Zone of the Enders

 PlayStation 2
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 82
  3. Negative: 12 out of 82
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  1. Caestus
    May 29, 2013
    6
    The Mech battles are stylish and fun however the gameplay is simple and gets repetitive and the story is not worth to mention. Second Runner is way better.
  2. mrnice
    Sep 8, 2016
    7
    Played the HD version (for PS3). Game length is ok, but game objectives can be hard to figure out, and the action does not feel like 100% mech mastery. One cool thing is the story feels cinematic and self-contained, like, you just go along and it tells you a pretty epic story.
  3. Termin8ter
    Mar 8, 2016
    5
    Zone of the Enders is a painfully average game, that has no real reason to be played. Firstly, the cutscenes look TURRIBLE, ugh, disGUSTING cut-scenes. The plot is very nonexistent as well, rarely amounting to anything more than a kinda intense boss battle. The two things that hold up Z.O.E are the superb combat, and the Metal Gear Solid 2 Demo, in fact the MGS2 demo was the main, if notZone of the Enders is a painfully average game, that has no real reason to be played. Firstly, the cutscenes look TURRIBLE, ugh, disGUSTING cut-scenes. The plot is very nonexistent as well, rarely amounting to anything more than a kinda intense boss battle. The two things that hold up Z.O.E are the superb combat, and the Metal Gear Solid 2 Demo, in fact the MGS2 demo was the main, if not only reason people bought this game. Yet another problem with Z.O.E is that it is too far under the shadow to the Metal Gear series, and here's why: The ad for the demo is ABOVE the logo for the game title itself. If you flip the manual for the game over, then you get a manual for the controls of the MGS2 demo. The game is tightly under the boot of the Metal Gear series, and that's the main thing holding Z.O.E back from being a great game.… Expand
  4. frederik1478
    Dec 2, 2020
    4
    In my opinion this game is a Text demo used to learn how to use the PS2,
    The problem about talking about this game is that zone of the enders the 2nd Runner it does everything better than this game,
    And if you one of the people who paid full price for it then I feel very sorry for you ,
    I would say at least play this one's so you understand the sequel better But other than that it's not good
  5. egoBorder
    Oct 9, 2019
    1
    Even for its time, this game is woefully disappointing. Sure, it looks great and has fabulous mech designs. But the story and characters are awful and shrill. The gameplay is garbage, and unbelievably repetitive. Possibly the worst factor is that this game is devoid of any type of level design: each map is essentially just an arena with enemies peppered throughout. A game this shortEven for its time, this game is woefully disappointing. Sure, it looks great and has fabulous mech designs. But the story and characters are awful and shrill. The gameplay is garbage, and unbelievably repetitive. Possibly the worst factor is that this game is devoid of any type of level design: each map is essentially just an arena with enemies peppered throughout. A game this short (don't expect to be here more than 5 hours) which forces this much back-tracking should be legally required to have a minimum amount of effort put into environmental design. A novelty at best, you're better off looking up concept art online.… Expand
  6. fasher2cool
    Feb 25, 2021
    5
    good game has some good memory and another some bad memory.................
  7. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    2
    Short, repetitive, clunky and without any real story, i had crazy expectations but this was very bad...
  8. NoahB.
    Jun 24, 2004
    10
    Z.O.E. is a GREAT game but it's "M" ,it should at least "T".But besides that it's an 11.
  9. serverny
    Jul 26, 2013
    0
    This game is unplayable mess from every point of view.
    I strongly suggest you never launch this "game" even if you got it for free.
    Plot is non-existant, main character makes me want to kill him every time he opens his mouth. Worst of all are awful gameplay mechanics and fact that this is unplayable without a strategy guide, because game NEVER explain what needs to be done next so    This game is unplayable mess from every point of view.
    I strongly suggest you never launch this "game" even if you got it for free.

    Plot is non-existant, main character makes me want to kill him every time he opens his mouth.

    Worst of all are awful gameplay mechanics and fact that this is unplayable without a strategy guide, because game NEVER explain what needs to be done next so its up to you to decide which of 5 already finished levels you must visit for 5th time to get another "password" to progress further.    … Expand
  10. Jouna92
    Dec 26, 2013
    7
    So much potential in this one. But this great idea drowns in its redundant enemies, objectives, and landscapes. The story have some great moments but overall there is nothing special to offer.
  11. RyanM.
    Apr 28, 2003
    10
    I absolutely love this game. This is a unique game, with great graphics, addicting gameplay, and overall one of the most interesting plots. This game is a great impression of the anime series. I love this game highly recommended. I can't wait to try Zone of the Enders: the 2nd Runner.
  12. JammyGuyStudios
    Dec 6, 2013
    8
    It's a fantastic yet flawed game. The graphics are good and the gameplay is solid although it does eventually get a little repetitive. The story is good and I loved every minute of the game, but the game is way too short! Any one can beat is game in under 4 hours! Personally I really liked all the characters and thought they were well developed and very interesting, with the exception ofIt's a fantastic yet flawed game. The graphics are good and the gameplay is solid although it does eventually get a little repetitive. The story is good and I loved every minute of the game, but the game is way too short! Any one can beat is game in under 4 hours! Personally I really liked all the characters and thought they were well developed and very interesting, with the exception of the main character (Leo) who wasn't so well developed, but I still cared for him. Overall, Zone Of The Enders is a fantastic game and I would highly recommend it, especially with the release of the HD collection!… Expand
  13. KyleB.
    Oct 22, 2002
    6
    This was a fun a fun game, but there was a poor plot. You fall into a robot and then go on to save the world. The fighting is nice and fast and you can cost alot of damage to the surroundings but they weapons you work so hard to get you use quite little and they will probaly rust. The main character is just annoying and you will skip most of the cut scenes. You may get stuck on a certin This was a fun a fun game, but there was a poor plot. You fall into a robot and then go on to save the world. The fighting is nice and fast and you can cost alot of damage to the surroundings but they weapons you work so hard to get you use quite little and they will probaly rust. The main character is just annoying and you will skip most of the cut scenes. You may get stuck on a certin mission such as finding the raptor. You will spend hours looking for the way to pass the level. Thats if your mission isn't stoped dead on hostage rescue missions. This game is a good rent but a bad buy unless you wanted the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  14. Tubie
    Oct 3, 2010
    9
    What an amazing game, what is even more amazing is that this game was a launch title for the PS2. I am really hoping Kojima one day decides to continue the series on the PS3.
  15. Aridos
    Jun 30, 2018
    8
    A short game. It stayed just long enough, used what it could of its mechanics, but somehow its story was lacking.
    It felt like it should've been longer, and you feel they really wanted that 2nd Runner sequel which they got (it's better, buy it).
    However, this does not eliminate the fact that for a short gameplay fun-run alone, this game has a lot of fun Mecha-play, fighting, and    A short game. It stayed just long enough, used what it could of its mechanics, but somehow its story was lacking.
    It felt like it should've been longer, and you feel they really wanted that 2nd Runner sequel which they got (it's better, buy it).
    However, this does not eliminate the fact that for a short gameplay fun-run alone, this game has a lot of fun Mecha-play, fighting, and 3d-fighting- one of the best I played up until today.

