Slave Zero

Last updated
Slave Zero
SlaveZero.jpg
North American cover art
Developer(s) Infogrames North America
Publisher(s)
Director(s) Sean Vesce
Producer(s) Matthew J. Powers
Designer(s) Jeffrey Gregg
Mike Wikan
Jason Weesner
Artist(s) Ken Capelli
Writer(s) Margaret Stohl
Composer(s) Randy Atkins
Engine Ecstasy Engine
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, Dreamcast
Release
Genre(s) Third-person shooter
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Slave Zero is a 1999 action video game developed and published by Infogrames North America.

Contents

The game was originally designed to work with Windows 95 and Windows 98. A fan following had developed a number of CD cracks in order to make the game compatible on newer systems. [3] While this allowed the software to become playable, it still required that the owner possess the original software. The PC version uses the Ecstasy Engine.Tommo purchased the rights to the game and digitally published it through its Retroism brand in 2015. [4] On March 25, 2014, Retroism re-released the game on GOG.com and, together with Night Dive Studios, to Steam. [5]

In June 2022, publisher Ziggurat Interactive (who purchased the rights to Slave Zero) announced a prequel titled Slave Zero X. It was released on February 21, 2024 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. [6]

Story

Taking place 500 years in the future, the game tells the story of Lu Chen, a sinister world overlord more commonly known as the SovKhan, who rules the Earth from a massive complex called Megacity S1-9. The only resistance to the SovKhan is from an ancient order of warriors known only as the Guardians. The SovKhan's army is nearly invincible as it is, and it is growing by the day, his most powerful units being 60-foot-tall humanoid robots called "Slaves". The Slaves themselves are grown from a combination of artificially created cybernetic embryos and a mysterious compound called NTR95879, referred to as "dark matter" by the Guardians. Now the Guardians' only hope of overthrowing the SovKhan and his cybernetic army lies in a single captured Slave unit, which will have the mind of a specially trained Guardian agent permanently downloaded into it. The game follows "Slave Zero" as he wages war against the SovKhan's forces throughout every part of Megacity S1-9. [7]

Reception

The game received mixed or average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings. [8] [9] GameSpot and IGN both praised the PC version's selection of weapon upgrades, and GameSpot also argued that the Boss battles are both unique and memorable. [23] [27]

GameSpot, GameRevolution , and IGN all criticized the game's failure to create any sense of being a giant robot on the rampage in a city, as well as the lack of combat depth or replay value. [27] IGN and GameRevolution additionally criticized the Dreamcast version for its extremely poor frame rate, lack of in-game music, and conspicuous game-crashing bugs. [20] [26] Jeff Lundrigan of NextGen said that the same console version "may not be to everyone's taste, but it does offer a different sort of challenge for those so inclined." [28]

Damien Thorpe of AllGame gave the Dreamcast version three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that it "has its flaws, but turns out to be a fun game." [33] Joel Durham of the same website gave the PC version three stars out of five, saying, "The more you play Slave Zero, the less appealing it is. [...] You can come pretty close to experiencing Slave Zero to its fullest -- for free -- by playing the demo thirty times. If you get tired of it, just think of the money you saved." [34]

Prequels

In June 2022, Ziggurat Interactive (owners of franchises such as BloodRayne , KKnD , Uprising , among others) announced a prequel to the original Slave Zero. Titled Slave Zero X, the game's genre was described as a side-scrolling hack-and-slash as opposed to the original game's third-person shooter premise. It was also announced that SungWon Cho and Anjali Kunapaneni were added to the game's cast. Slave Zero X was released on February 21, 2024 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. [6]

In addition to Slave Zero X, Ziggurat partnered with Ironwood Software and Poppy Works for Slave Zero X: Episode Enyo, a total conversion for the first-person shooter game Quake , which featured the main antagonist of Slave Zero X as the playable character. It was confirmed to be part of the series' canon as it took place prior to the events of Slave Zero X. [35]

Related Research Articles

<i>Millennium Soldier: Expendable</i> 1999 video game

Millennium Soldier: Expendable, known in Japan as Seitai Heiki Expendable, and in North America as just Expendable, is a run and gun video game that was released by Rage Software for Microsoft Windows in 1999. It was later ported to the Dreamcast and PlayStation consoles. A remake of the game, entitled Expendable: Rearmed, was released for Android in 2012. It is in the format of a modern arcade game. The player starts with 7 "credits" and can continue until running out of credits. A second player can join the game at any time by pressing start.

