Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

Twitch

MONSTER

Strike Suit Zero

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Strike Suit Zero
Item: Strike Suit Zero
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2013

GenresVirtual Reality, Indie, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Simulation, Single Player

AvailableJan 23, 2013

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperBorn Ready Games

Overview

Strike Suit Zero is an action-packed arcade space shooter set in the final hours of a future Earth. The clock is ticking; your planet is about to be destroyed and its only hope is the Strike Suit -- an advanced, transforming spacecraft that empowers you with ludicrous firepower and awesome abilities. Every second is precious; you'll be forced to fight with fury, choose targets on instinct and make snap decisions that will not only affect the outcome of your mission but your path through the game and the ultimate destiny of seven billion lives.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut is a flawed space opera that prioritizes combat over storytelling, with a derivative plot, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive missions. While minor upgrades in voice acting and structure offer slight polish, its reliance on sci-fi clichés and lifeless execution make it forgettable, appealing only to fans of fast-paced action rather than engaging narratives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

39%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The positives in the reviews of Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut highlight its attempts to craft an engaging space opera narrative despite its flaws. Critics like GameSpot (PS4) and God is a Geek note that the story offers intriguing elements, such as a mysterious alien tech conflict and an enigmatic AI ally, which create tension through the threat to Earth. The Director’s Cut also saw improvements in voice acting and narrative organization, with Everyeye.it acknowledging that these changes slightly elevate the experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like TheSixthAxis and XGN, appreciate the game’s solid structure within its context, even if it leans on familiar tropes. The inclusion of expanded campaigns, such as Heroes of the Fleet, adds depth for fans of the original, though these additions are often seen as supplementary rather than transformative. The negatives dominate the critical reception, with most reviewers criticizing the story’s lack of originality and emotional engagement. Nintendo Life and Eurogamer Italy describe the plot as a “run-of-the-mill space opera” with a generic Earth vs. colonies conflict that lacks depth. PlaySense and XGN lambast the clichéd narrative, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive mission structures, while GameSpy calls it “utterly forgettable.” The reliance on in-game intercom messages and radio conversations for storytelling is frequently cited as a weakness, with Multiplayer.it and Xbox Achievements noting that the plot fails to captivate. Even improvements like remixed scripts and better voice acting (as noted by Hardcore Gamer) are seen as insufficient to overcome the narrative’s lifeless execution and unconvincing character motivations. The overall consensus among critics is that Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut prioritizes action over storytelling, resulting in a narrative that feels derivative and underdeveloped. While some praise its structural coherence and minor refinements, the majority agree that the story serves more as a framework for combat than a compelling experience. DarkStation and GameStar highlight the predictability of mission structures and the lack of twists, while COGconnected and NZGamer emphasize the minimal emotional investment required. Despite incremental improvements in presentation, the game’s reliance on sci-fi clichés and its failure to deepen character or plot elements leave it as a forgettable entry in the genre. The Director’s Cut may appeal to fans of fast-paced space combat, but its narrative shortcomings prevent it from standing out as a memorable story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut nails arcade thrills with slick combat, transformative mechanics, and ship variety, but repetitive missions, clunky controls, and uneven difficulty drown its potential—ambitious yet flawed, it rewards mastery but frustrates persistence.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut receives praise for its core mechanics, particularly the unique strike suit transformation and arcade-style space combat. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot (PS4) highlight the responsive controls, diverse aircraft, and satisfying variety in weapon systems, with some noting the "excitement" of tracking enemies and the "deep immersion" in dogfighting. The mech conversion mechanic is a standout feature, praised by DarkStation for its "standout" design and by God is a Geek for its customizable loadouts and replayability. Additionally, the game’s variety of ship modes (e.g., Apex, Strike Suit) and mission structures—such as those described by GamingTrend and PlaySense—are seen as enriching the experience, offering players a blend of arcade and flight-sim elements that reward mastery over time. However, several critics criticize the gameplay for its repetitive mission design and flawed mechanics. Nintendo Life and Everyeye.it describe missions as "tedious" and "monotonous," with repetitive tasks like escorting or protecting targets leading to frustration. Issues like poor checkpoint systems (Nintendo Life, LaPS4), inconsistent controls (Everyeye.it, NZGamer), and unbalanced difficulty spikes (DarkStation, Multiplayer.it) further detract from the experience. The lack of innovation in mission variety is a recurring complaint, with critics like XGN and ZTGD noting that most tasks revolve around similar objectives, while the "unintuitive" control schemes on consoles (LaPS4, NZGamer) and PC (Games.cz) hinder immersion. Additionally, some mechanics—like the "luck-based defense" of the strike suit (DarkStation) or the "minimal HUD" (Game Revolution)—are seen as underdeveloped or frustrating. