New Eridu with her feels like an adventure fueled by pure enthusiasm. Her dialogue is often peppered with excitement and a genuine curiosity about the world and its strange inhabitants.
Her voice acting is a huge part of the charm. In the Japanese dub, Sayaka Senbongi (known for other vibrant roles) delivers a performance full of life, while Courtney Steele's English portrayal captures that same infectious energy. Whether she's cracking a joke during a tense moment or cheering on her team, Belle's voice-over makes every cutscene feel vibrant and engaging. Choosing Belle means your journey will be underscored by a sense of wonder and relentless positivity, which can be a fantastic counterbalance to the game's darker, more mysterious undertones.
Wise: The Thoughtful Anchor
In contrast, Wise presents a completely different aura. He's taller, with a more solid build, light gray hair, and features that convey a sense of quiet maturity. His personality is defined by thoughtfulness, responsibility, and a slightly shy, sweet nature. Where Belle reacts with excitement, Wise responds with contemplation. He often provides the philosophical counterpoint in conversations, asking deeper questions about the nature of the Hollows and the state of the world. This adds a layer of profound gravity to the story that I found incredibly compelling.
The voice work for Wise is masterfully done. Stephen Fu's English performance imbues the character with a calm, composed dignity, while Atsushi Abe's Japanese voice acting adds a layer of gentle mystery. Wise doesn't need to shout to be heard; his measured tones and insightful comments command attention in a different way. Opting for Wise means your narrative will lean into the mysteries and moral complexities of New Eridu, with a protagonist who feels like a steady, reliable anchor amidst the chaos.
Gameplay Role and Practical Considerations
It's crucial to understand the practical role of your chosen protagonist:
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Exploration Avatar: The character you pick (Belle or Wise) is the one you directly control during the exploration segments in New Eridu. You'll walk around as them, interact with objects, and engage in the game's unique TV-style dungeon navigation.
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Narrative Partner: The character you don't choose doesn't disappear! They become an integral part of the story, appearing frequently to offer advice, hints, and their own perspective on events. They remain your trusted partner and co-owner of the video store, so you'll still experience their personality throughout the game.
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Zero Combat Impact: This choice has no effect on combat. You do not fight as Belle or Wise. Combat is handled entirely by your recruited squad of Agents (like Anby, Billy, Nicole, etc.). Your protagonist's role is purely narrative and exploratory.
Making the Final Choice: A Personal Checklist
So, how did I finally decide? I asked myself a few key questions:
| Consideration | If you lean toward BELLE | If you lean toward WISE |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Energy | High-energy, cheerful, and optimistic. | Calm, composed, and thoughtfully serious. |
| Story Tone | A brighter, more adventurous feel with comic relief. | A more grounded, mysterious, and philosophically rich narrative. |
| Exploration Vibe | You want your avatar to approach discoveries with wide-eyed excitement. | You prefer your avatar to analyze situations with cautious curiosity. |
| Voice Preference | Enjoy lively, enthusiastic voice acting that elevates every scene. | Appreciate calm, dignified voice work that adds depth and mystery. |
| Long-Term Companion | You want a bubbly, supportive friend guiding you through the story. | You want a thoughtful, reliable partner analyzing the journey with you. |
Ultimately, there is no wrong answer. The game is meticulously designed to be a complete experience with either character. I personally chose Wise because his calm, analytical demeanor resonated more with how I like to experience rich story worlds. I loved having his philosophical musings as the backdrop to my exploration. However, watching friends play as Belle has been equally delightful, as her joy is genuinely contagious.
In the end, my advice is simple: go with your gut. Which personality would you rather embody as you navigate the streets and screens of this incredible world? Do you want your proxy to be the heart (Belle) or the mind (Wise) of the operation? Whichever you pick, you're in for an unforgettable journey. The other character will still be by your side, ensuring you get a well-rounded experience of both perspectives. Happy exploring, Proxies! 🔥
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