Zone of the Enders

Zone of the Enders, also known as Z.O.E, is a video game that was developed and published by Konami in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. It was produced by, and is closely associated with, Hideo Kojima. The game is based around mecha combat. The mechas were designed by Yoji Shinkawa, also the character and mechanical designer for the Metal Gear Solid series.

Z.O.E was initially released in most territories with a playable demo version of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the second installment of Kojima's popular stealth-based action game. Because of this association, initial sales figures could be counted as misleading as many buyers simply wanted the demo. Shortly before the game's release, the popular webcomic Penny Arcade wrote, "the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo will be released to stores very soon, and it even comes with some other game, which I thought was real nice of Konami." A great many copies of Z.O.E appeared on "pre-owned" shelves of major gaming stores when the full version of Metal Gear Solid 2 was released.

Series
One sequel exists, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (known as Anubis: Zone of the Enders in Japan), also for the PlayStation 2. There was also a spin-off turn-based strategy title named Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars for the Game Boy Advance.

Two anime series were produced: a single-episode direct-to-video story titled ZOE: 2167 IDOLO, set prior to the events of the first game (it was originally created as a pack-in premium for a "Special Edition" release of the first ZOE game, and to supply some of the game's back story), and a 26-episode television series titled ZOE: Dolores, i. Both anime series were animated by Sunrise, the Japanese animation studio best known for the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise.

All three games, and both anime series have been commercially released outside of Japan.

While ZOE focusses mostly on the loss of innocence of a child faced with having to kill to survive, "IDOLO" and "The Fist of Mars" explore issues surrounding colonialism, independence, political and personal power and ambitions, and revenge -- many of the same themes explored in the various Mobile Suit Gundam series. "Dolores, i" adds the emotional conflicts and tensions of a family, split by distance and circumstance, as they try to come together to overcome their differences in the face of an impending conflict.

Mechanics
Jehuty Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Leo Steinbuck Weapons: Primary - Arm Cannon, Sword, 4 Beam Homing Laser, Burst Attack, Grab Sub Weapons - Decoy, Javelin, Sniper, Phalanx, Geyser, Comet, Halberd, Gauntlet, Bounder, Mummy

Anubis Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Nohman Weapons: Unknown

Cyclops Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame Purpose: Melee Piloted By: Unmanned Weapons: Arms

Mummyhead Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame Purpose: Long Range Support Piloted By: Unmanned Weapons: Halberd, Phalanx

Neith Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Viola Weapons: Sword, Burst Attack, Fire Trail, Arm Cannon

Phantoma Class: Mass Produced LEV Purpose: General Piloted By: n/a Weapons: Vulcan Machine Gun

Raptor Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Unmanned Weapons: Javelin, Sword x 2, Geyser

Tempest Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Slash Weapons: 6 arms and powerful energy blaster.

Tyrant Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Unmanned Weapons: Unknown

Nebula Class: Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Nightraid Weapons: Unknown

Character
Leo Stenbuck A withdrawn youth who has difficulties getting along with others, he boarded the Jehuty by accident. He is making a stand against the Antilia crisis

Celvice Klein A girl working as a volunteer for the church. She is both devoted and giving. She looks after the orphans. The loss of both of her parents during their emigration to Antilia has left her all alone in the world.

Viola She is an adjunct battery officer for the Bahram army's primary offensive unit. A belligerent fighter, she has caused problems for Leo innumerable times. Not afraid of death, she is always at the forefront of a battle.

Brock Thunderheart A worker on the civilian transport vessel "Atlantis". Rides a LEV. He loves the adventure of taking on dangerous tasks, and he hopes to fulfill his duty by capturing Jehuty.

Elena Weinberg Second pilot of the civilian transport vessel "Atlantis", she is a rational and kind woman. She commands the troupe trying to capture Jehuty.

Colonel Nohman A Colonel in the Bahram military, he acquired the orbital frame Anubis shortly after the raid on Antillia began. Anubis is said to be the most powerful Orbital Frame ever built. Colonel Nohman and the motivations of his actions remain shrouded in mystery.