Amazing
I never had a real reason to register for NewGrounds until I came across this and decided to register if only to vote and comment on this game. The graphics, SFX and game engine are perfect!
Putting good things aside, I had an issue with the game's balance. For example, mastering the Basic Chip takes 95 Tech points and grants you the Spark Burst attack which is far superior than Chiil Gale and Minor Nox with the minor cost of 10SP compared to CG and MN's 7SP. Furthermore, mastering the Gutman Chip will give Zero a mere 10% Strength (My level 16 Zero has 88 Str so approximately adds 8 to Str) while giving X a whooping 100 Str (Double than the amount I had at the time I mastered the chip). You ought to play with the bonus to give the game a better sense of balance.
I won't elaborate much on the "Controls" part that you've miseed, I'm sure other comments sufficed. I'd just like to say that as a normal player I usually go to the options menu first to look for controls. When I got there I wanted to leave but to no avail (Was not aware of the "Backspace" button at that time). Eventually I had to refresh the game and start playing without changing to higher resolution nor disabing the music/sound.
On the other hand, I loved the achievements but some are extremely hard to pull off (Achieved "Blue Balls... Of Steel!" by mere luck). Overall I got 11 achievements thus far... any hints? Someone? :P
Overall, it was a great game and I cannot wait to play the next chapter. 5/5 10/10 as this game deserves. Good work, man. :)