Zone of the Enders

About

Zone of the Enders is a third-person shooter with mecha combat at its heart. You control Leo Stenbuck, a colonist thrust into a conflict between Earth and Martian settlers. Piloting a sleek Orbital Frame called Jehuty, you'll battle through hijacked space colonies using a mix of rapid melee strikes and ranged weapons. The missions shift dynamically based on your choices, blending action with a story that weighs the cost of violence. Combat feels tight and responsive, with a focus on close-quarters thrashing and precise dodges. Developed by Hideo Kojima’s team, the game pushed PlayStation 2 visuals with its detailed environments and smooth mecha animations. Its two-player versus mode offered rare competitive play for a story-driven title. A free demo of Metal Gear Solid 2 was even bundled with early copies, a move that kept it relevant years beyond release. Though overlooked at launch, it’s now a cult favorite for its brutal style and ambitious design.

Storyline

In the late 22nd century, humans have colonized Mars, and also set up a few colonies in Jupiter's orbit. Giant robots known as Laborious Extra-Orbital Vehicles (L.E.V.) have helped them to achieve this lofty goal. However, as time passed, the inhabitants of the Earth started to treat the space colonists, whom they called "Enders", with suspicion, subjecting them to harsh laws and repercussions. Eventually, some of the colonists founded rebel organizations, armed with particularly powerful mechas called Orbital Frames. A young colonist from Jupiter, Leo Stenbuck, unexpectedly comes into contact with an Orbital Frame named Jehuty. A terrible power is in his hands - will he use it for good, or for evil?..