It's a first generation PS2 game that delivers. Shortcomings are more in the way of somewhat repetitive areas.

User Rating: 9 | Z.O.E.: Zone of the Enders (PlayStation 2 the Best) PS2
Personally when I try my best to review a game, it's from a standpoint of when it was released along with what was out at the time. With that being said here goes.
Graphics 9.5/10: Yes when taken into account that it's one of the first batches of PS2 games, it's a major accomplishment. Jehuty had a very good level of detail, very vibrant. Although the regular enemies did seem at times repetitive, they also were well made. The cutscenes were a stunning combination of anime and 3D into one. The animations of attacks, explosions,etc were impressive. The only real problem I had were some of the levels being somewhat repetitive. Remember when you have to go back and look for a mech that you can control? Yea, it was a problem that I learned to figure out just thanks to the location of the church hehe. Despite the game's age, graphically it still ages pretty well.
Sound 8.5/10: Explosions sounded pretty dramatic which is good, but the exact same scream sound of people in destroyed buildings could get annoying. The music throughout much of the game is the same except for a couple of areas with the more vibrant techno-ish (was was pretty good for fighting actually). I did like the music on boss battles very much though, it helps immerse you further. Voice acting is believable, and I understand Leo's reluctance in his tone, but at times he sounds like a 6 year old not wanting to share 1 of his 200 toys with his little sister.
Gameplay 9.0/10: Camera angles can be a pain indoors. At times Jehuty didn't feel like it was THE orbital frame to own them all, although thankfully we learn why later in the story and in part 2 (which was amazing btw). If you are looking for an Armored Core type game, you will not find it here. This is faster pace. The subweapons and their uses add a level of variety, although you can get by most of the game with just the basics. The difficulty is pretty much average, although some enemy groups can finish you off rather quickly if you're not taking advantage of the dodging abilities you have with Jehuty. Some bosses can be a pain on your first time through (especially the one that can 1shot you...sigh, remember the NES days). There is also a fun versus mode with unlockable frames (although you will probably stick with 2-3 of them), which adds to replayability along with new game +.

Story 9.5/10: The story does a good job stressing the importance of your orbital frame as well as showing war from the perspective of young Leo. As for character development, in this game it seems that most of the emphasis is place on Leo's relationship with A.D.A and Celvice. I did like Viola's character considering that she's aggressive, with a past shrouded in mystery (heartbreaking in the end). Little is known on Nohman at this point but at the very least you get to see first hand what he can do with Anubis.

All in all this is a very good game that gets huge improvements with part 2. It does a good job at setting the stage for such a wonderful sequel.