8Bit/Digi

The Rebirth of a Cult Classic

Back in the late ’90s; Infogrames introduced a distinctive experience with Slave Zero. It stood as an ambitious endeavor, albeit hindered by the technological constraints of its time. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the game cultivated a dedicated following and even received a re-release on the PC platform.

Therefore, it seems apt that its original vision is finally realized 25 years later with Slave Zero X.

Slave Zero X is both a prequel and a reimagining of the cult classic. Once more, players assume control of a bio-engineered cyborg known as a “Slave,” engaging in combat against the forces of Sovereign Khan. However, this time around, they will navigate through a darker cyberpunk dystopia, hacking and slashing their way through the ominous landscape. It marks a radical departure from the original source material, yet manages to preserve its essence in all the right ways.

Fires of Revolution

Megacity S1-9 is a dystopian world firmly under the iron-fisted grip of Sovereign Khan. The only opposition is an ancient order of warriors known as the Guardians. In a bid to fortify his dominion, Sovereign Khan is engineering a breed of cyborgs dubbed Slaves. However, one stalwart of the Guardians, named Shou, elects to pursue an unconventional path. He merges with the prototype Slave (known as X). This metamorphosis transforms him into the Red Devil.

Endowed with this newfound might, players embark on a quest to combat Sovereign Khan’s forces, striving to emancipate the world from his despotic reign. Along the way, they must work with other members of the Guardians while also battling the most feared generals that serve Sovereign Khan.

Slave Zero X is not merely a reimagining of a cult classic; it’s a homage to the anime of the 90s. From its setting to design choices, it’s a love letter to the dystopian anime that defined that era. The obvious is how X bears a resemblance to EVA-01, while many of the enemies draw inspiration from the officers of the Special Armed Garrison. Bringing this world to life is a cast known for their performances in some of the most popular anime series. This includes Anjali Kunapaneni from Pokémon Horizons, Elizabeth Maxwell from My Hero Academia, and Kyle McCarley from Mob Psycho 100, just to name a few.

Death From Above

As previously mentioned, Slave Zero X represents a radical departure from its predecessor. While the original game was a third-person mecha shooter set in a 3D environment, this installment takes the form of a hack ‘n slash within a 2.5D setting. Instead of engaging in combat with other mechs, players predominantly confront heavily armored soldiers alongside a variety of mutants and bio-weapons.

Combat follows the standard hack ‘n slash setup. Players confront waves of enemy soldiers employing light, heavy, or combo attacks to devastating effect. Timing is crucial for optimal results, allowing for maximum damage. Additionally, the burst ability and explosive ordnance offer players a strategic edge during intense encounters. When executed skillfully, these abilities can even facilitate escape from dire situations. While the combat mechanics are easy to learn, mastering them requires dedication and practice.

Slave Zero X extends beyond the initial playthrough, as the game boasts abundant replay value. Players are incentivized to revisit levels to thoroughly explore and uncover hidden secrets. Doing so is rewarded with fighting a gold-painted soldier. Additionally, returning to levels provides opportunities to improve one’s score and accumulate more cash for character upgrades. For those seeking an even greater challenge, the Crimson Citadel awaits, serving as a true test of skill. In essence, players will find themselves compelled to return to the game time and again.

I Will Not Hold Back

I never had the chance to play the original Slave Zero back in the day, nor have I been able to experience it now. I mention this because nostalgia wasn’t what initially caught my interest. Rather, it was the artistic direction and aesthetic choices that captured my attention. This world draws inspiration from renowned works like Akira and Bubblegum Crisis, incorporating the distinctive style of H.R. Giger. Additionally, the adept use of colors to establish mood while evoking a sense of gritty realism adds to its appeal.

Complementing the scenes and setting the atmosphere is the soundtrack, which plays a pivotal role. By blending the concept of industrial music with a chiptune treatment, it proves to be an ideal match for the game. The soundtrack adeptly captures the essence of a dystopian world while evoking nostalgia for the Fourth Generation era. Enhancing not just the setting but also the experience.

I’m Not Defective

Since playing the demo, my primary critique of Slave Zero X has consistently revolved around the sluggish sensation of the controls. It’s irksome enough when controls feel lethargic in any game. However, it becomes exponentially more frustrating in a hack ‘n slash game. When speed and swift action serve as the cornerstone of the gameplay, sluggish controls utterly undercut the experience. Rather than executing actions or attempting combos seamlessly, the sluggish functionality constantly undermines your efforts.

While Slave Zero X isn’t the worst offender in terms of a hack ‘n slash game with sluggish controls, it does indeed detract from the experience on occasion. This becomes apparent when you find yourself amidst the frenetic chaos of battle, only to have your inputs met with unresponsiveness from X. Disrupting the flow of combat.

It Ends Here

The original Slave Zero stood as an ambitious game constrained by the technological limitations of its era. Its legacy endured by a devoted fanbase who recognized and valued its aspirations. Slave Zero X not only allows the cult classic to experience a revival but it also pays homage to the dystopian anime that served as its inspiration. In doing so, it honors both its own lineage and the broader cultural influences that shaped its narrative and aesthetic.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Slave Zero X (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It's a homage to the dystopian anime of the 90s.
• Steller cast of performers bring the world to life.
• Easy to learn gameplay that will be hard to master.
• A stylish world brought to life with the ideal aesthetic choices.
• Game is rich in replay value.

Cons

• Experience be undermined by the sluggish control functions.