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut has strong foundations in its core gameplay but struggles with repetition and design inconsistencies. While the transformation mechanics, arcade-style combat, and varied ship handling are widely praised (Eurogamer Italy, God is a Geek, GamingTrend), the repetitive missions, flawed checkpoint systems, and uneven difficulty curve (Nintendo Life, Everyeye.it, GameSpot) create a polarizing experience. Despite these issues, many acknowledge the game’s potential, with some like PlaySense and Xbox Achievements noting that its "rewarding" mechanics and "fluid controls" justify the effort required to master them. The divide between praise for innovation and criticism of execution reflects a game that is ambitious but imperfect, appealing to fans of space shooters while struggling to maintain engagement over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut dazzles with vivid space environments and dynamic visuals on PC, but console versions suffer from bland ship designs, static backdrops, and technical flaws, creating a divisive mix of ambitious artistry and underwhelming execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut receive a mix of praise across platforms, with several reviewers highlighting its strengths. On PC, critics like Games.cz and Meristation laud the game’s "stunning" space environments, including detailed asteroid fields, nebulae, and vibrant battle scenes, while DarkZero praises the "vibrant colors" and mecha designs by Junji Okubo. PlaySense commends the "visually striking" battles with dynamic lighting and explosions, and PC PowerPlay applauds the blend of East-West aesthetics and sci-fi military themes. On consoles, Hardcore Gamer notes a significant graphical overhaul, citing improved textures, 1080p resolution, and smoother performance, while Eurogamer Italy acknowledges technical prowess with "60fps" and dynamic effects like explosions. The game’s skyboxes and environmental variety, as highlighted by Everyeye.it and TheSixthAxis, also stand out, offering a sense of scale and immersion in its cosmic settings. However, the visual design faces consistent criticism for its limitations and lack of polish. Multiple reviewers, including GameSpot (PS4) and GamingTrend (Xbox One), describe ship models as "bland" with minimal detail, while Eurogamer Italy and NZGamer criticize static, uninspired backdrops that undermine the apocalyptic atmosphere. Everyeye.it points to technical constraints on PS4, such as polygonal models and textures that fail to utilize the console’s capabilities, and Xbox Achievements calls the aesthetic "generic" with boxy ship designs. ZTGD notes poor textures and underwhelming explosion effects, while GameStar mentions beta-like bugs and graphical errors. Even on PC, Gaming Age criticizes lower-resolution textures and unimpressive ship designs, suggesting that while the game’s visuals are functional, they often fall short of expectations for a modern space shooter. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s ambitious visual concepts despite technical and artistic shortcomings. While platforms like PC see more praise for environmental detail and stylistic choices (e.g., PC PowerPlay’s "breathtaking environments" and Games.cz’s "detailed space environments"), console versions face broader criticism for unpolished textures, repetitive designs, and a lack of graphical innovation. DarkStation and God is a Geek note moments of beauty, but many, like LaPS4 and XGN, argue the game fails to match the visual flair of other space shooters. Despite these issues, the Director’s Cut’s improvements—such as dynamic lighting and enhanced textures on PS4/Xbox One—suggest progress, though its overall aesthetic remains a divisive point, balancing technical execution with creative ambition.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Praise for its atmospheric sci-fi ambiance and genre-blending creativity, with Paul Ruskay’s Homeworld-esque compositions elevating immersion—yet repetition, tonal mismatches, and jarring alarms undercut an otherwise compelling audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut received widespread praise for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many critics highlighting its unique blend of genres and emotional depth. Nintendo Life and DarkStation both emphasized the soundtrack’s ability to create a distinct sci-fi ambiance through dark synths, ethereal voices, and soft electronic tones that complemented the space combat experience. Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it noted the music’s evocative nature, with the latter calling it "molto azzeccata" (very fitting) for the game’s setting. GameSpot and TheSixthAxis praised its futuristic vibe, drawing comparisons to Blade Runner and Battlestar Galactica, while also acknowledging Eastern influences and choral elements. LaPS4 and XGN highlighted the fusion of Western and Eastern styles, with Kokia’s vocals adding a memorable touch. Additionally, Games.cz and Gaming Age celebrated Paul Ruskay’s compositions, likening them to his work on Homeworld and emphasizing their role in enhancing immersion during intense combat sequences. