Zone of the Enders Hands-On

The playable demo of ZOE that we've managed to get our hands on includes only a series of training sequences and fraction of a playable level. But this alone was enough to impress us significantly. The game's systems are wonderfully simple; all attacks are poetically executed, soaring like the wind seems second nature, and auxiliary functions are intuitively managed. The game is also visually stunning. Everything moves maddeningly fast, the level of detail is staggering, and the models ring true to their themes. ZOE truly seems to be the epitome of an action game, and we can't wait to see more.

The initial training sequences (which we're told will be in the final game) briefed us on all things pertaining to the control of our mech--or Orbital Frame, as they're called in the world of ZOE. Each of the 10 or so sequences focused on a particular aspect of the frame's functions, and they all took place in a sort of VR field occupied by a training bot. Everything from ranged and melee attacks to toggling between targets was covered, and it was all demonstrated before we were able to get a crack. Orbital Frame Jehuty, as the starring mech is called, is quite an impressive construct. Equipped with powerful energy guns as well as sword, the frame is a highly versatile war machine. It also boasts a set of boosters, useful not only for zipping around at high speeds, but also for powering up special attacks.

Jehuty controls charmingly. The game, by nature, is very fast paced, and as result, moving the frame at first feels like a slippery endeavor. But you quickly begin to realize that every element in the game moves just as quickly as Jehuty. Everything flows explosively from then on.

You use the left stick to actually control the frame. When not focusing on a target, you'll move in the direction you hold the stick. When locked onto something, though, you'll be able to circle, strafe, and back away from your target, which greatly facilitates combat. The triangle and X buttons allow you to alter your altitude, effectively allowing you to zip to any point on the axis. Attacking is similarly simple--the square button will either unleash a blast from your gun or let loose a flurry of sword attacks, depending on your distance from your target. Think Virtual On's control scheme, albeit stripped to its essence. The circle button executes a grab move, which causes Jehuty to seize its target and subsequently throw it a considerable distance, possibly onto a building, or, even better, an enemy frame. The L2 and R2 buttons activate Jehuty's boosters, which serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they allow the frame to charge quickly in the direction it's facing for the purposes of evasion, or what have you. Secondly, they serve to energize Jehuty's two special attacks, one for close combat and one for ranged. After powering up, and when close to an enemy, Jehuty will execute a vicious circular slash, which damages all enemies within its area of effect. When in ranged combat, Jehuty's special attack takes the form of an energized orb that is hurled at distant foes. The intensity of both attacks directly corresponds to how long they were energized prior to execution; short charges will result in relatively wimpy attacks, while long ones will yield more impressive effects. Finally, the L1 button allows you to toggle between targets, and the right stick is used to change Jehuty's perspective without moving--a free-look feature, of sorts.

Stopping to gaze at the world of ZOE pays off very well. While only a fragment of one stage was included in the demo we previewed, the wonderfully detailed world the developer has constructed was plain for all to see. The mission fragment we played was presumably set in the colony of Antilia, which is located on one of Jupiter's moons, Europa. Home to a large population, the war-torn metropolis is amazingly rendered. If you look up, you'll see the dome that contains the colony's artificial atmosphere. Look down, and the all the hustle and bustle of urban life is present--all wonderfully animate, and, astoundingly, all rendered in real time. The skyscrapers littering the cityscape are all destructible; slam an enemy frame into one, and it'll collapse, blast one with a volley of lasers, and it'll explode. Of course, Leo Stenbuck--ZOE's pure-hearted protagonist--would surely do no such thing, but it's good to know that the gameworld is alterable, in that respect.

The stage included in the demo basically consisted of a series of battles. We soared through the skies of Antilia, engaging squads of enemy frames. ZOE's encounter system is fairly interesting. A battle is instigated if you come within a certain distance of an enemy squad. The battles only occur within preset boundaries, and fleeing encounters is definitely possible--if you fly out of the battle's area, the encounter will elapse in a few seconds. After battling it out with several groups of enemy frames, Viola--the game's pink-haired antagonist--makes her first appearance, gliding into the scene on her graceful, deadly frame. After a pitched battle and a couple of cinematics, Viola flees the scene, doubtlessly vowing revenge.

All the frames are impressively modeled and detailed. The developer obviously took cues from the wide world of robot animation, and it shows--fans of the genre will be able to spot familiar designs throughout the game. The frames animate magnificently. Their attacks are as quick as Mercury, and all the accompanying effects are jaw-dropping. ZOE, it's safe to say, is the first PS2 game to truly look "next generation." The developer has successfully re-created the look and feel of the mech-anime genre, and the screenshots littering the Web do the game little justice. One really has to see it in motion to truly appreciate it.

Needless to say, we're awaiting this game with bated breath. The game is due out in Japan this coming March, with a US release following later this spring. Till then, check these screens, and watch the game in motion on GameSpot Live.