ZERO.initialize()

Even if you can't remember why you're running from the past, you know in your heart that it's time to escape to your future.  ZERO.initialize() is a narrative escape in which an intangible tool that only you can see (oddly reminiscent of the Oblivion Persuasion Wheel) allows you to interact with anything digital—overtly so or otherwise.  Solve puzzles, learn about the people who've trapped you in this uncannily old-timey apartment, and figure out what—or who—will serve as the means to your escape.

Created in a little over a week (ssshhhhh) for WHEELJAM 2025

Note: we recommend consulting our hint system if you get stuck!  Since this game was created largely under the constraints of a game jam, it hasn't been playtested much—as such, we've put these hints here to make sure that too-difficult puzzles won't prevent players from seeing all the cutscenes.

CLICK HERE FOR HINTS

Tutorial Puzzle

Give me the solution

↑ ← → → ↑ ← ↓ ↓

TV Puzzle

Give me a nudge

Hint paper in the bathroom.

Give me the solution

→ ↑ ↓ ← → ↑ ↓ ←

Window Puzzle

Give me a nudge

Hint paper behind the radio.

Give me the solution

↑ ↓ ← → ↑ ↓ ← → ↑ → ← ↓

Exit Sign Puzzle

Give me a nudge

Hint paper behind the painting.

Give me the solution

→ ↑ ← → ↑ → ←

Fridge Puzzle

Give me a nudge

Pay attention to the numbers found in logs.

Give me the solution

↑ ← → ↓ ↑ ↓ → ←

Lock Puzzle

Give me a nudge

Which wheel directions push which pins?

Give me the solution

← ↑ ↓ →

Dev Team

Aidan Myers - Producer, Writer, Composer, Designer

Marco Miceli - Environment Artist

Owen Zinn - Lead Programmer, Map UI

Amelia Zollner - Writer, Misc. UI

Josie Ronk - Puzzle Designer

Luna Chanas - Wheel UI

Voice Cast

Elise Witmer - Player

Jacquelyn Wong - Intern

Gianni Matragrano - Felix