SONYPS2 Zone of the Enders Limited Edition Published by Konami
SLPM 65018 1 DVD Rom NCS Retail Price US$153 (Y13800)
Memory Card Requirement: 280 Kb 1-2 Players 3-D mech action drama
Front Shot Back Shot

   Zone of Enders LE includes the following bonus items for the connoisseur and collector: A 150 page artbook with ZOE mech designs and character sketches,  a mini-cd containing the Z.O.E. theme song, and a DVD featuring the "Z.O.E. 2167 Idolo" movie, which is a prequel tale to the storyline in the Z.O.E game. As mentioned in yesterday's update, the Metal Gear Solid 2 playable demo is not included.
   Capitalism, greed, and human nature will inevitably push man out into the solar system when Earth's natural resources are depleted. Consumer consumption demand won't go down when the sapping of the earth is complete and the tendrils of human exploration will extend to neighboring planets. New worlds will become harvesting grounds for minerals and other resources. According to Konami, this takes place in the 22nd century with Mars being the first victim of exploitation and Jupiter dead sighted in the targeting scopes. Human workers who travel into the depths of space are known as Enders, for they operate near the ends of the solar system. 
   The player takes control of a young boy named Leo Stenbuck. He's the typical unlikely hero who eventually gets to man a mech called a Jehuty. With this machine, known as an orbital frame, Leo confronts a Martian rebellion group known as the Z.O.E. ~ The Zone of Enders. Reflections of Gundam 0079's Ray Amuro and Macross' Hikaru Ichijyo are probably intentional and no accident for Leo's character development.
   The game is impressive. Leo's Jehuty is capable of various attacks including lasers which stream in congress towards a target, a blue power ball which is thrown up and then punched at foes, and a close-range sword slash attack to beat back foes. Control of the mech is smooth but you'll have to map the buttons (they're all used in this game) and control schemes in your head to execute movement and attacks. After a little game time however, Jehuty control became second nature. Similar to Konami's last endeavor Shadow of Memories, English is fully supported and gamers may toggle between Japanese or English language options.