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out flaws that detracted from the audio experience. Eurogamer Italy criticized the soundtrack for repetition and uneven quality, noting that some tracks felt underdeveloped over time. PlaySense found the music "strange and mismatched," suggesting it leaned too heavily into a horror-like tone rather than fitting a space combat game. Xbox Achievements specifically called out the "low shields" alarm as excessive and annoying, while NZGamer mentioned confusion caused by unclear dialogue blending into the soundtrack. GamingTrend described the audio as "typical for an indie game," lacking standout elements or innovation despite matching the fast-paced action. Multiplayer.it also noted that voice acting in cutscenes was amateurish, though this primarily affected narrative immersion rather than the music itself. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack had strong creative foundations, its execution occasionally fell short of expectations. Overall, the critics’ opinions leaned heavily toward appreciation for Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut’s sound design and music, with many highlighting its atmospheric richness and emotional resonance. The work of Paul Ruskay, in particular, was a standout element, praised by GameSpot, Games.cz, and Gaming Age as a key factor in the game’s immersive quality. However, recurring issues like repetition, tonal inconsistencies, and minor technical flaws (such as the overbearing alarm sound) tempered some of the enthusiasm. While not universally flawless, the soundtrack’s strengths—especially its genre-blending creativity and atmospheric depth—were widely acknowledged as significant contributors to the game’s identity. The mixed feedback reflects a general consensus that the audio elements were compelling but occasionally hindered by execution issues.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Voice acting in Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut gets mixed reviews—some praise rewritten dialogue and better performances, but most call it dull, amateurish, and clashing, with accents and emotional flatness dragging down the experience despite minor tweaks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut received some positive attention, particularly regarding revisions made to the original version. Eurogamer Italy noted that the English dialogue was rewritten to be more expressive, paired with Italian subtitles, suggesting an effort to enhance narrative clarity and engagement. Hardcore Gamer praised the re-recorded voice-overs for featuring "more believable actors," indicating a step forward in performance quality. Nintendo Life acknowledged the reworked voice acting but provided no further details, leaving its impact ambiguous. Meanwhile, Xbox Achievements described the voice acting as "perfectly fine," acknowledging it met basic expectations without standing out. These critiques highlight that while some improvements were made, they were not universally transformative or groundbreaking. However, the majority of reviews criticized the voice acting for significant shortcomings. Everyeye.it condemned the overly British accents as clashing with the game’s narrative, despite some vocal samples being replaced in the Director’s Cut. LaPS4 and PlaySense both described the voice work as "dull" and "mediocre to uninspired," respectively, emphasizing a lack of emotional depth and reliance on sci-fi stereotypes. PlayStation Universe criticized the "subpar" quality, particularly in COMM conversations, while Multiplayer.it called it "fin troppo amatoriale" (too amateurish), noting that performances failed to engage even during limited intermission scenes. Meristation and Game Revolution similarly dismissed the voice acting as "weak," "emotionless," and a missed opportunity to elevate the story’s immersion. These critiques collectively underscore persistent issues with delivery, authenticity, and narrative cohesion. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward disappointment. While some improvements—such as rewritten dialogue and re-recorded lines—were acknowledged, they were often overshadowed by broader criticisms of inconsistent performances, unconvincing accents, and a lack of emotional resonance. Eurogamer Italy and Hardcore Gamer offered the most positive remarks, yet even their praise was tempered by the recognition that these changes did not fully address deeper flaws. Conversely, critics like Everyeye.it, LaPS4, and Multiplayer.it highlighted how the voice acting detracted from the experience, with many viewing it as a significant weakness. The Director’s Cut’s revisions appear to have made incremental progress but failed to elevate the voice acting beyond mediocrity, leaving it as one of the game’s most polarizing aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Despite polished core mechanics, Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut stumbles on every platform—Switch glides smoothly but glitches, PS4 battles engine flaws and poor design, Xbox One grapples with lag and clunky controls, and PC remains a "Beta" riddled with bugs. Technical inconsistencies and unmet potential overshadow its strengths, leaving a jagged, uneven experience across the board.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

