Slave Zero X serves as prequel to the cult hit Dreamcast sport Slave Zero, however whereas their tales and universe are related, they could not be extra totally different. Set 5 years earlier than the third-person shooter unique, this new title is a 2.5D beat-’em-up, through which you don a biomechanical tremendous swimsuit because the vengeful warrior Shou is out to kill the town’s corrupt chief.
Whereas it retains the gritty, neo-noir nature of the primary sport, you blitz via every stage in fast-paced hack and slash fight that is surprisingly technical. You do not have an infinite variety of strikes, however with apply you are in a position to mix them by cancelling animations with jumps, juggling enemies within the air to increase combos, and so forth. With a dodge, parry, and a meter you should utilize to regain well being by hitting enemies, there is a honest quantity to contemplate — and you may want to take action at breakneck pace.
Fight encounters get powerful in a short time; some overwhelm with the variety of baddies you are coping with, whereas others are merely difficult bosses. What actually drives up the problem, although, is how punishing it may be. The parry window is extremely strict, and with enemies swarming from each side, dodging again can simply land you in additional scorching water. There is definitely enjoyable to be discovered within the fight right here, as it is very satisfying whenever you’re within the zone, however you may want some persistence and apply to get there.
At the very least it will look good when you become familiar. The presentation is great, with big sprites populating a lo-fi, 3D-modelled world that appears straight out of the late 90s — solely in crisp 4K, and a flawless 60 frames-per-second. It is an efficient type, and the music and considerably hammy voice performing add to the phantasm that this can be a lengthy misplaced PS1 brawler.
It is a disgrace the fight is kind of so powerful, as a result of it may be discouragingly unforgiving, and there are not any issue settings to toy with both. Nonetheless, we undoubtedly get the sense this can be a sport that masochistic gamers will like to grasp. From the place we’re sitting, Slave Zero X is barely too hard-edged for its personal good, however there’s undoubtedly depth to be plumbed for those who’re so prepared.