<i>Worms Armageddon</i> 1999 video game

Worms Armageddon is a 1999 turn-based strategy video game developed and published by Team17 as part of the Worms series. It was originally released for the Microsoft Windows operating system, and was later ported to the PlayStation, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color. In the game, the player controls a team of up to eight earthworms tasked with defeating an opposing team using a wide range of weapons at their disposal. The game takes place on a destructible and customizable two-dimensional board and is characterized by cartoonish graphics and a unique brand of humour.

<i>Ready 2 Rumble Boxing</i> 1999 video game

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is a boxing video game developed by Midway Studios San Diego, and published by Midway in September 1999 for the Dreamcast. Ports for Nintendo 64 and PlayStation were developed by Point of View and released in November 1999 alongside a separate version for Game Boy Color by Crawfish Interactive. The success of the Dreamcast version led to it becoming one of the few Sega All Stars titles.

<i>Sega Rally 2</i> 1998 video game

Sega Rally 2 is an arcade racing game developed by Sega for the Model 3 arcade hardware. It is the sequel to 1994's Sega Rally Championship. The game was first released in arcades in February 1998, and was later ported to the Sega Dreamcast, becoming one of the console's earliest titles when it was released in Japan on January 28, 1999. The Sega Dreamcast version was released in Europe as a launch title on October 14, 1999, and then in North America on November 27. A PC version was released in Japan and Europe that same year, with the North American release following suit in September 2000, where it was published by Mattel Interactive.

<i>Hydro Thunder</i> 1999 video game

Hydro Thunder is an arcade inshore powerboat racing video game originally released by Midway Games in February 1999 and later released for the Sega Dreamcast as a launch title later that year. It was also released for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 in early 2000. This game is part of Midway's Thunder series of racing games, which includes Offroad Thunder, 4 Wheel Thunder, and Arctic Thunder. Hydro Thunder Hurricane, a sequel to Hydro Thunder, was later released for the Xbox 360 on July 27, 2010 on Xbox Live Arcade.

<i>TrickStyle</i> 1999 video game

TrickStyle is a futuristic racing video game developed by Criterion Games and published by Acclaim Entertainment for the Dreamcast and Microsoft Windows. Set in the future, the player takes part in stunt-filled hoverboard races through London, Tokyo, and Manhattan, or inside a massive arena called the Velodrome. AirBlade by Criterion and Namco is a spiritual successor. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its graphics and physics, but criticized its gameplay, animations and sound.

<i>Armada</i> (video game) 1999 video game

Armada is a video game developed and published by Metro3D. It was released for the Sega Dreamcast in North America on November 26, 1999. Armada is a shooter role-playing game (RPG) that allows up to four players to fly about the universe, fighting the enemy, performing missions and improving their ship.

<i>Re-Volt</i> 1999 video game

Re-Volt is a racing video game designed by Paul Phippen and Simon Harrison. It was developed by Acclaim Studios London and published by Acclaim Entertainment for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 64, PlayStation and Dreamcast.

<i>Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram</i> 1999 video game

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram is a 1998 Japanese Sega Model 3 arcade action game that was ported to the Sega NAOMI arcades and the Dreamcast home console in Japan in 1999 and North America in 2000. Oratorio Tangram is a 3D fighting game where the player assumes control of a giant humanoid robot, and is a sequel to the 1996 video game Virtual On: Cyber Troopers. A re-release of the game, entitled Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Ver.5.66, was released worldwide for Xbox 360 on April 29, 2009.

