Has one of my most anticipated games of the year, Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma been delayed? It’s hard to say really. While the release date hasn’t changed on any website a number of fans who pre-ordered Zero Time Dilemma have recently received emails stating the game has been delayed with no eta in sight, including myself. While the email, which you can read below, was lengthy it offered no information on why the game which was supposed to come out June 28th on Vita, 3DS and Steam has been delayed. Needless to say, there are a lot of unhappy fans out there. However, it seems the developer is most likely not at fault this time since most people who were informed of the delay pre-ordered from GameStop. It is possible other stores were delayed but not many retailers are selling the game to begin with. I immediately reached out to the developer for comment but did not receive a reply. I also reached out to GameStop since they stated in the email ‘we’re happy to answer any questions’. I have yet to receive a reply but since even the simplest issues take at least a month to get any sort of reply this was expected.

I’m sure many readers are already thinking ‘stop bitching and buy it elsewhere’ or ‘play it on PC’. To PC people I say screw off and to everyone else I say ‘wish I could but can’t’. I don’t continue to order from GameStop because it’s the best, anyone who has dealt with their customer support knows how long and incompetent they are. No, I order from them because they have the best pre-order bonuses and if I’m going to pay for shipping I’d like to get a cheap trinket as well. What was the pre-order for Zero Time Dilemma? A functioning (as in a working watch not as in injects you with poison) replica of the in-game watch; a sweet deal at no extra cross when collector editions that cost an extra 20$ come with 5$ of DLC. I suspect that is the actual cause of the delay, GameStop didn’t get enough watches, if any at all because I ordered as soon as the game was listed. Or maybe because I got the Vita version, who knows. Either way it’s a bad situation to be trapped in with little to do but wait for more answers.

On the lighter note more information was recently released on Zero Time Dilemma that has me all the more excited. For the first time in the series the game will feature animated cut scenes and full voice acting. The voice acting I can leave or take but cut scenes sound awesome and will help to break up all the reading. What makes that even better is that Zero Time Dilemma has already been confirmed as significantly more brutal than previous games. So much so it even had its rating increased to cover all the death and gore. Puzzles are also less about mind bending and extreme moral dilemmas (roll credits). The story is also viewed in fragments and doesn’t go in a precise order, meaning multiple people can play the game in entirely different orders. How many different possible orders is the important question but as of now all fans know is that the game will be around the same length as Virtues Last Reward.

Probably the most intriguing new mechanic is the introduction of games with random outcomes. No brains, no skill, nothing but random luck. While it seems odd and counter-intuitive to add pure luck to a game like this it goes with the game’s theme “Life is simply unfair”. While annoying what’s more nerve wracking than playing Russian roulette with a 50/50 chance? Creating a more unique game with plenty of replay value, it tries to embody real life. The 9 characters have also been revealed and most if not all should be familiar. Making up one team from Virtues Last Reward, one team from 999 and one team that is just going to piss me off I can tell. While the delay is unfortunate it hasn’t dampened my hype of the game just yet. The end of a great trilogy, Zero Time Dilemma really does look like a crazy ride. If anyone else received a notification or has more info let everyone else know in the comments below.

We are contacting you in regards to your GameStop.com order ************** for Zero Time Dilemma. There has been a slight delay in your order and it might arrive later than expected. We apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this has caused you. At this time we do not have an ETA for your item but rest assured, your order will be delivered as soon as possible. We appreciate your business and patience. If you require any additional assistance, please feel free to reply to this email, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

UPDATE: It would seem my initial thought was correct and only GameStop was delaying due to a mess up with the special editions. Since the watch wasn’t part of the game itself though it seems pre-order people will be getting their copies on time and the watch later… which is fine. As long as GameStop eats the shipping in my case I guess. The email, of which I received four copies for some reason, is below. Frankly I wasn’t even aware I purchased a Special Edition but I’m also not surprised. Less than a week before the game will be released and I’m crazy excited.