Zone of the Enders

Review: This game was simply amazing, there's not other word to describe it. The graphics were insane, allowing easy gameplay with virtually no slow-down even with the most hectic of situations. Clean and smooth, with few jaggies, the environment was perfect for the game, and the atmosphere blended perfectly for what was trying to be conveyed. Though some things could stand to be changed slightly, everything...especially the CGs...were astounding.

The sound was crisp and shrill, though without flooding the game too much, or getting over repetitive. The dark, moody music used throughout the game conveyed a more sadistic feel to it, and the lighter effects contributed well to its overall system. Though the effects were tinny at times, overall they were clean, clear, and "under control"...heheheh...anyway...

The gameplay was a mix of good and bad, as it was great in the beginning, but did get a bit boring later on. Battling endless hordes of enemies is great at first...until you realize there are only, eh, three real types. There are the close range, the long distance, and the "either or"s. At least you get to use another suit for awhile...they shoulda done that more, to break up how monotonous it was. Where this game really kicked ass, as far as gameplay is concerned, was the boss battles. These monstrosities were the highlight of the entire plotline, which by the way also ruled! I mean, the way they were set up was magnificent. With the plot, every little thing you did affected the game one way or another...affecting your rating. It was good but, as I explained, could have been a bit better.

The controls were the best part of this game. First and foremost, flying this thing was easier than making ramen soup! I mean, honestly, there could not have been a better scheme for the type of game they were making. The lock on system, and the way one switched between enemies was simple, yet worked brilliantly. Even the buttons for attacking were easy to get the hang of. There simply could not have been a better system.

Now, the game has some definite replay value. While you could go through the game to get the second soundtrack for the ending, it's not really worth it...it is, however, worth going through the game to get a higher rating and bragging rights. Not to mention the multiplayer possibilities once you have all the characters for that mode...Zombie Neith is the best, by the way ^_~. Anywho, it's certainly worth it...though once or twice through ought to be enough!

Fun?! FUN?! This game is some damn good fun, especially if you're into the whole giant mecha thing! I mean, going around and blowing up the buildings in and of itself are fun enough! ^_^ What else is there to say about that?! Who wouldn't wanna go around and blow stuff up?! ¬.¬ No...this generation is not violent...heheh...seriously...heheheh...

All in all, this is a keeper. ¬.¬ If even for the Metal Gear Solid demo! Nonetheless, Zone of the Enders plays well on its own, and has various levels of gameplay. There's no other way to describe it but full, total immersion. My opinion? GO AND BUY THIS GAME NOW! What more could you be looking for? Heh...other than Super Smash Brothers Melee.

Graphics- 4.2
Sound- 3.8
Gameplay- 4.5
Controls- 5
Replayability- 4
Fun- 4.7
Overall- 4.5

-Tyro! Your friendly neighborhood Animéman!