<i>South Park: Chefs Luv Shack</i> 1999 game show-style party video game

South Park: Chef's Luv Shack is a 2D game show-style party video game and is a sequel to the 1998 video game South Park, itself based on the American animated sitcom of the same name. Developed by Acclaim Studios Austin and published by Acclaim Entertainment, it was released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation and Nintendo 64. Its gameplay involves playing minigames and the ability to play against other players in a challenge for the most points. It also involves trivia questions about South Park and other topics.

<i>Shadow Man</i> (video game) 1999 video game

Shadow Man is an action-adventure video game developed by Acclaim Studios Teesside and published by Acclaim Entertainment. It is based on the Shadow Man comic book series published by Valiant Comics. The game was announced in 1997 and was originally slated for a late 1998 release on Nintendo 64 and an early 1999 release for Microsoft Windows, but was delayed to August 31, 1999. A PlayStation version was also released on the same day. A Dreamcast version was released three months later on December 1.

<i>F-1 World Grand Prix</i> 1998 video game

F-1 World Grand Prix, developed by Paradigm Entertainment, is a Formula One racing game/sim first released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 game console and to later platforms including the Sega Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Sony PlayStation, and Game Boy Color. The Nintendo 64 version is based on the 1997 Formula One season, featuring each of the 17 circuits from the season and all 22 drivers, with the exceptions of Jacques Villeneuve and the MasterCard Lola team.

<i>Monaco Grand Prix: Racing Simulation 2</i> 1998 video game

Monaco Grand Prix: Racing Simulation 2, also known as just Monaco Grand Prix or Racing Simulation: Monaco Grand Prix, is a Formula One racing game developed and published by Ubisoft for the Windows, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Dreamcast. It was released in 1998–1999. A sequel, Racing Simulation 3, was released in 2002.

<i>NFL Blitz 2000</i> 1999 video game

NFL Blitz 2000 is a video game released in the arcades in 1999 and then ported to the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Windows, and Game Boy Color. It is the third game in the NFL Blitz series.

<i>Test Drive 6</i> 1999 video game

Test Drive 6 is a racing video game developed by Pitbull Syndicate for PlayStation, Microsoft Windows and Dreamcast. In the United States the game was published by Infogrames North America, while in Europe the game was published by Cryo Interactive. The game featured 37 licensed cars, plus four police car variants. As a first for the series, cars from General Motors are not playable in this game, instead they appear as traffic cars. The soundtrack featured industrial rock and techno music from artists such as Fear Factory, Lunatic Calm and Cirrus.

<i>Centipede</i> (1998 video game) 1998 video game

Centipede is a 1998 action game developed by Leaping Lizard Software, and a remake of Atari's 1981 arcade game of the same name. It was published by Hasbro Interactive, their first under the Atari label after purchasing the brand and former assets.

<i>Redline Racer</i> 1998 video game

Redline Racer is a racing game that was developed by Criterion Games and published by Ubi Soft.

<i>Killer Loop</i> 1996 Video game

Killer Loop is a futuristic racing game released in 1999-2000. It was developed by VCC Entertainment and published by Crave Entertainment.

<i>Soul Fighter</i> 1999 video game

Soul Fighter is a 3D beat 'em up video game developed by Toka and published by TLC Multimedia for the Sega Dreamcast in 1999.

<i>Q*bert</i> (1999 video game) 1999 video game

Q*bert is a remake of the 1982 arcade game of the same name with 3D graphics. It was developed by Artech Studios and released by Hasbro Interactive on the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows in 1999, on the Dreamcast and Game Boy Color in 2000, and on Mac OS in 2001.

