Slave Zero X review (PS5)

In the dark, gloomy and futuristic world of Slave Zero X, players are thrust into a post-apocalyptic biopunk universe where the oppressive reign of the SovKhan, at this point the ruler of the American Empire, hangs heavy over Megacity S1-9. Developed by Poppy Works and published by Ziggurat, this hack-and-slash 2.5D side-scroller takes players on a journey of vengeance and survival, where they embody Shou, a Guardian warrior on a mission to overthrow the SovKhan and his tyrannical regime.

The narrative obviously sets a gritty tone against a dark backdrop, immersing players in a world of despair and chaos, where horrific biomechanical creatures known as Slaves are now considered to be instruments of war for the regime. Amidst this backdrop, Shou merges with a stolen Slave Unit Prototype, thus becoming a force to reckon with in his quest to take down those who are ruling over Megacity S1-9.

From the outset, Slave Zero X promises intense combat encounters, with Shou wielding swift swordplay, explosive ordnance, and stylish combos against a relentless onslaught of enemies. The game’s strength lies in its fluid combat mechanics, allowing players to seamlessly transition between ground-based attacks and aerial maneuvers, creating a dynamic and sometimes even exhilarating gameplay experience with satisfying combat.

However, despite its engaging combat, Slave Zero X struggles with balancing its difficulty curve over the course of the campaign. While some segments flow smoothly, others present sudden and harsh challenges that quickly become a source of frustration. The often sparse placement of checkpoints exacerbates this issue, leading to repetitive gameplay in certain sections, where over time the relentless swarm of enemies becomes more tedious than thrilling.

Furthermore, the upgrade system, while offering potential for customization and progression, can feel a bit too grindy, with relatively meager rewards that fail to adequately prepare players for the escalating difficulty (spikes) of later stages. This imbalance detracts from the sense of accomplishment and progression, making the journey through Megacity S1-9 less thrilling than it can be during its best moments.

Visually, Slave Zero X presents a good blend of nostalgic retro-inspired 2D sprites and stylized 3D environments, creating a visually striking aesthetic that pays homage to classic side-scroller gaming while incorporating modern design elements. The retro-inspired soundtrack, featuring bass-heavy tracks, complements the frenetic pace of combat, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the game world.

In conclusion, Slave Zero X offers a solid hack-and-slash experience with its engaging combat mechanics, atmospheric visuals, and fitting soundtrack. However, its uneven difficulty curve, grindy progression system, and lack of checkpoints detract from the overall enjoyment, making it a recommendation best suited towards the more dedicated fans of the genre who aren’t afraid of a challenge.

Score: 7.0/10