Zone of Enders

The mission-based gameplay in Zone requires Leo to travel back and forth between various locations, performing simple tasks and fighting squads of enemy orbital frames in addition to the occasional "boss." Piloting Jehuty is a breeze thanks to intuitive controls, effective onscreen displays, and a rotating third-person camera viewpoint that's refreshingly unobtrusive. While the 3-D environments are somewhat cramped, they're richly detailed and very interactive, allowing for some serious property damage that, along with civilian casualties, is frowned upon.

Admittedly, Zone's arcade-style combat is a bit too dumbed down, as the majority of battles can be won by mindlessly mashing away at the main weapon button. This wouldn't be so much of an issue if not for the fact that the game can be beaten in just a few hours, with the story coming to an abrupt end that leaves you hanging. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Absolutely stunning 3-D graphics and exceptionally friendly controls
• Heavy-handed melodrama that really grows on you
• 1- or 2-player vs. mode unlocked when game is completed
• Includes Metal Ge
  
  Amazon.com Review
  A "giant robot"-themed action-adventure, Zone of the Enders not only looks great, but it plays great--a rarity in this junk-heap-filled genre. Set in the future inside an orbital space colony, Zone casts players as Leo, a young boy who inadvertently and unwillingly becomes the pilot of an orbital frame (giant robot) named Jehuty during a brutal invasion by hostile forces. While the original story is based on a familiar premise used in Japanese animation, the orbital frame designs are quite fresh, with nice touches such as glowing-vein-like patterns on Jehuty's armor that change color according to the armor's condition.

  The mission-based gameplay in Zone requires Leo to travel back and forth between various locations, performing simple tasks and fighting squads of enemy orbital frames in addition to the occasional "boss." Piloting Jehuty is a breeze thanks to intuitive controls, effective onscreen displays, and a rotating third-person camera viewpoint that's refreshingly unobtrusive. While the 3-D environments are somewhat cramped, they're richly detailed and very interactive, allowing for some serious property damage that, along with civilian casualties, is frowned upon.

  Admittedly, Zone's arcade-style combat is a bit too dumbed down, as the majority of battles can be won by mindlessly mashing away at the main weapon button. This wouldn't be so much of an issue if not for the fact that the game can be beaten in just a few hours, with the story coming to an abrupt end that leaves you hanging. --Joe Hon

  Pros:

  • Absolutely stunning 3-D graphics and exceptionally friendly controls
  • Heavy-handed melodrama that really grows on you
  • 1- or 2-player vs. mode unlocked when game is completed
  • Includes Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty playable demo disc
  Cons:
  • Shallow gameplay
  • Short game length, disappointing ending

  Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty demo

  Packaged with Zone of the Enders is a playable demo disc of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the highly anticipated and much-hyped sequel to the PlayStation classic Metal Gear Solid. Fans will be pleased to know that it's everything they could have hoped for... and then some.

  Not simply a rehash of its predecessor with next-generation graphics, MGS2adds much deeper gameplay to its tactical espionage action formula. Our hero, the "famous" Solid Snake, has been given a handbook's worth of new moves and techniques--skills that are put to the test against much smarter enemies within highly interactive environments. To introduce newbies to the Metal Gear world and to bring veterans up to speed, the demo includes an onscreen tutorial as well as a cleverly written plot synopsis of the first game.

  Although it only contains the initial stage of the game and can be played through in less than an hour, the MGS2 demo has surprisingly huge replay value that's further boosted by its Internet ranking system, where players can enter in their clear codes (which they receive upon completion of the game) on the Konami Web site to see how they stack up against other players worldwide. --Joe Hon
  
  Amazon.com Product Description
  The humans living on Antilia, a colony orbiting the planet Jupiter, think of themselves as Enders, as they're essentially at the end, or furthest reach, of human civilization. After a sudden attack by a fanatical Martian military regime known as the Z.O.E., Ender Leo Stenbuck finds himself with access to the one weapon that can save Antilia: a mechanized attack vehicle called an orbital frame.

  In Zone of the Enders, you'll command the orbital frame against several robotic opponents. The game features agile 3-D movement, both in the air and on land, and smart camera work that keeps your opponent in view during the most intense, furious battles. The game also comes with a playable demo of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
  
  

But Konami already knew that.

Anyway, Zone of Enders is a very easy game with what is supposed to be an indepth storyline. Unfortunately, the storyline is about as indepth as say "The Bouncer," and it leaves you hanging. The motivations for some of the actions to the characters were quite pathetic and even annoying at times. The only voice-acting I thought was solid was ADA, who was monotonous anyway. Everyone else was just annoying. Regardless, the game is fun to play and look at.

Now, the Metal Gear Solid 2 Demo- it's pretty incredible. You only play one level, which can actually be finished in under 10 minutes, but there's a lot more to do in the level than just finish it. If you've never played Metal Gear Solid before, the controls take some getting used to, but once you do, it's incredibly fun.

Some of the effects you run into during the game are incredible. You can see the individual hairs on the characters' faces. When people shoot you, and you're against a wall, blood splatters on the wall. When there's a pool of blood, and you step in it, you leave blood footprints for a while, and the enemy can see it and sound an alarm. You can take an enemy hostage and drag him around and not get shot at. You can surprise an enemy and point a gun at his head or at his groin and he'll give you stuff (like health). You can have your back up against a wall, and you can tap the wall to call attention to the guard. You can search people and shove them in rooms and even lockers once you've knocked them out. You can shoot pipes and fire extinguishers to temporarily blind enemies... if you smoke, your health slowly goes down. i was walking in the rain... and i stepped inside, and the guard saw my wet fotoprints. and the way it shows you is through a little popup PIP window, that shows you what the guard sees... it's cool... just some incredible stuff.

They're not even done with the game yet. You should be excited by now.


Another worth while game   March 16, 2001
10 out of 19 found this review helpful

This game is the best in graphics for PS2. The Mechs are pure. Every thing is detailed including scenary. The camera angle has you always behind the Mech. Controls are really quik responding. Its a game were you will be amazed. Music fits well in the game. Tough puzzles to be solved so when you get a chance buy the Z.O.E stratergy guide. Overall Just get it. For the POWER. Another reason to get is Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Now when you talk amazing graphics this is it. Probably better than Z.O.E. Otherwise the same. The game is intense with non stop action. So like I said get it.


Awesome   February 17, 2001
9 out of 19 found this review helpful

Well, what can I say but that this game is and absolute must have. If you love the old style of mech warfare incorporated with fast and furious hack and slash action then this one is for you. Even If it is not to your tastes just get it for the Metal Gear Solid 2 playable demo which has to be the most anticipated game of all time. If you ask me there would have to be something very wrong with you If you passed up an opportunity like this, to not only own the coolest mech combat game to grace any console but the chance to get an early taste of MGS2.