December 6, 1999 Web posted at: 9:37 a.m. EST (1437 GMT) by Scary Larry

From...

(IDG) -- Slave Zero is ready to introduce mech-style action to an anime-hungry fan following on the Dreamcast. Where else are you going to be able to pilot a 60-foot biomech war machine and go tearing through a city without regard or conscience?

Life in the big city

A dictator named SovKahn is harvesting dark matter, which he uses to control the populace of the vast city S1-9. Apparently the stuff is popular, and as part of an underground resistance group you have to stop this madness with your 60-foot tall biomechanical can of whup-ass.

Your mech, known as Slave Zero, is capable of firing a heavy artillery ballistic weapon, a rocket-based weapon, and an energy weapon -- reloads are scattered throughout the levels, so there's a constant stream of action at all times. In addition to being heavily armed, your mech is capable of stomping tiny humans, destroying or throwing cars, and taking down whole buildings.

Anyone who has to suffer through city commute traffic will understand the joy in this.

	MESSAGE BOARD
Gaming

Although the goals and objectives change in each of the thirteen extensive levels, your basic duty is to blow the crap out of anything and everything, and this game lets you accomplish that feat in style. Massive explosions and total wreckage rule the game, with little thought or strategy required.

That's not to say that the game is too easy -- you'll find yourself dying because of poor resource management in no time.

Tall, dark, and hands on

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE

IDG.net home page

More gaming news, reviews and cheats from GameProWorld

Download free game demos

Game controllers, console systems and more hardware reviews

GameProWorld's Dreamcast site

Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net

E-BusinessWorld

Year 2000 World

Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you

Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletter for computer geniuses (& newbies too)

Search IDG.net in 12 languages

News Radio

Fusion audio primers

Computerworld Minute

There's also precious little detail in the mech itself, although the rocket streams and gunfire registers nicely on the eyes. And you won't see a lot of chunky gore -- that's important to the hardcore shooter crowd, but casual gamers may still find merit in the bloodless Zero.

The game is replete with all the sounds of urban war -- sirens, screaming, explosions... and lots of cockpit chatter. The myriad levels of sound are great for inducing mood, but you'll find yourself growing weary of the chatter soon enough.

Slave Zero is no slave to the controller -- but your thumbs will be. Because of all the multitasking weapons, you'll find yourself relying on your machine gun and rockets primarily. That's a shame, because you can punch buildings, pick up and swing girders, and toss cars, all of which is lost because of the fast pace of the game and the controller layout.

Heavy metal

Slave Zero has grace and style, and lots of hardcore action, but it may not find an audience with shooter fans that want to see their gore in glorious technicolor.

Don't be a Slave to limited thinking -- Zero's a hero.

Pro Tips