86%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut varies across platforms, with notable positives for each. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life praised its smooth handling in both docked and handheld modes, despite minor stuttering during large explosions. For PS4, Hardcore Gamer highlighted consistent 60FPS performance with minimal slowdowns, while LaPS4 noted the absence of major technical issues, though it acknowledged the PC version’s superior visuals. On Xbox One, COGconnected and GamingTrend commended the game’s smoothness without significant graphical or performance hiccups, and Gameblog.fr emphasized that technical flaws were overshadowed by the game’s strengths. The PC version, while described as a “Beta” with visible bugs by GameStar, saw Meristation acknowledge its Director’s Cut improvements despite AI and checkpoint issues. Overall, each platform demonstrated stability, though some received praise for specific optimizations or features. However, technical shortcomings were evident across platforms. On PS4, DarkStation criticized unclear textures and predictable mission design, while Everyeye.it noted fluidity issues during intense action sequences due to the proprietary engine’s limitations. TheSixthAxis highlighted a frustrating checkpoint system that erased progress, and LaPS4 observed underutilization of the PS4’s hardware. For Xbox One, Multiplayer.it and ZTGD reported frame rate drops, latency, and glitches like crashes, while COGconnected and Gameblog.fr pointed to occasional slowdowns or uneven difficulty balancing. GamingTrend also noted control limitations, and Multiplayer.it cited poorly placed auto-saves. On PC, GameStar’s “Beta” label underscored instability with visible bugs, though Meristation found no explicit technical crashes despite AI and content issues. These flaws collectively impacted the experience on each platform. The overall consensus among critics suggests that Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut is technically stable but marred by platform-specific inconsistencies. While the Switch and Xbox One versions received praise for smooth performance, they faced criticism for minor glitches or control limitations. The PS4 version struggled with engine-related fluidity issues and checkpoint design, while the PC release was deemed a “Beta” with visible bugs despite improvements. Despite these challenges, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s core mechanics and iterative fixes as commendable, indicating that technical flaws were often overshadowed by its gameplay strengths. However, the lack of universal optimization across platforms highlights areas for improvement, particularly in addressing platform-specific performance hiccups and ensuring a more polished experience for all players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Despite added content like leaderboards, unlockables, and bonus missions, Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut’s sputtering replayability is undermined by soul-crushing repetition, a short campaign, and unengaging mechanics. While tweaks offer minor variety, the core loop of tedious combat and predictability leaves little incentive for repeat play—unless you’re a die-hard fan of its flawed formula.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut is acknowledged by several critics as having some redeeming qualities, particularly through added content and mechanics designed to encourage multiple playthroughs. For instance, God is a Geek highlights the game’s medal systems, leaderboards, AI training modes, and unlockable upgrades as strong incentives for replayability, while GamingTrend notes that 18 missions, difficulty scaling, and performance-based endings provide variety. Additionally, Video Chums points to bonus missions in the Director’s Cut as a meaningful addition, and Gameblog.fr mentions a new campaign and two mechs enhancing longevity. These elements suggest the game attempts to balance repetition with incremental rewards, offering some depth for players seeking challenges or customization. However, the core criticisms of replayability are widespread and consistent across platforms. