«Previous post | Next post»

Press release:
Denver, Colorado (February 21, 2024).
In case the news sliced past you, Ziggurat Interactive, publisher of multiplatform retro and modern games, recently announced the launch of “Slave Zero X” on PC, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

A Nintendo Switch release is planned for early spring.

Made in partnership with Poppy Works and the team behind the renowned Devil Engine, Slave Zero X is a stylish 2.5D character action game set in the biopunk world of Slave Zero (1999). With gnarly gameplay that will resonate with fans of action and fighting game favorites like Devil May Cry, Strider, and Guilty Gear, players will slash, slice, and sever their way through the rotted foundations of the title’s dystopian environs.

Players will embody the protagonist, Shou, as he throws his humanity to the side by becoming a furious Devil in pursuit of killing a false God. Vowing revenge and merging with a stolen Slave Unit Prototype, Shou will take up arms and do battle against the violent forces of the tyrannical SovKhan, the violent dictator who rules Megacity S1-9 with fists of iron and flesh.

The line to his desired vengeance is not a straight one, however – the SovKhan has a bloodthirsty army at his command, ready to take down anyone who rebels with the snap of his fingers.

In order to free the Megacity from Sovkhan’s rule, Shou must battle and defeat the tyrant’s inner circle: the Five Calamities. Comprised of five viciously brutal warriors, each serves as a savage obstacle intent on standing in the way of Shou’s pursuit of vengeance. Each has their own reasons for their loyalties to the Sovkhan, but one thing is clear: they will do anything to put Shou in the ground.

“To say we’re elated with the release of this title would be an understatement,” said Kate Woods, VP of Ziggurat Interactive.

“The grim and gruesome world of Slave Zero X is sure to captivate players with its fast-paced action, gorgeous artwork, and punishingly satisfying difficulty. We can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions!”

“‘Thrilled’ doesn’t even begin to cover how excited we are for Slave Zero X’s release,” said Wolfgang Wozniak, co-founder of development studio Poppy Works.

“This title has been a labor of love from the whole team, and to be able to bring to life a new vision of one of the top-selling titles of the Dreamcast era is more than I can put into words. We truly hope everyone has as much fun hacking and slashing their way through this thrill ride as we had making it.”

Features of Slave Zero X include:

KILLER COMBOS: Use swift swordplay, explosive ordnance, and stylish combos against an army of meat and metal.
DEATH FROM ABOVE: Air juggling, dashes, and frequent target switching allow you to take down foes of any size, while wall-jumping and platforming can help you outmaneuver your enemies.
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE: Conquer mini-bosses, set pieces, and climactic 1-on-1 encounters that offer intense challenges against unforgettable villains.
STRENGTH IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL: Use the Training Room to hone precise and powerful moves to string together devastating attack sequences.
BATTLE TO THE BEAT: A 90s-inspired soundtrack features heavy Drum’n’Bass and funky industrial music that adds to the thrill of combat.
FEAST YOUR EYES: A unique visual aesthetic combines nostalgic 2D sprites with an advanced lighting system and stylized 3D environments.
DUAL LANGUAGE: Fully voiced in English and Japanese with an all-star voice-acting cast.
COLLECTABLE SECRETS: Defeat hidden Gold Troopers throughout the game to collect lore drops that tell the game’s back story in Chronicle.
THE END IS NEVER THE END: After completing the campaign, further challenges await in an expansive and frenetic ‘Crimson Citadel’ procedural challenge tower with an online high-score leaderboard.

Slave Zero™ X is available now on Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X for $24.99 USD. Nintendo Switch players can expect the title in early Spring.

More info about Ziggurat Interactive, its current lineup, and upcoming announcements is available on Facebook, X (Twitter), Twitch, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and the company’s official website.

About Ziggurat Interactive
Since its founding in 2019, Ziggurat has published over 130 titles, from retro classics to all-new IP franchises. With games currently available across all major PC and console platforms, Ziggurat reaches a wide variety of gamers across all ages, genres, and playstyles.