Zone of the Enders

"Anime, Robots and plenty of Mayhem..."

Falling across several different aspects, Zone of the Enders gives gamers a game full of action, storyline, and robots blowing each other up with eye popping visuals and sound. One of the problems that most will find with this game, is that it falls victim to being way too short.

With only a few hours of gameplay at best, and most of that being towards racing from zone to zone looking for something, Zone of the Enders may leave a bitter taste in some gamer's mouths. Set in the distant future, you assume the role of a young boy who has stumbled across an amazing machine, and must use that machine to stop vicious attacks by an enemy group of robots. Not a bad way to start out a game.

-Visuals 8/10-

Encompassing several different areas, all of which come out smooth and detailed, Zone of the Ender's true visual aspect is the amount of speed placed in the game. Racing through several different environments, you have several visual effects to look at, from explosions that are the result of laser fire raining down atop of buildings, to smashing enemy robots into the ground through throwing them.

Where some gamers may be turned off, is in the sheer speed of the game, as the camera angle is constantly switching, so you'll never really have a clear view on where you stand until the battle is all over with. Add that into the mix of some of the environments getting in your view way, and you may have reason to grimace.

-Audio 8/10-

A hybrid dance/house/rock track that keeps the action going at a fast pace. Just what was intended, the stage music matches the mood of the game, in which you're fighting a pretty fast battle with numerous enemies that surround you. Sound effects and voice overs ring out crystal clear over a good stereo hook-up, and the bass thumps of explosions around do immerse you into the game.

-Control 8/10-

Once you get around the camera angles, the actual in-game control is relatively simple to get used to. To boot, there is an in-game tutorial to help you learn the various functions of your robot, and how to use your 'bot in battle. You can go back and practice this several time if you'd like, but in the end, novice and expert gamers alike will find that the game results in alot of button mashing and just general mayhem with the control pad.

-Game Play 8/10-

Possibly one of the best 3-D free movement games out there today, Zone of the Enders places you in a giant war robot capable of doing heavy damage to everything within targeting range. Most of the game revolves around close combat, although you can initiate long range combat with a simple targeting of your scopes. When the battle gets too intense, you can escape and then go back when you're ready to take on the enemies again.

Other various features that the game has, is the fact that you may have to revisit a certain area several times until you find the right program to open up a new stage. Once you've completed that, then there are weapon drivers that you can find to help you with special weapons. While that may seem to be an ''optional-mission'', ZOE does require that you go through the laborious task of finding said weapons because they're needed.

One last feature that the game has to offer is a limited two player battle. While it doesn't seem like much, it's strangely like Armored Core 2, but it results in a basic slug-fest between you and a friend to see who has the faster and stronger robot.

-Overall 8/10-

While this game has alot to offer as far as gaming mechanics, such as the visuals, the game play, in-game tutorial and the control, there is just one major problem. It's too damn short. With various missions and tasks to complete, as well as making sure that you don't take too much damage as a result of numerous battles, you'll find quite a few hours of play time.

A rent first type of game, most hardcore gamers will find that Zone of the Enders is a straight shot that can be finished in less than 10 hours if you play straight through. To open up different secrets, you may find that it will take practice with some of the stages that require a low damage count on civilian population.

Either way, Zone of the Enders is a solid game worth at least a rental, if not more.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/14/01, Updated 05/14/01