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life, Eurogamer Italy, and GameSpot, argue that repetitive mission structures, lack of variety, and a short campaign (often cited as 5–10 hours) significantly limit long-term engagement. The bomber mission is singled out by Nintendo Life as an awkward attempt at variety, while DarkStation and XGN describe the game’s predictability and monotony as major drawbacks. Even positive aspects like unlockable content or difficulty scaling are overshadowed by complaints about tedious mechanics, overwhelming enemy numbers, and a lack of meaningful progression beyond basic upgrades. LaPS4 and PlayStation Universe also note that while two endings or ship improvements add some incentive, the repetitive core loop diminishes their impact. Overall, critics generally agree that Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut has limited replayability, with its strengths in added content and systems failing to overcome its fundamental flaws. While God is a Geek and GamingTrend emphasize elements like leaderboards and difficulty scaling as positives, the majority of reviews—such as those from Nintendo Life, GameSpot, and XGN—underscore that repetition, short campaigns, and unengaging mechanics dominate the experience. The Director’s Cut does extend the game slightly through bonus missions and customization, but these additions are seen as insufficient to justify repeated play for most players. The consensus leans toward a lukewarm assessment: the game offers some replay value for fans of its core mechanics but falls short of delivering a truly engaging or varied experience over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict on Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut highlights several positive aspects that resonate with fans of space combat and arcade-style action. Critics like Video Chums and Eurogamer Italy praise its unique position in an underrepresented genre, emphasizing enjoyable space combat and a strong visual and atmospheric foundation. DarkStation acknowledges the game’s promising concept, core mechanics, and immersive elements, while God is a Geek highlights its balance of arcade action and tactical challenge. The transformation mechanic, described as “unique” by GameSpot (PS4) and GamingTrend, adds a layer of depth, and the soundtrack is frequently lauded as a standout feature. Additionally, Gameblog.fr and Meristation note its nostalgic charm and visual spectacle, suggesting it fills a niche for enthusiasts seeking a different take on space shooters. However, the game faces significant criticism regarding its repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and technical shortcomings. Nintendo Life calls it a “let-down” despite improvements, while Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot (PS4) argue that the Director’s Cut fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Repetitive missions, unengaging storytelling, and uneven difficulty are recurring complaints, with PlaySense and TheSixthAxis pointing to a “lackluster story” and “uninspiring narrative.” Technical issues, such as poor mission design and underwhelming AI, plague multiple platforms, as noted by PC Gamer and PC PowerPlay, while Xbox Achievements criticizes the lack of depth and variety. Even NZGamer finds it unenjoyable overall, suggesting it only appeals to die-hard fans. These flaws often overshadow its strengths, leaving many critics unconvinced of its broader appeal. The consensus among reviewers is that Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut is a niche title best suited for dedicated fans of space combat rather than a universally recommended experience. While Gameblog.fr and GamingTrend acknowledge its value at a low price point and unique mechanics, others like DarkZero and Games.cz note it falls short of greatness despite enjoyable elements. The game’s polarizing reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its arcade-style charm and accessibility (e.g., GameStar, Gaming Age) and those who find it repetitive or technically flawed (e.g., Nintendo Life, NZGamer). Ultimately, the Director’s Cut is seen as a decent but imperfect entry in the genre, offering enough to satisfy enthusiasts while struggling to overcome its design and polish issues.

TL;DR

A niche gem with flashy space combat and a killer soundtrack, but repetitive gameplay, weak storytelling, and technical hiccups undermine its potential—appeals mainly to hardcore fans seeking arcade thrills over innovation.

MONSTER

Reviews

86 reviews found

Video Chums

Nintendo Switch

May 8, 2019