    A lot of games use vertically as some kind of ugly word as their games are unable to deal with it during combat, but ZoE decides to go 'Nop, we're going there!' and forces you to use the entire environment to your advantage, sometime make you aware of your position, and be aware of your location.    … Expand
  16. arostislavna
    Dec 3, 2021
    7
    Fast-paced hack and slash+shooting mech game, also pretty fun. "YOU RIKE IT?"
    Score would be higher if it wasn't basically demo-length.
  17. Pakon
    Aug 14, 2019
    7
    The game's story could be described as descent or mediocre but where the game shines is its gameplay. An action mecha game which combines 3rd person shooter and hack and slash/action elements. Bear in mind though that it gets really repetitive. The controls are just okay and the fixed camera could annoy you sometimes. As long as graphics are concerned, they look fantastic. People who likeThe game's story could be described as descent or mediocre but where the game shines is its gameplay. An action mecha game which combines 3rd person shooter and hack and slash/action elements. Bear in mind though that it gets really repetitive. The controls are just okay and the fixed camera could annoy you sometimes. As long as graphics are concerned, they look fantastic. People who like mecha games and action games in general will definitely enjoy it.… Expand
  18. Onlyclassicvg1
    Mar 20, 2021
    7
    It's a fantastic yet flawed game. The graphics are good and the gameplay is solid although it does eventually get a little repetitive. The story is good and I loved every minute of the game, but the game is way too short! Any one can beat is game in under 4 hours! Personally I really liked all the characters and thought they were well developed and very interesting, with the exception of
  19. RyanC.
    Apr 22, 2003
    10
    It was excellent. I thought the graphics were ace and it struck a spark. It also has an amazing storyline.
  20. RobertB.
    Jun 12, 2001
    8
    Not terribly difficult, but the controls are perfect and the graphics are quite nice. Good for a weekend excursion.
  21. AndrewE.
    Jul 23, 2001
    9
    It's very good for a Mech platformer game. I would have given it 7 if it didn't inlcude the "Metal Gear Solid 2" demo. :D
  22. KrisF.
    Nov 3, 2001
    9
    I thought the graphics on this game were extremely good and the gameplay was real smooth.
  23. ChrisP.
    Sep 16, 2001
    7
    The game is nice, but it lacks when it comes to longevity. Anyone can finish the game in under 3 hours.
  24. SammytheBull
    Dec 17, 2002
    9
    6 hours. That's how long it took me to beat this game. This is the first time my jaw actually dropped from shock when I saw the credits. But besides that, what a six hours it was. This is the most fun I think I've had with a game since Final Fantasy 7. The graphics are just magnificent, the controls are spectacular, the battles are brilliant (and extremely fun) and the story is 6 hours. That's how long it took me to beat this game. This is the first time my jaw actually dropped from shock when I saw the credits. But besides that, what a six hours it was. This is the most fun I think I've had with a game since Final Fantasy 7. The graphics are just magnificent, the controls are spectacular, the battles are brilliant (and extremely fun) and the story is pretty good to. And it doesn't hurt that it comes packed with a MGS2 demo, either. So if your a mech fan, or looking for a really fun rental, get this masterpiece.… Expand
  25. spreyz
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    The game starts off amazing, but the objectives become very obnoxious, tons of backtracking and not knowing where to go.

    Love how the girl says "i know where to go" but doesnt say anything on one objective, just to trigger you ;^)

    Gameplay is amazing but it i dont know if i would be able to progress without googling every 10 minutes.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best PS2 Game of 2001
31
#31 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
30
#30 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Happy Puppy
    85
    Short and to the point, Zone of the Enders is a beautifully presented and entertaining, if shallow, action game.
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  2. GamePro
    80
    An enjoyable action title that's easy to pick up and play. If you can get past the preachy narrative and dialogue, you'll be immersed in intense combat and cool weapons.
    Read full review
  3. GameZone
    60
    The fighting was fun but only to a point. After the endless battles with little variation even the fighting became tedious. Once that happened it was merely a matter of waiting for the game to end. Fortunately it was not a long wait. The game is ridiculously short.
    Read full review
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