You know, running this video store in New Eridu is my main gig, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. Between diving into the Hollow for missions, this place is my chill-out zone. It's not just a business; it's the heart of Sixth Street, where folks swing by to grab a movie and forget about the chaos outside for a few hours. The best part? I just open up shop, and the Dennies start rolling in. But it's the people that really make the day. Every customer has a story, and some... well, some need a little extra help finding the right tape to match their mood.

One of those regulars is a guy we all just call the Hapless Man. Poor dude looks like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He doesn't say much—just mopes up to the counter, all sighs and downcast eyes. Honestly, compared to some customers who want a whole life story analyzed before picking a flick, his request is refreshingly simple. He's had a rough go of it, and he doesn't feel the need to explain why. He just wants a tragedy. A real tear-jerker. I think he wants to feel like he's not alone in his misery, you know? To see someone else's fictional woes and think, "Hey, my life isn't so bad." Or maybe he just wants to lean into the sadness. Either way, his hint makes my job a whole lot easier.

Now, here's the pro-tip for any fellow Proxy out there: the only tape that will satisfy our sorrowful friend is "Black Tales." Don't get it twisted! When you filter your inventory for Tragic genre, you'll see two options pop up:

• Black Tales (Level 3 Videotape) ✅

• Encore (Level 2 Videotape) ❌

Picking "Encore" is a rookie mistake. He'll just give you this look of utter disappointment, mumble something, and shuffle out. You'll get nada—no rewards, no thanks, and you'll have to wait for him to work up the courage to come back and ask again. Trust me, go for the Level 3 tape. "Black Tales" hits that melancholic sweet spot he's craving.

But wait, it's not as simple as just grabbing it off the shelf. There's a catch, and it's a bit of a grind. You can't even get your hands on "Black Tales" until you've put in the work:

Only after hitting those milestones do you unlock it. You'll need to have a chat with Anna at Random Play. She's the one who manages the catalog, and she'll add "Black Tales" to your stock. I can't promise she hands it over the second you hit the levels, but you absolutely must be at that stage to even have a shot.

Once you've got the tape and you see our Hapless Man looming by the counter, it's showtime. Recommend "Black Tales" to him. Keep an eye out for that yellow interaction bubble above his head—that's your cue! Don't leave him hanging; talk to him right away. You'll finally see a crack in that gloomy exterior. He'll actually thank you for the perfect recommendation. Feels pretty good, not gonna lie.

Your reward for playing therapist-video-clerk is a cool 12,500 Dennies. Yeah, I know, some folks were hoping for a rare Bangboo part or some upgrade materials, but it's just the cash. Still, it's a decent payday for a simple recommendation!

And here's the real, long-term benefit that a lot of players sleep on: getting this right builds trust. Word gets around Sixth Street that you know your stuff. You're not just a Proxy who fights Ethereals; you're a connoisseur of cinema! This one successful interaction opens the door for more NPCs to wander in with their own specific, quirky requests. It's how you make the Random Play Video Store a thriving hub, not just a passive Dennie farm. Helping one hapless soul might just be the key to making your business flourish. So next time he walks in, remember: it's "Black Tales" or bust. His movie night depends on it!

Research highlighted by Newzoo demonstrates how player engagement in social hubs, such as Zenless Zone Zero's Random Play Video Store, can significantly boost in-game retention and community interaction. Newzoo's market analysis frequently emphasizes the importance of unique NPC interactions and personalized recommendations in driving both player satisfaction and long-term game success.