Zone of the Enders

"A great game that will pave the way for a legendary gaming series and anime."

Zone of the Enders was an extremely hyped game for the PS2, some even herald it as the PS2 saviour (Even though it doesn't even need saving). ZOE is an excellent attempt at capturing the anime feel of gundam or macross in a video game.

Graphics: 10/10

These graphics are top notch and get the poitn across. The explosions in the game are very realistic and the robots move so fluidly you feel as if your actually IN control. The mechs also have amazing detail as well and so do many of the weapons you get during. One little thing about the graphics though is that some of the levels seem to use to the same textures, but who cares about something as insignificant as that??

Sound: 10/10

Absolutely fabulous. You hear you sword slash in the air when your sword connects with an enemy you HEAR it, the explosions sound like EXPLOSIONS, you hear people screaming when they die, when you skim the ground you hear the scratching sound of your mech going onto the steel or grass.
The Voice acting is not bad at all in fact I thought it was quite good for all the smack I have been hearing peopel talk about it. The voice acting is excellent compared to Onimusha's.

Gameplay: 10/10
This is where the game really shines. The game controls beautifully. Most of the controls are pretty basic and it doesn't take much to learn how to play this game. There is an attack button, a descend button, and ascend button, a lock on button, a lock off button, and dash button, a gaurd button, and a burst/charge button for special attacks.the controls are fairly accessible and anybody can engage in tremendously great mech fights in the sky or the ground. oen of the many complaints people keep on talking about is that the gameplay becomes to repetitive, this is what I don't understand, because the repetitiveness all depends on the player, if you would actually use the entire control scheme instead of just dash/slash then you would be having a much greater time.

Story: 9/10

The story of this game is great mech anime material. you play as this 14 year old boy named Leo Stenbuck who is a resident of this mining colony called Anitilia which orbits Jupiter. It is a time of war, where much strife exists between earth and the colony of mars. The terrorist group known as BAHRAM launch a surprise attack on the colony antillia in order to capture a special mech known as Jehuty whic has a special purpose. During the attack, Leo and his friends get into trouble with a military officer near the site where they are keeping jehuty. Then an attack on the colony commences and Leo's friends die unfortunately in the incident. Leo, as he is running for his life, stumbles upon Jehuty itself and accidently falls into the cockpit of jehuty. thats basically the premise, other characters include Celvice, who is a friend of Leo. Viola, who is a hig ranking bahran officer who pilotes the orbital frame neith and has a dark past. Rock Thunderheart, an officer aboard the Spaceship atlantis, which is the spaceship that is too carry Jehuty to Mars for its ''Special Mission'', and Elena Weinberg, A woman who is second in command of Atlantis. The story is very good and leaves room for a series.

OVERALL: 10/10

This game is a must-buy for anybody who is a fan of Mechs and anime. This new Game for Konami will soon be made into a TV series and a great new gaming series. I can't wait for ZOE 2 to be annoucned at E3, WHICH IT WILL!!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/03/01, Updated 04/03/01