or 15 years, the gaming media have tossed around the phrase "interactive movie" like a beach ball at a summer party. The concept seems fun, but the execution is frequently boring. Konami's Zone of the Enders may change that perception. A game that is as full of plot as it is jam-packed with action, Enders is a solid addition to the PlayStation 2's growing library of games.
Gamers assume the role of Leo Stenbuck, a young resident of the Earth's Jupiter colony, Antilla. The colony is assaulted by a squadron of Orbital Frames (read biped weapon chassis, aka 'Mechs), manned by ruthless mercenaries. In his efforts to escape the attacking Frames, Leo falls into the cockpit of Jehuty, an advanced Orbital Frame that is the target of the mercenaries' attack. The frame's semi-sentient computer, ADA, takes a liking to Leo, and teaches him to use the Frame, which he does (much to the chagrin of the attacking mercenaries). The corporation that owns Jehuty takes note of Leo's piloting prowess, asks him to deliver the Orbital Frame to the Mars colony, and the story is on.
Zone of the Enders tells this story though both cutscenes and in-game developments. The action is third-person, and gamers control Jehuty as the Frame flings laser bolts and energy balls at distant opponents. Once Jehuty closes with its opponents, several different slashing attacks can be employed to shatter the bad guys' (and gals') Frames. Once the single-player game is completed, Enders opens a two-player mode that allows friends/enemies to hack and blast each other.
An interactive movie at last
From its 10-minute opening cinematic, it's obvious that Konami intends to tell a story with Zone of the Enders. What's even better is their desire not only to pull the gamer into the story but to allow him or her to actively participate in the tale. Cutscenes lace the game, advancing the plot and providing background. Top-notch voice acting flesh out Leo, his friends and his rivals. Nevertheless, it takes combat to keep the game moving.
Yet mistake not this title for the next level of Armored Core or Mechwarrior 4. No, this is more like a refinement of the 'Mech scenes in Monolith's venerable Shogo: Mobile Armored Division . The combat is light, quick and fast-paced, and the controls are some of the best to ever grace a game pad. Although the frames can zoom to fantastic heights, dive into city alleys, lock on to the enemy, fire two types of ranged weapons and slice and dice with a katana-like melee weapon, it takes no more than 15-20 minutes to master the various moves. Correspondingly, gamers can concentrate on playing the game, not mastering a myriad of button combinations.
The visuals are superb. At last, developers are using the PlayStation 2's considerable capabilities. Whether fighting in the depths of space or a local park, Konami has infused the game with a sense of detail and life. The Orbital Frames are wonderfully animated, and everything seen can be destroyed in huge balls of flame. In fact, gamers will be penalized for flattening buildings, especially those that house civilians.
A luscious, interactive movie, Zone of the Enders is as captivating to watch as it is to play. Yes, it's a bit short; most folks will wrap it in eight hours, but Konami did include a Metal Gear Solid 2 demo disc in the case. So, the value is there. Most importantly, it's nice that after 15 years of discussing what makes a good interactive movie, the industry finally produced one.
I had to pry myself away from the couch to write the review. This is great fun. Too bad it's so short.
-- Mark
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