References

  1. ↑ Justice, Brandon (November 17, 1999). "Slave Zero Hits Ground Zero at Retailers Nationwide". IGN . Ziff Davis . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Slave Zero". sega.com . Archived from the original on October 30, 2000. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Slave Zero Trainers and Game Fixes". MegaGames. Archived from the original on October 2, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Atari - Notice of Proposed Sale Orders" (PDF). BMC Group . July 22, 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Release: Slave Zero". GOG.com . CD Projekt. March 25, 2014. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Clark, Dean (March 2, 2023). "Latest Trailers for Slave Zero X Reveals Popular Voice Talent". GameTyrant. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Slave Zero Storyline". GameSpy . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 5, 2006. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  8. 1 2 "Slave Zero for Dreamcast". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. 1 2 "Slave Zero for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  10. ↑ Battles, Hosea (December 9, 1999). "Slave Zero". Computer Games Strategy Plus . Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on May 30, 2003. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  11. ↑ Salvador, Dave (February 2000). "Less Than Zero (Slave Zero Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World . No. 187. Ziff Davis. p. 116. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  12. ↑ EGM staff (January 2000). "Slave Zero". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 126. Ziff Davis. p. 223. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  13. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (April 11, 2000). "Slave Zero (Dreamcast)". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on January 7, 2001. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  14. ↑ McNamara, Andy; Fitzloff, Jay; Reiner, Andrew (January 2000). "Slave Zero (DC)". Game Informer . No. 81. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on October 21, 2000. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  15. ↑ Weitzner, Jason "Fury" (February 2000). "Slave Zero (DC)". GameFan . Vol. 8, no. 2. Shinno Media. p. 44. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  16. ↑ Mosquera, Fernando "Lagi" (November 11, 1999). "REVIEW for Slave Zero (DC)". GameFan. Shinno Media. Archived from the original on March 5, 2000. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  17. ↑ "REVIEW for Slave Zero (PC)". GameFan. Shinno Media. November 8, 1999.
  18. ↑ Scary Larry (December 2, 1999). "Slave Zero Review for Dreamcast". GamePro . IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on September 19, 2004. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  19. ↑ Four-Eyed Dragon (December 1999). "Slave Zero". GamePro. No. 135. IDG Entertainment. p. 198. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  20. 1 2 G-Wok (February 2000). "Slave Zero Review (DC)". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  21. ↑ Johnny B. (December 1999). "Slave Zero Review (PC) [date mislabeled as "February 1999"]". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on February 20, 2004. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  22. ↑ Fielder, Joe (November 10, 1999). "Slave Zero Review (DC) [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]". GameSpot . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  23. 1 2 Wolpaw, Erik (November 22, 1999). "Slave Zero Review (PC) [date mislabeled as "May 2, 2000"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  24. ↑ Bowen, Kevin (November 23, 1999). "Slave Zero". PlanetDreamcast . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 24, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  25. 1 2 Bowen, Kevin; Buecheler, Christopher (November 23, 1999). "Slave Zero". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 14, 2002. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  26. 1 2 Justice, Brandon (November 15, 1999). "Slave Zero (DC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  27. 1 2 3 Peterson, Erik (November 22, 1999). "Slave Zero (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  28. 1 2 Lundrigan, Jeff (January 2000). "Slave Zero (DC)". NextGen . No. 61. Imagine Media. p. 92. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  29. ↑ D'Aprile, Jason (February 2000). "Slave Zero". PC Accelerator . No. 18. Imagine Media. p. 84. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  30. ↑ Poole, Stephen (April 2000). "Slave Zero". PC Gamer . Vol. 7, no. 4. Imagine Media. pp. 90–91. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Slave Zero (PC)". Maxim . Biglari Holdings. November 18, 1999. Archived from the original on February 26, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  32. ↑ Ham, Tom (June 16, 2000). "Dreamcast scores high with five titles: Fast-paced entries will rival die hard gamers' favorites". USA Today . Gannett Company. Archived from the original on May 25, 2001. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  33. ↑ Thorpe, Damien. "Slave Zero (DC) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  34. ↑ Durham, Joel. "Slave Zero (PC) - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  35. ↑ Boyle, Joshua (January 14, 2024). "New Add-on Available: Episdode Enyo for Quake". Bethesda Softworks . Retrieved February 3, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.